iPhone App: WordJong

February 5th, 2009

= 5 stars

WordJong is a word game combination of Shanghai and Wurdle. You’re presented with a pile of stacked tiles from which you create words. Valid words remove the tiles from the pile, and only tiles not surrounded by others are playable.

The Good

• The simple concept results in a good balance of wanting to use up many tiles as possible in any one turn versus preserving useful tiles so you aren’t stuck with bad letters at game’s end.
• Satisfying graphics: upon creating a word, the associated tiles spin away. Clearing a level results in blossoming flowers on a mossy rock floor.
• A theme of relaxation: the setting is a garden, mountain temple, complete with languid music, running water, and nature sound effects. There is no timer so a move can take as long as you want.
• Instead of levels, there’s a calendar featuring a new daily puzzle. Several cartoon animals challenge you to beat their scores. This set-up encourages repeated play, or additional incentive — a goofy panda with a high vocabulary ought to be a threat to anyone’s sensibilities.
• Variety is achieved through different initial pile arrangements and smart, additional touches: a clear button sets the pile back one move, “wild” tiles that can represent any letter, and bombs which you can use to destroy annoying tiles.
  

The Bad

• I wish specific letters could be entered for the “wild” tiles,  or at least they should display the letter WordJong associates with it.
• No settings for game difficulty.
• Because of the calendar set up, the game has no forseeable end. While the panda, rabbit, stork, rhino, monkey and fox might keel over in a decade or so, there’s a dragon on Sundays, who probably has a lifespan of 1,000 years. I will never win.

Conclusion

I didn’t think it possible, but my Wurdle addiction may be traded for a WordJong one. The main reason: WordJong is just so freaking relaxing. I’ve found it well worth the $4.99 price. Highly recommended.

iTunes App Store Link: