Listener 4298 Safari By Nibor

[trux]

A very gentle but amusing romp through territory that was fortunately familiar to me. Liked the alternate letter device. Many thanks to a veteran setter, I believe. Leaves us all plenty of time to spectate at the plethora of sporting events worldwide this weekend (and beyond, we hope).

[starwalker]

Totally unfamiliar territory for me. My dilemma was whether to follow the grid entries as they unravelled, or to follow the clues in order, to see what was developing. In the end, I think that I made the correct choice. A lovely puzzle for those who have felt that we have been given a hard time recently. Thanks Nibor.

[AHearer]

Yes, a nice easy run for a lazy summer afternoon. Thanks, Nibor.

[contendo]

Enjoyable, though the theme revealed itself rather too quickly. Having an easier one was a relief after a gruelling few weeks.

[Ruthrobin]

Yes, familiar territory for me too and a thoroughly enjoyable speedy solve with some highly entertaining restored letters and penny-drop-moments resulting. This balanced some of the more difficult recent ones rather nicely. Many thanks, Nibor.

[Octocyber]

That was a fun run - and for me the fastest ever.
Now back to the marathon of Tetris.

[emcee]

An enjoyable puzzle. Takes me back down memory lane: I first came across the theme at primary school.

Glad it was relatively straightforward this week; another brute similar to the last two weeks' puzzles would have been too much!

[jim360]

Yes, just the sort of puzzle that I was hoping for on a weekend like this when I've got quite a lot else to be doing instead of crosswords. Nothing too challenging, and a nice theme too. Thanks, Nibor.

[Cagey]

Agree a good puzzle. Still a few words to work through, but what a relief after last weeks slog. Will finish tomorrow, been long week. Thank you nibor

[Philoctetes]

My first ever Friday finish, as I accelerated my usual processes ahead of leaving for Athens on Monday. Good job it was gentle, and a theme I know and love.

[s_pugh]

A nice easy bit of fun, though I had to look up the thematic elements as although I'd heard of the source I wasn't familiar with every item. And good to see no ambiguity about the highlighting. Thanks Nibor.

[tenflags]

wouldn't mind a few more like this just for the next few weeks..

[Mesnilpat]

Having just limped across the finishing line of last week's marathon last night, this was a refreshing and fun puzzle. Thanks Nibor.

[Cruncher]

Only slotted Tetris into place on Saturday morning - finally - so this was a nice wind-down and brought back fun memories of being a highlighted participant in earlier years

[olichant]

All done, bar one stubborn wordplay that I don't stritly need to pin down, but which is irking me. Pleasant puzzle and nice to have a breather from some of the trickier ones. The theme suggested itself quite early on.

[IainGrace]

Agree with comments. Enjoyable and not too taxing. No need fully to understand wordplay (as with many crosswords) but likewise no need fully to understand the alternate letter words, which is maybe less satisfactory.

[Ruthrobin]

Pin all the word plays down Olichant! I didn't bother and mailed mine and now realize that I made a stupid error in one where the solution was seemingly obvious. I am fairly sure this will appear in the list of frequent errors in the year's statistics.

[UglyUncle]

After three consecutive tough puzzles this was a relief indeed. I agree with all the positive comments; it's no bad thing to have a familiar theme and an enjoyably gentle stroll to an early finish now and then. The third thematic item was rather cleverly modified but not difficult to resolve. Thank you, Nibor.

[UglyUncle]

Aha, yes indeed, Ruthrobin! I almost fell into a similar trap in a recent puzzle that required the entry 'tapu'. I wonder if the unch in the word you must be referring to was placed there deliberately or by chance.

[olichant]

Thanks, RuthRobin. I think I've satisfied myself of the wayward wordplay (try saying that repeatedly as a tongue twister!) in the clue that was bugging me (7d). There are definitely some other pitfalls in the grid.

[aldanna]

Pleasant puzzle, and I agree with the general view, although I did think one or two clues were quite hard. Now I am a bit concerned about the dark references to Wayward Wordplay, and will have to check through thoroughly before I send it in.