commonsensemedia

Published 13.04.2021 18:00

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Word Hookup

A lot or a little?

Parents need to know that Word Hookup is a word puzzle game app for iOS and Android devices. The gameplay may be easy enough for kids to play -- although some guidance given within the game can be confusing. Kids may be told they've entered the correct word, for instance, but if they haven't touched all the surrounding spaces on the board, they won't be able to advance to the next level until they do. Because they've been told the word is correct, it's not initially clear that means they need to re-enter the word. Ads also have a pretty frequent presence within the app, both on-screen while kids are playing and between rounds. If they can't figure a puzzle out, clues -- which cost coins -- offer the only chance to continue playing. The packages aren't outrageously expensive -- ads can be eliminated for $2.99, and the highest-priced package, which includes no ads, unlocking the levels, and unlimited coins -- is $9.99, but there doesn't seem to be any way to earn coins in the game for free unless you watch an ad. Even then, you don't get many.