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Astraware Solitaire 
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Allen Gall
Games Editor
Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine
 allen@pocketpcmag.com

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The game I played most this week: Astraware Solitaire

 

Puzzle: Astraware Solitaire

Didn't Astraware already have a solitaire game?  They seem to have every other type of casual game you could possibly want. Solitaire games don't get much glory (after all, even Windows has included a solitaire game for many years) but I've found that they work out pretty well on Pocket PCs. And there have been some good ones over the years: KingSol, The Emperor's Mahjongg, and several others. Many of the good solitaire games have gone all out, including tons of variations and a slew of features such as statistics, sophisticated hint modes, tournament modes, and many other bonuses as well. 

Astraware Solitaire doesn't have every feature on the planet, but it's a very well-rounded title with graphics that put it at the top of the list. The fonts, user interface, and card art are sharp and detailed, with great color balance and a very responsive, positive feel when dragging cards and making choices in the pop-up menus (they work a bit like the standard Windows 95 interface). (By the way, you can choose between several different card art variations as well as unlock additional ones by winning games.)  The only issue I noticed was that the initial card shuffling and subsequent re-deals seemed a bit sluggish. The game features 12 different versions of solitaire, each of which allows a bit (though not a great deal) of customization.

The game offers some rudimentary statistics for both aggregate and per-game performance. It also provides extensive game aids, such as the usual hint and undo modes, as well as a "highlight" feature you can toggle between showing all moves and the most useful moves. The game plays very well, and thanks to the use of high-res graphics, the play area and menus (tucked away at the top and bottom of the screen) are easy to reach while not cluttering up the display in any way. Cards can be moved by the usual tapping and dragging, or by simply tapping on them (which I find is just too easy a way of doing it and feels like cheating).

I'm actually glad that Astraware waited so long to release a solitaire. At this late stage, it's actually refreshing to see a game like this so well put together. Oh sure, the game's not an encyclopedia of features, but it doesn't really need to be. For most players, this game will have everything they need and then some, and very pleasant game play makes it a breath of fresh air.
 
Title: Astraware Solitaire Developer: Astraware
Genre: Puzzle Demo: Y
Platform: Pocket PC 2003+ Price: $14.96
Discuss this game Rating (of 4): 3.6/4.0

 


 

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Allen Gall's The Week in Games is a free service of Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine and Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine ONLINE: in-depth articles, tips, an Encyclopedia of Software and Accessories, and links to the best Windows Mobile PDA and Smartphone Web sites. It is edited by Michelle Talley.

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