Hoyle Word Games (PC)

GameSpot editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 3.5 stars Very good
  Detailed editors' rating
  Overall score: 7.5 (3.5 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  Nicole Freeman
• Reviewed on: 01/12/2000
• Updated on: 05/02/2000
• Released on: 11/30/1999
• Originally published on GameSpot: Hoyle Word Games (PC) Review

Hoyle has long been associated with card games. I couldn't imagine sitting down to a friendly game of poker or whist without having a Hoyle rule book handy for the inevitable disputes. But Hoyle Word Games is a collection that provides a nice range of challenges for the word-hungry rather than for the card shark. Although it has plenty of difficulty levels and head-to-head options, the success of Hoyle Word Games is in its simplicity.

It's very easy to get started with Hoyle Word Games. That is, if you can ever settle on choosing an in-game persona. In fact, the new face maker feature is one of the most enjoyable parts of the game. It took me at least 15 minutes before I finally settled on a cowgirl picture and actually started playing. Sierra has added graphics and sound affects to all the games, but they're merely window dressing on the old favorites. You can easily change your options, including music and backgrounds on some games.

The game suite contains eight different word games. Five are easily recognizable versions of old classics: anagrams, hangman, word searches, crosswords, and enigma (a simple letter-substitution code-breaking game). DoubleCross is a twist on Scrabble, while Word Yacht resembles Boggle. The last game, Speedy Racer, is merely a test of your touch-typing skills and not really a word game at all. In addition to the eight games is perhaps Hoyle Word Games' handiest feature of all: an online version of the complete Webster's New World College Dictionary. It comes in handy while playing the games, and it is a great reference to have around.

Some of the games are naturally suited for individual players. The crossword puzzles vary in difficulty, and the clues are traditional, not cryptic. Adding and editing letters are simple. If you are a fan of traditional crosswords, Hoyle's single-player version will have your brain sharpened up in no time. And don't worry about running into the same crosswords - there are 500 different crossword puzzles included in the game.

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