Bookworm Adventures Deluxe

Reviewed by Christine Quidim
March 20, 2007

Developer: PopCap Games Publisher: PopCap Games Platform(s): PC (Windows 98SE, 2000, ME, XP, Vista) Number of Players: 1 Website: Click Here ESRB Rating: E for Everyone Review Rating: 10 out of 10

Screenshot from Bookworm Adventures. Click image to enlarge.

As a driving force in the casual games industry, PopCap Games takes their classic title, Bookworm, to the next level.  Join Lex the bookworm as he ventures from tale to tale in search of the imprisoned oracle, Cassandra.  PopCap's latest turn-based action puzzle, Bookworm Adventures Deluxe, will have you hooked in no time.

Game play for Bookworm Adventures Deluxe is fantastically fun.  The developers have put together a masterpiece word game that not only tests your vocabulary, but your strategic ability as well.  The original concept of Bookworm's game play still applies; spell out whatever words you can with the given set of letter tiles.  This time around, however, Lex now relies on your vocabulary to battle mythical creatures and villains that keep him from rescuing Cassandra.  The greater the words you spell, the more power you pack into Lex's attacks. On top of that, there are bonus tiles that buff up your words by means of increasing damage, inflicting poison, reducing enemy attack damage, and much more.  But enemies are still a threat, for they can impose the same hindrances back at you and greater.  There are also bosses at the end of each chapter that present the greatest challenges of all.  In preparation for these battles, Lex levels up with every victory, gaining more health, handy potions, and bonus weapons to help him along the way.  Although you acquire a number of these special items as you advance through the chapters, Lex can only be equipped with 3 weapons at any given time.  It is up to you to figure out which weapons serve best against the various enemies of each chapter.

The graphical work creates a fun-looking interface, layered with a heroic soundtrack.  Dialogue between Lex and other characters, although not entirely voiced, add a twist of humor and enhance the storyline.  Tutorials easily show you the ropes of the game as well.  Aside from its great entertainment value, one of the best elements of this game is the save feature.  You can easily quit out of Bookworm Adventures Deluxe, and the game will automatically save your progress down to the last turn in your current battle.  You don’t have to worry about starting a level all over again.  This feature truly makes the game perfect for any casual player.

Bookworm Adventures Deluxe is a game for any age, and it can especially serve as a fun way for children to develop vocabulary.  Completing the story mode also unlocks a handful of mini-games and a bonus mode, so this title holds some seriously high replay value.

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