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Most parents know Scrabble, the classic word game conceived way (way) back in 1938. Today’s youth might only know it as Words with Friends, the multi-player, cross-platform word game that often finds itself tucked snug in a “Games” folder on a teenager’s beloved iPhone. However you slice it, Scrabble is simply a household name, and a staple in any board game collection. And at the ripe age of 22, I’m lucky enough to say I had the pleasure of playing both the original, and the more modernized version of the game. Despite being a Words with Friends prodigy (excuse my cockiness), I often fell short when it came to playing the classic version opposite my Mom. She’s got s-k-i-l-l-s.

This year, Hasbro has a new twist in store for Scrabble, literally and figuratively.

Designed for kids ages 8 and up, Hasbro’s new pass and play word game Scrabble Twist introduces yet another exciting way to have letter-swapping, word-forming fun. Made to encourage group play, this handheld game can be played with as many as eight people, offering the chance for even more word enthusiasts to get involved.

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Scrabble Twist is similar to the original in that players build words in an attempt to earn as many points as possible. But really, that’s just about where the similarities end.

With three different playing modes, Scrabble Twist has a game to accommodate both large and small groups. In party mode, it’s a knockout round for two to eight players. In this game, all players get the same five letters, and they each have ten seconds to form a word. Once a word is formed, the device is passed around the circle and the remaining players attempt to form their own word. Fail to form a word in ten seconds and you’re out! The cycle continues until only one player remains and is crowned the winner.

In turbo mode, players go head-to-head in an all-out effort to score the most points. With a 60-second timeframe and the same sets of letters, players bank as many words as possible before handing it over to the competition. When all is said and done, the unit displays which number player (P1, P2, etc.) took home the “W.” Unlike the classic version of Scrabble, scoring in this game is based purely on length of word. So for example: three-letter words are worth three points, four-letter words are worth five points, and five-letter words are worth seven points.

Finally, in solo mode, players can hone their word-spotting skills and sharpen their artistry all on their own, without the pressure of competition. Can you beat your own high score?

Each game mode can be adjusted to give players either more or less time to discover words. There are easy, mid, and pro level options available.

Playing solo mode for me was quite entertaining, and figuring out how to work the handheld device took me no longer than a few minutes. Twisting the handle will cycle you through various game modes and options, and clicking one of the five display buttons with allow you to select your choice. It’s enjoyable and addicting play in the palm of your hands, and with a little bit more practice, I’ll be ready to take on even the very best.

Your move, Mom.

About the author

Joe Ibraham

Joe Ibraham

Joe Ibraham is the Art Director at the Toy Insider, the Toy Book, and the Pop Insider. He creates all graphic content for the Toy Insider, the Pop Insider, and the Toy Book social channels, including promos and stagnant graphics, as well as all signage, programming, and media graphics for various networking events. Joe shoots, edits, and manages all YouTube content for the Toy Insider and Pop Insider brand, including Play by Play videos, event videos, and other promotional videos. When he's not in the office, you can find Joe in the gym or hanging with his friends and family. He loves music, basketball, and art in a variety of forms. He STILL wonders why Drake and Josh is not available on Netflix.

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