Step Aside, Sudoku Upon first seeing the description for Str8s, I thought to myself "I was never really waiting for a Sudoku competitor." I thought it was just another number puzzler that was here today, gone tomorrow. For the first time in my life, I was wrong.Str8s is an amazing number puzzler with similarities to Sudoku. It has the look of a crossword puzzle, but with numbers and rules similar to Sudoku. Some may be thrown off by the fact that the rule set is a bit different, but rest assured, there is a tutorial that, in detail, explains the workings of the game. After tapping the well-designed icon, you are greeted with a very brief image and brought to the main menu in no more than 2 seconds. Here, you will find a beautifully polished menu system that doesn't do anything new. You will find Play, Rules, and Tutorial. The tutorial takes you through 13 pages that basically shows a puzzle being completed step by step with an explanation for more moves. I found this to be rather confusing in the way it was setup and finished the tutorial feeling a bit lost. I would have much preferred a tutorial that walked you through a very basic puzzle as you actually play it yourself.After reading the tut, I went back to the main menu and read the rules section, which is basically a shortened, to-the-point explanation of the game and its workings, which provided a bit of clarity. In the Play menu, you are greeted with a few things to choose from. "My last game" which continues your last game from where you left off. Then there are four difficulties to choose from (Jack (easiest) - Ace (hardest)) for a total of an astounding 751 puzzles. You can start a puzzle in any of the four difficulties and the progress saves for each one. The actual gameplay itself is fluid. There isn't much animation to speak of, but the tapping is accurate and selecting a number and placing it is as easy as thinking it. You are allowed to check to see if the numbers you entered were correct by pressing the check button, and the incorrect numbers will be highlighted in red. This is a great idea for newcomers and earlier levels, but this featured can be used in all of the difficulties, which I think takes away from the challenge of the game, but also leaves it easily accessible to the less patient players. I would prefer to see some sort of penalty for using the 'check' feature (ie adding a minute to the clock), but then again, the time doesn't really seem to have much purpose as either, as, from what I see, there is no way to go back to a previous puzzle to better your time.Rating: 4/5 Stars. It's an amazingly polished title with an awesome idea behind the gameplay and will surely give Sudoku fans a challenge and keep them interested. I would like to see a more interactive tutorial, some sort of penalty for using the 'check' feature, and a use for the timer.
-
Version 1.3
-
Aug 5, 2009
- Str8ts review by
VoodooVyper
Very compelling I'm really enjoying Str8ts and I recommend it to fellow number crunchers. It's exactly what I was looking for; a layered logic game with enough depth to really make you think and enough content to make it last indefinitely.The concept makes sense after you play, but it's non-obvious, initially. Luckily, a thorough tutorial is included to compliment the rules explanation. The goal of the game is to fill in all of the empty white cells with numbers, while following a set of placement rules. Each white "compartment" can only legally contain a contiguous set of numbers, but they need not be in order (for instance, "2, 3, 1" is a valid set). This is where the game gets its name; think of a straight in Poker. A compartment is analogous to a "run" in Kakuro; a set of adjacent cells, in a row or column, that is capped at both ends, either by a black cell or the board edge. Each row or column must contain every number from 1 to 9 (with no duplicates), minus the number of blank, black cells (which cannot be edited). The visible numbers in the black compartments cannot be used in the white compartments.When you start the game, some of the white slots already have numbers placed in them and this is where to start. You look for obvious answers. For instance, if there is a 2-slot compartment that already has a 9 in it, then you know the other slot must contain an 8. If you have a 3-cell run, that contains a 4 and a 6, then you know that the missing number is a 5. After filling in each of these instances, more opportunities arise. If you have a slot in which every other number has already been used in the corresponding row and column, then you simply fill in the remaining number. Soon after, though, you'll really need to start thinking. This is what I mean by layered logic; I'm referring to the escalating brainpower needed to solve a puzzle. In some instances, you can narrow down your possibilities, but not all the way. This is why you can mark potential candidates, to revisit later. Candidates are entered via a modal entry interface, similar to many Sudoku implementations, in which tiny numbers are displayed directly in the cell. This seems like it will definitely be a game where players will "plateau" at certain points, but figuring out these problems is what makes the game really challenging and engaging.There are four difficulty levels, each of which contains enough levels to total over 750 in the entire game. The puzzles were all designed by a published puzzle designer and it shows. As I said, don't sleep on this one; it's really good.
-
Version 1.3
-
Aug 3, 2009
- Str8ts review by
Djflippy
Crazy Str8ts! Str8ts is a fascinating puzzle game that has been compared to Sudoku, but I find it very different in a good way (the only thing it has in common with Sudoku is the fact that numbers can only be used once per row/column). I actually prefer Str8ts over Sudoku. Str8ts is very easy to pick up due to the fact that it has a detailed tutorial outlining the rules with pictures as examples. The version currently has 751 puzzles stretched out over four difficulties. So, it should keep me busy for a long while. You have the option of using numbers 1-9 or if you prefer face cards, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K, A. I own every puzzle that Syndicated Puzzles has put on the App Store (DominoDice, 1 to 25 and Str8ts) and I am inclined to buy every future puzzle they bring to the iPhone. All of their games are extremely polished and utilize intuitive controls. If you like Str8ts, look into DominoDice, which borrows gameplay and rules from Str8ts and incorporates an additional scoring system which you can use to see how you stack up against fellow DominoDicers.
-
Version 1.3
-
Aug 30, 2009
- Str8ts review by
iMac, therefore i think
Don't be fooled by its appearance... This is definitely not just a Soduko clone as it may appear at first glance. Hidden beneath the crossword puzzle like appearance is a game with with its own unique style. There is a layer of complexity that is not immediately apparent when looking at screenshots, but the rules of the game are pretty straightforward. The numbers in the black cells provide clues to what numbers should appear in a cell by excluding that number horizontally or vertically. The object of the game is to fill the cells with the numbers 1 through 9 without any repeats in any row or columns, similar to Soduko, but that's pretty much where the similarities end. You need to form "straights" with the numbers by forming a sequence without any gaps and in any order.Anyone who likes puzzle games is sure to enjoy this, and if you're a Sudoko fan....well come on over and take a look at the new kid on the block!
-
Version 1.3
-
Aug 18, 2009
- Str8ts review by
pharmx
A true Sudoku Competitor Str8ts will try your brain like Sudoku. Having the puzzles come from a puzzle designer makes all the difference. Just like in Sudoku where you start having to learn tricks as to figure out squares - so too in Str8ts. They have done a brilliant job in easing the difficulty level up. I am playing through the Jack (easiest) level - and with every puzzle are some interesting nuances that were not encouterned in the puzzle before. And to give an idea of difficulty - I routinely do hard or expert Sudoku puzzles - so this is a challenge!Interface is very clean. I like the button noises that have been chosen. The check feature is a godsend. Although some people may worry about "only having 750 puzzles" - I at most will do 2 or 3 in a day - and that is still 9 months of puzzles - excellent value in my mind.Strongly consider this if you are looking for something differernt to stretch your brain with. You won't be sorry!
-
Version 1.3
-
Aug 18, 2009
- Str8ts review by
pluto6
Outstanding Puzzle Game LOVE IT!!! What a great new twist on the Sudoku genre, which has been becoming a bit stale over the past couple of years. Marrying Sudoku with crosswords and add a touch of sequence-based puzzling and you've got yourself a good time. These guys do an amazing job with their games, ensuring top quality and unique puzzles. If you don't have it, GET IT NOW!
-
Version 1.3
-
Aug 19, 2009
- Str8ts review by
kdhomick
Must buy if your a Sudoku fan. Had a chance to get through a couple games last night. I finally figured it out and let me say it's my new puzzle "go to" app. Sudoku is being put on the sideline for the time being.The game-play is the same as most of the Sudoku games with empty boxes to fill in and numbers to choose from. Looks more like a crossword layout though.The game is designed very well. If your new to this then there are multiple pages of instructions and rules that should be read (even if your a guy) to figure out what needs to be accomplished. After you get it, it's not that hard... well the game can be but what you need to accomplish is evident.There are 4 levels of difficulty:Jack - 51 puzzlesQueen - 300 puzzlesKing - 300 puzzlesAce - 100 puzzlesAs you can see there are a ton of puzzles to complete and I imagine the harder it gets the more time and devotion will need to be given to get the solution.While in the game mode there are the usual options, Erase, Undo, Redo and may favorite "Check". This can be hit at any time and will let you know if your in the right track or not. There's also a note mode where you can work it out in pencil so to speak.There are two ways to display the game numbers...1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 or 6,7,8,9,10,J,Q,K,AThere is also a way to delete all your data and return it to a freshly installed state if ya want to start over. And if all else fails their website offers more help than you can imagine.All in all this is a very well produced, thought out and fresh alternative to Sudoku. If your a Sudoku fan, you will for sure love this game.
-
Version 1.3
-
Aug 19, 2009
- Str8ts review by
bigkahunafromtheisland
Another amazing puzzler! Syndicated Puzzles does it again!
If you're a fan of Sudoku or have gotten tired of the same game play it offers, Str8ts (or even Domino Dice) will show you what you've been missing out on all this time.
Just like in Domino Dice, this game is very unique in it's style of game play and for the reason, it does hve a minor learning curve. It doesn't take too long to figure out how to play the game though, the game also does a nice job on explaining the rules/button icons and includes a well demonstrated tutorial.
There are four difficulties you can choose from in this game and each includes its own set of puzzles within. The difficulties and # of puzzles are....
Jack: 51 (easiest diffculty)
Queen: 300
King: 300
Ace: 100 (hardest difficulty)
Graphics-wise the game is very well polished and uses a pretty relaxing color theme around the str8ts board.
Sound, there is no music implemented in this game, but you don't even need music when playing this. You can surely play your own music if you would like though. There are button sounds in this game and I think they fit in very well.
My dislikes about this game is that there is no highscores list or an option to be able to re-play a puzzle and have a friend try and eat your time. Possibly in a future update this can be added, but it doesn't hold the game back from being an amazing puzzler as it has proven to become.
5/5 and make sure to check out Domino Dice by the same developer!
-
Version 1.3
-
Aug 19, 2009
- Str8ts review by
tekssX
Top Notch If you like puzzles, this is a must have. This is challenging enough and unique enough to deserve a spot right next to your soduko app. Well worth the price, and lots of challenging puzzles.
-
Version 1.3
-
Sep 3, 2009
- Str8ts review by
spursrule
what they said Sudoku's been overplayed to death... enter Str8ts. Str8ts is a lot more challenging because instead of simply filling up each square in the grid with the numbers 1-9 as you do in sudoku, you have to put consecutive numbers in each separate row/column. Since you don't know the numbers that fill up the black squares, you have to use your brain a little more and be aware of all the multiple possibilities, and all the possible combinations for each possible number. The rules are actually fairly simple so I don't know how such a long, confusing tutorial to the game was included. The tutorial really needs to be interactive for it to actually be helpful. It would be nice if you could replay a puzzle after you've already completed it, but there are so many puzzles already included that this really isn't a big deal at all.
-
Version 1.3
-
Sep 6, 2009
- Str8ts review by
lililiiil
Great game for a great price! Very fun and addictive for a great price, if you like games like sudoku this is definately a game for you! challenging with a great number of levels!
-
Version 1.3
-
Sep 8, 2009
- Str8ts review by
Juntaou
Awesome game! This game is very addicting! I can pick it up at anytime and continue a game, which is great when you have sporadic moments of waiting. I do wish there was a way to do over 1 game instead of just starting the whole thing from the beginning. The only problem I'm having is I can't get to game #51 in "Jack" level. That's why 4 stars and not 5. After finishing #50, it jumps back to midway of #46. Glitch, obviously. I even "restarted" the WHOLE game and it did it again! Went to "Queen" level to see if it does the same at #300... still playing. Hope there is an update to fix this issue and add a few more options! All in all, this game gets more play than any other on my Ipod! Thanks to the creator of my addiction!
-
Version 1.3
-
Aug 26, 2009
- Str8ts review by
Str8tsAddict
Awesome! If you are a fan of Sudoku, I can almost guarantee you will like Str8ts. It's very similar but with enough variance to feel like a whole new experience. Numbers cannot be repeated in columns or rows (just like Sudoku), however, the additional requirement is that all connected numbers need to make a sequence. This small change along with the unfillable black squares transform this into a whole new challenge. I love it. Application-wise, the game does not dissapoint, the interface is clean and very usable, it has multiple-level undos, a "check" button to validate if your puzzle is correct up to any point (very helpful especially early on while learning the ropes), and the ability to input "possible" numbers into the box prior to making your final choice. There's 4 levels of difficulty and 751 puzzles which should keep you busy for hours. I would actually recommend purchasing the Str8ts 6x6 iteration of this prior to (or along with) the full version of Str8ts as I found the 6x6 puzzles a better way for me to ease into the larger grid of the 9x9 puzzles. This is a great hidden treasure on the iTunes store that needs to have more visibility, highly recommended for puzzle fans.
-
Version 1.4
-
Oct 13, 2009
- Str8ts review by
jleazott
Confessions of a Str8ts addict... I have been playing this game almost daily since I got it - I used to get in a game or two of Sudoku a day, but I've switched to this one.It looks like a cross between Sudoku and a crossword puzzle, but it doesn't quite play like that.Your goal is to fill in each row and column with "streights" (like in poker) of numbers, such as 2435 or 8497563. The don't have to be in order, just a contiguous string of numbers. (The two streights in my last sentance are 2 through 5 and 3 through 9, respectively. The black numbers are ones you can't use.You then take these rules and work your way through each puzzle, there are 751 puzzles amongst four difficulty levels to work through, and if you manage to finish those you can reset the game data and start over. The game remembers your progress in your last game in case you get interrupted, or leave the app to go do something else.If you like Sudoku, but want to play something similar, but different (and possibly a little more challenging) then this game is for you.For anyone else who likes puzzles, this is still a good game - there are no time limits, you can check your answers and you can make "pencil marks" for possibilities, so someone at any skill level can still enjoy this game.
-
Version 1.4
-
Oct 13, 2009
- Str8ts review by
Drelbs23
Better than Sudoku Haven't played Sudoku in years, but this is more interesting. Try to do a King or Ace level without notes!
-
Version 1.4
-
Oct 27, 2009
- Str8ts review by
Jofi3072
Better than Sudoku? That's the question for me. It's defintely harder and more challenging. Well at least to me it is. I don't know if it'll replace sudoku for me, but it defintely will live alongside it on my iPod. This game is fantastic, I just don't know what to say. It's awesome, pick it up! If you like sudoku, then this is right up your alley. Grab it. Stop reading and grab it.
-
Version 1.4
-
Oct 31, 2009
- Str8ts review by
SiDCrAzY
Excellent Puzzle After working just a few Str8ts puzzles, I no longer have any interest in sudoku puzzles. Str8ts are far more interesting and rewarding to solve. I've printed them from the web site in the past, but it's so convenient to have hundreds of them right on the iPhone. Highly recommended.
-
Version 1.4
-
Nov 4, 2009
- Str8ts review by
fiveolddogs
iPhone and iPod Touch Applications from Syndicated Puzzles
Zarte - iPhone Lifestyle Application Zarte is a historical collection of Art pieces by Canadian artist Jeff Widderich. The hand sculpted collection includes replicas from DaVinci and Michealangelo. These 3d pieces are capturing snap shots of history. The art is divided into 25 movable pieces that need to be put back together again.The... Syndicated Puzzles - Released: December 20, 2010 - Vote(s): 0
Absorb Water - iPhone Healthcare & Fitness Application Water has never been so easy to drink! Absorb Water allows you to drink almost anything and figures out at the end of the day if you are hydrated!
Clean water is good for you. No argument! For most of us water alone would make our taste buds shrivel up and life would be boring. Our lives are way... Syndicated Puzzles - Released: April 23, 2010 - Vote(s): 0
$1.99
Caveman Test - iPhone Games Application We encourage everyone to take the "Caveman Test". How often do you actually get to knock heads with a real caveman?
Don't be fooled by the simple appearance of "Sticks and Stones" this is one tough game! Enjoy the crackling fire in the dark cave. "Ufkah is waiting to defeat you!"
The moment fire... Syndicated Puzzles - Released: February 12, 2010 - Vote(s): 0
Str8ts 6x6 - iPhone Games Application This is for me, the best grid and number puzzle I have ever played! I much prefer it to Sudoku! Inverty.com
Str8ts is the most unique and fun number puzzle for the iPhone yet! App girl reviews
A cross between a Sudoku puzzle and a Crossword puzzle, Str8ts is sure to give puzzle fans something to... Syndicated Puzzles - Released: September 18, 2009 - Vote(s): 0
$0.99
Str8ts Lite - iPhone Games Application FINALLY THE WAIT IS OVER! SUDOKU HAS A REAL COMPETITOR!
Imagine a puzzle that is easy to learn, has simple rules, requires no math skills, possesses a strong newspaper presence, has a broad mass market appeal, is addictive, has an exciting learning curve, encourages multiple solving techniques,... Syndicated Puzzles - Released: September 04, 2009 - Vote(s): 60
Str8ts - iPhone Games Application FINALLY THE WAIT IS OVER! SUDOKU HAS A REAL COMPETITOR! THE SMASH HIT FROM MAJOR NEWSPAPERS BROUGHT TO YOU ON THE I PHONE AND I POD TOUCH!
Imagine a puzzle that is easy to learn, has simple rules, requires no math skills and is addictive as Sudoku. One that possesses a strong newspaper presence,... Syndicated Puzzles - Released: August 01, 2009 - Vote(s): 21
