Letterlike

This is one of the better word-based roguelikes I’ve seen in my day. For one thing, it isn’t just a Scrabble-based one; if anything it reminds me more of Quiddler. While part of the appeal to a game like Balatro is the appealing art on the jokers, I admire the simplicity here. The different types of letter tiles all buff your score, but do so in ways that affect your strategy. Also, I don’t inherently hate the idea of the game starting out nigh-impossible, because you get gems rather quickly and I’ve already gotten to 10 letter slots after playing for only three or so days. The rate at which you get gems (even when losing!) trivializes that initial “hill.” However, there are a few things which would make the game a bit better. For one, switching out the “Q” tiles for “Qu” tiles would make them easier to use. Also, just for funsies, a few double-letter tiles (CH, ST, ER, etc.) you could add to your deck would be nice (unless they exist in a later bag I haven’t got). And my main complaint? The thing that knocked it down to three stars? The SECRET LEVEL. Now, don’t get me wrong; I don’t hate a “secret” stage when implemented well. But the way it’s done here actually made me frustrated. Rather than being an optional mechanic or anything of the sort, it’s just a sixth level appended to the endgame that you don’t have time to prepare for. Don’t show me five levels and then throw a sixth one at me once I’ve finally managed to reach the end. Either give us the option to play without these “secrets” (bait-and-switches), or have the fifth level be the OFFICIAL end and have a little menu say something like “Congratulations! Would you like to play a harder bonus round for more prizes?” That sort of “high risk/high reward” thing could turn some people on to them. Overall, this is still a great game, and I’m not even complaining about difficulty. There’s a difference between a hard game and a game that throws a curveball at you when you’re already at home plate. (P.S. Different color themes? :3) I just want to say as well that this is one of my first app reviews. I hope I haven’t been too harsh! Bye!

I love word games and I love rogue games. Haven’t found a good new word game in ages. This one I’ve been addicted to. Definitely deserves more attention than it’s gotten!