I don't know about you - but I just love to play games.  If I have a free minute at work or even just sitting in front of the TV, I like to have a game of something to easily pick up and play.  Unless you have been living in a cave somewhere, you have undoubtedly heard about the new game craze found in newspapers everywhere - Soduku.  How does this addictive game make the transition to the PDA small screen - read on for my thoughts.

Overview:

I must admit, I have been watching the "Soduku" craze for a while and I just didn't get it.  For those not "in the know" - here is the general idea: Sudoku is a logical puzzle game, originally created in puzzle books and then made available in countless newspapers worldwide. The grid is 9 cells high by 9 cells wide and within the grid are 9 boxes each featuring 9 cells. The object is to fill in the numbers 1-9 in each row, column and box, but they must only appear in each one once.

Gameplay:

The beauty of Astraware's Soduku is the ease with which one can just get started into the game.  The concept is simple, but the execution...that's the tricky part.  After a few practice rounds I was ready to try the game in earnest.  I started on the "beginner" level, but the levels go on from there to Easy, Medium, Tricky, Fiendish and then...Diabolical.  What I found so addictive is that there is a strategy and a "logical" method to this madness.  Gameplay was smooth and enjoyable.

Options:

This is where Astraware's version really shines.  In addition to playing one of the preset levels, the user can also create their own Soduku puzzle or even input one that they see in the paper. Some of the additional features that Astraware has added are detailed on their web site: "Astraware Sudoku is suitable for players of all abilities and features include 6 levels of difficulty, pencilmarks in a choice of styles, optional completion and tracking of pencilmarks, a unique and innovative notepad which enables players to make handwritten notes and sketches overlaid upon the grid, and an advanced hint system to assist you by highlighting areas where progress can be made without giving away the answer."

Graphics:

Although it is a simply game, the graphics can make or break even the simplest of games.  Again, like in many Astraware titles, the graphics are perfect.  The game seems to take advantage of the high resolution capabilities of my Treo 650.  It was easy on the eyes and very, very sharp to look at.  There is nothing extraneous on the screen (which I appreciated.) No extra bells and whistles - just a beautifully rendered game board.

 

Conclusions:

Once again, Astraware has a winner on their hands.  A beautifully rendered version of an already addictive game.  I guarantee this one will see some use - probably a lot of use - on your handheld.

Overall Grade: A

Pros: Great graphics, lots of options, high replay value

Cons: You might lose your job because you play this too much