Crossword Magic allows one to create a puzzle from a size 3 boxes by 3 boxes, to as large as 20 by 20. An option exists to choose the puzzle size before starting or to use the automatic puzzle sizing feature. I much preferred the latter. By simply typing a word and hitting RETURN, it is entered into a displayed puzzle grid. As subsequent words are entered, they are automatically interconnected with words already in the puzzle. If a particular word does not fit, it is stored away for future use. A word may be relocated to other available spots as desired. After all the words have been entered, clues for each word may be typed in. Clues may be as long as ninety characters and can be reviewed and retyped whenever one wishes. The puzzle may be saved to either the Crossword Magic disk (maximum of twenty puzzles) or any blank disk. An incomplete puzzle may be saved and completed later.
There are seven options available. First is the CREATE mode, as discussed above. Additionally, one may COMPLETE an incomplete, previously saved puzzle, DELETE any puzzle from a disk, or TRANSFER puzzles from one disk to another (primarily for back-up purposes). An EDIT feature is provided enabling one to alter a completed puzzle. More words may be added or clues retyped; however, words already in the puzzle grid cannot be changed. Any completed puzzle may be PLAYED on the computer by simply typing letters onto the screen grid. The ARROW KEYS move the cursor about. PRINTing a hard copy of the puzzle is this program's most choice feature. The puzzle grid is reproduced with appropriate numbering of letter squares and clues. A pause allows one to advance the paper, after which, the solution is printed. Most standard printers are compatible, with two minor exceptions. The Microline 82A and 83A printers require the "Okigraph" ROM upgrade kit, and the A Epson MX-80 printer requires the "Graftrax" ROM upgrade kit. The final product is quite authentic and professional looking.
A bitter kvetch.
So why does Crossword Magic fall short of satisfying the true crossword aficionado? As each word is entered, it is interconnected with words already in the puzzle. The program will not permit the formation of words not entered or incompletely formed. This eliminates the creation of the solid block of words typically seen in standard crossword puzzles. For example, if the word "Atari" were entered as one across and "analog" as one down an "o" could not be inserted as the second letter of two down, even though it would spell "to" one way and "no" the other. In this case, the word "to" would be inserted using the "o" in "analog" as its final letter. The beauty of the standard crossword puzzle is in the unusual combinations necessary to accomplish this.
Life is a four-letter word.
Now, the good news. As mentioned above Crossword Magic does function as an excellent teaching aid. My first exposure came prior to my daughter's first spelling test of the term. A fifteen-word vocabulary with simple definitions from the back of the book made creation of a puzzle a snap. In about ten minutes, I had created a way for her to study her words, both the spelling and the definitions, while having fun. Variations of the same words on another puzzle helped to continue the review. As a sidelight, I made several copies of the puzzle for her classmates. Not only was she proud of her "clever" father, but her teacher told her how nice it was to have a father take such an interest in his child's schoolwork. Well, Softsmith gets credit for the "clever" part. The second occasion came with my son's confrontation with the periodic table. With this program, I was able to create a number of puzzle variations using the elements and' their symbols. It made what first seemed drudgery an enjoyable learning experience. In the process, my son learned how never to forget the symbol for gold (Au). " Aaa. . You! Want some gold?" Anyway, both did well on their respective tests and we now have crossword puzzles all over the house on just about every subject; and on just about every piece of furniture, my wife says!
In summary, Crossword Magic is well done and has made learning in our house a lot more fun. Isn't that the way it should be?