Namco Networks and USA TODAY today announced the availability of USA TODAY Txtpert on mobile phones, a word puzzle game that tests consumers’ texting abilities. USA TODAY Txtpert by Namco is the mobile version of the popular word puzzle that recently launched in USA TODAY.

USA TODAY Txtpert, which is based on a board game concept created by Games Play UK, challenges players with a twist on traditional crossword puzzles – the clues have been replaced with numbers. Similar to "texting" on a mobile phone, players can decode these numeric clues by referencing the telephone-style number pad that is included with the puzzle. For example, the number 2 could be the letters A, B or C because those are the letters found on the number 2 key. The clue for the word "cat" would be the number 228 but those same numbers also spell out the word "bat."

“USA TODAY Txtpert challenges players to solve crossword puzzles, but first they must solve the clue, which makes for an interesting twist,” said Christy Hartsell, director of brand licensing for USA TODAY. “Fans of crossword puzzles, brainteasers and logic games are going to enjoy the challenge that Txtpert provides.”

In the mobile game from Namco, players use the phone’s text-friendly keypad to enter letters as quickly as possible. The mobile game also features two unique word games, Txtword and Down-word. Txtword Mode requires players to complete a crossword puzzle in a limited amount of time. Down-Word Mode requires players to complete words as they drop down from the top of the screen. Clear them out before they reach the top of the screen or its game over. Each puzzle includes words from one of 33 genres.

Consumers are able to customize USA TODAY Txtpert to their skill level and preferences. Both game modes can be played at a normal or hard difficulty. At normal difficulty, players are allowed to use cheats to uncover a select number of letters should players need a hint. At the hard difficulty level, no cheats are available. Consumers can further personalize their game play experience by selecting one of three soundtracks to listen to and one of nine themed backgrounds.

As players progress, new levels can be unlocked and power-ups, like bombs that quickly clear stacking words, are awarded. With more than 8,000 words, USA TODAY Txtpert offers consumers an unlimited number of puzzle combinations and endless hours of challenging fun on their mobile phone.

USA TODAY Txtpert is available today on select national carriers.