AbraWORDabrA Review
iPhone App
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AbraWORDabrA Review

Our Review by Jennifer Allen on May 4th, 2012
Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar :: WORDY
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A word game that's like nothing else out there.

Developer: Total Arkade Software
Price: $0.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0
Device Reviewed On: iPhone 4

Graphics / Sound Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar
Game Controls Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar
Gameplay Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar
Replay Value Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar

Overall Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar


At first, AbraWORDabrA is a little overwhelming. The potential is immediately apparent. It looks glorious for a word game (a genre that usually offers functional graphics) and being presented with four different modes of play makes it clear that this game has been well designed. Taking it all in takes a moment, though. Fortunately, a series of tutorials help pave the way to better understanding and plenty of fun.

In reality, AbraWORDabrA is a mixture of two different game modes. The main one involves letters that walk along from the top of the screen to an open book at the bottom. Players must swipe open trap doors in order to guide the letters to the exit. Once they reach the book, it's then a matter of dragging and dropping to spell or create words. Other elements exist such as the ability to drag letters ahead or the fact that they can get tired and slow down. The basic principle is the same, although early levels can feel a little sluggish to get going.

One mode of the game, Mizz Spell, involves reading a misspelt word phonetically then adjusting it to the correct spelling, while Fill the Gap is pretty self explanatory. U Genius is the one with the most potential for replayability as it requires players to create words, with the only barrier being the letters that are provided. It encourages creative play immensely and would be particularly suitable for families using it as an educational tool.

Those three game modes all require the same mechanics while a fourth, Float On, is quite different. Float On involves using the iOS accelerometer to guide balloons up a screen, avoiding spikes and other obstacles. There's no spelling involved but it is a pleasant enough distraction.

AbraWORDabrA offers over 200 levels so there's a lot to get involved in. The mixture of action with word play is a fun combination once fully understood. The only real flaw is that it does take a little while to get going. Later levels might be speedy and challenging but early stages can be frustratingly slow. A speed up button would be useful here for those itching to get to a challenge.

Impatience aside and AbraWORDabrA is a great twist on the word gaming genre.

iPhone Screenshots

(click to enlarge)

AbraWORDabrA screenshot 1 AbraWORDabrA screenshot 2 AbraWORDabrA screenshot 3 AbraWORDabrA screenshot 4 AbraWORDabrA screenshot 5
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