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Cursed Words: The Word Game That Isn't

Cursed Words: The Word Game That Isn't Game Cover
97%Game Brain Score
Most mentioned positive aspects:gameplay, music
Most mentioned negative aspects:optimization, monetization
97% User Score Based on 577 reviews

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PCSteam DeckWindows
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Cursed Words: The Word Game That Isn't Game Cover

About Cursed Words: The Word Game That Isn't

Cursed Words: The Word Game That Isn't is a single player action game with a comedy theme. It was developed by Buried Things and was released on April 2, 2026. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

From letters to lunacy, Cursed Words is a roguelike chasing ever-stronger synergies. Start with simple words like BUY or THIS or GAME, then use game-altering combos to break the rules. Before long you’ll be ¼♖♙K5XNG the ⅗H♗4 out of these 83VK??7?!

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Cursed Words: The Word Game That Isn't screenshot
Cursed Words: The Word Game That Isn't screenshot
Cursed Words: The Word Game That Isn't screenshot
Cursed Words: The Word Game That Isn't screenshot
Cursed Words: The Word Game That Isn't screenshot
Cursed Words: The Word Game That Isn't screenshot
Cursed Words: The Word Game That Isn't screenshot
Cursed Words: The Word Game That Isn't screenshot
Cursed Words: The Word Game That Isn't screenshot
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Reviews

97%Audience ScoreBased on 577 reviews
gameplay40 positive mentions
optimization3 negative mentions
  • Innovative fusion of word games and roguelikes with unique mechanics like chess pieces, numbers, and cards that create engaging and varied gameplay.
  • Highly addictive with deep strategic elements and a rewarding progression system featuring diverse characters, builds, and extensive unlocks.
  • Polished presentation including charming art, dynamic music that adapts to gameplay, smooth UI, and attentive developer support.
  • Steep learning curve with some mechanics and terminologies underexplained, causing confusion especially around advanced character systems.
  • RNG and item/shop system can feel punishing and restrictive at times, leading to frustration and less meaningful player choice during runs.
  • Lack of controller support and limited accessibility options (e.g., distinguishing tile types, visual effects control) can impact user experience.

  • gameplay

    148 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    27% positive mentions, 71% neutral mentions, 2% negative mentions

    The gameplay offers a unique and addictive blend of word puzzles, roguelike progression, and diverse mechanics inspired by games like Balatro, constantly introducing new layers that keep the experience fresh and challenging. Each character unlocks distinct mechanics, encouraging creative build synergies and experimentation, though some complex systems like poker and chess can feel obtuse due to limited tutorials. Overall, the gameplay loop is satisfying, well-paced, and engaging, delivering rewarding strategic depth with a strong balance of familiarity and inventive twists.

    • “The mechanics are properly introduced—simple at the start and more complex as more characters unlock. Some combos are really crazy and you can break the game when playing well.”
    • “Every new mechanic is a mystery waiting to be unraveled, and once you grasp the fundamentals, the game opens up into experimenting and optimizing how everything clicks together.”
    • “Progression is well paced, with each newly introduced character revolving around a completely different mechanic. Learning how to play each character and discovering what shop items they synergize with is an absolute joy.”
    • “This is okay for some characters, but makes the earliest, 'simplest' characters feel extremely weak, and makes some mechanics seem almost useless.”
    • “Could use better tooltips/explanations of some of the mechanics, e.g., the double teleport stamp is a little vague, and cursed tiles needing to be intuited.”
    • “The biggest con in my view is the lacking tutorial, some of the mechanics really could and should have been explained better.”

  • music

    38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    50% positive mentions, 42% neutral mentions, 8% negative mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for being dynamic, catchy, and jazzy, greatly enhancing the gameplay experience by building tension and complementing the art style. Many reviewers highlight the adaptive soundtrack, the addition of instruments that influence the music, and how it energizes intense moments. While a few find the music somewhat repetitive or less memorable, the overall consensus is that the soundtrack is exceptional and a key reason to play, with some recommending buying it to support the composer.

    • “It's very fun, the gameplay loop is not frustrating (currently starting orange crowns), the challenges are nicely tailored, the characters are great, the music being dynamic is awesome... lots of things to compliment.”
    • “Please give these devs some love, pick up their game, and grab the incredible soundtrack while you're at it (all earnings for which go directly to the composer)!”
    • “I like how the different tile types have their own sound effects, how the music intensity increases the closer you are to failing and how responsive the tile grid is to your inputs.”
    • “Also, the music is very meh.”
    • “I actually think the visuals fit this style of game very well, but the music is just so forgettable.”
    • “The music does get a little repetitive, but that's no problem when you're gonna have a podcast on anyway.”

  • story

    22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    27% positive mentions, 59% neutral mentions, 14% negative mentions

    The game's story is minimal but supported by a well-rounded cast and a variety of special quests that add unique challenges and rules, enhancing replayability. While the narrative itself is simple, the creative and often satisfying quest design provides depth and motivation beyond the core gameplay. Overall, the story and quest elements combine to create a rewarding experience, especially for those who enjoy tackling diverse challenges.

    • “There's also a bunch of special quests with unique challenges, some of which are incredibly fun and make me want to replay them even after completing them and getting their unique unlocks.”
    • “The way the game develops into something more than initially meets the eye reminds me of the plot of Portal.”
    • “Although the game feels less polished than Balatro, it makes up for it with its originality and simple story line.”
    • “It gives you really no incentive to play as them unless it's for a quest or crown.”
    • “Quests mode has some real BS ones in there, like the one that makes you unable to see what you are buying in the shop; these unlock new items so they are 'mandatory' in that way.”
    • “☐ no story.”

  • humor

    17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    100% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions

    The game's humor shines through its escalating absurdity, creative word combinations, and quirky character interactions, often eliciting genuine laughter from players. Its playful and unexpected mechanics, combined with funny in-game moments and clever commentary, make for a uniquely entertaining and repeatedly enjoyable experience.

    • “Humor naturally emerges from escalating absurdity without undermining strategic depth.”
    • “There's a ton of creative item interactions, the humor is on point and the words become cursed in excitingly unexpected and new ways.”
    • “Good style, good balance, fun mechanics, and adding the "you probably meant 'word'" popups are hilarious when the submitted "word" has no letters in it.”

  • graphics

    17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    59% positive mentions, 35% neutral mentions, 6% negative mentions

    The game's graphics feature a sharp, simplistic yet charming art style that is widely praised for its creativity and visual appeal. The UI is clean and user-friendly, complementing the overall aesthetic, while dynamic visual and audio elements enhance the immersive experience. Overall, the visuals are considered lovely and fitting, contributing significantly to the game's engaging atmosphere.

    • “Absolutely adore the artwork and the creative decisions behind this game.”
    • “The art style and sound design are incredible, with some items like guitar and sax weaving into the soundtrack when you purchase them.”
    • “It's got a gorgeous art style, and lends itself to a wide variety of build types.”
    • “The trailer is exactly the graphics you see in game, nothing more, nothing less.”

  • replayability

    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    30% positive mentions, 70% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions

    The game boasts exceptional replayability through a vast variety of characters, builds, and difficulty levels, offering players enduring strategic depth and fun. Its flexible playstyles, numerous unlocks, and challenge runs further enhance the experience, keeping players engaged over time despite some concerns about long-term progression balance. Overall, it stands out as a highly replayable roguelike compared to similar titles.

    • “But most importantly, it's fun and endlessly replayable.”
    • “Out of all balatro-like games that I've played, this one is the most similar in terms of replayability, with dozens of different builds, characters, and simply being extremely fun.”
    • “Character variety and build flexibility further strengthen replay value.”

  • optimization

    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    40% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 60% negative mentions

    The game's optimization aspect involves carefully constructing words and adjusting strategies, with some runs favoring straightforward methods and others encouraging unconventional tactics. However, several users find the optimization frustrating, citing issues with tuning and the challenge of achieving optimal combinations. Despite these criticisms, the endgame can be enjoyable if the optimization approach resonates with the player.

    • “Letter tiles appear, words are constructed, points are earned, and progress requires careful optimization.”
    • “Some runs reward straightforward optimization while others encourage completely unconventional approaches.”
    • “I understand this game is a word game that "isn't", but it is simply mind numbing to click random squares until you get the optimized combination of a word you can't even make out if you tried yourself.”
    • “Also not sure if anyone else has the same issues, but I've had optimization issues.”
    • “Edit after "beating" the game and watching credits roll: I stand by my previous review that the game's tuning just doesn't feel wholly right and the optimization sucks for me, but I will say, the endgame is actually very fun if it clicks for you.”

  • monetization

    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    0% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 100% negative mentions

    The game stands out from typical cash-grab roguelites by offering a genuine, enjoyable experience without aggressive monetization. While it may not fully satisfy traditional word game fans, its approach to monetization is fair and well-received.

  • grinding

    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    0% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 100% negative mentions

    Players find the grinding mechanics tedious, with some requesting options to disable item drops to reduce it, though managing such settings per character or run is seen as cumbersome. Overall, grinding requires significant time and effort, often needing endurance akin to a "second life."

    • “A lot of people in comments have asked for being able to disable items to try and mitigate the issue, which I get, but I think that's the wrong direction here - you'd have to manage that for each character or each run and it sounds tedious.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”

  • stability

    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    100% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions

    The game is praised for its strong stability, being almost bug-free, with remaining issues actively addressed by the developers.

    • “+ Almost bug-free, with the remaining issues currently being worked on.”

  • atmosphere

    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    100% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions

    The atmosphere is praised for its immersive and engaging moment-to-moment gameplay, creating a compelling overall experience.

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Play Times

28h Median play time
40h Average play time
12-68h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 6 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Cursed Words: The Word Game That Isn't is a action game with comedy theme. Common tags for Cursed Words: The Word Game That Isn't include indie, score attack, lgbtq+, roguelite, deckbuilding and others.

Cursed Words: The Word Game That Isn't is available on PC, Steam Deck and Windows.

On average players spend around 40 hours playing Cursed Words: The Word Game That Isn't.

Cursed Words: The Word Game That Isn't was released on April 2, 2026.

Cursed Words: The Word Game That Isn't was developed by Buried Things.

Cursed Words: The Word Game That Isn't has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players. Most players liked Cursed Words: The Word Game That Isn't for its gameplay but disliked it for its optimization.

Cursed Words: The Word Game That Isn't is a single player game.

Similar games include Word Play, RACCOIN: Coin Pusher Roguelike, Zoominoes, Combolands: Roguelike Citybuilder, Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers and others.