Mobile Games

Does what it says

Klondike, aka Solitaire, the most played card game ever created comes to Blackberry handsets to fill your spare time.

If you've somehow managed to avoid playing Klondike all of your life, then here's the low-down: Work your way through the deck and stack the cards in descending numerical order, alternating between red and black colours. If you have the luck of the deal, or you play your cards right (good game, good game - Brucie Ed), you can then stack them in four suit order piles (this time in ascending order) and win the game.

Their have been various incarnations of the card game over the years, but with this version it's a standard game of Solitaire. Which means there's only one game type on offer, with no time limits and no score to achieve. To simplify the options even further, you can't even customise the background or the playing deck.

The game uses the Blackberry controls in the most simple way, which in return makes the play less effective. You use the roller ball to move the cursor above the playing board and click on the card you want to move. You then have to scroll over to the deck where you want to place the card and then click again to perform the automated move.

The basic actions prevents you from really becoming engaged in the game as you would with a mouse for instance. Still, if you like simple controls then you'll no doubt be happy with the simple roller ball actions. Sadly, there's no option to choose between 1 or 3-card deal, with 3 being the only one on offer.

Klondike doesn't use the Blackberry's generously sized screen to full potential. The game is squashed in the middle of the screen, with so much unused space on either side. They could have easily have made the cards bigger to utilise the board and create a far more attractive experience.

That said, if you desire the most basic game of solitaire to entertain you on a lunch break, then you'll find the same old challenge and enjoyment here. Just bear in mind there are better version out there.