Bookworm for iOS is Popcaps foray into the popular game genre of word puzzles. Popcap the creator of the hugely successful Plant versus Zombies and Bejewelled series have in Bookworm created an addictive yet challenging word game that really encourages you to improve your vocabulary.
So why not dust off the thesaurus and take a moment to get acquainted with your new invertebrate study partner.
Goal
You must form as many words as you possibly can. Much like Scrabble you have to form real words found in the dictionary. However unlike Scrabble you have to form your words by connecting the lettered tiles to one another rather than setting them yourself. This will limit what you can and cannot spell by the position of the tiles, good thing there is a scramble feature.
Overall Gameplay
You will form words by connecting letters to one another that are adjacent to each other. There are fire tiles that will continually burn and if they completely burn-through you will lose the game, this is a clever way of saying your being timed.
If you click on stats at the main menu then you can see your best words, longest words and high scores. Click on options and you can turn on hints that will assist you during a game if you get stuck, I recommend keeping this off, you don’t need anyone holding your hand right? You can also allow the game to show word definitions and adjust the music and effect volume.
Now at the bottom of this option screen will be a “Confirm to Scramble” switch. If you shake your device it will scramble the tiles but sometimes you might shake your device by mistake. Keep this option switched “on” and if you find yourself shaking your device by mistake Bookworm will ask if you want to scramble. If you keep this option switched off then anytime your device shakes the board will shake regardless if you want it to or not.
Controls
Tap the letter you wish to use in a word then tap the next letter and so on until you form the word you wish. When you finish spelling out the word you can then tap on the last letter of the word again to submit it or click the word bubble at the top of the screen.
Pros: Addictive, Fun, Helps build vocabulary
Cons: A bit mundane, lack of game modes
The Verdict
It takes a lot to get me interested in a word game and holding my attention is even harder. I like hardcore fast pace action so when I am given a slow paced vocabulary game where I have to form words I am always reluctant. Bookworm is one of those miracle word games that somehow got my attention and kept me playing so I do recommend this game. I am a bit on the unsure side when it comes to the price though, $2.99 seems a bit steep for what you get.