Every handheld version has a slight variation. For instance, the BlackBerry version doesn't come with a timed game mode. Bookworm for the iPhone comes with two modes: Classic and Timed. Of course, timed means working that finger fast and furious to select letters to make a word. It's stressful for those who don't like to race especially when the burning tiles show up often.
It makes sense for the iPhone to come with Timed mode because it's easier to select letters than on other devices. However, sometimes the game thinks you touched a different letter or messes up and erases your selection. Timed mode makes it harder to come up with longer words as you're in a rush. Longer words mean more points and bonuses.
Let me back up and explain how the game works. Both modes are the same with the exception of the time factor. The game reveals a grid with seven columns of random letters. The goal is to create words by selecting adjoining tiles. If the tiles don't touch, you can't select them. Lex also provides a three-lettered bonus word. When you find the bonus word, you score -- what else? -- bonus points.
Fiery tiles show up at random times; more often as you progress. If you don't make a word with the fiery tile before it reaches the bottom, the library burns down and the game is over. So the sooner you use it, the better. Also, green and gold glowing letters appear for added bonus points when you make words with them.
If you're stuck or have way too many I's and other useless letters, you can scramble the tiles. However, you can expect a bunch of fiery tiles to appear whenever you scramble.
