Popcap merges a brain challenging puzzler with the most basic of fighting game elements in Bookworm Adventures Volume 2, the sequel to 2006’s Bookworm Adventures. Like its predecessor, Bookworm Adventures Volume 2 places our plucky protagonist, Lex, into a gauntlet of storybook-inspired challenges which require deft word-forming ability in order to defeat enemies. It may not posses the “I gotta play just one more match” draw that permeated Plants vs. Zombies, but it’s a very enjoyable title nonetheless.

The game play area is split into two distinct sections. The upper portion of the screen is where the fighting takes place, while the bottom is where you craft words on the letter grid, and use power ups. Typically the bigger and more complex the word spelled, the larger amount of damage that you’ll inflict on your opponent. That’s right, your words directly translate into fisticuffs, so the more potent the word, the greater amount of hearts you’ll shave from an opponent’s lifebar. Beat a foe before it beats you, and you’ll progress through the story and collect powerups and companions.

Powerups work in the traditional fashion by empowering our hero with greater strength, resistance to attacks, or increased health. Companions are characters you’ll meet on your journey. Mother Goose, for example, grants you a healing potion every fourth turn.

Unfortunately, you won’t be needing her assistance very often as Bookworm Adventures Volume 2 is remarkably easy. Sure, enemies have special attacks of their own (such as the ability to prevent you from using letters,  rendering their attack values worthless, or poisoning you), but I never got the sense that I was truly at risk of being defeated at any particular time.

Visually, the game is quite solid. The graphics are bright and cartoony, and the evil bosses even possess a certain charming appeal. The music is equally as whimsical, although its not anything that will stick with you long after you’ve powered down your PC.

Ultimately, if you’ve loved Bookworm Adventures, this is an automatic purchase.  Gamers unfamiliar to the series, will find a lot to like here (especially with the wallet-friendly $20 price tag), but the lack of challenge may turn off some.