It’s hard to rise above the crowd when not only is this crowd well populated, but everybody in the crowd is very similar in every way. That’s the case with the plethora of Sudoku games on the market right now, as the game of Sudoku has few rules and not many variations. Therefore, the only way any electronic game of Sudoku can stand out is by having a better interface or better options. Ultimate Puzzle Games Sudoku Edition from Telegames manages to combine a great interface, a pleasant appearance and a couple of fun multiplayer modes into a smooth puzzle package that wins the current electronic Sudoku crown.

The setup is simple and elegant. Players can choose from several grid sizes and difficulty levels. Then, the game begins. The top screen displays the game information such as the game type, difficulty level and the best score. The goal time is displayed, and also the timer. The games are timed, but there is no penalty for playing past this time.

The screen is nicely designed and features a pleasing interface. The playing screen is displayed on the bottom half of the DS. The grid has large squares with big numbers, and the colors are well suited for optimum visibility on the DS. The gameplay options are available in icons on the left. This menu is so logical that I didn’t have to look at the manual for instructions, which is unusual. (I love manuals.) To enter a pencil mark, players simply choose the pencil icon, then the icon for the desired number. To erase a pencil mark, choose the pencil, the eraser and the number. The same principle is used for entering or deleting the number answer, sans pencil mark icon. Simple!

The multi-player games offer three types of games: Head-to-head, where players compete to fill in the most squares on the grid; Golden Square, where players answer a flashing square; and Multiplier, which increases the amount of possible points for each additional correctly answered square. These all sound like a lot of fun, even though we haven’t tested them yet. I love to compete against my husband in certain types of magazine puzzle games like Spellacross or Wordmine, although I always lose. We both love Sudoku, so it would be a hoot to see who could answer the most squares in the grids. We need to get another DS.

Players can also enter in published Sudoku puzzles in the Solver section for easy storage. The other modes offer varying grid sizes for younger players. The game offers a few options like turning on and off the music and changing the background picture, but these don’t really affect the game. I would have liked to have been able to turn off the timer, but that wasn’t an option.

Puzzle Games Sudoku Edition is the best Sudoku game in town thus far. Any Sudoku fan will be well pleased.

Gameplay: 8.0
It’s Sudoku with style! The intuitive interface and attractive graphics make for a smooth package. The multi-player modes offer new options, as well.

Graphics: 8.0
The graphics are easy on the eyes.

Sound: 6.0
The sound is average, but at least it’s not annoying. Being able to choose the music would have been nice.

Difficulty: Medium
It’s as easy or as hard as players want.

Concept: 8.0
The designers did an excellent job of planning a great user interface that meets all the needs of the players.

Multiplayer: 8
Fun multi-player options, and can be played with one game card.

Overall: 8.0
This is a great Sudoku game, and is a great way to enjoy having a mobile game system. The interface is the game, and this interface is definitely the best I’ve seen for electronic Sudoku. All ages can enjoy this edition of Sudoku, and family members will have fun competing to see who is the better brain.