Word Wonders: The Tower of Babel
- May 8, 2015
- Chimera Entertainment
- 20h median play time
Get on SteamWord Wonders: The Tower of Babel is a mystifying word adventure game set in the 1001 Arabian nights story setting. Explore 50 unique stages, battling enemies and monsters using the power of words. Unlock special abilities with the Magic Boost Board, create powerful potions through the alchemy system, and conquer the game on three different difficulties, each with its own unique rules.
Reviews
- The game offers a fun and engaging mix of word puzzles and RPG elements, allowing players to create strategies using spells and potions.
- The Boost Board feature adds an extra layer of gameplay, enabling players to enhance their stats and customize their approach to battles.
- The graphics and music are enjoyable, contributing to a pleasant overall experience despite some minor technical limitations.
- The game can become repetitive over time, with limited variety in challenges and a lack of achievements or multiplayer options.
- The dictionary used in the game is inconsistent, leading to frustration when valid words are not accepted while obscure ones are.
- Boss battles can be overly difficult, often requiring the use of power-ups and spells to succeed, which may detract from the enjoyment for some players.
- story11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The story in the game follows a familiar trope of a poor thief's journey, featuring minimal dialogue and a lack of memorable narrative cohesion. While some players appreciate the cheesy writing and amusing pre-battle banter, others find the plot simplistic and the ending twist unconvincing. Overall, the storyline serves as a backdrop for gameplay rather than a compelling narrative experience.
“The story, while not exactly a masterpiece, isn't bad, and some of the pre-battle banter is amusing.”
“The backstory and minimal dialogue in the game are not particularly entertaining nor do they feel very memorable as a cohesive story.”
“The story is that the protagonist has decided to try and climb the Tower of Babel to find the original language and reunite the world again.”
“It's an enjoyable word game, one done quite a few times over, only the plot line seems to change.”
- gameplay6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay features micro-scrabble puzzles where players level up and unlock perks, adding variety over time, though some find it repetitive and desire more diverse challenges. While it employs standard casual-game mechanics reminiscent of Puzzle Quest, it is simpler and offers enough unique elements to maintain interest, especially considering its low price. Overall, it meets expectations for casual games of its era but could benefit from additional gameplay variety.
“In addition to playing micro-scrabble puzzles, you level up and gain gold to unlock various perks and powers that make the gameplay different over time.”
“But overall, the price is low, and the mechanics are different enough from other word games I've played to keep my interest.”
“The gameplay itself gets a bit repetitive, and it would be nice to have some different challenges and limits on various levels.”
“The artwork and gameplay are exactly what one expects from casual games from the year it was made.”
“It reminds me most of Puzzle Quest, since nearly all of the gameplay consists of fighting battles using a standard casual-game mechanic, but this game is simpler.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally described as acceptable but basic, aligning with expectations for casual games of its release year. While some users appreciated the overall presentation and art style, others felt it lacked distinction and sophistication. The sound quality received mixed reviews, with some finding it flaky, but the graphics did not detract significantly from the enjoyment of the gameplay.
“The presentation is fine; I liked the graphics, and the music was surprisingly good as well. It didn't get on my nerves even after many hours.”
“The graphics are acceptable.”
“The artwork and gameplay are exactly what one expects from casual games from the year it was made.”
“The art style doesn't stand out, either.”
“Bookworm did it better; the price is a little too high, the sound is a little dodgy, and the graphics are basic.”
- music3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with players finding it enjoyable and not irritating even after extended playtime. However, the lack of volume sliders for finer adjustments is noted, although there are separate on/off settings for music and sound effects. Overall, the music contributes positively to the game's presentation.
“The presentation is fine; I liked the graphics, and the music was surprisingly good as well. It didn't get on my nerves even after many hours.”
“No volume sliders, only music and effects on/off, and sadly resolution doesn't scale. The active game area is only 1024x768 no matter what resolution you play on. In 1080p it wasn't a huge problem, and the game fills in the background; it's not just blackness everywhere.”
“Music and sound have separate on/off settings.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Players note that while the game offers harder difficulties and the option to replay levels, it is not overly grindy. However, some find the additional content necessary for completion can become tedious over time, impacting their overall enjoyment.
“Harder difficulties open up as you progress, and you can always replay levels, but the game is not grindy at all.”
“All of these extras, while nice, become a bit tedious after a while but are honestly necessary to complete the game.”
“I'll finish it eventually, but it sometimes gets too tedious to continue playing.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers praise the game's programming and design, highlighting its strong replayability due to engaging mechanics and varied gameplay elements that encourage multiple playthroughs.
“I really have to tip my hat to the programming and game design - there is a lot that went into this to make a fantastic, replayable word game.”
