WORK FORCE appears to be attempting the impossible with its Computaword, with predictable results. It is difficult to think of any advantages a computerised crossword might have over the simple but much-loved printed variety and Computaword fails to demonstrate any. Not only would you have difficulty in taking it on the train but it presents all kinds of other obstacles, such as the time it takes for the grid to display, the difficulty of consulting clues, and the laboriousness of entering answers. All of those difficulties could be abolished by using paper and pen.
The program might have offered a crossword which was more intelligent than an ordinary one but that is not the case. Computaword accepts incorrect answers; if you ask it for help it fills-in the whole crossword rather than answering one clue; and, to top it all, it even plays Congratulations after it has supplied the correct solution for you.
There are 10 puzzles which adds to the variety but also to the total amount of loading time needed before you can play. The crosswords are straightforward but difficult to solve, so that the program would not even be suitable for introducing newcomers to crosswords.
5th May 1984
