My one annoyance is with the dictionary: it challenges some words you'd think it would accept, while accepting some words you'd think it would reject. If in doubt, doublecheck a word with it prior to finalizing your move, or add words to your own custom dictionary.

Overall, though, MacSoft's Scrabble exemplifies the benefits of converting a board game to software. No more tedious adding up points for tiles--the computer does it all for you!

The game is a joy to play. There are numerous modes (e.g., 2 or 3 letter words, anagrams, 'bingo' or 7 letter words, etc.); numerous set ups (one or many players, networking, human or computer players); and different levels of difficulty. Sometimes I play for the sole purpose of learning new words, in these sessions I use extensively the hint menu and the word suggestion menu. For a word lover it is pure joy.

The interface is beautiful--it is an excellent mix of the quaint traditional feel and possibilities of technology. Although different 'look and feel' are available from high tech, to desert, landscape, etc.

The game set up menu is a bit clunky (player selection, score summaries, etc.). Regardless this is a great design.

Highly recommended for all ages

The game is positively additive. Both adjectives can be equally applied - which parent can complain when a child will sit for an hour playing a game that expands his vocabulary, spelling and strategy? Our vocabulary has been broadened too.

Although we give the game 5 stars overall, there are a couple of glitches that could be ironed out for better play. Maven (the computer player) is both judge and jury in game play and assumes that he, and he alone, knows all words. If he doesn't recognise a word opponents are instantly chalenged and loose their turn. There is no opportunity for "appeal" or the facility to educate the computer as you play. The custom dictionary feature is not entirely intuitive and can only be revised outside game play which gives the computer opponent a distinct advantage. One can avoid such conflicts by checking the on-screen dictionary before playing the word, but that's not really how the game is played.

The computer's suggestions for word play are slightly limited - it manages to see individual words, but lacks the breadth of perception to "see" stacked word play and the higher points that can be played in this manner. It also isn't particularly good on strategy.

These niggles aside, we are happy to give the game an unequivocal "two thumbs up". As a way to hone skills and play a game when either no-one else wants to or is available, it's great.

The addition of a dictionary, in addition to the games screen views only adds to the excitement that the boardgames lacks when it comes to design and usefulness. The people at Hasbro have done it again, and I am totally elated that they decided to release this updated version on CD-ROM.

So if you are a single player in look for some major competition, or want to compete with a friend online, Scrabble is your guarantee for an entertaining time. Add this to your shopping basket today, and see what I am raving about.