Exclusive: Prepare Yourself For The Rebus Show, Coming Soon To iPad

With his first iOS game, Cryptogram, remaining popular two years after it was first released, we were wondering what Norman Basham was preparing next. Now we know: The Rebus Show, a new word game coming for iPad. Luckily for AppAdvice, we've gotten an exclusive look at what could become the next iPad sensation. As the title suggests, the game’s roots come from the allusional device know as the rebus, which uses photos to represent words or parts of words. Rebuses, which have been around since the Middle Ages, gained popularity in pop culture with the game show “Concentration” in 1958. The method was renewed in the 1980s with the introduction of "Catchphrase," a United Kingdom game show that aired from 1986-2002. Recognizing its historical roots, The Rebus Show looks very old school, but is perfectly crafted for Apple's tablet. In the game, you guess rebuses using an old-fashioned keyboard as your only tool, in order to gain points. Each round begins with 100 points, but this number drops depending on the number of hints that are used or mistakes that are made. From there, you may share your puzzles on Twitter or send them to family and friends using email. Naturally, as the game advances, you’ll encounter puzzles of increasing difficulty. Can you solve this sample puzzle? (look for solution at the end of article) The Rebus Show will launch soon on the iPad with an iPhone version coming later. Best of all, from day one the app will be Retina display enabled for the new iPad. Like Basham’s other titles, The Rebus Show looks like a winner. Cryptogram ($1.99, universal), Crypto-Families ($1.99, universal), Quotefalls ($1.99, universal) and Sudoku Takeout ($0.99, iPad only) are available now in the App Store. --- --- --- --- Solution: OPEN SEASON