Scrabble for Windows is a superior conversion of the nearly classic board game of words and wits, Scrabble. The game has seen numerous video game conversions, and has inspired many clones and knock-offs. This particular version, obviously made especially for the Windows format, was developed and released by Virgin Mastertronic. It was in the works for many years before its final release in the late eighties. It is fully licensed from Hasbro and is a very faithful conversion of the board game, with a few extra features to make it more playable for non-literary geniuses, beginners, and crossword puzzle extraordinaire.
For people unfamiliar with the game of Scrabble, it is a crossword style board game. Users are given seven random lettered tiles, each with different point values. The values of the letters are based on how difficult it is to use the letters in words. For example, a “Q” or an “X” are worth many more points than “Ts” or “Rs” or any of the vowels. The user has to place the tiles on the board to form words. Users must play off words already located on the board. The players gain points by adding the values of all the tiles in the words that they create on the board. There are special areas on the board that will give the users triple or double word or letter scores, and they must be used strategically to maximize the players points. After using four tiles, for example, to create a word on the board, the user will then draw four more random tiles to replace them for his next turn. Players take turns creating the crossword looking words until all the letters are gone, and players are unable to formulate any more words with the letters they have.
The user can play against any combination of computer AI and human opponents, up to four players total. Refreshingly, the computer AI is quite competent, without being frustratingly overpowering, since this is a game where decision making is far outweighed by a more easily programmed series of logical, point-compiling maneuvers. The user has a choice of nine different difficulty settings for computer opponents, making the game customizable for beginners and experienced crossword enthusiasts alike. Scrabble for Windows features a great anagram solver within the game, and the user has the choice of accessing a great on-line dictionary to help with word questions. The game features several options that are difficult to come by in real life games. The user can choose to have all the tiles present and accounted for, and can see the tiles the opponents have. He can choose to disallow the two letter words that sometimes create avenues of desperation for real Scrabble players. It is also possible to center the tiles and the view for better organization.
In short, this is a good Scrabble game. Many more followed, but the basic game play is present, and the interface is easy to use and pleasing to look at. The AI can be set according to the user’s needs, and there are several nice features that can be selected to customize the game. Overall, this is a great board game conversion, and a good download.
Written by:
~dorento1
