Sudoku Mania - Nintendo DS

If you are looking for a very basic Suduko game and you've got a pocket full of change, this may be the game for you. Otherwise, it would be wise to spend a little more for a more comprehensive version of this popular game of skill. "Designed for players of all skills and ages" may be pushing the envelope when describing this game. While it does give you the option of a smaller grid that employs only numbers 1-4 as well as the traditional 1-9 game, most novice players will find the smaller game laughably easy and the traditional game frustratingly difficult. The reason for this lies within the design of the game itself. Unlike other Suduko games available for DS, you do not have the option of making small notations within the grid. That is to say, each space allows you to mark your answer and nothing else. Not sure if it should be a 3 or a 6? Either take a good guess and hope you're right or go find a pad and pencil because there's no room for error with this game. Another annoying feature of this game is the backgrounds. It may give you a pretty picture to look at while you're pondering your next entry, but the stylized numbers that coordinate with each background can be difficult to read. The most disappointing aspect of this game is its lack of full utilization of Nintendo's dual screens. In fact, the only time you actually need to use the touch screen is to select which number goes into the square. And rather than having to write the number, you simply touch the number with the stylus. You can't even use the touch pad to select which square the number goes into, however there are directional arrows on the touch screen that you can use to direct the cursor to the square you want. But it's awkward and slow. You'll find it much easier to use the standard directional pad to locate the square you are looking for. But then you'll have to switch to the stylus to mark your answer. All in all, it's cumbersome and aggravating. The only feature of this game that I found helpful was the notification when you have a duplicate number in a line or square. For instance, if you accidentally place a 2 into a line that already has one, both numbers will turn red. Overall, the game is a major disappointment. If you've never played Suduko before, seek other versions because this one will have you pulling your heair out and wondering why anyone would like the game. Pros: Nice duplicate notification feature, inexpensive, smaller game for kids or new players Cons: Hard to read, cumbersome to navigate the grids, no notation option, extremely basic, lack of touch screen utilization

The game has the worst setup imaginable. Would not recommend buying!

Don't waste your money. Get the Platium Sudoku, it's much better.