Word Searcher is yet another attempt on Nintendo’s WiiWare platform to capture the so-called casual gaming audience, but falls flat on its face. A common trend I am noticing with WiiWare games is developers making games that would be better suited for a mobile platform such as the iPhone, DSiWare or even PlayStation Minis.
Finding words on a console game means nothing more than sitting in front of the screen while trying not to submit to sleep-inducing gameplay and remain conscious enough to make sense of the letters on the screen. I think I actually felt my heart rate slow and my breaths become slower as I continued trying to find breakfast-themed words while listening to the repetitive elevator music that plays continuously in the background.
The rules are simple; it’s word search. The game gives you 100 themed puzzles: colors, breakfast, Canadian cities, videogames, the list goes on…Too bad it doesn’t translate well into a game—unless you find entertainment in sitting down and watching a still screen for several minutes at a time.
Am I being a little unfair? Nope. Most of the casual crowd, even word search fans, would likely rather buy a book of puzzles for 99 cents or just find a free flash version. The rest would probably prefer to carry it around with them for long waits at the doctor’s office.
Even for the low price of five bucks I would have to say skip this one. Sure, a huge fan of word search puzzles might find some enjoyment. Might. For everyone else, there is far more to do with $5 on the Wii Shop Channel.
Pros: May serve well as a $5 cure for insomnia.
Cons: I've had more fun watching screensavers.
