The Rebus Show Goes Free, Now Universal

Last March, we offered our readers an exclusive look at Norman Basham’s latest game, The Rebus Show. Today, a free version of the game has hit the App Store. Best of all, the game is now universal. Originally released for the iPad, The Rebus Show finds its roots in the allusional device known 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. The Rebus Show Free offers all the fun of the original game, but with fewer puzzles. Once you get comfortable playing the game, a $1.99 in-app purchase will upgrade it to the full version. Meanwhile, The Rebus Show Version 1.2 has also been released offering more puzzles, Facebook integration, and smoother transitions. The Rebus Show and The Rebus Show Free are available now in the App Store. Basham's other titles include: Cryptogram ($1.99, universal), Crypto-Families ($1.99, universal), and Quotefalls ($1.99, universal)