Boggle. Wordster. Letter-chain. You've seen the formula before, and chances are you've played the games. Players must search for three or more adjacent letters in a scrambled set of alphabet chaos to form words. It's a tried and true recipe for mind challenging play, and as human beings it's hard to resist the desire to exercise our brains by correcting the mess. It's a natural mannerism to try finding order in confusion, but it doesn't matter how you explain it because one thing is for sure. It's just downright fun. And if you like fun at all then it's probably correct to assume that you'd enjoy Acropolis, a new take on the word scramble blueprint by Gamehouse and Oberon Games.

Acropolis is like all of the others in its basic approach to the idea, but Gamehouse and Oberon weren't going to rest contently on the antique mode of play we all know so well. This time you don't get just a small hour glass and a pat on the back - they've upped the ante with special letter tiles that put a unique spin on the classic pasttime. Once you begin your arrangements you're presented with a random set of letters, and as you spell out words they'll disappear, making room for new tiles to fall into their place. The new tiles falling onto the field are gold, and once you've covered the area with all gold tiles you will progress to the next level. You're not working against a clock in Acropolis, but each time you enter a word your life meter will decrease. You must finish the level before it's gone or your game will be over. To help with the process you are given five word hints and five chances to shuffle the playing field.

Spelling words of five or more letters will earn a power up tile. These are an integral part of your success in the game, and they each present a different benefit, ranging from an extra shuffle to an extension of your life meter. After the first few stages you will discover the addition of challenging new tiles that require certain words or strategies to turn them into gold. There are frozen tiles that must be unlocked by playing adjacent tiles, double and triple tiles that must be used to spell two and three words, cage tiles that are used to spell any word in order to open, and tar tiles that only stay gold for four words. These special tiles definitely help throw new life into a game that has been done before, and they keep each of the dozens of levels interesting by adding a few puzzle elements.

Upon certain accomplishments such as spelling a six letter word or completing a level without hints or shuffles you will be rewarded with a trophy. There are eighteen trophies, all ranging in difficulty, and these small perks greatly add to the replay value of the game. The graphics are nothing extraordinary by any means, but they don't have to be. The design is complimentary to the gameplay, appropriately Grecian themed, and the numerous backdrops are easy on the eyes while you're raking your brain for words.

Acropolis' soundtrack is pretty sub-par - it's neither annoying nor enjoyable, but it succesfully fulfills the role of what it was made to be: background music, nothing more, nothing less. You'll probably tune all sound out once you're in the heat of unscrambling words, anyways. The game can be played in full screen or in a window, a great addition if you're trying to squeeze in some playtime at work or school. I have a feeling that those situations are pretty common with this title.

So would the Greek gods be proud of the game? Well, lets just say this - Acropolis is the Hercules of all word games. It's a delightful way to pass the time that's easy to play but hard to master, and with the addition of the trophies and a ton of levels it'll keep you coming back time and time again. For $19.95 you'd be hard pressed to find a better way to exercise your mind, but beware - the only real surprise you'll find here might just be your own vocabulary.