Bookworm Adventures 2 [review]

If adding a few RPG elements to your word games sounds like a good time to you, then you probably won't be able to put Bookworm Adventures 2 down. This sequel to the 2007 PopCap game is still adorable and still fun. The original, non-adventurous Bookworm is merely an exercise in finding words amidst a jumble of letter tiles. Affixing "Adventures" to the title takes this basic gameplay mechanic and adds a lighthearted story, enemies to battle, and experience points to be gained. PopCap is known for creating polished games that are easy to get into and offer a lengthy experience, and that's what you'll find here.

An important difference between Bookworm and Bookworm Adventures is that, in the former, you had to link adjacent tiles in order to create a word. Here in Adventures, any tile in play can be used, regardless of whether or not it is touching any of your other selected pieces. I'd guess this change to make things a little easier for the player was made because of all the other gameplay elements that have been added, and it doesn't upset the balance. PopCap's titles are aimed at the mass market, though, and Bookworm Adventures 2 is a bit on the easy side. For example, I didn't lose a battle until I was a third of the way through the story, and the game will prompt you to use a health potion when you're near death. Better it's too easy than too hard, though, and Bookworm Adventures 2 is lengthy enough to make up for any simplicity. This is a game you can settle into your computer chair and kill many an hour with.


Bookworm Adventures 2 has some features in common with another recent PopCap release: Plants vs. Zombies. You unlock new items with each level but have a very limited number of item slots to use in battle, so before heading into each "chapter" of the game you'll need to choose the right tools for the job. The story is divided into three books, each with ten chapters that throw a handful of enemies at you until you finally reach the chapter boss.

Our hero, Lex, is an adorable little bookworm with a high-pitched voice, and he'll cheer you on and encourage you to spell big words during battle. The longer the word the more damage he deals, and certain letters are stronger than others, as in Scrabble. Bookworm's dictionary includes some strange possibilities, such as abbreviations like "tux." These sorts of games often censor sexual words in order to protect the innocence of the children, but I was able to spell "orgasm" and "poop." "Pussy," though, was not accepted. You may learn some new words just be experimenting with different tile combinations. I really wanted to see if it would accept "Peggle," but I never managed to spell that one. Most importantly: the game recognizes "Daemon."

Bookworm Adventures 2 is full of silly, innocent humor, and the lush, orchestral score helps set a fantasy tone. Characters are presented in a sort of paper doll style that somehow looks a little cheap and yet remains charming.