Merv Griffin’s Crosswords brings about a mobile experience based on the popular TV gameshow where contestants work clues and try to complete a crossword puzzle for the chance to win cash and prizes.  It’s a strategic and fast-pace game of word play that’s appealing to all ages and skill levels.

Like the TV show, the mobile game is comprised of four rounds to determine a winner.  In Round 1, you and a computer opponent go head-to-head and battle to answer clues, trying to fill in as much of the crossword puzzle as possible.  Whoever answers the clue correctly earns cash to their pot. If answered incorrectly, the amount is subtracted.

Round 2 doubles the money amounts and also introduces three new contestants known as Spoilers.  These players respond to questions that the two original contestants may answer incorrectly, and in doing so, can take their spot on the podium and money.  If you find yourself in this position, you now play the role of a Spoiler and must try to win your spot back.  This continues on through Round 3 but you must be on one of the two podium spots if you wish to make it to Round 4.

In this final round, the remainder of the two contestants with the largest money amount is the only one who can participate.  The final contestant must answer and spell each answer correctly and complete the puzzle within the allotted time, 90 seconds, to win the grand prize.  Of course, that’s assuming you made it this far.

This final shot is not guaranteed given that the clues can be difficult to decipher and the fact that the Spoilers can really throw a wrench in your plans.  They constantly add pressure to answer correctly and many times, it’s very tough to get a spot back on the podium if you’ve been removed.  It might seem unfair at times, but that’s the way the ball bounces in this game.

One more item that adds to the difficulty of the game is the actual input of the words.  Those handsets that have a QWERTY keyboard should have no problems, but if you’re playing with a traditional handset that requires triple-tap sequences to input word characters, you’re in for some aggravation.  Not only must you be correct in typing, but you must also do it quickly because of the timer to answer the clues.  They aren’t very forgiving with allotted time.

Merv Griffin’s Crosswords also features a Casual mode that allows users to fill in a Crossword puzzle at their leisure.  It’s just like those you’d find in the daily paper or elsewhere.  Whether you are a fan of the show, or love crosswords, you should check it out.