Word Junction

Type of Program: Game Utility
Supported Platforms: Win 3.1/95
Company/Authors Name: Jack Heath and Jonathon Waldman
Version: 1.00
Price: free
Installed Size: 214.4kb

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Word Junction is a program that allows the user to build crossword and word search puzzles. They are made easy to build by using word groups. The program lets a user pick a word and place it in the puzzle. The user chooses the size from a menu and then adds the fill in words and blocks needed. The program is setup with a step by step procedure to accomplish this task. Step 1 is select a word-clue file. Step 2 is set puzzle appearance this is where you choose the size, type and solid square color. Step 3 is specify advanced settings this is where you choose to select word and matches randomly, starting word, and number of tries. Step 4 is Generate/Print/Save puzzles it will also let you load previous save puzzles. You can do the steps in any order.

This program comes with one sample word list. To use your own words and clues you need to create your own list. You need to use a text editor and save the file with the .wrd extension. The first line contains the word which can be up to 24 characters in uppercase. The second line needs to be the clue which can be up to 80 characters. The number of words is only limited by the amount of memory you have. It is suggested that you keep the number of words to around a dozen. The sample puzzle has 23 large words (types of doctors). When I generated a 10x10 puzzle it was only able to include 9 out of the 23 words in the crossword type puzzle. When I generated a 20x20 puzzle it was able to include 21 out of the 23 words in the crossword type puzzle. The 20x20 word search puzzle was able to use 20 out of the 23 words. Smaller words have a better chance of all of them being included.   I think this would be a great program for teachers, newsletter writers, puzzle enthusiast, and more. The fact that it is free makes it even more attractive.

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Reviewed by Zonia J. Heath zonia@oio.net

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