My family has enjoyed Sudoku ever since we became aware of this popular new puzzle type. When we have time, we enjoy working out the puzzles, and I have given the puzzle books as stocking stuffers to everyone the last several years. It’s even provided us with some laughs, as when my father-in-law kept calling it the “Sodooky” book!

Sudoku is a plain, straightforward puzzle. The puzzles are laid out in 3x3 squares of 3x3 grids of blocks, with 9 numbers in each row up and down. The rules are this: Each square has 9 unique numbers, and each row has 9 unique numbers. This means that no number can be repeated within a row, or within a square. The puzzles will be presented with the numbers partially filled in, and solvers must fill in the correct numbers to complete the puzzle.

Given the simplicity of the puzzle type, any video rendition is going to be very similar to any other. So, what does any video game of sudoku have to offer that is different from the others? The only manner in which they can differ is in the interface and the tutorials. In this area, Carol Vorderman’s Sudoku stands above the crowd.

When I first saw the game, I was a little put-off by the voluptuous female pictured on the front and back of the box, and wondered who on earth she was and why she should be an expert on Sudoku. Being American, I had no idea that Ms. Vorderman is a famous host of a puzzle game show in the UK, “Countdown,” is a former member of Mensa and is lately an obsessed player of Sudoku. I still wondered about her general dress and strangely youthful appearance (she’s 47), but accepted her credentials as a math whiz.

On starting the game, solvers are instantly presented with the main menu, where they can either choose a tutorial featuring Carol Vorderman, the puzzle mode, a solver mode, or an options mode. The tutorial mode is further broken down into various tutorials explaining the rules of the game, hints and strategies, and the interface controls. The puzzle mode offers a single game, a campaign type set of games, and a challenge mode which invites players to “beat Carol!” There is also a neat mode, Solver, which allows players to enter in by hand any puzzle, and it will then display the answer. This is handy when stumped by a printed puzzle. And, puzzles can be printed.

The tutorials feature a video of Ms. Vorderman (more conservatively dressed now, and looking more mature). She explains the history behind the puzzles, the basic rules, then moves on to more advanced techniques and strategies. The explanations are clear and easy to understand. There are also diagrams with written explanations for the interface controls.

Besides the basic control functions of entering numbers in various ways, there are options for displaying hints and helps, such as pencil notations in the corners of the cubes, and highlighted errors.

The interface is refreshingly simple, with just the basic choices for moving forward and backward through the game, marking the actual puzzle when playing, and no flashy music or special effects. Nice!

I love Sudoku and have enjoyed playing this presentation of it. Carol Voderman does a superb job of explaining the rules and strategies, and I learned a few tips from her. I especially enjoyed the no-frills approach to Sudoku, with no added baggage of flashing lights or techno music.

Gameplay: 8.0
It’s Soduku! It’s fun! Playing Sudoku on this game is just like playing it in a puzzle book or online. Great interface.

Graphics: 7.0
Nothing snazzy, but they do the job and aren’t distracting.

Sound: 7.0
The voiced tutorials are clear and audible. There is no music, thank goodness.

Difficulty: Medium
The puzzle range from easy to very difficult.

Concept: 8.0
The concept is novel, just present the game.

Overall: 8.0
It’s Soduku! It’s fun! If you enjoy Sudoku, then get this game because it’s one of the best available so far. If you don’t like Sudoku, why are you even reading this revew? Kidding aside, this is a great edition of Sudoku and one that any puzzle enthusiast will enjoy. If you haven’t experienced Sudoku yet, I would highly recommend this game to get you started.