Wordle burst onto the scene in late 2021 and has quickly become a global phenomenon. The free online word game developed by software engineer Josh Wardle challenges players to guess a 5-letter word in just 6 tries.

Gameplay (4/5)

The gameplay mechanics of Wordle are incredibly simple yet highly addictive. Each guess must be a valid 5-letter word. After submitting a guess, the letters change color to show how close your guess was to the word. Green means the letter is correct and in the right spot. Yellow means it's in the word but in the wrong spot. Gray means the letter isn't in the word at all.

The color clues after each guess create a fun and strategic experience. You start out with no information, blindly guessing words that use common letters. As the colors give you more information, you narrow down the remaining possibilities. Solving each puzzle in as few guesses as possible becomes highly satisfying.

Presentation (5/5)

While incredibly basic visually, the clean and minimalist look of Wordle adds to its appeal. The simple grid, virtual keyboard, and color-changing tiles are all you need for this addictive game. No complicated graphics, animations, or menus get in the way. The presentation aligns perfectly with the game’s straightforward but clever concept.

Value (5/5)

For a game that has brought so much joy to millions and created a cultural phenomenon, the fact that Wordle is completely free to play makes it an incredible value. With no ads or in-app purchases, the only cost is the time you happily give to this diversion. Being able to share scores and compete with friends without paying a cent makes Wordle a must-play.

Overall (4.5/5)

Insanely simple yet endlessly entertaining, Wordle has captured lightning in a bottle. The daily word game is a refreshing break from bloated app games. Its elegantly designed gameplay has made it a worldwide favorite. Wordle is a masterclass in less is more.

Play it here