Play Bookworm Online

Play Bookworm Online

As a refresher, in Bookworm, you are given the task of forming words from a grid of tiles. You link together adjacent letters and form the longest word you can. While there is no time limit, per se, there is a distinct element of strategy and the feeling of being "under the gun" thanks to the red flaming tiles. If you only form short three-letter words, these red tiles appear more often. If you seek out longer (five, six, seven… as many as twelve letter) words, then these fiery tiles don't appear as often. With each successive word created, the flaming tile burns one layer closer to the bottom of the field. Should one of these touch the bottom, the game is over.

Literati (particularly fans of Scrabble) will instantly fall in love with this word-seeking title, as well as aficionados of the arcade and puzzle genres. It should really be little surprise that Bookworm, developed by PopCap Games, is one of the all-time most popular casual games.

Tips and Hints

Strategy goes a long way in this game, especially considering how there is no time limit. On the one hand, you have to manage the flaming tiles and ensure they don't reach the bottom. On the other hand, you want to form words with the greatest point value possible (green and golden letters provide bonus points). It is this delicate balance that provides much of Bookworm's appeal. And that cute invertebrate in the corner certainly doesn't hurt.

For more tips and hints, check out our official Bookworm Tips and Hints article.

Websites that Offer Bookworm for Free

Here are a few places online where you can play Bookworm online:

• PopCap Games: Well, this shouldn't be that much of a shock. PopCap Games is the official developer and distributor Bookworm, so it only makes sense that they carry the fantastic word game on their website. The basic free web-based game will satisfy your casual gaming needs, but if you really want to step it up, you may want to check out the Deluxe download (4.7MB). Playing in full-screen mode leaves squinting behind (the web-based game is in a rather small window).

• Yahoo! Games: Yahoo! is easily one of the best online destinations when it comes to enjoying free casual games, whether your interests are poker, mahjong, or puzzle games. All three variants of Bookworm are available there: the free web game with "limited features", the free trial download, and the full version which costs $24.99. Choose from the turn-based Classic Mode and the more hectic Arcade Mode.

• SpinTop Games: You won't find the free web-based version of Bookworm here, but you can get your hands on the trial download. After completing the allotted sixty minutes of the free trial, you are provided with the option to purchase the full game. Best of all, there are no additional downloads needed: just a serial number/product key.

• Big Fish Games: This big fish is in quite the big pond of free casual gaming websites. To set itself apart from the competition, they offer a gameplay video to give you a taste of how Bookworm plays, even before you attempt to play it yourself. Enjoy the free trial download (3.7MB), and then consider purchasing Bookworm Deluxe . If you buy additional games, you may qualify for as much as 65% off.

• Shockwave: Shockwave is a whole online community of casual game lovers, so of course Bookworm is here too. Play online for free, get the trial download at no charge, or purchase the complete edition for twenty-five bucks.