Boggle Plus
Game by Parker Brothers
Reveiewed by Monica Wilbur
E-Mail: wilbur@utah.uswest.net


Opening Snide Remarks: As Hamlet would say, "Words.  Words.  Words." And we
all know how he ended up.  But this game won't kill you, even if you don't
have a Shakespearian vocabulary.  If you can recognize basic one and two
syllable words, you are well on your way to having fun in this game.

Gameplay section: Boggle Plus is comprised of the classic game Boggle (make
words out of jumbled up letters), Big Boggle (same thing, more letters),
Categories (finding subject-related words), Anagrams (unscrambling letters),
and Use All (try to clear a screen full of letters).  Needless to say, if you
think "combat" is really spelled with a "k", you might have some trouble
adjusting to having to think linguistically.  However, if you like to test
your brain's reflexes and you enjoy language, this is a great game and a
refreshing change from platforms, RPGs, shooters, and any other type of
popular game format.  With five different gameboards, the replay value is
high.  My only complaint is that the game's 35,000 word vocabulary seems a
little outdated.  After all, I know the word "poo" exists (there's no being
prudish when it comes to getting that extra point), but the game doesn't.
Fortunately, the game's makers allow you to override the dictionary for such
lexical emergencies.

Graphics: Let's just say here that there's only so much you can do to word
tiles.  I mean, the point is to look at easily readable letters to make words
of them.  Who needs fancy graphics?  Not a factor.

Sound: Aside from little beeps and boops as you select your letters, there's
very little in the sound department.  And this is fine, as additional sounds
would be superfluous and simply detract from the gameplay. 

Music:  The background music on the game select screens is marginal.  During
gameplay, it is non-existent.  Again, who really needs this type of
distraction?  Not I.  Just give me my letters and a little peace and quiet to
piece them together.  

Play Control: My big complaint here is that the control pad does not make
diagonal moves across the word grids.  So if you are trying to beat the clock
(all the games have a three-minute time limit) you are going to be slowed
down by having to make two moves to select a letter where one move would
normally suffice.  Otherwise, the control is fine.

Final Analysis: If you are looking for a change of pace from the typical Game
Boy game fare, this is it.  The game offers different levels of difficulty so
both novice and expert wordsmiths can approach without fear.  Whether you are
playing to beat your own personal best score or to beat the seemingly
innocent game-generated opponents, you will find that this game offers some
unique and surprising challenges. 

Score
Gameplay: ***** 	(5/5)
Graphics: ***   	(3/5)
Sound: ***	(3/5)
Music: **	(2/5)
Play Control: **** (4/5)

Total = (17 x 4= 68)

Final Score: 68%



Currently Known Codes:
None