Take a Break! Crosswords

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Take a Break! Crosswords
Developer(s) Dynamix
Presage Software (Macintosh) [1]
Publisher(s) Sierra On-Line [1]
Platform(s) Windows
Macintosh
Release1992
Genre(s) Puzzle [2]

Take a Break! Crosswords is a 1992 puzzle video game developed by Dynamix and published by Sierra On-Line for Windows and Macintosh. The Macintosh version was developed by Presage Software.

Contents

Gameplay

Take a Break! Crosswords players are challenged to a collection of 750 crossword puzzles drawn from Dell Magazine, each sortable by difficulty (Easy, Medium, Hard), size (ranging from 13x13 to 19x19), and author. The game offers a variety of play styles, including over twenty themed specialty puzzles—from holiday challenges to Star Trek tributes and punanagrams. Gameplay unfolds within a Windows-compatible interface that keeps the entire puzzle visible onscreen, eliminating the need for scrolling. Players can tailor their experience by selecting a proficiency level (Apprentice, Puzzler, or Fanatic), enabling or disabling auto-checking, and choosing whether to be scored against a time limit. Additional features include hints, a 65-page built-in crossword dictionary, automatic word advancement, and the ability to highlight intersecting clues. Digitized speech, sound effects, and animated graphics enhance the presentation, while puzzles can be printed for offline play. [3]

Reception

The Oregonian said "Developed by Eugene-based Dynamix, "Take a Break Crosswords" should be a popular gift option for the upcoming holiday season". [4]

Compute! said "Although designed for breaks in the workday, Crosswords Deluxe is an ideal way to jump-start your brain on those particularly slow mornings. It's more natural than caffeine, but no less habit-forming". [5]

References

  1. 1 2 "Take a Break Crosswords". Presage Software. Archived from the original on June 14, 1997. Retrieved January 22, 2025.
  2. "Sierra On-Line" (PDF). Computer Gaming World . January 1993. p. 188. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 11, 2013. Retrieved January 22, 2025.
  3. 1 2 "Take a Break Crosswords". Computer Game Review . February 1994. p. 34. Retrieved January 22, 2025.
  4. Chase, Randy (November 18, 1992). "Software Review". The Oregonian . p. 28. Archived from the original on May 6, 2025. Retrieved January 22, 2025 via Newspapers.com.
  5. May, Scott (August 1994). "Take a Break Crosswords". Compute! . p. 105,106. Retrieved January 22, 2025.