Word Ace makes the jump into the physical realm 16
Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:46 pm EST
Easily one of the most popular and original games for webOS, Word Ace’s developers at Self Aware Games have made the jump into the physical realm. If you’ll take a trip back in time with us, Word Ace’s development actually began in the physical form, so the folks at Self Aware Games knew that the game would work as cards. So they made cards.
A limited-run of 102-card Word Ace decks has been produced and they’re available to you, the eager buying public. Each Word Ace deck also comes with an instructional leaflet that’s been hand numbered and signed by the development team. Interested? A single deck will run you $24.99 - hop on over to the Self Aware Games website for more instruction. And check out that crazy awesome card back, would ya?
[via: The MX Web]
16 Comments
I was hoping these could be purchased, but $25 for a card game is a bit much.
It's a very limited edition run card game. Though I suppose like any good business if there turns out to be sufficient demand they may expand the production run. Just speculation here, though.
I have a feeling it could be very popular. Hope to see it in WalMart soon!
It's not that much for a limited run of custom cards... I think self-aware did a great job designing them. I ordered 2. :)
Did they take this game out of the app catalog?
It should still be there! We just released v.1.0.4, which adds player ratings and a neat little expanded info box when you click on a player profile. If you can't find it in the catalog, please make sure you've got the latest version of webOS (some refurb phones seem to get shipped with really early versions of webOS). Thanks!
@selfawaregames Grats on the jump to IRL. I am sure everyone will have a great time playing the game! keep up the good work.
I'm on 1.3.1. In the app catalog it said there was an update to when I click the icon it shows an error. I removed the application and did a search for 'Word' in the app catalog and the only thing that came up was Card Ace.
One advantage that the card game has over the online versions - you can see if your opponents are cheating by using a website like Anagrammer.
Eh personally I find the game a bit broken. Some letters are worth an insane amount and are relatively easy to use. Some letters are impossible to use.
A Q is only worth the same as an X? I've used Xs a bunch of times, I've never used a Q. Why? Because Qs are pretty much useless without Us. I've only gotten a Q with a U once. The Q probably needs to be done like scrabble and packaged with a U.
It's probably just me but I don't think any card should be worth more than 4 points and most cards should be in the 1-2 point range.
Just my opinion though!
You aren't alone. Word Ace, while a great idea, has enormous balancing issues, in terms of point and letter distribution.
The Q is the only 10 point card in the deck - and it's more because it's a very difficult-to-use card. The way Word Ace is balanced, the basic idea was that most of the time, players with good words should win, but that in some cases, a really good draw can change the odds.
Without a broader distribution of letter values (if everything was 1-4 points), then it would almost entirely come down to word length. We had to strike a balance where a shorter word made of harder to use letters would still be powerful against a longer word made up of really common letters. But then the length bonus kicks in to make those low-scoring letters worth more as you get into 5/6/7 letter words.
I definitely appreciate the feedback on the game's balance - I'd never say that it's perfect, but I think it accomplishes the goals we set out. :)
Just ordered my deck!
Re: the back of the deck, what does the inscription say? Is it Latin?
"Nosce te ipsum," or, "Know thyself" in Latin. Figured it'd be a good thing for a Self Aware Game. :)
My deck arrived today!