A blend of word know-how and RPG tactics, Letter Quest has the best of both worlds when it comes to fun, challenging puzzles and tricky wordplay. Bacon Bandit Games made it extremely easy to get addicted (and with a name like bacon, I half-expected it) to this quirky little word game.
Spelling it Out: Modes and The Basics
Letter Quest is easy to play, but it’s more than just basic word puzzle challenges. The game is full of role-play inspired details and that lends a unique twist to a classic game. We follow Grimm and his female counterpart, Rose, on their quest to beat up baddies using only words…and a big scythe. The objective is to defeat Grimm and Rose’s foes by spelling out words from a random selection of letter tiles.
The simple concept is made complex by adding various other elements to the mix. Players can choose between two different modes: Story Mode, and the new Endless Mode. Regardless of the mode, players must do their best to tap into their inner dictionary in order to come out victorious. Players control Grimm or Rose, navigating either one through a gauntlet of monsters. Each battle is turn-based and it is important to keep an eye on your character’s HP; if it falls to zero, you lose.
The best strategy is to be mindful of the letter tiles, each enemy’s weakness, and the size of the words being used. The bigger the word, the more damage it does – also, pay attention to the tiles; the more dots, the more damage it does. There are also special circumstances that can cause the letters to crack, be poisoned, turn to stone, or other various status ailments. These can effect the damage a player can do. Letters can also turn to crystal – which can earn players gems –which are pretty crucial in the Story Mode.
Story Mode
Letter Quest’s story mode sets players on a winding path across multiple stages, testing their vocabulary, and defeating monsters. Players enter various levels with four different parts. While a player only needs to play through a level once to move on across the map, there are three addition playthroughs that have special objectives for added difficulty. The additional levels usually include a timed completion, a particular handicap, and an elite final level. Completing the first three levels earns a reward a yellow star each, but if a player manages to conquer the elite level, he or she will receive a red star.
One of the game objectives is to obtain every star possible, but the levels vary in difficulty. Like most RPGs, players must defeat boss levels. These bosses require specific strategies in order to win and move on. The boss levels can be repeated 4 times. For their efforts, players are rewarded with a funny little comic.
Completing levels not only earns players a star; defeating enemies results in earning gemstones which can be used to purchase upgrades, equipment, and items. Much like an RPG, as a player completes the different stages, the enemies get harder. Not to worry, there are specialty shops available between levels where gamers can use the gems they’ve earned in battle to buy potions, equipment upgrades, stat boosts, and other helpful items. In addition to the level completion bonuses, players can also earn extra gems from achievements like spelling words without vowels, or busting up a certain number of gem piles. If the RPG elements make your head swim, no worries – there’s another mode for you.
