One of the first reviews I wrote here at JAMM was Astraware Sudoku.  Despite having written hundreds of reviews since that time, including my round-up of Sudoku variations, Astraware’s version remains perched high atop the pyramid of Sudoku games.

To be honest, I would have been perfectly happy with the game if Astraware had never touched it again. But that is just not how they operate.  Astraware is constantly looking for the small tweaks that will allow them to improve upon their existing products.  These small tweaks add up to a huge makeover in the new release of Astraware Sudoku 1.40.

   (old interface)                                             (new interface)

The most noticeable improvement is the interface, which has been significantly streamlined.  The new interface, shown above right, now allows for a choice of control methods where players can move around and enter numbers using the 5-way control, number keys, stylus/touchscreen, keyboard shortcuts, or any combination of these, so you can play it the way you want to.  Additionally, the new version introduces a clock on the screen, allowing you to keep track of how long each puzzle has taken.  This is an ideal tool for anyone trying to improve their Sudoku speed.  You can compare this with the old interface, which is shown above, left.

The new version also includes an extensive Puzzle Manager which allows players to select a specific puzzle to play, or delete puzzles they’ve already completed.  This was one of the most highly requested features by users of the previous version.

As always, Astraware Sudoku continues to offer a range of different options to help players solve puzzles including manual or automatic pencilmarks in a choice of styles; a smart hints system; and the brand new hold and highlight system which can display an overlay for a specific number or pencilmark helping players to see where to look and what to look for.

Touchscreen devices also have an additional bonus option: the notepad overlay.  This new feature allows players to make their own pencilmarks and notes directly on the screen.

When I reviewed Astraware Sudoku previously, I referred to it as one of my favorite Sudoku games.  The improvements made in the latest version, however, skyrocket it straight to the head of the class.  I have never played a Sudoku game as feature rich and customizable as this.  All that, and it still includes the Sudoku-of-the-Day downloads and website.

Astraware Sudoku 1.40 is available for Palm OS 5.0, and Windows Mobile 2003, 2003SE, 5 and 6 Classic (Pocket PC), Professional (Phone Edition) and Standard (Smartphone), and costs $19.95. The game is also available at a very special price to Club Astraware members during August 2007.

Users of previous versions should take note, this is a FREE upgrade for registered owners of Astraware Sudoku.  I highly recommend taking the time to make this upgrade.  Just download it from http://www.astraware.com/sudoku. The existing version of Astraware Sudoku for Palm OS4 will continue to be available from the Astraware website.

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