Quick Take: TAG, you're It
June 24, 2008
It's been awhile since All-in-Play, the company known for its online multiplayer card games, has released anything new. But the outcry from many users for "something else" has finally been answered in the form of a game that has nothing to do with cards.
The Anagram Game, or TAG for short, takes what is normally a slow, quiet game and transforms it into a turbocharged word frenzy. But from our initial impressions, that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Though the rules differ depending on the table you choose, the basic premise is simple. Players (there can be up to eight at a table) are given a phrase consisting of two, three, or sometimes four words. For instance, the phrase might be "some purple penguins". After a period of initial thought, everyone must furiously think of as many smaller words as they can within the time limit, which is 90 seconds on the basic tables. Each anagram yields points, and the player that does the best scores a bonus at the end.
The usual compliment of features are also available in the downloadable client, including multi-user chat, a wealth of hotkeys, and plenty of user settings. Those familiar with the company's other games will find themselves right at home while new users will be able to learn the commands quickly. High-quality sound effects and music also make the playing experience more enjoyable.
TAG is still in development, and is free for the moment. Eventually, we would expect it to become a part of the company's monthly and yearly subscription plans.
This game fits the company's mold of producing online titles that are very simple to play and learn but addicting at the same time. It's certainly easy to turn an intended five minute break into an hour or two of constant playing, which happened to us on more than one occasion. Overall, we're glad to see All-in-play diversify their offerings, and look forward to following this game's development.