Average Customer Review:
 ( 64 customer reviews )
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
58 of 59 found the following review helpful:
 Interesting variation of the classic word gameFeb 02, 2004
By John A. Kuczma
"RogueUlfric"
As with so many closely related products, it is unfair to compare Upwords with the its classic predecessor, Scrabble. Both games are based on letter tiles and crossword puzzles, but the similarity ends right there.In most respects, Upwords is a simpler game. Scoring is much easier, as each letter tile only counts for either one or two points, depending on how it is used. (There is, of course, one exception.) The game board itself is more restrictive, with the 10 by 10 square size forcing players to build vertically, whether they wish to or not. However, among two or more evenly matched players, the strategy can be just as demanding and the competition just as fierce as in Scrabble. The downside to Upwords is in the physical quality of the product. The game board is of rather light construction, as are the letter tiles. The letter trays are a bit too small to properly hold the tiles. In fact, most of the little quality touches that one generally expects from Parker Brothers products are conspicuously lacking in Upwords, to the point of the game not even having a storage bag for the letter tiles. It seems that, in the effort to hold down costs, Parker Brothers unfortunately crossed that fine line from inexpensive to cheap. That said, Upwords is a lot of fun. It teaches three dimensional thinking and forces players to plan well ahead of their next move. The game is an excellent way to turn a fun family evening into a vocabulary and spelling lesson, without the students even realizing it. Considering that Parker Brothers did manage to keep the price very reasonable, Upwords is a true bargain in the world of family and table games.
41 of 45 found the following review helpful:
 My new favorite word game!Jul 16, 1999
Having grown up on Scrabble, I was a little wary of the game at first. But I soon found that the strategies I loved to use in Scrabble (adding endings, squeezing a word in between two others, etc.) were just what was emphasized in Upwords. Although the scoring seems low after playing Scrabble, there is a terrific sense of satisfaction gained when changing words. I encourage my children to play, since the word play is fabulous for their development as readers. (word families can play a big part for those just starting out.) I wholeheartedly recommend it.
28 of 31 found the following review helpful:
Fun variation on classic Scrabble; challenging new strategy!Jun 02, 2002
By Auliya
"An Avid Reader"
What a great game! It's NOT just Scrabble with stacking letters. The scoring is so radically different that your classic Scrabble know-how is seriously compromised. New strategies are required! You have to think differently to succeed. If you're playing a friendly game, the antics of the players can be hilarious. Our group constantly tries to find "creative solutions" to the stackable word puzzles that keep us all in stitches. We're a fairly large group age 25-35 and we've had a blast -- even those of us who aren't big on "word games" had some fun with this interesting and challenging variation. I recommend this game highly! (But, like Scrabble, keep track of those little letter tiles! Losing them is bad news. I wish they would have included a little bag or storage device with the game. In the meantime, a ziploc bag is a needed accessory!)
49 of 58 found the following review helpful:
 Scrabble leaves big shoes to fill.Jul 14, 1999
Loving Scrabble, I thought I would try Upwords for some variety. It was challenging, but not in the same way as Scrabble. It is like playing Scrabble toward the end of the game when it's tough to make small words in the few spaces left...not testing your brain to come up with unique, long, high-point words. I felt it became more a game of chance (based on what letters you got) than of skill. Upwords was fun, but it doesn't have the longevity or variety of Scrabble. We played a few rounds and then went back to our old favorite.
29 of 34 found the following review helpful:
Great fun - Challenging game for adultsOct 07, 2000
Before we discovered UpWords, we had a tendance to eat lunch at our desks while working. After learning to play UpWords, we now play in the cafeteria at lunch a couple of days a week. Our enjoyment seems to attract attention. Those who walk by often stop to watch a couple of plays. It's become so popular that we often resort to playing teams to allow participation by more than 4 players. The game provides an opportunity to socialize with co-workers and becomes a mini vacation from the office. I can't speak for everyone, but I return to the office refreshed, enlivened, and more productive!
See all 64 customer reviews on Amazon.com
|
based on 64 reviews
