cards

If you enjoy playing the solitaire games that come pre-loaded with a pc, this is a real treat. This was my first computer game purchase (and I only bought it because our pre-loaded games became corrupted). I basically wanted to replace that which we'd lost, and I ended up with something I wish I'd bought years ago!

I'm no computer whiz, so I was pleased to find installation was a breeze (it took no more than a couple of minutes). Not much is included by way of instructions, but it's surprisingly sufficient--just a little card that tells you how to install if your computer doesn't do so automatically and a few key tips to get you started (just be sure to install the antics when asked!).

The 225 games include Freecell, Klondike (ie. regular solitaire) in both three-card flip, one-card flip, and three-card flip Las Vegas versions, Ukranian Solitaire, Agnes, and Spider, to name but a few. One can also create one's own game or play online. I recommend checking out the company's website (masque.com) if you want a more detailed listing of the games included or screen shots of what a couple of the games actually look like during play. I love Freecell, but I'm finding other games I really enjoy too. One nice feature is the ability to choose games that are skill-based, luck-based, two-deck, one-deck, usually winnable, rarely winnable, and so on.

A key feature is the fact that you DO NOT have to insert the disc every time you want to play games (unlike some of the programmes on the market!). Another nice feature is being able to set up a "profile" for each player. Everyone has his/her own "playing area" (I've set each with a different coloured background) which tracks his/her own personal statistics, includes his/her own list of favourite games, etc. When one returns to one's area, the game resumes where one left off.

A wealth of game options are available, such as: Show all moveable cards (rules are provided for each game, but this is a super tool when learning a new game); one-click smart move (you can always drag the cards, but this does with one click what normally occurs with a double click); check for no more available moves and smart send to foundations (like the pre-loaded Freecell does); 3D perspective; and a cheat option. The speed for card flying is adjustable. There is a choice from 13 card decks (with adjustable deck sizes), and if I've one complaint it's that only two decks are really clear and useful (two others aren't bad, but a couple are quite blurry; then there are tarot, parchment, and reversed (ie. white on black) decks which seem impractical to me).

The ants range from cute to humorously nasty as they engage in activities like figure skating, bull fighting, horse jumping, car chases, a western shoot-out, and loads more. They are complete with sound effects (including the odd ant comment--like "ouch" or "look at me"). Illegal moves are met with an ant-voiced "uh-oh". An antic occurs when a game is won and occasionally during play. It is optional, however, and one can turn off the sound and/or the antics altogether.

In conclusion, I highly recommend this programme to anyone who enjoys playing solitaire on the computer. It's very easy to use, there's a huge assortment of solitaire games which one can readily customize according to one's preferences, and it's entertaining. Not being familiar with other computer games, I can't really comment on the sophistication of the graphics. But I can say this: It's miles ahead of the pre-loaded solitaire software, and it's something we certainly enjoy!