Pictoword is a word puzzle game by Kooapps. It was released for iOS on March 1, 2013 and for Android on May 31, 2013.
Gameplay
In Pictoword, the player will “read” two pictures to form a word. The puzzles can be a combination of the pictures (A picture of an ear and ring will form Earring), a homonym (A picture of a knight and mare will form Nightmare) or what the pictures sound like (A picture of a taxi and dough will form Tuxedo).
Coins
Coins are the main currency in the game. It can be used to buy Boosts that help you on completing levels like “Reveal 1st Photo” and buying theme packs.
Coins can be earned by completing levels, watching ads, completing daily quests and daily puzzles, and buying them in the shop.
Ask
Pictoword “Ask” feature lets you request help from your circle of friends from different social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram in solving a level that you got stuck at. The Pictoword team sometimes even gives players clues when they use this feature!
Theme Packs
Theme Packs can be unlocked at level 25 on iOS and level 13 on Android. This feature allows players to buy special theme packs that have puzzles specialized on a certain theme like movies, superheroes, and animals.
Players need to buy these theme packs using coins. These packs range from Easy up to Extreme difficulty.
Boosts
Boosts are features that help you complete a level. They can be used by paying coins. The following are the currently available boosts in game:
Remove a Letter - 10 coins
Reveal a Letter - 35 coins
Reveal 1st Photo - 70 coins
Reveal 2nd Photo - 70 coins
Show Definition - 100 coins
Skip Puzzle - 150 coins
Quests
Quests are mini missions that you can accomplish to earn coins that you can then spend in-game. These quests are refreshed daily and there is a “Completed” section where you can check the quests you’re already done. The following are some of the sample quests available in-game:
Play a daily puzzle
Finish a total of 10 puzzles
Watch a Video ad
Use a Reveal Photo Boost
Shop at the Coins store
Shop at the Boosts store
Zoom in to a Photo
Finish 5 puzzles in a day
Ask for help on Twitter
Unlock a Theme Pack
Use 5 “E” in Puzzles
Win team bonus
Family
Family is a feature that allows players to join communities. Players can join a family or create their own. The “Join Family” feature can be unlocked by paying 100 coins. The “Create Family” on the other hand, can be used by subscribing to a VIP membership. It is one of the said subscription’s perks.
VIP Subscription
VIP Subscription can be unlocked by paying real-time currency. The following are the perks of becoming a VIP:
No Ads
500 Coins Weekly
Free Dictionary Hint
Create Families
Exclusive Puzzle Packs
The subscription can be unlocked using the following payment methods:
$1.99/Week with Free 7 Day Trial
$4.99/Month
$24.99/Year
VIP Subscription can be canceled anytime. With Pictoword VIP you will have unlimited access to all exciting puzzles. This subscription will automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current subscription period.
Theme Packs
Pictoword comes in 14 Theme Packs, which can be unlocked by coins earned in the game.
Reception
Pictoword received a score of 84% from Appstime, saying that "With multiple categories and difficulty levels, Pictoword makes a perfect puzzle game for all age groups by just using two images." Apps Thunder liked the concept and the user friendly interface, and gave it a 4.1/5 rating. Gnome Escape liked the various theme packs, and said that "Pictoword is one of those addicting puzzle games that make you think outside the box and see images in a new light." Get Android Stuff was less enthusiastic in their review, saying that game is quite slow and boring, but liked that the game is easy to play and is suitable for all ages.