5 stars... with a caveat
This app is a awesome concept! The fact that it's free forces me to give it 5 stars just due to the fact that I can't really complain about an app that is free and 90% great.
The complaint I do have (I lied about not really complaining) is the UI/keyboard can use some tweaking. The crosswords don't fit on the screen properly so there is always some that is off screen. Also, having option to skip filled words, and have the tab key (I use a BT keyboard) skip to the next word, vs. next letter would be outstanding. Basically, if you ripped off the NYTXW layout, this app would be perfect. I would definitely be willing to pay for a polished up version of this.Sluggo63
Developer Response
Thanks for the feedback! Skipping filled-in words is coming soon, and I'll get to work on the tab key implementation. I'm aware of the problems with the keyboard covering up parts of the puzzle, and it not auto-scrolling to the focused cell. I'm trying to work on a good fix, so look for an update soon! Edit: It now skips filled words if the setting is turned on Edit 2: I have added keyboard shortcuts support using arrow keysGreat app, needs some UI tweaks
If you’re into crosswords, you should already have this app on your phone. I’d say it’s second only to the NYT crossword app; you get access to 6 different high-quality crosswords a day from several notable newspapers. I would absolutely be willing to pay a few bucks for this app, and I would encourage the developer(s) to create some sort of monetization strategy or donation system so users can support them.
The single problem this app has is that its in-game UI is somewhat clunky. When entering clues, part of the puzzle is always obscured, meaning you need to scroll back and forth as you go. Also, I think the NYT interface (in which the cursor automatically skips filled squares) should be an inspiration for future development here.
However, I highly appreciate the use of native apple interface features, such as the keyboard. So many apps overlook how this affects user experience, but the dev(s) here totally get it!
If the dev(s) could rearrange the interface to eliminate these very minor issues, my review is easily 5 stars.
QUICK EDIT: It would also be nice to have optional notifications for individual subscriptions. For example, I like doing the USA Today puzzle and wouldn’t mind a reminder when the next day’s crossword is published.Thetgi
Developer Response
Thank you for the feedback! Skipping filled words is coming soon. I'm aware of the keyboard covering up the puzzle and scrolling issues - I'm working on a fix that would keep the native keyboard. Notifications may take a while longer, but look forward to an update soon! Edit: It now skips filled words, and I've released an update that hopefully solves most of the scrolling/hiding issues.Lovely concept with some rough edges
Would be nice to be able to add puzzles of our own or add subscriptions not appearing in the list already.
Would also love to be able to intelligently jump to the next open box, rather than to the next clue.
Also nice would be a timer (with finished puzzles showing your time instead of a green check.
Finally, a statistics page (akin to the nytimes crossword’s stats) would be great.
One last little detail: the final row of the puzzle is slightly covered by the keyboard, which is a bit unsightly.
Edit 10/5:
I’m having a recurring bug where puzzles appear twice in the list.danielhopper
