Countless studies have shown that people who keep their brains active have lower incidences of dementia and other age-related mental problems. Whether it’s learning a second language, taking up sudoku, or doing a daily crossword puzzle, keeping your brain at work is the best way to make sure you continue to have a working brain. As a lover of words, crossword puzzles are my preferred way of keeping my mind sharp. I recently stumbled across a fun iOS game that will appeal to crossword fans. Clever Clues is kinda like crossword puzzles, but with a twist: there’s no grid!

What is it and what does it do

Main Functionality

Clever Clues is a game for iOS devices. You are given clues, and must guess the word that is being hinted at.

Pros

• Modern, attractive design
• Simple but fun gameplay
• Multiple levels of difficulty
• Need a hint? Tap a clue to wiggle the first letter of the answer
• Both US and UK English spellings are supported
• Integrated voice over accessibility features

Cons

• Difficulty is based solely on word length, not on how commonly used a word is
• Some players might find the game more challenging if each round of play could be timed

Discussion

The controls in Clever Clues are nice and simple. Just pick your language preference and word-length, and you’re good to go. You’re presented with 5-6 clues, depending on your screen size. Every word will be placed on a grid below the clues. Spell the word that answers the clue, clear the screen, and you’ll be rewarded with the next round of clues.

This game is really fun, a definite challenge, and quite addictive. The app itself is elegantly designed, which makes it all the more enjoyable to play. There’s a definite tactile pleasure in completing each round of this word puzzle game.

One thing that would be nice is to include achievements to unlock, based on the time it takes to finish each round of play, or each entire category. I personally like a more laid back, relaxed word game experience. However, I know plenty of other people who would really enjoy the challenge of thinking under the pressure of a timed gameplay experience.

If you defeat the game, don’t despair. Additional clue packs are available for Clever Clues via in-app purchase. Alternatively, you can reset the game and start over from the beginning. Additional packs of clues cost between 99 cents and $2.99, and include categories like kids clues, “Chronicled” clues, and cunning clues.

Conclusion and download link

The developers say that Clever Clues is “like the saucy love child of a crossword and a word search.” I’m not sure if I’d call it “saucy,” but it is definitely fun. If you like word searches, wordplay, crosswords, or mental agility exercises, this linguistic puzzle game should be right up your [five-letter word for “space between two buildings.”]

Price: Free

Version reviewed: 1.1.2

Requires iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch, iOS version 5.0 or later

Download size: 3.3 MB

Clever Clues on Apple App Store