Once a Scrabbler, always a Scrabbler (Upwords)

Member Name: Midrange

Product:	Upwords
Date:	24/08/09 (16 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Interesting new dimension to the Scrabble concept... kind of

Disadvantages: Some unhelpful game design

To me, it feels like this game could have been made just a little better. I love the idea of stacking tiles on top of one another - it brings a new dimension to the classic Scrabble format. But this game differs from Scrabble in so many ways it can be frustrating. I should also say that the game never claims to BE Scrabble in 3D, I'm just drawing the comparison because I'm a huge Scrabble fan!

The aim of the game is to create words using lettered tiles. Players place their tiles on the game board and score points for each letter in their word and bonus points for stacking their tiles on top of other players. For example, if the word "DOG" was already in place on the board, the next player could place the letter "I" on top of the "O" and gain bonus points for creating this mini tower. There is a stacking limit of 5 tiles.

The thing that troubles me about the game is that the tiles do not have their individual worth marked on them. In Scrabble, for instance, the letter "A" is worth 1 point - this fact is clearly marked on the tile. In Upwords, you have to refer to the rule book to see what each tile is worth. Also, scoring has to be written on a piece of paper - which is how many Scrabble players do it of course - unless you've got one of those little tile racks with pegs to keep score... man, I love those pegs.

I don't think there's much more I can add. It's a fun game - the 3rd dimension adds lots of fun possibilites. It's easier than Scrabble in that respect - players can just win off the back of their opponents success. For example, the word "QUACK" could craftily be changed to "QUICK" for some easy points. There are no special scoring zones as such (like there are in Scrabble). I think the game would've benefited from more helpful tile design and some special scoring spots - in the corners for instance.

Summary: Easier than Scrabble, fun but not a classic