Post-Wordle, the sport that went full viral earlier this yr — phrase video games have gone ballistic. They’re completely in all places.
And for higher of worse, most are Wordle clones. There’s Quordle, Orcordle, Dordle, Sedecordle, Waffle… that is only the start. There Lewdle, which is like Wordle for swear phrases. There’s Heardle, which is Wordle for music. Framed is Wordle for films. Oh, and we will not overlook Worldle (not a typo) which is Wordle for geography buffs. My private favorite? Squabble, which is basically Wordle Battle Royale and some of the chaotic video games I’ve performed this yr.
It’s uncontrolled.
But Knotwords is totally different. You ought to positively play Knotwords.
What is Knotwords?
First and foremost, Knotwords is a phrase sport. It splices the DNA of crosswords with anagrams, mixing them seamlessly in a approach that is type of much like Wordle. But, in contrast to the smorgasbord of Wordle clones at present vying for area on-line, Knotwords feels distinctive and distinct.
Here’s what a knotword seems like…
This is what a Knotword seems like to start with.
Zach Gage and Jack Schlesinger
Knotwords is, basically, a collection of anagrams that join seamlessly like a crossword puzzle. It’s a kind of magical puzzle video games that — to start with — appears outright not possible, however when you begin breaking issues down into discrete little models, the entire puzzle comes collectively in a approach that is extraordinarily satisfying. Like the very best puzzle video games, Knotwords guides you gently, but in addition makes you’re feeling like a goddamn genius.
Who made Knotwords?
Knotwords begins out cruisy, however rapidly ramps up the issue.
Zach Gage and Jack Schlesinger
Knotwords is the brainchild of Zach Gage and Jack Schlesinger. The pair have a historical past of making fascinating new spins on present, age-old classics. Gage made headlines with a sport known as Really Bad Chess again in 2016. He’s additionally made bizarre spin-off video games based mostly on Solitaire.
Where can I play Knotwords?
Unfortunately enjoying Knotwords requires an app obtain. Given the success of pure browser video games like Wordle, I anticipated Knotwords to be playable direct from an internet site, however you’ll have to obtain this sport without spending a dime both on the App Store or on Google Play. It’s additionally out there on Steam, however solely as a full value sport.
Unlike Wordle, Knotwords has properly been monetized from the get go. On cell you possibly can pay for an annual subscription or buy the sport outright. Both of those choices present further puzzles and entry to archives.
What’s so superior about Knotwords?
Knotwords is simply extremely polished and properly designed. As a core puzzle sport it really works effortlessly. It’s simple sufficient to select up, however difficult sufficient to require full focus from the participant. I bored with Wordle in the long run, primarily as a result of the identical methods labored most days. Knotwords is extra layered and requires agile pondering always.
It’s additionally extremely sticky. It’s fantastically executed and tactile, particularly in cell app type. I discovered Knotwords a pleasure to play with its little sound results and delicate Wii Sports-esque soundtrack bopping within the background. The presentation is pure perfection.
Knotwords additionally options an awesome problem curve. The each day challenges are good and breezy, however if you wish to be challenged Wordle can rapidly crank issues up a notch. Definitely value a attempt.
Wordle is out there now on the App Store, Google Play and Steam.