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.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Surprisingly fun and complex, combining word puzzles with RPG elements that keep gameplay fresh.
- The Boost Board and alchemy crafting add depth and strategy, allowing for customization of gameplay.
- The graphics and music are enjoyable, contributing to a pleasant overall experience.
- The game can feel repetitive over time, with limited variety in challenges and gameplay mechanics.
- The dictionary is inconsistent, leading to frustration when valid words are not accepted.
- Boss battles can be overly difficult, often requiring the use of power-ups to succeed, which may detract from the enjoyment.
- story22 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The story in the game follows a familiar trope of a poor thief on a quest to climb the Tower of Babel in search of the original language to reunite the world. While the narrative is not particularly memorable or cohesive, some players appreciate the cheesy writing and amusing pre-battle banter. Overall, the story serves as a backdrop for gameplay rather than a standout feature, with mixed reactions to its execution and ending twist.
“The story, while not exactly a masterpiece, isn't bad, and some of the pre-battle banter is amusing.”
“The speech bubbles often try to deliver a tongue-in-cheek view of boss battles, and when you eventually get to the top, the game will try to deliver a twist to the ending.”
“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.”
- gameplay12 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay features micro-scrabble puzzles where players level up and unlock perks, providing some variety over time. However, it tends to become repetitive, lacking diverse challenges and limits across levels. While it draws comparisons to simpler versions of games like Puzzle Quest, the mechanics are engaging enough to maintain interest, especially given the low price point.
“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 is 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.”
- graphics12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally described as acceptable but basic, with a presentation that meets expectations for casual games of its time. While some users appreciated the art style and music, others found it unremarkable and noted that the overall visual quality does not stand out. The sound design received mixed reviews, with some describing it as flaky.
“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 artwork and gameplay is 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, sound a little dodgy, and basic graphics.”
- music6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with players finding it surprisingly enjoyable and not irritating even after extended playtime. However, the lack of volume sliders for finer control and the limited resolution options are noted drawbacks. 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.”
- grinding6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 17 % 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 tasks necessary for completion to become tedious over time, which can affect their overall enjoyment and motivation to continue.
“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 honestly necessary to complete the game.”
“I'll finish it eventually, but sometimes it gets too tedious to continue playing.”
“All of these extras, while nice, become a bit tedious after a while but honestly necessary to complete the game.”
- replayability2 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. Players find it enjoyable enough to return to multiple times, making it a standout in the word game genre.
“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.”
