Vendor's Description
Can't get enough of crossword puzzles? Try X-Words Deluxe, a fun, educational crosswords game that'll test anyone's word knowledge. Even Monty -- not the world's best speller -- loves it!). Best of all, you can play X-Words your way, using a wide variety of boards, vocabulary lists and languages. A great game for the whole family to enjoy!

This game is published by Andrew Trevorrow and Freeverse Software.

Features

• Numerous competitive opponents, each with adjustable skill levels and his/her own running commentary
• Network play via GameSmith
• Many different boards and scenarios
• Special word lists for kids, for experts, even for Manx Gaelic-speakers
• A totally configurable interface -- make your own board, word lists, and bonus words

System Requirements

• Mac OS 8.6 or better, Mac OS X, or Windows 95 or better
• 12 MB RAM
• 20 MB Hard Drive space

In Use
This game is very easy to play. What I especially like are some of the shortcuts such as hitting # 7 to see if all 7 letters can be played and hitting enter to return all letters to the rack. Another great feature is to hit the spacebar to shuffle the letters in your rack. This helps to surmise different word possibilities. I also like to be able to see the scores of each move while the game is in progress.

One feature I would never use is to hit # 8 to see best possible word form existing letters in your rack. If you are going to let the computer play the game for you, what is the point of even playing? Much better to try and use one's own brain to figure out the best word.

The graphics and sound effects were done really well, creating an overall feeling of playing on an actual Scrabble board. I was quite happy with the default board and settings, but I thought it was really neat to be able to configure your own board if you wanted to.

I haven't had a chance to play X-words Deluxe with live opponents over a network yet, but I look forward to the opportunity. That's a nice option to have. For now, I find that the computer is giving me a good challenge at playing an all-time favorite game of mine.

Summary
X-words Deluxe is a unique and customizable variation of the classic Scrabble game, with the option to play against computer opponents or live opponents over a network. The computer AI provides a great challenge, and the game offers great effects and short-cuts that aren't available with the board game. Overall, I enjoy playing X-words Deluxe and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the game of Scrabble.

Pros

• Useful short-cuts
• Nice graphics and sound effects
• Easy to play, yet challenging and fun

Cons

• Some "cheats" tempt lazy minds

Overall Rating

4 1/2 out of 5 Mice