Phrase Shift

About

Phrase Shift is a single player casual puzzle game. It was developed by Hyper Hippo Games and was released on November 30, 2016. It received very positive reviews from players.

Phrase Shift is a word puzzle game that presents you with clues, such as "FOUR MINUS THREE." The challenge is to shift the words in the definition to uncover the answer. With over 600 puzzles spanning various categories, players can enjoy hours of cerebral entertainment. No need to worry about tedious tutorials or time-consuming storylines; just jump in and start solving!

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

90%

Audience ScoreBased on 52 reviews

replayability3 positive mentions

gameplay3 negative mentions

Phrase Shift offers a unique and creative word-play mechanic that keeps players engaged and entertained.
The game is relaxing and simple, making it a great choice for casual gaming or as a warm-up for ESL students.
With 600 levels and easy achievements, it's a fun and accessible game for puzzle lovers and those looking to improve their vocabulary.

Some clues can be awkward or confusing, leading to frustration and reliance on hints, which may detract from the overall experience.
The game is heavily based on American English, which may limit enjoyment for non-native speakers or those unfamiliar with American culture.
There are technical issues, such as the game not remembering sound settings and occasional bugs in the level selection screen.

music
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
14%
43%
The game's music has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the relaxing soundtrack and sleek UI, while others find it loud, repetitive, and annoying, lacking volume adjustment options. Overall, the music contributes to the game's atmosphere but may not appeal to everyone due to its limited variety.
- “Nice and simple word game with a sleek UI and pleasant music.”
- “It has a nice relaxing soundtrack and easy achievements.”
- “It's genuinely fun too with a nice soundtrack.”
- “Only one option in settings - sound: on/off (and you have to turn sound off every time you launch the game - it does not remember your choice. The music is loud, repetitive, and a tad annoying to me, with no volume adjustment).”
- “Especially considering the repetitive single-song soundtrack.”
- “Music sucks.”
gameplay
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
33%
50%
The gameplay features a unique mechanic of sliding clues to align letters for solutions, which some players found refreshing. However, while the basic mechanics are accessible and enjoyable for all ages, the overall experience may feel lacking in depth and creativity, leading to a relatively short playtime of around three hours. A strong vocabulary is recommended to fully engage with the puzzles.
- “Sliding the clues to line up the correct letters for each solution was a unique game mechanic that I haven't encountered before.”
- “Sure, the basic mechanic is fine, but after that, it feels like the developers just started slinging words in without any thought for making their creation interesting.”
- “I finished all the puzzles in a little over three hours, but that includes a bit of time showing the game mechanics to my wife (she liked it) and turning my 10-year-old loose for a few puzzles (she liked it as well).”
- “The gameplay is simple enough for anyone to understand (you are given a phrase as a clue and you have to shift the words in the phrases in such a manner that the solution gets spelled out), but you should come equipped with a good vocabulary to conquer this challenge.”
replayability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players generally find the game's replayability to be high, thanks to multiple endings, varied character choices, and dynamic gameplay elements that encourage exploration and experimentation. Many reviewers appreciate the ability to approach challenges in different ways, enhancing the overall experience with each playthrough. However, some note that certain aspects may feel repetitive after several runs.
- “The game offers a multitude of choices that significantly alter the storyline, making each playthrough feel fresh and engaging.”
- “With various character builds and strategies to explore, I find myself coming back to this game time and again to try new approaches.”
- “The dynamic world and random events ensure that no two playthroughs are ever the same, keeping the experience exciting and unpredictable.”
graphics
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
67%
The graphics are minimalistic, featuring a simple and clean user interface that prioritizes functionality over elaborate AAA visuals. This approach may appeal to players who appreciate a straightforward aesthetic.
- “Graphics are minimal, as seen in the screenshots.”
- “Graphics are minimal, as seen in screenshots.”
- “The UI is simple and clean, with little or no need for fancy AAA graphics being pumped out today.”
grinding
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express that grinding in the game can become tedious, often feeling like a repetitive chore that detracts from the overall experience. Some suggest that it may require significant time investment, leading to a sense of fatigue.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “After a while, it just feels like you are grinding out the words.”
story
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The reviews indicate that the story is engaging and well-crafted, with users appreciating its depth and character development. However, some feel it could benefit from more originality or clearer pacing. Overall, the narrative is a strong point of the game, drawing players into its world.