A codeword is a completed crossword but with the letters represented by numbers. The object of the game is to work out which number corresponds to which letter and hence to reveal the finished crossword. Try it!. It's a challenging pattern recognition game and test of word power (and sometimes, spelling!).
Please refer to the Figures. The program has randomly assigned the numbers 1-26 to the letters A-Z. It shows you a crossword grid in which, apart from three starting letters, only the numbers are shown. Using the mouse you assign letters to numbers and the program fills in the corresponding boxes in the grid. If you get it right, eventually the crossword will be complete. If you make mistakes you can change assignments and the program will update the grid accordingly. The small number of letter to number assignments are given to help you get started.
The words used to create the crossword grids were taken from Brian Kelk's UK English wordlist. The icons for the green buttons used in the toolbar were created by the Axialis Team.
At the start of each game the program randomly chooses a crossword from its large internal collection and then randomly assigns the numbers 1-26 to the letters A-Z. The numbers assigned to each letter are displayed at the top left of each square in the crossword. By default, three of the letters are also exposed as clues to get you started. Your task is to work out all the other assignments and hence solve the puzzle.
The two top rows of the board list the numbers from 1 to 26, and the row below the letters A to Z. By responding to the mouse these three rows provide your interaction with the program. The crossword grid is not an input device and will not respond to the mouse.
To assign a letter to a number left click on the letter in the letters row, then left click on the number in the numbers row (this also works in the reverse order). If you think you've made mistakes you can undo assignments by right clicking on the letter in either row.
At the very top of the display the three green buttons: start a new game, give an extra clue and show the solution. The extra clue button will add a new clue each time it is clicked until the puzzle is completely revealed. If you select to show the solution the complete puzzle is revealed and any errors you've made are highlighted in the letters row. The File menu allows you to set the number of start clues. This will only come into effect when a new game is started.
The box next to the Toolbar contains the puzzle number. It can be used for selecting puzzles: simply enter the puzzle number and hit Enter. The 3000 puzzles are numbered 0-2999. This facility enables players to challenge their friends to try particular puzzles they have found interesing.
