Show HN: Zanagrams (zanagrams.com)

Article summary

The article presents a word-based puzzle game called Zanagrams, where players find words within a set of letters. The game includes features such as bonus words and a scoring system. The discussion reveals that the game uses a combination of AI and manual curation to select words and generate puzzles. Players can find multiple words, including bonus words, and the game provides definitions for the words after they are found.

Main themes

• Word games
• Puzzle generation
• Game design
• Scoring systems
• User feedback

What commenters say

• The game's use of bonus words is seen as a fun feature, but some players feel that all words should count towards the score, regardless of whether they are bonus words or not.
• The game's design, including the disappearing letters and connections, is praised for its progressive feel and ability to make the puzzle easier to solve as players find more words.
• Some players suggest that the game should automatically find the root word when a plural form is found, to avoid feeling like finding the plural is 'cheap'.
• The game's scoring system is seen as flawed, with some players suggesting that it should count the number of attempts made to solve the puzzle, rather than just the time taken.
• Players appreciate the game's feature of providing definitions for the words after they are found, which adds a learning aspect to the game.
• Some players feel that the game should have an undo feature or hints to help players who get stuck, while others believe that the game's current design is sufficient.