Zendoku

"Sudoku done right (for some of us)"

Let's start off by saying that Zendoku is a variation on the traditional Sudoku puzzle game that has become ever so popular. The DS has gotten its share of Sudoku games and I have found most of them to be lacking in a couple of key areas: depth and personality. Zendoku shines where others do not.

Why is this?

GAMEPLAY:
First, the main gameplay is a more exciting and faster-paced variation on Sudoku. In the main mode, Quest, you select a character (there are quite a few available to start with many more to unlock) and fight through a series of battles against other characters. Each character has a ridiculous little story that you read between battles. Yes, Sudoku with a storyline! It's not deep, but it's not meant to be. It's supposed to be funny, which it is. Each character has a green life meter. Whenever you complete a row, box, column, or place all of one shape you do damage to your opponent and stun them for a while. Your opponent can attack you too and when that happens you must play a touch screen micro-game... blowing out candles, blocking punches, breaking bricks, etc. This will drive some people crazy. Personally, I like it, and think it is an interesting mechanic, especially in multiplayer.

Because the main mode is based on speed, the puzzles aren't too hard, especially at the beginning. The game tells you when you have placed a symbol in the wrong place but that doesn't mean you can win based on fast trial and error. If you place a symbol wrong a few boxes on your opponent's grid automatically fill in. Make too many mistakes and you're going to lose. Quest mode provides just the right amount of challenge, going from super easy to almost maddening.

As you have likely guessed, Quest mode (and Zen mode) replace the traditional numbers with symbols. This might throw traditional Sudoku veterans off at first but it works for a number of reasons. First, each symbol is a unique color and shape (though ying-yang symbols and panda faces can be a little confusing) and the same symbols are used throughout so you can learn them and get comfortable with them as you would be with regular numbers.

OTHER MODES:
Zendoku also contains a Classic Mode, played with numbers, and Zen Mode where you race against the clock to complete puzzles. These modes can be played at different difficulty levels. Classic mode contains unlimited puzzles thanks to an infinite puzzle generator, a huge plus compared to some other DS incarnation of Sudoku. Another mode lets you practice the micro games that are used as attacks. You can unlock new attacks to use yourself in this mode as well. Single card download play and multi-card play are available as well and I can't help but be impressed by a game that can turn Sudoku into a fun multi-player game.

PRESENTATION:
The entire game is martial arts themed, from the symbols to the music to the characters. The music only consists of a few tracks but they are not annoying and easily blend in to the background. The character designs are interesting and well animated. The grid itself is a touch cramped, but that can't be avoided on the small DS bottom screen and seeing the whole grid a little cramped is better than having to scroll or some sort of zoom in and out feature.

REPLAY VALUE:
When it comes to reply value, this is as good as it gets. You have lots of characters to play through Quest mode with, each taking several hours. You have unlimited traditional puzzles available to you in Classic Mode. The DS is uniquely suited to Sudoku with its touch screen... no erasing, etc. If you get tired of puzzles you can go practice some microgames, or you can play with friends.

About the rating:
I give this game a 10/10. I want to explain that a little. This is still Sudoku and giving it a 10 means to me that it is a pretty perfect Sudoku, not to be compared with more complex sorts of games that would get a similar rating. If you hate Sudoku and/or logic puzzle games this won't convert you or make you like it.

Why 10/10?
-Fun and fast variation on Sudoku gameplay
-Unlimited classic puzzles
-Amusing story mode with unlockable characters
-Many different modes, including multi-player
-Nice graphics and music

Any problems?
-Presentation a little cramped
-New main gameplay mode will not appeal to everyone
-Some microgames a bit annoying

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 06/29/07