Bookworm Deluxe Review

Bookworm Deluxe is a challenging word game that has you thinking on your feet, connecting letters to create words. With two modes of play Bookworm Deluxe is a game for all users. You can build your vocabulary in a casual, play as you go manner, or through the high pressure action mode. Regardless of your abilities, this is a fun game that keeps you entertained while learning.

Basic Gameplay

In Bookworm Deluxe you help Lex, the green word eating bookworm. You are faced with 7 columns of letters (3 with 8 rows and 4 with 7). The object of the game is to create words of three letters or greater. To do this you click and highlight a letter. Each of the letters surrounding that letter can be clicked to create the next letter in the word. For example, if a “C” was surrounded by an “A” among other letters you would click the C and the A to start spelling a word. Then if “A” were surrounded with an R or a T you could click either of these to form the word “CAT” or “CAR.” It's a simple concept for a simple game, but it makes you think and constantly scan for words.

Watch Out For Burning Tiles

Despite having two differing game modes the essence of the game is the same regardless. In the game your goal is to form words of three letters or greater—the longer the words the better. Points are based on the length of each word, the scarcity of the letters in the word, whether or not there are any “reward” tiles in the word, and what level of the game you are on. Reward tiles are given for high scoring words or larger words. As you play, the shorter three letter words bring flaming tiles. These tiles are hot and can burn your letter collection. If you are unable to form a word with the flaming tiles before they reach the bottom, you lose the game and your letters flame up. Incorporating these letters in your words removes them from the game.

Various Modes Depending on How Intense You Want It

This gameplay is consistent between both modes, but the pressure and intensity of the game varies. Classic mode is for the more casual player. This mode is not timed so you can focus on larger and more valuable words. In classic mode the flaming tiles do not move toward the bottom of the column until you form a word. This makes the game more leisurely and allows you to focus more on building your vocabulary. The second mode of play is Action mode. Like the title states, this mode requires a lot of action. In action mode the flaming tiles are more prevalent and move downward based on time, not the words you form. If you spend too much time thinking, the tiles race to the bottom of your column, engulfing your letters in flames.

Little Variety

The only real flaw of this game is the monotony. As you advance the game doesn't really change. Yes, it might be more difficult to find words, but the gameplay and objectives remain the same. This makes the game fun in spurts. It's hard to sit and play for hours at a time, but in short bursts this game is great. Also, playing often for shorter times is better for increasing your vocabulary. This drawback of monotony could maybe help improve your vocabulary because it causes you to play often, if only for shots stints.

Conclusion - An Excellent Game for Those Hooked On the Core Game Mechanic

Overall, Bookworm Deluxe is a great game that has you scanning your brain for letter combinations. The two varying game modes make it so both casual and pressure seeking gamers a like can play. This game improves your vocabulary and is recommended for anyone interested in word games. This is highly recommended and would be a great addition to your word game collection.