Totally addictive!! (Essential Sudoku DS (DS))

Member Name: abi138

Product:	Essential Sudoku DS (DS)
Date:	13/05/09 (16 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Can skip some games if they are too hard and then go back to them.

Disadvantages: Doesn't recognise number 5!

--Background--

This game contains two games, number puzzle which is normal sudoku and picture puzzle.

Sudoku is a game where you have a square grid made up of 9 smaller square grids which each contain 9 squares. (hope you understood that!) The aim of the game is to fit the numbers 1-9 in the correct place in each of the 9 grids.

The rules are that you have to fill in the blank squares so that each row, column and square contains a number from 1-9 with no repeats. Some numbers are in the grid to begin with so this gives you a starting point.

In the picture puzzle the aim is to create a picture using different coloured squares. You have a ten by ten square grid. At the top and left hand side of each column and row there are coloured numbers. These numbers tell you how many of that colour square are in that row or column. Using the stylus you then select the colour and place it in the correct place.

When you complete the game you are given either a extremely well done, well done, or try harder based on how long it took. These are marked as different colours on a chart so you can see what you got for each level.

There are 1000 number puzzle games and 1000 picture puzzle games. The games are split into 100s. eg. 1-100, 101-200. This means you do not have to play the games in order as such. For example if you get stuck on game 22 you can stop that section and move onto 101 to return to it at a later date.

--Controls--

The games are controlled with the stylus. The squares on the picture game can be tapped with the stylus to colour them or whole areas can be filled by dragging the stylus across the screen. The number game also uses the stylus to tap squares and then write the number needed.

--Opinions--

The game itself is good as sudoku games go. You can choose either to put a number in the square for definite or as a maybe. If you choose maybe it goes as a small number in the corner of the square.

The only problem I've had is trying to write the number 5, which always thinks I want an 8! You have to draw it as two separate parts (the curve then the straight line at the top)

The picture puzzle game is brilliant; I am totally addicted at the moment. It is fun and each one only takes about 5 minutes to complete. The fact that you can move onto a different section of numbers takes away the frustration if you are unable to complete a level.

The only thing is that some pictures don't look like what they are supposed to.

I think overall it is a good sudoku game, however the best sudoku I've played on DS is on Dr Kawashminas Brain Training game and I just don't think it's as good as that. But with the picture puzzle game I think it's well worth the money.

--Recomendations--

I thoroughly enjoyed this game and I am still playing it as there are so many levels to complete. I would defiantly recommend, it can be played on the commute for short periods of times. Or if you are addicted like me for hours on end. I don't think it is suitable for children as it is quite challenging, it may be suitable for older teenagers.

--Pricing--
This is currently priced at £7.52 in Amazon, reduced from £12.99. A fantastic buy at either price as it'll keep you entertained for hours on end.


--Tips--

- When playing the picture puzzle if all of the boxes are the same colour start with the highest number. If they are more than one colour start with the one that has the least amount, you can work out then where they should go by looking at the top and left hand side together.

- If you have a number 6 for example. Count 6 from the left/top and then count 6 from the right/bottom. Do any of the squares overlap? If they do colour these in, the 6 squares must fall in these squares.

- When drawing a 5 on the number puzzle, draw it in two halves. Draw the straight top bit then the curve.

Summary: Worth buying if only for the picture puzzle game