Previous Next

Writing a home computer version of Scrabble might seem like an impossibility, but Psion has got 90 per cent of the way there. Up to four players can play, and all or none of them can be the computer. There are four skill levels (and hence four speeds) and the program beat me on level 2.

Besides all the permutations fo players and skill levels, there are several other options, and even a modified display if you have a monochrome TV.

Being able to see the players' letters makes it less of a gamble to change letters. You can opt to see the computer's letters or not - and you can also watch it trying out different moves if you want.

About 11,000 words are held in the program's dictionary - not a lot compared to the Oxford Dictionary, but pretty good for a Spectrum. Each time you enter a word it's checked against the list, and if no match is found, the computer asks "Are you sure about...?" Type Y for Yes and it takes you word for it; a great temptation to cheat if you're losing.

Excellent error-trapping, a good display, and a booklet which explains both the game rules and the program's operation. Too easy for the real Scrabble fanatic, perhaps, but for most of us a unique and fascinating program.

R.E.