The Letris games have long been amongst our favorites to play while killing a little time on the go. Tightly designed, and without the annoying, matronly refusal to accept naughty words, you really can't really go wrong with the game. This new version of the game is a free-to-play offering, so what's all the fuss about this time around?
The Good
You wouldn't think there's much you can do with word-building gameplay, but Letris 3 thinks otherwise. There's a massive story mode that's packed with variety - some levels challenge you to create large words, for example, while others have you clearing blocks out of the way a la Candy Crush Saga. Other modes have you using up a certain number of letters within a limited grid, or spotting the one single word spread around the screen. That all this content is so elegantly presented is really the icing on the cake.
The Bad
This is a free game, and the money's got to come from somewhere, right? Well, in the case of Letris 3 that means you've got an energy meter that only lets you play a certain number of times before you have to wait for it to refill. Normally, this would have us gnashing our teeth in annoyance but - and please note, App Store developers at large - a not unreasonable $3.99 gives you infinite lives. It's perhaps a little steep, and remnants of ads remain on the screen afterwards, but we felt pretty satisfied with our purchase overall.
The Verdict
If you don't mind stumping up for a comparatively steep unlimited lives unlock (and we really don't think you will, once you've sampled the delights of Letris 3), what you're left with is one of the most enjoyable word games you'll play all year. Highly recommended.
The Good
You wouldn't think there's much you can do with word-building gameplay, but Letris 3 thinks otherwise. There's a massive story mode that's packed with variety - some levels challenge you to create large words, for example, while others have you clearing blocks out of the way a la Candy Crush Saga. Other modes have you using up a certain number of letters within a limited grid, or spotting the one single word spread around the screen. That all this content is so elegantly presented is really the icing on the cake.
The Bad
This is a free game, and the money's got to come from somewhere, right? Well, in the case of Letris 3 that means you've got an energy meter that only lets you play a certain number of times before you have to wait for it to refill. Normally, this would have us gnashing our teeth in annoyance but - and please note, App Store developers at large - a not unreasonable $3.99 gives you infinite lives. It's perhaps a little steep, and remnants of ads remain on the screen afterwards, but we felt pretty satisfied with our purchase overall.
The Verdict
If you don't mind stumping up for a comparatively steep unlimited lives unlock (and we really don't think you will, once you've sampled the delights of Letris 3), what you're left with is one of the most enjoyable word games you'll play all year. Highly recommended.
