Ever wonder what it would be like if someone created a 3D virtual word search game. Well the wait is over with one of the latest additions to the casual game side of Xbox live arcade: Word Puzzle.
Word Puzzle takes the piece of paper that casual game enthusiasts are used to and throws it out the window. The game puts a new spin on the genre with new challenging boards, words, and obstacles.
So take the time to check out what we thought about the game before you download or if you are into word searches take the plunge and spell away.
Single Player
Arcade mode – Beat the clock that is the objective of this mode. Players are given the task of finding a list of words in varying size/shape word searches. There is a timer and the faster players can find the word the bigger the time bonus. So be quick about it or time will run out and your fun will end rather quickly.
As players advance through the levels the words get longer, puzzles get bigger, and the faster the time goes.
The puzzles range from small one dimensional squares, three dimensional cubes, to huge triangles where you have to scroll your screen to find the word.
Players are also given a little bit of help in this mode as the beginning or ending letter in the word they are supposed to find is highlighted. This helps you move the game along a little quicker, but it is still hard to find the word at times in the larger puzzles.
Survival mode – In this mode players are given a list of words and a countdown timer just like the other modes. The difference is that you don’t necessarily need to find all the words on the list.
Players can go for the big points and find the two words with multipliers next to them to move on to the next board or they can search for the other words first and then move on to the multipliers for even bigger points.
There are a few things that players will have to worry about aside from the moving boards, and scrolling screens in survival mode: Word bombs, Status Effects, and Word Bonuses.
Word Bombs must be defused before the timer runs out or they will serve up a game over. Status Effects are just that effects. They are put into place to distract a players eyes from the task at hand so forget about them and move on to the next word. Word Bonuses work just like the rest of the game and will give you more points (x2 or x3) for finding that word.
Free Play Mode – In this mode players can practice up and play for fun to help them figure out the game. They can also customize a little by choosing a board type (Cube, Square, or Irregular), or which type of words you want to search for (Pair Words, or Puzzle words). There is no timer in this mode so take your time and have some fun.
Multiplayer
There are three types of games to choose from in multiplayer: Local Battle, Player Match, and Ranked Match.
Local Battle is a two player game where players face off on the same Xbox in any game type or board size. Always wanted the significant other to play Xbox? Well here is something they might be able to get into and also have a little friendly competition along the way
Player Matches are for people who want some competition, but don’t have anyone sitting on the couch next to them who wants to join in the fun. Pick up the controller launch a game, twist your brain to find the words on the list, and PWN someone with words. Everyone wants to do that, right?
Ranked Matches are for the more hard core puzzle game players who want to see their names up in lights. Jump into a quick match, or create your own room and get ready to take down that twelve year old spelling bee winner.
The Rub
There are quite a few options to choose from although they are all basically the same game with a different spin. So gameplay if you aren’t a Word Puzzle person can get tedious quickly.
The game can be challenging at times with all the effects thrown at you and the different size boards. The graphics aren’t anything to write home about, but get the job done for this type of game.
So to sum it all up: Word Puzzle puts a new twist on the word search genre with its different size boards, visual obstacles, and fast paced game play. If you want challenge your brain a little in between melees and shotgun blasts then this might be the game. If you aren’t interested in word searches then this is definitely not the game for you as it is what the title says a Word Puzzle game.
6/10
