Customer Reviews:
 Best pocket Scrabble ever? September 30, 2007
John Tree (Poulton-le-Fylde, UK)
88 out of 89 found this review helpful
Firstly , I have to say that I have bought quite a few incarnations of this game, to run on various computers, going back to the days of the Sinclair Spectrum, and I reckon Ubisoft have done a sterling job.
INTERFACE
The main problem is really the size of the screen on the DS. In their wisdom, the makers have decided to make the board a little larger than the screen to maximise letter size. This works better than it sounds, the touch screen allowing you to easily nudge the board up or down to see the last few rows of letters, but it is a shame you can't look at the whole board at once. It is certainly nice to be able to 'pick up' and move the tiles with your stylus, making it more tactile and intuitive in play.
GAMEPLAY
The game stays true to the rules of scrabble, and the machine takes only a few seconds to make a move. Opponents can vary...at first you can only play a basic challenger, but as your Scrabble 'career' takes off, different characters appear, to give you a stronger game. I reckon (...subjective assessment alert...) I'm above average strength, but I can't, so far, beat the strongest character.
There are various mini games that can be played, but they are not that stimulating, unfortunately, you have to play a number of these to unlock some opponents. On the standard Scrabble game, there are a few pre-sets on the timer for minutes per move, time per game, or unlimited time.
GRIPES
* No high scores
* Only about 80% of the board visible at any time
* Highest levels of tournaments are only 'blitz' (short time limit) type games
* You can only unlock some opponents by playing the tedious mini-games
NICE TOUCHES
* Dictionary definitions of the latest word appears at the bottom of the screen...educational on some of the more obscure ones
* You can randomise the letters on your rack with two swipes of the stylus
* You rise to your own level of opponent
* Partly played games can be saved
* Pleasant, intuitive interface
VERDICT
This is a pleasing rendition of a classic game, which should suit players of all strengths, with clear graphics and smooth animation. Well done Ubisoft.
My addiction to scrabble now has a fab outlet! September 27, 2007
C. MICHAELIDES (london)
24 out of 25 found this review helpful
I have been waiting for the DS to bring out a scrabble game since the little gem of a console arrived on the scene. I am not disappointed in the least but do get frustrated with the sometimes bizarre 'words' in the scrabble dictionary (just venting my frustration at not being as good as the computer!!!). This is a great game- the more you play the more opponents you unlock. I play it whenever I get the chance but must put it down if I am to continue having a social life!!! Get it!!!!
 Tough scrabbler September 25, 2007
M. Landy (United Kingdom)
20 out of 20 found this review helpful
Anyone who loves Scrabble won't be dissapointed with this DS version, the graphics are gorgeous, silky scrolling and zooming (strange eerie music though...like playing scrabble in the afterlife?) I like to think im a average scrabbler (350-400points) but this beat me hands down on the fourth tournament rubber. It has a theosaurus description as you play the tiles...a nice touch, plus a simple save game option.
Delivers a real Triple Word Score! November 21, 2007
S. Porter (Manchester, England)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
There have been numerous videogame versions of Scrabble before, even a couple on handheld consoles, but I would be surprised if anyone argued that this DS version isn't the best one ever. This game has everything you would expect from one of the world's most popular board games and more besides. The stylus and touch screen controls are a great innovation, it makes the game more interactive and is just as easy as placing tiles on a real Scrabble board!
The main game is flawless and the CPU difficulty is just right, the easy opponents are not complete idiots but should present few problems and the later ones in career mode will have you scratching your head at some of the words they manage to pull out. The CPU moves quickly so games are a lot quicker than the real thing. All the rules are explained and there are a few game variations and options, such as playing against the clock.
A really great idea is that the dictionary definition for any word played is displayed on the top screen as you play. Believe me, you'll need it for some of the words the CPU comes up with but this really helps you learn and expand your vocabulary without wasting time flicking through a dictionary. I even managed to use a few of the more obscure words myself in later games, which is always pleasing.
Graphically the game is very basic but honestly what else did you expect from a board game conversion? The board doesn't quite fully fit on the DS top screen which can sometimes be a slight pain because you might miss something but if you remember to navigate round the whole board this isn't too big a problem. The alternative would be trying to read tiny letters on a full sized board, which would probably be worse. The music is quite relaxing although not that varied, but it's pleasant enough.
The mini games are a fun alternative distraction and track all sorts of high-score statistics (unlike the main game sadly). They will help you to practice skills that will go on to help you in the main game.
This game is absolutely ideal for car or train journeys and matches can be saved in progress so it's easy to pick up and play for 10 minutes at a time, making it perfect for DS. It's not likely to win any new fans to the game of Scrabble, but anyone who has enjoyed the board game would not be disappointed by this release.
 Ruined by inadequate and questionable vocabulary December 14, 2007
Demon Bowler (England)
7 out of 9 found this review helpful
The previous reviews are fair comment but only up to a point. Any computerised game that relies on a thesaurus or dictionary is only as good as the words that it allows. This product disqualifies perfectly acceptable English words but introduces abbreviations, American slang and non-words that defy credibility.
In addition, there are serious drawbacks as mentioned by earlier reviewers in the limitation of the product to one player only; the lack of a high scores record; and the tedious qualification process involving pointless anagram tests.
I do not recommend anyone who can speak English well to buy this product as they will quickly realise that they have wasted their money.
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