Astraware Sudoku

Hey folks. I have been playing Astraware's Sudoku game. Now, I have never before played this chinese puzzle game, but I was surprised how quick a liking I took to it! It is conceptually easy to learn as I found out but harder to master :) I am certainly a novice through all the games I've played this week on the subways and in my apt since. Astraware's version, as opposed to a couple freeware games I have tried out since as well is better conceptualized in allowing the user to remember numbers, place them, and continue to mark them throughout the game. I have had an absolute blast playing it this past week as one of the (very) few games i have on my Lifedrive.

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You can easily choose to start a puzzle, or pick the "puzzle of the day". The program comes with a separate database file called the Puzzle Pack with all the puzzles or chances at a puzzle so you never run out of options of puzzles no matter how long you play or how many games. Remember if you are a Sudoku "newbie" like me then it may take you a while to complete for first ones.

For beginners (and for more well informed players too!), Astraware has set up a dedicated site to learning sudoku and, as importantly, playing their game. You can find it at www.palmsudoku.com. There it explains how to start the game as well as give hints on how to manage the different techniques you can use to solve a puzzle. These are called the Techniques Overview. Please refer to this often as it is what makes the game more interesting. Remember this is a game of logic and numbers so interesting isn't always a way to describe these kind of games. But Sudoku isn't like that at all. This is a game for you to play if you want to use your "noggin" and exert some brain power! Check out the crazy-named techniques such as Swordfish and X-Wings. Also on the site you can view and download the puzzle of the day, purchase Sudoku gear, and have updates and puzzles sent directly to your email inbox.

What makes Astraware's version stick out in my book is their way of putting together the way you play the game. Now my memory has been shot for a while, especially my short term. So they allow you 2 ways to work out the game (see the pics). You can use the bottom column to tap on a square and add a small number to remember which ones can be used to fill a box.

Plus, in an added benefit, you can also use your stylus for handwriting on the screen. Personally, I use the first way since my handwriting can get, well, um, quite sloppy! But either way allows you to remember which numbers can be used for a box.

Remember the most important part of Sudoku: the object is to complete each row across and down (horizontal and vertical) without overlapping numbers. You can use numbers 1-9. They have their version available for Palm OS, Pocket PC, and Windows Mobile Smartphones. The current price for Sudoku by Astraware is on sale for $9.95, down from 19.95 - a fantastic discount for those who are looking for a game to try out. They also give you the chance to try it out before purchasing to make sure it is for you!

I don't really think you can go wrong with Astraware Sudoku if you are the marker for 1. a new game to try out and test your thinking skills or 2. a Sudoku game with great features, quality graphics, and multiple user options.

Visit Astraware Sudoku and give it a try. It is actually listed as #1 on their top 10 sellers list. I think I'll go back to the game now....

-Jason Rak, Associate Writer (Manhattan, UES)