Just as difficult to play

Aug 9, 2007 08:45 GMT  ·  By

You'd probably think that it's difficult to bring a modern touch to such an old game concept as Sudoku proves to be. The Astraware version of the game is more player-concerned than the previous ones and adds some useful features.

The game has been moved to a new games framework and has also received some graphics upgrade. The concept stays the same and it would be quite difficult to find a change to make it better and not the other way around. People are still getting thrilled over the number puzzle and it's unlikely for this to ever fade away.

The mobile phone user can get puzzles from the pre-built packs available online or by using the integrated Puzzle Builder, which is capable of providing almost unlimited possibilities for the Sudoku fans. One more interesting feature is that from now on they will have the chance of comparing their scores with those of other players worldwide.

Handset owners will also have the chance of playing puzzles from newspapers or books they've entered and also receive Astraware Sudoku's expert help to eventually solve them. The hints system proves to be quite useful when you've struggled for hours with a puzzle, but have failed in solving it.

The new hold and highlight system can display an overlay for a specific number or pencilmark in order to help players easier see what number is actually missing and where it should be placed. Having a touchscreen smartphone proves to be even more useful, as players will be able to make their own pencilmarks and notes on screen, just as they would on a normal Sudoku game solved on paper.

The improved version of Astraware Sudoku will be available from now on to be played on Palm OS 5.0, and Windows Mobile 2003, 2003SE, 5 and 6 Classic (Pocket PC), Professional (Phone Edition) and Standard (Smartphone) for the price of USD 20. The game will also come at a special price for all Club Astraware members during August, this year.