Word Games for the Macintosh

There are many great games made specifically for Macintosh computers, and some of the best are word games. If you like your entertainment a intellectually stimulating, there are several good games to choose from, which are not only great for building vocabulary and spelling skills but are also suitable for the whole family to play. You can play a leisurely game for the fun of it or race the clock, and word games are also interesting and fun activities for students.

Bookworm

In "Bookworm", you are presented with a screen full of tiles and must make words by connecting letters on the tiles. Once you make a word, the letters disappear and the tiles drop down, giving you more options. There is the occasional burning letter that you have to watch out for-you have to use it as quickly as possible, or it will burn down to the bottom of the screen and the game is over. There are also bonus letters and bonus words, too. Use them for extra points. The game is presided over by a happy green worm in glasses named Lex, and you can play either in "Classic" mode or "Action" mode, where time is of the essence. The game is suitable for children, but anyone who likes to play word games will enjoy "Bookworm". "Bookworm" is available for purchase at Pop Cap Games, and you can play for free online at their website.

Big Kahuna Words

In "Big Kahuna Words", you must also connect letters in order to make words. The longer the word, the more points you get, and if you use various specialty tiles, you get more points. Some of the levels have challenges built in which you must solve before you can progress, and in the full version, there is even a level editor so that you can create your own challenges. You can play either in "Relaxed" mode, with no time limit, or "Action". "Big Kahuna Words" is set among reefs and tropical islands, so the background themes involve sharks, fish and the mighty tiki totem. You can download a one-hour demo version of the game, or purchase the full version from Reflexive Games.

Bonnie's Bookstore Deluxe

Bonnie wants to become a writer of children's books. To achieve this goal, she has to work her way through a series of puzzle levels, making words, gaining points, and avoiding the dreaded Writer's Blocks. The background for each level is a different children's story, and if you finish all the levels, Bonnie fulfills her dream of becoming a writer. As a game, "Bonnie's Bookstore" is suitable for all ages, but the children's story theme may make is especially attractive to children. Although originally developed by Pop Cap, the company does not seem to be supporting the Mac version as of the end of 2009. But "Bonnie's Bookstore Deluxe" for Mac can now be found at Red Marble Games, where you either buy the full version or get the demo.