Wild Words
Yesterday, as we were walking into Kepler’s book store in Menlo Park, Peter Roizen called us to have a look at his new game, WildWords.
For those who have been addicted to Scrabble, especially to making 7-letter words and getting those extra 50 bonus points, Wildwords is a spin on creating longer, more creative words on a scrabblesque Board.
And for those looking to teach their kids to expand their vocabulary beyond “DOG”, “ZOO”, and “QUIZ” - Wildwords could be a fun Chr*tmas gift for the entire family.
Unlike its rival, Scrabble(R), WildWords allows any word in English, no matter how long, to be played. Special wild tiles marked with an asterisk can be used to represent one or more letters in a series. Thus the play of “POL*IAN” could be the word “POLITICIAN.” Special wild squares on the board also convert regular letter tiles into wild tiles. And, wild tiles already on the board may be given new meanings in subsequent plays. “The result is a very open and creative game,” according to Roizen. “The game is most enjoyed by persons with a good vocabulary and an imaginative mind.” Roizen surely has both in spades.
About 2,500 copies have sold so far.
“These days everything is for dummies or complete idiots,” says Roizen. “Isn’t it time someone created a product for people who enjoy using their brains?”
Ouch, Peter!
well. how. about. that. the Roizens are old family friends.