The New York Times Crosswords (DS)

GameSpot editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 4.0 stars Excellent
  Detailed editors' rating
  Overall score: 8.0 (4.0 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  Frank Provo
• Reviewed on: 06/20/2007
• Updated on: 06/22/2007
• Released on: 05/29/2007
• Originally published on GameSpot: The New York Times Crosswords (DS) Review

One of the things the New York Times newspaper is famous for is its daily crossword puzzle, which employs clever clues and quirky themes to test a person's ability to recall knowledge about a vast array of topics including world history, science, literature, the arts, and pop culture. Puzzles increase in difficulty as the week progresses. Monday's puzzle tends to provide straightforward hints and simple puns, whereas Sunday's grid provides cryptic clues about esoteric words and phrases that even well-traveled bookworms will have trouble coming up with. Majesco's The New York Times Crosswords lets you rack your brain against 1,000 authentic New York Times crosswords without having to lug around a bunch of newspapers or pencils.

No pencil, no eraser. You draw letters on the touch screen using the stylus.

You don't have to worry about ink staining your fingers anymore, or transforming the page into a smudged mess from constantly erasing your mistakes. Puzzles are shown on the system's touch screen, and letters are either typed via a quick, easy-to-use keyboard on the touch screen, or drawn directly onto the touch screen with the stylus. A split second after you draw a letter in the input area, the letter will magically appear in the highlighted box on the puzzle grid. The software's handwriting recognition is very accurate and can handle print or cursive styles in uppercase or lowercase form. You'll notice some clashes early on--for example, confusing uppercase G's and B's--but these clashes will become less frequent over time. If you make a mistake, all you have to do is draw a dash in the input box or press the erase button and the offending letter will be removed. It's just like filling out a paper crossword, except that you're free to hazard guesses and change letters without dirtying up the puzzle. The presentation won't amaze you, but the crisp lettering, soft background colors, and soothing music create a pleasant atmosphere that makes a few hours feel like only a few minutes.

All around, the controls and features make a strong argument for ditching traditional crosswords in favor of ones on handhelds like the Nintendo DS. The touch screen and buttons easily let you select menu options, move to different sections of the puzzle, zoom the view in or out, and request hints. Every press of the hint button will reveal another letter of the currently highlighted word. When you've filled in the last letter box, the software will show you the whole puzzle, circle any incorrect letters, and give you the opportunity to correct your mistakes. You can choose to have the system grade your ability to solve puzzles. If you opt to do so, time and the use of hints count against your grade. The system keeps track of which puzzles you've completed and the grades you've received. A built-in save function also lets you store a puzzle in progress, shut the system off, and come back to it later.

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  "A crossword puzzle game that everyone should have!"

  by TeddLuke on February 11, 2008

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