# Spy Words - Decode and Decipher Cryptograms — user reviews > 50 indexed App Store user reviews of Spy Words by Tony Ngo, rated 4.16/5 from 2,277 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spy-words-decode-and-decipher-cryptograms/id588578368/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spy-words-decode-and-decipher-cryptograms/id588578368.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 920 · 4★ 904 · 3★ 387 · 2★ 36 · 1★ 30 ## What do users think of Spy Words? Overall sentiment: positive **Pros** - 👍 User-friendly interface - 🤔 Challenging puzzles - 💡 Unique cryptogram design - 🎉 Fun and addictive gameplay **Cons** - 🤑 Paywall for additional content - 📝 Forced reviews to unlock features - 🔍 Lack of hints/solutions for stuck puzzles - 🔍 Precise controls on smaller screens **Commonly reported bugs** - App slowdown on some devices - Compatibility issues on older devices **Most requested features** - Ability to move between letters without reaching up - Option to show quote author - Automatic letter advancement - Larger playing area for easier visibility ## Newest reviews (18 of 50) ### 4/5 — Makes you think *2017-02-08, version 1.36* Great thinking and problem solving puzzle. Definitely takes some time to figure out the puzzles, but the app is user friendly. I received a note as soon as I downloaded that it makes your phone run slower, hopefully they can fix that. ### 4/5 — Good so far *2016-09-29, version 1.36* The app is asking for a review pretty early on in exchange for a free pack of puzzles, which is kind of strange since the tutorial literally just finished... But, so far the game is good. If you love cryptograms, this looks to have a lot of puzzles in it and it's very easy to use. ### 4/5 — Fun *2016-07-15, version 1.36* Pretty good so far, though really wish they would provide the author as part of the cipher - kind of an essential part of cryptoquotes. Also, only works in landscape mode for some reason. Nice interface. ### 4/5 — Fun *2016-06-29, version 1.36* I love cryptograms!! This one is unique from others that I have played, and it is considerably more challenging as well, but it is still really enjoyable, and when I recognize what a phrase is, it gives a sense of success. One thing that could be done better is a way to get hints without having to buy them and/or beating a level. ### 4/5 — Fun & Addictive *2016-05-11, version 1.36* Now I am annoyed. I took time to write a well thought out review only to find the nickname I'd chosen was already taken. So here's the deal; it is fun & addictive, but I don't like having to write a review to move to a second category, especially since I don't get to choose the category. An0yd! ### 4/5 — Review for more games... *2016-01-30, version 1.36* I am enjoying this cryptogram game and it's interface. It would be nice to have the option to turn on a wrong input indicator. Minus one star for having the review machine going in return for a free puzzle pack. But $0.99 adds up so I'll give my minute time for it. ### 4/5 — Too soon to tell. But good *2016-01-29, version 1.36* Just like others have mentioned, yeah, it's not the best review if you just started playing two minutes ago. However, so far, it seems pretty good. I only played the tutorial folder and it seems like a game with challenges that will come soon and has the possibility to become addicting and great. My issue - and consequently lack of star - results from the money. It's already difficult to find a worthwhile cryptogram game, now this one takes your money. It's not an arm and leg but the 99 cents add up. ### 4/5 — Challenging but Fun!! *2016-01-03, version 1.36* The tutorial is very basic yet informative. The game is easy to understand and is fun so far. My biggest complaint is that you must write a review to continue to the next level, and it seems other levels must be purchased. Not cool! The free levels are still worth it though! (: ### 4/5 — Pretty good. *2015-12-30, version 1.36* I like this game. Its pretty fun. I would have given it 5 stars, but it basically forces you to write a review. Also, even though it is fun, I've played more fun games in my life. Not that i don't like this, but, I've seen better ### 4/5 — Not your usual Cryptogram game - FUN *2015-12-08, version 1.36* Spywords is not your usual type of cryptogram game. Its unique design and set up makes it a bit more interesting and fun, with varying levels from easy-breezy to super challenging. The ability to earn hints as you solve each puzzle - the less hints you need or use, the more hints you earn for those really tough codes down the line. The In-App packages are 99-cents - totally affordable for those who become addicted - and give you more puzzles than anyone should be be spending time on 😀. Try the free version first to make sure you like it! ### 4/5 — So far so good *2015-08-29, version 1.36* I am enjoying the game so far. It is challenging, but in a good way. I have only worked on one topic and am writing this review to unlock another topic. One topic isn't enough to decide whether to pay to unlock more, so I will see how the second topic is before I decide. ### 4/5 — Seems good *2015-08-08, version 1.36* Only played a few levels before it wanted a review which isn't a big deal. The interface is good but a bit precise on an iPhone 5C. I image it works a bit better with a bigger screen. ### 4/5 — Worth getting *2015-08-06, version 1.36* I enjoy this game quite a bit -- it is the best of the cryptogram apps I've found so far. One thing that irks me, though, is that the name of the person who said or wrote the quote is never given. ### 4/5 — Pretty good *2015-06-11, version 1.36* Wish there was a space bar instead of having to tap the next letter. Hard to do from my phone because it is so small! Otherwise fun so far. ### 4/5 — Not too bad... *2015-05-07, version 1.36* I like the setup. The puzzles aren't difficult enough to warrant five stars but they don't start you off with a clue so that makes it interesting. If I get further along and the puzzles get harder then I will give it five stars but right now they are too easy. ### 4/5 — Not mind-numbing, but somewhat addictive *2015-04-08, version 1.36* I love cryptograms and this app is easy to use. I wish the puzzles weren't categorized so clearly because it's more of a hint than I'd like sometimes, but feels like a better time-passer than other game apps. Or so I like to tell myself :) ### 4/5 — Could use a couple of things *2015-04-07, version 1.36* Have solved quite a few puzzles before giving a review. It's fun enough. I wish the solved puzzle would indicate the source of the quote. And I wish these tired old eyes could make the playing area larger. I still have to fiddle with the settings to see if there are options like that. ### 4/5 — Newbie *2015-04-02, version 1.36* I've only had this game for a short while but so far it seems like a decent game. It would be better if it just automatically went to the next letter or had arrows to allow you to switch between letters. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — I didn't even get to play before review *2015-10-14, version 1.36* Shoving a review down my throat before I did more than complete the ridiculously easy tutorial mode is a horrible idea. If it had waited until after the first folder, when it was actually time to unlock another, maybe you would get a better review. But since you insist - based on my experience so far this game is too simple and obvious to be any fun if you actually have two neurons firing at the same time. 1/5 would not recommend. ### 1/5 — Forced to write *2015-06-25, version 1.36* Only played a bit so far. However, to open one of the categories, you must leave a review. Seems a bit of a way-how best to say it-sleazy way to get reviews. Hence, my one star. I may change it if i really enjoy the game. But this has already made me dislike the game, even though i haven't played enough to really form an opinion. ### 3/5 — It's okay *2018-01-09, version 1.36* It's decent. I suppose it's what you would expect from one of these games. I only had the chance to play the mini training round before I was compelled to write this review, so I don't have much more I can say. My 8-year-old daughter likes the one available music option. ### 3/5 — Forced review too early *2016-06-11, version 1.36* The tutorial was good. If anything, maybe too easy. However I haven't had a chance to play past the tutorial before the app is pushing me to review it. I will update my rating after actually having a chance to play it. ### 3/5 — I just didn't wanna pay for the next folder *2015-03-10, version 1.36* Pretty much I'm just writing this to get the next folder free. But yes I do like this game, no I have no friends. I do have a cat though, oh and a dog. But he ran away:/. I also like memrise I learned French because my ex was French but she left me when the dog ran away. She said I'm not responsible enough plus she turned out to be bopping my bro. ### 3/5 — Decent but tedious to pick letters *2014-11-26, version 1.36* I like that the game is free. I'm not thrilled about the pop-ups to review, but it's tolerable (and typical for free games). What I really don't like is having to go back & forth to pick letters -- tap letter in phrase above, tap letter in keyboard below. It would be better to do entirely on keyboard: tap target letter, tap letter to change it to, then "ok." More efficient and faster on iPad. ### 3/5 — Could be better, but I'm new to cryptograms *2014-10-12, version 1.36* 1) I don't like being constantly pestered to rate the app in order to open up more puzzles with no way to stop the pop-ups! 2) There's no option I can find to reveal a puzzle answer if you're hopelessly stuck. The clues only reveal up to 3 or 4 vowels, so if you can't get it from those then you'll never know the answer. But overall the game is fun. I still prefer crosswords and logic puzzles. ### 3/5 — Pretty good *2014-09-13, version 1.36* Overall the gameplay and controls are good, though you have to review right after tutorial so I withhold real judgement. The tutorial was easy but it's hard to say how difficult it will become, though so far it seems good for beginners. Most levels/packs you have to pay to play though... Not cool ### 3/5 — I feel I am forced to write this too soon, *2014-06-17, version 1.36* So far so good, but in order to continue to play one has to write a review right after getting out of the training mode. NOT COOL! It appears that you need to purchase different categories in order to play them. They seem cheap enough.....99 cents, but .99 adds up, pretty quickly. I don't think I should have to write a review before I truly had a chance to play it without the training wheels. There, you have my very honest assessment at this stage of the game. If this game becomes to costly to play, I will loose interest quickly. I will endeavor to keep cost down or quit playing. ### 4/5 — Good so far! *2018-01-17, version 1.36* I would like to see a feature next to the keyboard that allows me to move to the next letter without having to reach up into the puzzle to click it. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Very good *2016-05-18, version 1.36* I play a lot of cryptogram games. This one is a little different in that you can only get hints for vowels. That makes it more challenging but also frustrating. I've only finished one category so far and none have stumped me even though I did have to leave a couple and go back later to finish. You have to buy each category separately. I would prefer buying several or all at once. Overall, a fun game ### 5/5 — Omyrtrdyomg *2015-09-04, version 1.36* Guess my title? Well, if you can, you will love this app! I enjoy decoding these enjoyable games! They are divided into categories And there are free hints included if you need them, and you earn more hints as you solve the puzzles! Enjoy! ### 5/5 — I love this! *2015-07-25, version 1.36* So far, so good. The puzzles are increasing in difficulty and the interface is simple so I can focus on the puzzle and not trying to fettle answers down. Keep it up! ### 5/5 — Very fun! *2015-07-05, version 1.36* If you like cryptoquotes, I highly recommend this app. Combines intuition with skill and easy to play on a mobile device. I am still in the learning stages but I can see this could be a great way to have fun. ### 5/5 — Well done! *2015-03-30, version 1.36* Although, I agree, that it is very uncool to push for a review before one has a chance to fully experience a game, I have to say that the game play is easy to understand. The tutorial is good and the puzzles are challenging. I do like the fact that you can get a free puzzle just by writing a review, but I reiterate, not cool pushing it before one gets to fully experience the game play. It is to your advantage to let people get hooked first, which,they assuredly will! That having been said, I still gave it a 5 star, for the game play. ### 5/5 — I guess we'll see. *2015-03-26, version 1.36* Obviously I'm only writing this because the game said so, so here's my review. There are only two sections to play if you want to keep it free, and that's only money wise. Having to go and give a positive review is a waste of time and I hope this game is good, or I'll be extremely disappointed. Not mad, but disappointed. ### 5/5 — So far so good *2015-02-15, version 1.36* I've tried a few other crypto games that were free and so far this is the only one I actually like. LOVE playing these types of games so I'm looking forward to being challenged and entertained! ### 5/5 — Lttle Too Soon *2014-11-14, version 1.36* I agree with another reviewer: this game seems fun, but it's too soon (just started - played three VERY easy puzzles) to write a good review. It's worth a try, however. ### 5/5 — Cryptogram Paradise!! *2014-11-14, version 1.36* I'm totally addicted to this app. When I tried the demo, I thought wow, this'll be too easy. Man was I wrong! This app is very challenging and I love how the themes help guide me without giving away the answer. No complaints so far, except I don't have enough hours in the day to play! ### 5/5 — Spy Words *2014-10-17, version 1.36* I've tried to play a lot of word games but this one at less gives you a chance to play with a helpful one letter give away. Most Cryptogram don't give a hint when first looking at the puzzle or give a clue to start off like the Local Newspaper does which are challenging but everyone don't have a lot of time to do puzzles so the hint of at least one letter helps start people off and gives them a chance to be interested in the puzzle. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*