Sudoku Gridmaster
SCORE: 95
Sudoku is quite the craze all over the world, and there have already
been a few ventures into the world of video games. The Nintendo DS
version Sudoku Gridmaster utilizes the touch screen of the DS quite
well. This game falls under the puzzle umbrella, but really feels more
like a thinking game. For those unfamiliar with Sudoku, let me try and
explain it. There is a nine by nine grid with certain numbers filled in.
There can only be one iteration of the numbers one through nine in the
horizontal, vertical, and in each three by three grid. This game is part
of the Touch Generations brand that is all inclusive of people of all
ages, races, genders, and gaming skills. If you are capable of finding
patterns on a screen, and thinking in a couple of different ways, then
playing Sudoku will be a piece of cake (editor: well at first).
The graphics in Sudoku Gridmaster are subdued colors that remind this
reviewer of a crossword puzzle page in the newspaper. The details in
this game are nicely done. The artwork on the backgrounds are pleasant
to look at, and the gold stars are a nice touch indeed. Wholesome images
are used properly in this game. There were no offensive images that this
reviewer found in this game.
The sounds in Sudoku Gridmaster are very pleasant indeed. They
enhance the action of this thinking game. The game also has different
selectable music that the player is capable of selecting. The sounds
work extremely well in Sudoku Gridmaster. The music is quite cheerful,
although at times it reminds this reviewer of elevator music. It is
calm, and soothing. Which actually enhances this game, since the whole
point of this game is to exercise your brain. The music, and all of the
sounds are very crisp and clear in Sudoku Gridmaster.
With over four hundred sudoku puzzles (all of which were hand picked
by the sudoku masters at Nikoli), this game has a very long length
indeed. Players can replay in order to beat the puzzles faster than
before. As the player earns gold stars, they will unlock puzzles, and
tests (to prove how good you really are). One person can play at a time,
but this game is approachable by the entire family. Sudoku Gridmaster is
selling at MSRP 19.99 US Dollars. At such a bargain basement low price
it is this reviewers humble opinion that this game is worth the price of
admission. It is nice to see video games like this being released.
The controls are quick, and very responsive. The interaction with the
stylus on the touch screen of the Nintendo DS works flawlessly. The
design scheme that the developer Hudson Soft came up perfectly fits the
subject matter. The puzzles in this game are simply astounding to this
reviewer. With enough thought, and time each and every puzzle can be
solved. It is also a rather humbling experience to be stumped by a
puzzle or two hundred. The neat thing about Sudoku is how the puzzle
keeps changing. Every time the player accurately finds a number in a
group of the cells, it usually opens up another possibility somewhere
else in the puzzle. In some ways this kind of a process reminds this
reviewer of a role playing game, even though this is a puzzle game. This
is a fun game.
Sudoku allows the player to save at any point, which helps with the
one concern of addiction. This game is safe for the entire family, and
teaches some really good mental exercises. This reviewer would love a
sequel to this game. It was a joy to play, and review this game. I would
have no problem recommending this game to a pastor. Sudoku gives the
player something worth the money, that assists in thinking in a really
fun manner. Sudoku Gridmaster on the Nintendo DS receives our much
desired Family Friendly Gaming seal of approval.
- Paul
Graphics: 90%
Sound: 93%
Replay/Extras: 99%
Gameplay: 98%
Family Friendly Factor: 96%
System: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Nintendo
Rating: 'E' for Everyone
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