Review: Word Solitaire: Aurora - Scrabble Plus Solitaire?
by Staff Writer
November 10, 2010
Overview
Two of the most classic games of all time are Solitaire and Scrabble, but what if you combined the two? Well that's what Word Solitaire does, and the new World Solitaire: Aurora also has many new features including various Aurora backgrounds that change each day. Your goal is to uncover all the letter cards, and then form words with each letter worth the same points they are in Scrabble.
Features
The game includes a 250 level campaign mode with 26 special stages that highlight each letter of the alphabet. There is also a daily challenge board with one puzzle to compete against others globally. Game Center is also included for online high scores and achievements.
The Good
If you like Solitaire or Scrabble, and especially if you're a fan of both you'll enjoy Word Solitaire: Aurora. Word game fans have such a challenge with this game as you use Solitaire mechanics to uncover letters so you can form any words. You add letters that go together and form small words to reveal every letter, and then rearrange using the same style to make long words for the most points.
There are a load of word puzzles included with the 250 level campaign, and a different puzzle everyday in the daily challenge. Replay ability is extremely high especially with every puzzle being unique. Also there are many different words to form for each puzzle as there is more than just the one right answer.
The inclusion of Game Center also adds some incentive to keep playing. The game looks great with a high degree of polish throughout on top of the great aurora backgrounds. There is a subtle background soundtrack that fits the puzzle theme very well, and allows for the methodical pace.
The Bad
The game does become repetitive as you use the same strategy in every game so that the levels begin to blur together. The 250 level campaign could use some more special levels than just the 26 included as they do change up what you're trying to do. Some animations when you complete a level would be nice to see.
Sometimes it’s tough to tap and pick up the cards in a middle of a chain. Also the dictionary is lacking some fairly common words that you can use in Scrabble and Words with Friends.
The Verdict
Word Solitaire: Aurora is a unique word game that combines two very popular styles. The result is an engaging word game with plenty of challenge and multiple solutions. There is a load of content included in a highly polished package though it a little more variability is warranted.
Word Solitaire: Aurora is worth it for $0.99 for anyone, and even higher for fans of Scrabble, Words with Friends, Solitaire, and or just word game in general. The game is worth it just to add the daily challenge to your daily routine.
