Appleletters (Review) (Updated)
by Bananagrams
Disclosure
This product was purchased by us. We did not receive compensation for this review. All opinions expressed are our own. This review includes an affiliate link. We may receive a small commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. See our full disclosure for more information.
Overview
Appletters is designed for 2-6 players (1-4 players in the improved edition) and includes game variations for ages 5 and up. The object of Appletters is to be the first player to use all of his or her tiles by forming words that, depending on which game variation is being played, can be connected to other words in a snake/worm-like or crossword-style manner.
Contents
- 110 - 3/4" Letter Tiles
- Fabric Apple-Shaped Zippered Storage Case
Price
- $14.95 (at the time of this review)
How to Play
There are several different ways to play Appletters, however, since this game has been improved, game variations will differ based on the edition purchased.
1 Appletters (2-6 players, ages 5 and up) (1-4 players in the improved edition)
Players start with 9 tiles (12-15 tiles in the improved edition), which they keep hidden from view of the other players. After the first word is played, players take turns adding words to the first and last letters to "make a snake/worm" in a manner similar to dominoes. The first player to use up his or her tiles wins.
2 Apple Turnover (2-4 players, ages 7 and up)
This variation is played like Appletters except that players start with 21 tiles instead of 9, and they can replace another player's word with a larger word. When a player's word is replaced, the player gets his or her tiles back. This makes it more challenging for players to use up their tiles.
3 Applescore (2-4 players, ages 7 and up)
This game is different from Appletters and Apple Turnover in that players play their tiles crossword-style instead of making a snake/worm. Score is also kept, and players try to build the longest words possible to earn bonus points. Once a player has used up his or her tiles, the player with the highest score wins. (This variation is not included in the improved edition.)
4 Apple Seed (1 player, ages 5 and up)
A player starts with 15 tiles and proceeds to play Appletters with a goal of making a snake/worm. If you can’t make a word, you pick 3 additional tiles. Use all of the tiles in your hand as quickly as possible, trying to do it faster each time. (This solo play variation is new in the improved edition.)
Educational Emphasis
Each game variation develops word building and word recognition skills and helps children improve their spelling. Having to form words beginning or ending in a specific letter adds an educational twist to word building.
The Good
With the exception of Applescore, the game variations challenge players to think of words beginning or ending in a specific letter. Rules can be modified so that players at different skill levels can play together.
- Multiple game variations and levels of play
- Great for all ages and skill levels
- Quality tiles and compact for storage and portability.
The Not-So-Good
The tiles are designed to stand up so that other players don't see them, but they can tip over fairly easily if the playing surface if bumped.
Tips
- Remove the Q, X, and Z tiles to make it easier for younger players.
- Set the maximum playable word length to 3 or 4 letters to level the playing field.
- Play on a stable surface.
Recommendation
We recommend Appletters to families homeschooling primary and middle school students.
Summary
This quality word building game is great for reinforcing spelling and word recognition skills. Since there are multiple game variations and levels of play, it's appropriate for both primary and middle school students. Appletters is a fun, quality game and has earned our Seal of Approval!