This
latest version of Scrabble for the PC is called Scrabble
Complete, but it's not particularly useful for those who
already own Scrabble 2. For Scrabble fans who don't own the
previous version, this game not only offers an always-available
opponent for traditional Scrabble games, it also includes an
assortment of fun games that actually help players hone their
skills and improve their game.
Players can play against a human
opponent (which is a little awkward) or opt to vie against Maven,
the computer opponent. Her skill level is customizable -- players
can set her skill to novice, intermediate, advanced, expert, or
champion, or they can customize her skill set. Players are offered
a number of game preference options. They can opt to enable (or
disable) game hints (if hints are enabled, at any point in the
game, players can get progressive hints), guides, challenge
penalty, timer penalty, timers, and so forth. The game can be
played in Tournament Mode as well. Scrabble
fans will find that this game is great for keeping the game moving
forward at a decent pace. The program can auto-pick players'
tiles, provides automatic scoring, and players don't need to wait
too long for their computer opponent to take her turn. Mini-games
include 2- and 3-letter Anagram games; a Prefix or Suffix Game
(where players are given a prefix or suffix, like "ant"
or "tri", and need to find all the possible words with
their given tiles), a Word Placement Game (which challenges
players to find the best position to play a given word on the
board), Best Play (in which players are given tiles and must find
the best play on an in-progress game), Hook Words (where players
are challenged to play tiles to form hook words), Bingo, Blitz
(play moves against a timer), and Anagram Game. This last game is
our favorite, and is pictured at right. Players are given a set of
tiles and must find all the words in the rack. These mini-games
vary in fun factor, but all are useful for improving one's
game. The game comes
with the optional GameSpy Arcade application, which is an online
player-matching service that is free. Players can use this
application to set up multiplayer games online. The
program comes with a bonus game, Boggle. This full CD-ROM features
five word search games based on the popular Boggle board game.
It's an older title (1997) but it is an appropriate bonus
title.
Pros:
- Customizable gameplay.
- Plenty of options.
- Brainy entertainment for
kids.
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Cons:
- Not an obvious
improvement of Scrabble 2.
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For Win/Mac |
By: Infogrames |
Ages 9-up |
Published: 2002 |
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See Also:
Scrabble 2 - $ 4.95 From: Family Savings Outlet
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