Freecell

"It's like Solitaire, except you actually need strategy!"

Freecell is, in fact, a kind of solitaire. In case you don't know, Solitaire is an immensely popular game that comes bundled with every version of Windows since 3.1. However, the word solitaire does NOT stand for just the game that comes with Windows called Solitaire (which is actually called Klondlike), but rather for every card game played with just one person. In this review, I will be calling the game called Solitaire that comes with Windows Windows Solitaire. Just clearing up some terminology here.

Freecell's objective is similar to Windows Solitaire. You must move all 52 cards to the four spaces in the top right of the screen, called the foundations. Aces go on the foundations first, and after that you must build up in suit--the Two of Spades goes on the Ace of Spades, and then the Three of Spades, then the Four, etc. You win when all 52 cards are moved there, 13 to a pile.

The way you go to achieve this objective, however, is drastically different from Windows Solitaire. Unlike Windows Solitaire, EVERY card is dealt out to you, and you can see all of them. The 52 cards are dealt, all face up, to eight piles (called the tableau) in the center of the screen. Like WS, you build down in alternating colors (red Jack on black Queen, black Ten on red Jack, etc.) However, you can only move one card at a time. To make life easier, you have four ''freecells'' in the top left of the screen. Any card can be moved there, but no building is allowed.

Under the guise of such simple rules lies a surprisingly deep game. Freecell requires incredible thought and strategy to win. Practically every hand out of the 32,000 offered are winnable (only one of them have never been beaten), but only the most brilliant of minds can claim to have won even half the hands on the first try. There are a lot of decisions to make, a lot of planning to do. Each game is mentally exhausting, and finishing a game gives a exhilarating sense of pride, even with such a simple ending. Winning is truly its own reward in this case.

This game also offers many extra features that Windows Solitaire doesn't. First, it keeps statistics. The number of wins and losses, plus winning and losing streaks are all available to impress (or amuse) your friends and enemies alike. Second, there is autoplay: cards that can no longer be built on (for instance, a black Two when no red Aces remain) are automatically sent to the foundations, saving a lot of trouble. And finally, you can choose which hand you want to play, in case, for instance, you get a sudden urge to play hand no. 5,786.

The graphics in Freecell are minimal. Besides the cards, which are clear and well-drawn, there's only the green background and a drawing of a King between the freecells and the foundations. When you win, there is a blown-up (pixellation included) picture of the King exhibited. There is no audio in this game at all, save the pop-up dialog box sound when you make an illegal move.

In short, this game is fun, addicting, and very skill-dependent. It is a must-play for any puzzle game fan. If you don't have windows, or your version doesn't come with it, it is also available through the myriad solitaire programs out there. Play it--and get addicted.

FINAL SCORE: 9

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 09/30/01, Updated 09/30/01