I don’t think it will surprise you to learn that I really like word games (though in my defense, I like other games, too, and am truly a well-rounded person, okay? 😀). I recently learned about a new game called Wordslay from its developer, who wondered if I’d be willing to tell you about it, too. It turned out to be a terrific game, and it got me to thinking that you might be interested in hearing about the other wordy games that have made it onto my phone. So, in no particular order, here are the 6 best word games for your phone, according to me.
Wordslay
Wordslay is what would happen if you combined an epic word scramble with that duck-hunting game from the carnival midway. The letters are moving targets and you need to peck out enough of them to make words and score points, all while the clock ticks down. Different game play mechanics in different chapters of the game keep things interesting. Beautiful graphics and sound make this thoroughly addictive game stand out.
Languages: English
Type of Action: Speedy and frantically fun
Number of Players: 1 (or 2 with $2.99 in-app purchase)
Difficulty: This game has just one level of difficulty, but the game play makes Wordslay accessible and fun for everyone from master wordsmiths to second language learners.
Platform & Price: iTunes App Store (free with in-app purchases), Apple Watch ($1.99)
Website: tylerapps.com
Synonomy
For something more meandering and thinky, look no further than Synonomy. You’re assigned a target word you’re trying to find, and the only way to get there is by choosing a chain of synonyms beginning with the first word you’re given. So, for example, you might be trying to get from the word obstacle to change, and you might do it like this: obstacle → chain → train → groom → fix → adjust → change. Stylish graphics and minimalist sound make this game the perfect one to go with a cup of black tea, an armchair, and a rainy day.
Languages: English
Type of Action: The tranquil and cogitative resolution of conundrums
Number of Players: 1
Difficulty: With 5 levels of difficulty to choose from, most people can enjoy this game. Young kids and beginning language learners will probably find this one a challenge.
Platform & Price: iTunes App Store($1.99), Google Play Store ($2.22), Mac App Store ($1.99), Steam Store ($2.19)
Website: synonymy-game.com
Alpha 9
Looking for a fast-paced brain burner? Alpha 9 is a bit like Tetris but with raining letter tiles. In wall mode, a pile of letters begin to accumulate and you need to clear them (by forming words) before they reach the top of the screen. And the longer you play, the faster the tiles fall… In clock mode, you begin with a wall full of tiles and try to score as many points you can as the clock counts down. This is a pacey game that somehow manages to be mellow at the same time—chill music and smooth graphics set the tone.
Languages: English, French
Type of Action: An engrossing race against the clock
Number of Players: 1
Difficulty: Fun for everyone, this is a great game for second language learners.
Platform & Price: iTunes App Store ($1.99)
Website: iTunes page
WordBoxer
WordBoxer combines the strategic point multipliers of Scrabble with the word finding of Boggle in a head-to-head battle with the computer or a friend. You can play in a dozen languages, making it a fun way for second language learners to bone up on their vocabulary. If you or your opponent make a word you don’t know, tapping on the word will take you to its definition. Fun in any language (I would imagine—it was fun in the 2 I tried)!
Languages: Catalan, Danish, Dutch, English, French, Frysk, German, Indonesian, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish
Type of Action: Relaxed, competitive fun
Number of Players: 1 (against the computer) or 2
Difficulty: The game’s 3 levels of difficulty and its mode of game play make this an accessible game for everyone while keeping everyone challenged.
Platform & Price: iTunes App Store (free with in-app purchases), Google Play Store (free with in-app purchases)
Website: wordboxer.com
Whirly Word
In this game players are given 6 letters and must form as many words from them as possible. Once you’ve reached the minimum score, you can move on to the next word. But beware: if you’re a completionist, you won’t be putting this game down soon. The game shows players how many words they could still make if they just stuck it out, and I, for one, am loath to move to the next word if I haven’t found every single answer for the current challenge! This is a great game for second language learners, too—when the game is done, the meaning of any word that’s been played can be accessed by tapping on the word in the list. The game lets players choose their preferred colour scheme and music (or silence).
Languages: English
Type of Action: Satisfyingly obsessive
Number of Players: 1
Difficulty: The game offers the choice of 2 English dictionaries the player can use—the abridged includes only commonly used words while the full dictionary includes lots of arcane words to make things more difficult.
Platform & Price: iTunes App Store ($1.99)
Website: whirlyword.com
WordBrain
Don’t be deceived. WordBrain starts out easy, but after the first couple of levels, it’ll start to bend your noodle. Players are given a field of letters and must make words with them. With game play in 15 different languages, it’s a good resource for second language learners who want to play their way to a bigger vocabulary. One note of caution, though: the game is looking for a specific word, and anagrams won’t be accepted. So if the offered letters are O – P – S – T, the game won’t accept TOPS or STOP or POTS if it’s looking for OPTS. Playing in both my native English and my second language, French, I found this to be a bit vexing in the beginning. But I have to admit, it does just make the game that much more challenging, which can’t be a bad thing, right?
Languages: Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish
Type of Action: Relaxed, sleuthy fun
Number of Players: 1
Difficulty: This game doesn’t offer more than one difficulty level. It is easy in the beginning, but it quickly becomes quite challenging.
Platform & Price: iTunes App Store (free with in-app purchases), Google Play Store (free with in-app purchases)
Website: maginteractive.se
