F-U-N

While Jigsaw puzzles and spelling isn't a combination you have heard of often (or ever, for that matter), they go together surprisingly well. What you get is a fun, brain-teasing challenge that rewards you with beautiful photographs and some fast-paced mini games, without getting puzzle pieces everything.

In Jig Words, you're given a scrambled combination of letters with which you have to spell as many words as you can. Each time you successfully spell a word, pieces of the puzzle are filled in. The amazing thing about this game is that the spelling portion of it could be a fun game in itself (there are quite a bit like it), but it goes the extra mile and includes the puzzle portion, which gives it that extra something that so many spelling games desperately need. Along with delight of watching a puzzle come together, there are also Word Duel rounds. In Word Duel rounds, you race the clock as you try to complete a puzzle before it can fill it up with blockers, which are blank pieces. These work well to change it up every now and then, to the action fresh and exciting.

Online Play

While not online play in the traditional sense, you are pulling scores off of the internet and seeing if you can beat them. In Letter Racing, you will challenge the scores of three anonymous opponents and attempt to spell words faster than they did. This adds to the game's replay value, giving it a long life. It's also incredibly tense, as you will know doubt constantly glance over to see how your opponent is doing, all the while losing precious time! It was possibly the most fun I've had with online gaming in a long. Also, for the competitive person in all of us, you're given the ability to submit your scores online for the world to see.

Another thing that gives the game a lasting appeal is the ability to import your own photos for the puzzles as well as the ability to download new ones. When you open the game, if there are new photos online that are available for download, it will give you a message telling you so. Needless to say, having a stable internet connection will expand Jig Word's life by tenfold.

Smooth Interface

It's sad how often a good game is brought down by a clumsy or awkward interface. Fortunately, Jig Word is just the opposite. It couldn't be easier to navigate its simple, colorful menus, and you won't have any trouble finding what you're looking for. Graphically, the game does fine, giving you just what you would expect from a game of this nature. The game offers catchy music that would have you tapping your toes if you weren't so busy concentrating!

A Spelling Symphony

If you're someone who enjoys spelling games, than Jig Word is a no brainer. The gameplay portion ranks right up there with the rest of them, and the inclusion of puzzles only adds to the enjoyment. Add in some nifty twists and fun online play, and you've got one heck of a party!