Word Derby title screen (courtesy of Ryan Ozonian/Mention Mobile)

Word Derby is essentially a cross between Words With Friends and one of those Carnival target racing games with a couple of power-ups thrown in for good measure. Brought to you by Mention Mobile, the developers behind Trivia Friends and founded by USC alumni, Ryan Ozonian, and published by Chillingo of Angry Birds fame, Word Derby is already establishing a reputation.

The way the game play works is, like Words With Friends, each player takes turn trying to spell the best words with what letters they have until the person with the most points gets their avatar to reach the finish line first. Everyone receives the same letters to spell with, making this a game of who can come up with the best words first in a true competitive fashion. 

What sets it apart as one of its more unique features (aside from word-based horse racing) is that the game is compatible with up to four players at a time. Whereas most word game apps have only allowed two players at a time to go head to head, Word Derby gives you the chance to play against three other friends in a true battle royale of wit and vocabulary.

Gameplay from Word Derby (Courtesy of Ryan Ozonian/Mention Mobile)

Every player starts off by picking one of their selected avatars (of which more can be purchased, each with different abilities) and then start their race. Horse bets can also be placed if the player is willing to risk their in-app currency to try and get tickets (in a true carnival fashion), which they can use for wagering or to earn prizes, such as power-ups. Power-ups include boosts, catching up to the person in the lead, and hints to what the best possible word to use is.

And if you manage to trump your friends, the game makes bragging about your victory as easy as instantly posting it to your Facebook or other social media account.

The game is currently only out for iOS devices, but is looking to branch to Androids in the future. 

You can purchase the game here or play the free demo here.

Reach Tech Editor Eric Parra here or follow him on Twitter.

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