Solitaire (PC) (Solitaire (PC))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Solitaire (PC)
Date:	20/09/09 (40 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Simple, Consistent Graphics

Disadvantages: Lack of audio cues

Solitaire is perhaps "the" original computer game for Windows. First released in 1990 with the Microsoft Windows 3.0 operating system, it has been included in each successor's distribution since then and has even been claimed "the most used application in Windows" by an employee at Microsoft. I was not able to immediately find an age rating but it is likely that this game would be found suitable for all ages.

The history of Solitaire on Windows states that the game was intended to ease users into the new graphical interface of operating systems. Throughout computer technology prior to Windows, graphical interfaces were not well known. Many of those who were fortunate enough to own an earlier computer at the time would rely on text commands and macro shortcuts. The "point and click" system we rely so heavily on today was virtually non existent. Thus, Solitaire aimed to allow users to become familiar with using the mouse and other keyboard shortcuts native to Windows in a fun environment. The game proved to be very successful; perhaps even a little too successful. Many instances of business productivity lowering due to Solitaire's impact have been noted in the media throughout modern history.

The basic mechanics of Solitaire are simple. The user will begin with a row of seven cards, each containing an ascending number of cards behind the image which is face up. The player will also see a face down deck of cards at the top left and an empty row of four to the right of the deck. It is the player's objective to recreate the deck by joining ascending values by suit and number; ace of spades, two of spades etc. for each suit. This is accomplished by creating descending rows in the initial seven areas by joining cards of lower value and opposite colour. For example, a red ten would require a black nine which would further a red eight and so forth. To complete the game, players must move cards in ascending order to the top four rows which hold the aces and higher values. It is possible, and quite easy, to become stuck as some required cards may be held behind a card which contains others behind it. The game can be reset by pressing the F2 button should this happen.

The system requirements to run Solitaire are very low. As the game comes pre-installed with the Windows operating system, the user will already satisfy the requirements to play the game. Users can refer to system documentation for specific numbers but this isn't necessary; If you are able to read this review now then you are able to run Solitaire. For interested parties, I found that Solitaire required 2,536 K of memory when running on Windows XP Home Edition. This is quite a low number and should not strain even the most basic of hardware configurations.

The graphics of Solitaire have remained consistent throughout each Windows distribution. Upon loading the game, the player will be shown a green screen similar to a Las Vegas style card table. This screen will house the cards in play and are clearly readable from a distance. To illustrate this, I was able to stand on the other side of my home office and read the screen without much effort or error. Each build of Solitaire comes with a customizable deck image and this can be altered by clicking File, Deck. The Windows XP version allows users to change their deck to more abstract designs or conservative animal images.

Overall, Solitaire has little fault and effectively "is what it is". The rules of the game adhere to that when played physically with a deck of cards and should not pose much challenge even to those not familiar with the rules. The game may perhaps benefit with sound effects or other graphical additions when moving cards but is quite good in its current state. I regularly enjoy playing Solitaire on my personal computer and will for many more years to come.

Summary: Thumbs up