0
Review

Sudoku: The Puzzle Game Collection (3DS) Review

Advertisement

This is definitely one of the strangest reviews I’ve ever had to write, namely because the game I’m reviewing is so black and white in regards to what it’s about and what’s provided to the player. Developed by HUDSON, SUDOKU: The Puzzle Game Collection is a package of puzzle games that are sure to appeal to any current or up-and-coming Sudoku fan, while also providing some other puzzles that don’t stray too far from the formula, so they’re not too hard to get into either.

While it really doesn’t matter, the collection features some pretty nice, clean and functional graphics, displaying all kinds of imagery in well-done 3D, even with some surprise appearances from classic HUDSON franchises such as Bomberman. It was totally unnecessary but it makes things a little bit more interesting and provides the player with something stimulating to look at – including some interesting shots of the seven wonders of the world and other abstract or nature based images, including a cool homage to Tron’s light cycles too.

SUDOKU: The Puzzle Game Collection features four different kinds of puzzles; Sudoku, Akari, Shikaku and Hashi. Sudoku is a phenomenon that almost everyone should know about by now, but for the more adventurous types I would recommend trying out the other puzzles, which were also created by the company who created the original Sudoku and popularised it throughout the west. Akari requires players to light up the game board by drawing lights around numbers, Shikaku requires the player to divide a playing area into certain kinds of divisions based on provided numbers, and Hashi requires the player to link islands and bridges with certain numbers that share a similar relationship. All of them are extremely easy to get a hold of, but obviously quite hard to master.

The most perplexing thing about reviewing a collection like this is that there really isn’t a way for the developers to get this kind of thing wrong – and they really don’t. The game controls well, the controls themselves are responsive and the puzzles behave as you would expect them too (and frankly, why wouldn’t they?). The game also offers a tutorial mode which is very intuitive, and it teaches the player how to play properly without being too confusing.

With over 600 puzzles to choose from, there’s quite a bit of value packed into this game, and they all provide varying levels of challenge that will no doubt appeal to the most hardcore of puzzlers while on the other end of the spectrum, those who will be getting their feet wet for the first time will not feel intimidated. Players can also utilise the 3DS’s play coins in order to unlock hints and advice on which move to make next, which is actually a pretty nice touch too if you’re ever stuck in a bind you just can’t get out of.

The game features some pretty relaxing music although there isn’t much more they could add in without making it quite frankly overly nerve wracking. What’s here does the job well, though.

SUDOKU: The Puzzle Game Collection is a very value-filled package that is bound to appeal to any puzzle aficionado. It’s great that we’re seeing a slew of more casual titles finally hitting the system, since hopefully it’ll get the console itself more attention that it truly deserves. The 3D effects are inoffensive, and the four different puzzles provided are great. The collection manages to fill a void that the 3DS was sorely missing.

Graphics 7.5

Whats presented here is pretty basic and bare bones, but the interesting backdrops for the puzzles provide a nice three dimensional diversion from otherwise stressful numbers.

Advertisement

Gameplay 8.0

Its SUDOKU plus three other kinds of puzzles, all of which play as you would expect them too. Nuff said.

Sound 5.0

Whats provided barely passes; the ambient and relaxing music works but isnt really anything special.

Tilt 9.0

There are four different kinds of puzzles, along with over 600 variations included on the cartridge. Theres heaps to do here and anyone who loves this kind of thing will not be disappointed.

Value 7.0

I really am not a huge fan of these kinds of puzzlers, but this collection did get me going a few times here and there. If you are a fan, this will be right up your alley though.

Advertisement

Our Verdict
Our Rating
User Rating
Rate Here
Overall
Final Thoughts

Theres really not a whole lot to say about SUDOKU: The Puzzle Game Collection. It provides the puzzler fan with four unique and interesting puzzle variations that all control well. Its pretty simple with this one if you like this kind of thing, grab it straight away, but if you dont, you probably wont be won over by this iteration. A substantial package.

Our Rating
User Rating
1 rating
You have rated this
What's your reaction?
Awesome
0%
Oh wow!
0%
Great
0%
Fresh
0%
Hmm
0%
Disappointing!
0%
Grrrr
0%
About The Author
James Mitchell
Avid gamer since I was as young as three years old when I received my first NES. Currently studying full time and consider myself a balanced gamer. Enjoy games on all systems, from all genres, on all platforms. Sometimes feels like he's too optimistic for this industry.

You must log in to post a comment