Features:  

This version features:

• Relaxing game music and sound effects to enhance game play
• Intuitive interface with beautiful screens and smooth action
• Five difficulty levels
• Instructive help tools, error checking and automatic annotation
• Stats tracking
• Customizable grid and puzzle solver

This is a classic Sudoku game that provides short mental diversions or hours of sustained play with some very nice features that make it enjoyable and relaxing. The music and sound effects along with the smooth animations contribute to a great play experience, while hints are just a tap away, if needed. This version uses highlighting effectively to show where you’ve tapped, as well as what’s going on at any given moment. Tap a number you’re scanning for, and all cells containing that number are lit up. This feature alone makes game play more efficient and enjoyable.

The game provides automated annotation and instant game help, and while your score is reduced when you use these options, having them easily accessible can be a lifesaver. In addition to five game levels, the top two of which are only unlocked after accumulating enough points, there is the option to enter and play your own grids (e.g. from the newspaper) and even a puzzle solver. Game statistics are tracked over time, so it’s easy to see the progress you’ve made and how many puzzles of each level have been completed.

The only annoyance found was as play accelerates, you still must wait for the animations to complete before making your next move. With game play being timed, waiting a couple of seconds can be a real distraction to your concentration.

Interface:  

Program navigation is intuitive with well-placed buttons, themed scroll bars, and stunning backdrops. Game options are clear and well thought out. There is a help section to explain the basics of Sudoku and variations within this version. In some places, buttons are small and therefore, you may occasionally incorrectly tap a button, but in most cases, a selection can be changed without penalty to your score or you getting lost in the game’s options.

There is still room for improvement in speed, particularly as the game nears completion. It would be nice if you didn’t have to wait for the animations, as nice as they are, to complete before entering your next move. Another nice potential addition for future versions would be the option to be able to play music from your own iPod playlists during game play.

Graphics:  

Sudoku begins with a short startup animation, followed by scenes of Japanese gardens and beautiful scenery as you move between the various parts of the game. The explanatory text and help pages are artfully drawn on a slightly transparent backdrop as relaxing sound effects play in the background. Combined, they provide a wonderfully engaging environment.

Stability:  

The reviewed version of Sudoku was very stable and didn’t crash a single time, though older versions were reported to have done so.

Support:  

Electronic Arts (EA) has obviously been responsive to early feedback by lowering the price, shortening the game load time, and improving game pacing and sound quality. However, the company’s website has only minimal information about the game and provides nothing beyond what can be found on the iTunes app store page.

Value:  

As a well-designed, engaging iPhone app, Sudoku is well worth the $4.99 asking price. There may be cheaper options to play, but the EA version is the best experience around.

There are multiple Sudoku programs available for the iPhone/iPod touch platform but the version by Electronic Arts is complete and well thought out. It’s an elegant, polished, and well-organized game providing hours of addictive play for beginners to more experienced players with many additions that provide a soothing, yet mentally stimulating atmosphere.

Read our iPhone 3G review, music and movie download reviews as well as our other App reviews to help you get the most out of your iPhone.