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Brad Cummings
United States
Connecticut
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The Stats:
Compatibility: iPad (Universal), iPhone, iPod Touch
Current Price: $0.99
Developer/Publisher: Vintru
Version: 1.05
Size: 15.7 MB
Multiplayer: Yes
AI: N/A
Itunes link:http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/whats-my-word/id424426775?mt=...
The Good:
- Offers a fun word game in a small package.
- Launches with a plethora of features.
The Bad:
- Graphic design could be more polished.
- Friend challenge system could be refined with additional tracking tools.
Summary:
What’s My Word is a game where players use Mastermind like guesses to determine a secret word. The game works well in an electronic form and allows players to challenge others. On iOS it seems poised to compete with games like Words with Friends or Hanging with Friends.
Gameplay:
What’s My Word is older than me and has been around since 1972.
In What’s My Word one player is trying to figure out a secret word either chosen randomly from a list or sent from another player. The use guess words starting with 3 letters and going up to try an determine letters found in the secret word. Players receive 1,000 points for each letter that is in the right position and 250 points for each letter that is in the word but not in the right position. Players continue to guess words trying determine which letters are in the word and finally what the whole word is. Not only this, but players are also attempting to score the most points while guessing.
It is an interesting word game that combines both logical deduction and word game elements. It especially seems very functional as a portable game, allowing players to challenge others that a distance.
Implementation:
Full disclaimer What’s My Word is a game developed Vintru which is partly created by Scott Alden. I was under no obligation to review this game or give it some special score, in fact I was determined to use a fine tooth comb in order to avoid cries of foul play. On top of that I have some sort subconscious fear of Mastermind (I guess I will need to see a psychoanalyst to determine what childhood event cause it) and was ready to dislike the game. However, though it is not something I will play all the time, it is a fun word game that is quick to use and highly interactive.
The graphic design is basic and simple to navigate. The buttons are clearly labeled and it is easy to navigate to the various screens of the game. The color scheme and backgrounds are not my favorite, but they are in line with the latest printing of the game and so I can’t really complain. In game play is very simple: selecting a row brings up the keyboard allowing you to enter any word. You are also able to tap the letters in words you have guessed to mark them green, red or yellow to help you track the information you have gained. The game also contains a scratch pad that allows you to mark off letters as you eliminate them as possibilities. In the iPhone and iPod versions this scratch pad is on a separate screen and sometimes cumbersome to access and use. This is not a fault of the app, but the screen space available. On the iPad both are displayed together, providing a much more pleasant experience.
The game launched with many play options. There is solo play option where a random word is selected from a library and you attempt to guess it. There are also several additional word packs available for purchase on different subjects. There are also two daily challenges (a 6 letter and 7 letter word) that you can complete and compare scores with other players. If you fail one of these challenges you must wait until the next day to see the word you missed. Lastly, the app includes the ability to send and receive challenges from you friends. You can send these challenges via email or through a social networking site and you are able to choose any legal word. You can also see a summary of challenges you have received and how you did at them.
The game is a solid experience but I feel that the multiplayer could be fleshed out a little more. Sending challenges is fun but it would be great if there could be more competition. The provided leaderboard shows your score in overall friend challenges, but it would be great to compete directly against another friend like in the physical board game. Also the design could also be given a fresher look to attract the iOS masses, as I feel this game could appeal to Words with Friends players and the like.
Conclusion:
What’s My Word is a good game. It launched with sufficient features and provides a casual word game experience, something that many use iOS devices for. I feel that some refinements in the multiplayer system and the graphic design could push this app into mainstream success.
Rating:  2/4 Decent
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