Truly an Instant Classic

Strictly speaking, a study of the classics is one that envelopes you in Ancient Greece and Rome. There was a heavy emphasis on the arts, culture, and literature. The love for the written word was paramount, and you get to truly enjoy that atmosphere in Acropolis.

This offering provides a unique combination of Bookworm and Jewel Quest, wherein you must link together adjacent letters in order to spell words. These entries must be at least three letters in length, but can be as long as you'd like. In fact, you are rewarded for creating longer lexicon entries. With vibrant graphics, soothing sounds, and whimsical rewards, this title truly is an instant classic.

The Midas Touch

Unlike Bookworm where you can randomly create words anywhere you'd like on the field, there is a distinct direction that you must take in Acropolis. The goal is to fill the grid with gold tiles. Each of the tiles you use to spell a word will turn gold and your task to have every last tile transform into the valuable element. You have the Midas touch. Use it wisely.

A Civilized Game

Strategy is of utmost importance here. There is no clock to fight, no time limit to concern you. That's not to say that you can haphazardly do as you wish without any careful consideration. Near the top of the screen is a "life meter." With each word that you spell, this meter slightly depletes itself. Should it become completely empty, the stage ends and the game is over. In this way, you must plan each move carefully.

When you are having trouble with a certain tile, you do have the opportunity to focus your attention elsewhere. When you spell a word that is at least five letters long, Zeus strikes down with benevolent lightning, transforming a tile into the lucrative gold that you seek. When you spell a five-letter word, he'll shoot one tile; when you spell a six-letter word, he'll shoot two, and so on.

A Varied Letter-Linking Adventure

As you progress through this fantastic game, you will encounter several different layouts, each offering a slightly different challenge. Moreover, special tiles will also begin to appear, adding unique twists to an already wonderful title. For example, the "locked" tiles only become unlocked after adjacent letters are used to spell a word. Certain tiles will need to be used twice before they turn to gold. Others may need to be used three times.

They're not all hindrances, of course. Bonus tiles, when used, can provide you with an additional "shuffle" or "hint", assisting you in sticky situations. You start with a limited number of "shuffles" (which randomize the tiles on the screen) and "hints" (which point out one of the best possible words to make at that time). Try to collect as many as you can, as they will become infinitely useful in later stages.

Rewards for a Job Well Done

All of your hard work will not go unrewarded. When you accomplish certain milestones and achievements -- like spelling a word with five consonants or creating a palindrome (a word that is spelled the same forwards and backwards) -- you receive a special gift: a trophy. All of these rewards can be viewed from the Trophy Room, accessible from the main title screen.