Virtual WordSearch Pro
WordSearch Puzzle Generator and Editor


1· Introduction
2· Installation
3· New Game
4· In Game Help
5· Creating/Editing
6· Downloading/Uploading
7· Printing
8· Statistics and Puzzle Info
9· Changing Fonts
10· Shortcut Keys
11· Shareware Restrictions
12· Registering
13· Uninstalling
14· Warranty
15· Copyright

Introduction Back To Top
Welcome to Virtual WordSearch Pro, the ultimate puzzle experience for your home computer.

Virtual WordSearch Pro is an easy to use program that uses a flexible and configurable interface to allow wordsearch puzzles to be loaded and created on a PC. Puzzles can even be downloaded so you'll never be bored. If you like creating your own puzzles, you can upload them to the VWSP website, allowing others to enjoy your handy work.

VWSP allows play with an alphabetically sorted word list, questions or just blanks. Each puzzle has an underlying theme, making the question and blank options a real test of intellect.

The main puzzle grid is 20 x 18 squares. Each time you start a new game, the puzzle is uniquely generated, meaning you'll never play two puzzles quite the same.

The features of Virtual Word Search Pro include: -

Uniquely generated puzzles
Multidirectional word placement
Three ways to play (Words/Questions/Blanks)
Automatically reveal puzzles or individual words
Create your own puzzles
Speed round
High score table
Print puzzles
Change fonts
In game sound effects
Download / Upload puzzles
Gameplay statistics
VWSP is a shareware program, meaning some features are disabled and restrictions added until you register. You can use the shareware version as much as you like, but you won't be able to enjoy the full game. Registration is an ultra low - one of fee of just $12.49, which unlocks the full game and entitles you to full registration to any upgrades or revisions of Virtual WordSearch Pro. To register visit our website http://www.3reels.com now!
Installation Back To Top
Once you have downloaded vwsp_setup.zip, unzip the contents to a temporary directory (eg C:\windows\temp\vwsp_setup\)

Run 'Setup.exe' from the setup directory and follow the on screen instructions.
Once you've successfully installed Virtual WordSearch Pro, you can start playing by selecting the Virtual WordSearch Pro icon from the [Start] > [Programs] menu or by going to the installation directory (default : C:\Program Files\Virtual WordSearch Pro) and double clicking VWSP.exe
Starting a New Game Back To Top
The main Virtual WordSearch Pro interface will load after the initial start-up screen closes. From this screen you can access all the options and configuration settings for VWSP. To jump straight in and start a new game, either press (CTRL + N) or select New Game from the [File] menu.

The New Game interface allows you to select the puzzle you would like to play, and provides basic information, such as puzzle title, amount of words in the puzzle and what game options are available. You can also select difficulty (4 settings from Easy to Expert) and whether you want to play a standard game or a time challenge.

Game types: -

Show Words Game

Play a traditional wordsearch puzzle, with a wordlist reference for finding words

Show Questions Game

If the puzzle contains questions relating to the puzzle words, you can select this option. It adds a whole new dimension to game play, making the puzzle much more of an intellectual challenge!

Show Nothing Game

If you want to make the game even harder, or want to print off some puzzles for a competition … 'show nothing' is the ideal setting. With no reference to the questions, you'll have to use the subject title to deduce what sort of words you'll need to look for.

Time Challenge

Select any puzzle with 20 words, then click on the 'Time Challenge' setting. If you manage to find all the words in a record time, you'll be added to the high score table (Registered Version Only.)

Difficulty *(Registered Version Only)

You can select: -
Easy - Words can be either horizontal or vertical, from top to bottom or left to right.
Medium - Words can be either horizontal or vertical, from top to bottom or left to right and reversed.
Hard - Words can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal, from top to bottom or left to right and reversed (horizontal and vertical only)
Expert - Words can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal from top to bottom or left to right and reversed.
*In the unregistered version only Hard is enabled
In Game Help Back To Top
When a puzzle is active you can use either of the "Reveal" aids to help you out. Reveal Word (CTRL+W) will open a window with the list of words, questions or blanks … selecting the word you want, will reveal it on the main puzzle. You have 5 uses of this feature per round.

Reveal Puzzle (CTRL+R), will automatically reveal all outstanding words within the puzzle. But this will count against you on the statistics.

To access this help file press [F1] at any point
Creating and Editing Puzzles Back To Top
To create or edit a puzzle select [Tools] and either 'Create Puzzle' or 'Edit Puzzle'.

If you choose 'Edit Puzzle' a file window will prompt you. Select the puzzle you wish to edit (the file must be in VWS format.)

The puzzle creation window allows you to enter anywhere between 10 and 20 words (and related questions if you choose) of length between 3 and 14 characters long. (Bare in mind a puzzle with 20 words 14 characters long would be fairly boring as the only way to generate the puzzle would be for the words to be all vertical , all horizontal or all diagonal..)

To enable the related questions tick the 'Add related questions to VWS' box. The 20 boxes on the right side of the window, will then become active. Ticking the box again will de-activate them.

When you are happy with the content, choose a title for your puzzle and enter your name, a nickname or an email address in the 'Author' section, if you leave it blank, the puzzle will record you as anonymous. (If you decide to upload your puzzle, the name entered here will be used.)

To finish creation of your puzzle, select 'Create Puzzle File', you will then be prompted to choose a name for you file. When finished click 'Save'. You can cancel at any time by pressing the 'Cancel' button, which will return you to the main interface.
Downloading/Uploading Puzzles Back To Top
Pressing (CTRL+D) or clicking [Tools] > 'Download/Upload Puzzles' will load a webpage where you can upload and download puzzles. Follow the instructions on the website.
Printing (Registered Version Only) Back To Top
The Print and Print Setup functions in VWSP allow you to configure and print the puzzle you currently have active. If you have found any of the words or completed the puzzle, the current state of play will be printed. So if you want a fresh puzzle that you can give to friends to try, it's best to print as soon as you have loaded a new game.

To setup printing, go to the [File] menu the select 'Print Setup' this will open up a common dialog screen from which you can change any setting you wish.

To print, either press [CTRL+P] or select Print from the [File] menu. This will open up a form containing the basic information of your print. If you are happy with the setup, press the [Print Now] button.
Statistics and Puzzle Information Back To Top
To access statistics press [CTRL+I] in game, or go to the [Options] menu and select 'Statistics'.

The statistics screen show, puzzles played, puzzles completed, puzzles revealed, percentage of puzzles completed, words revealed, average words revealed per game and total time using VWSP.

If you have an active puzzle, you can select 'Puzzle Information' from the [Options] menu. This will tell you the Name of the Puzzle,
Changing Fonts Back To Top
VWSP allows you to change the fonts for the main grid and the word related list. These values once changed are remembered for each time you play. To select the font settings you would like, go to the [options] menu, select 'Fonts' then either VWS Grid for the main wordsearch puzzle or VWS Words (Questions) for the related word list. Selecting 'Reset to Default' will return the normal font settings.
Shortcut Key Overview Back To Top

F1 - Instructions
F5 - Easy Setting
F6 - Medium Setting
F7 - Hard Setting
F8 - Expert Setting
CTRL + A - About Section
CTRL + D - Download/Upload Puzzles
CTRL + F - Fastest Times
CTRL + I - Statistics (Registered Version Only)
CTRL + N - New Game
CTRL + P - Print
CTRL + R - Reveal Puzzle
CTRL + S - Sound On/Off
CTRL + W - Reveal Word
CTRL + X - Exit
Shareware Restrictions Back To Top

5 Minute time period per usage
Only difficulty setting enabled is hard
Print disabled
High score can't be entered when playing time challenge
10 words are automatically revealed each play
Registering - $8.00 / (£5.00 Approx subject to exchange rate) Back To Top
If you enjoyed using Virtual WordSearch Pro please register. This is a small one off fee, which covers the development costs of VWSP, so we can make more programs in the future. When you register online you will receive an email with a unique registration code, which will enable you to unlock the full features of VWSP.

To find out more visit VWSP's website at http://www.3reels.com
Uninstalling Back To Top
Select [Add/Remove Programs] from the Control Panel. Scroll down the list of program titles to your reach VWSP 1.0. Then click [Add/Remove] and follow the onscreen instructions.
Warranty Back To Top
Virtual WordSearch Pro is provided on an as-is basis, without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including without limitation the warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and/or non-infringement. Any and all risk as to the quality and/or performance of the Software Program shall be borne by you and you assume all costs with respect to any service or repair.
Copyright Back To Top
All content of Virtual WordSearch Pro, including graphics is copyright © Legion 2000
If you wish to use any of the content please contact us for permission first. Thank you