App Review No. 93 Texas Word 'Em

Strong Points:
Unique idea
Varied words
Great, clean UI and graphics
Can play solo to practice your skills
Great risk and reward
No real gambling involved!
Regular challenges from other players

Weak Points:
Some words are a bit random and not what you would first think
Timer is sometimes a bit strict
Can only sign in as a guest or through Facebook
Advert appears as soon as you open the app
Some words are right in context and word length but not the 'chosen' word
Can't play against someone in real time
Some clues are the words that you would've thought would've been the answer

Rating: 80%

In-depth Review:

Release Dates:
World Wide: 31st July 2015

Controls:
Tap to click clue cards and type answer

This game is a mix of Texas Hold 'Em and a word quiz. You get given a selection of ten words to figure out, with a subject header for each one and five clue cards. Each clue card gives you a word related to the word you need to figure out and you get points for getting the word correct in the least amount of time, using the least amount of clue cards possible. You are allowed one spelling mistake per word (needed if you want to type fast so as to get the most points). This system is pulled off with success (mostly) and serves as a unique premise to the game.

The other half of the game involves you betting a certain amount of coins (which serve to increase your ranking) on winning the match. You can bet 15,000 coins up to 100,000 coins on your success. Another interesting mechanic is the inclusion of using a hot sauce bottle. If you bet this and you win then you get 3x the amount of coins but if you lose then they get to keep the hot sauce bottle. This gives a nice risk-reward system, especially as the only guidance you have is the amount of coins the other person has.

The UI, graphics and general feel of the app is well done, with crisp, clean menus and funny avatars for each person. The sound effects fit the theme of the wild west and add to the overall experience of the game nicely. Being able to play solo is also a nice addition, especially as you can get coins from it.

However, there are some problems with this app. Firstly the inclusion of a video app everytime you open the app (even from the lock screen) is just plain annoying and could make people click off the app. Next is the inclusion of some random words that are not the first thing you think of. Worst still, is that, due to most words being the same length, you could write a word that is right in both context and length but is wrong because it is not the word that the developers put into the game. Furthermore, being only able to battle players asynchronously is a bit annoying, especially if you want to battle a friend (and put them off from winning).

Conclusion: overall, this game is a unique, family-friendly, game with a great look but some issues that make it not reach, the just out of reach, gaming greats.

Thanks for reading, Satamer.