Includes puzzles with only a single solution. (These markings are often called notations.) Provides a way to note (or “pencil in”) the possible values for each square as you solve a puzzle. (For example, a couple Sudoku apps that didn’t make the cut satisfied most criteria, but their methods for making notations obscured other parts of the puzzle.) Offers good usability: easy-to-use input methods, clear controls, and readable graphics. Includes puzzles for multiple skill levels. 1 (left), Big Bang Sudoku (middle), and EA’s Sudoku (right) Unfortunately, none of the better Sudoku games available for the iPhone and iPod touch exclusively use symmetrical puzzles-those in which the pre-filled boxes (called givens) in opposing regions mirror each other. Although not technically a requirement, many purists don’t consider non-symmetrical puzzles to be “true” Sudoku. I tend to agree, but I didn’t hold a lack symmetry against the candidates. However, I’ve noted in the summaries below if an app uses symmetrical puzzles. I would honestly pay more for this app if I could because it is worth the time for any beginners out there. I just focus on how I play without being interrupted. If you’ve never played Sudoku before, I recommend checking out Wikipedia’s page on the game these reviews assume you know the basics. No ads, 3 different modes with 4 different difficulties, there's a dark mode, and I can see all my stats. Perhaps the best Sudoku app for beginners (and lazy puzzle-solvers), Hudson Entertainment’s Sudoku Vol.

1 offers a tutorial mode that explains Sudoku and walks you through the solving of a puzzle. It also provides a number of visual tools for helping you solve puzzles. For example, one of my favorite “helper” features is called Borders: when you tap on a cell, a gold outline (shown to the right) surrounds the selected cell’s host region and the row and column containing the cell, making it easier to determine which numbers that cell can and cannot contain.

(You can turn off this feature if you don’t want it.) In addition, if you double-tap any given cell or solved cell, all other given and solved incidences of that cell’s number are highlighted this is useful for quickly seeing, for example, which regions still need the number 2. A Hint button, which can be used three times for each puzzle, fills in a random unsolved cell. Finally, when all nine occurrences of a number have been entered, that number is grayed out on the onscreen keypad. You use this 9-digit keypad to enter notations and cell values. To make notations in a cell, you tap the cell, then tap the notation button, and then tap (on the keypad) the possible values for the cell. To solve a cell, you tap the cell, then tap the solve button, then tap the desired number. (The keypad changes color to indicate whether you’re in notation or solve mode.) There’s also a dedicated erase button, as well as Undo and Redo buttons-the latter two unique to Sudoku Vol. 1’s controls are excellent, and although the overall appearance of the game isn’t as attractive as that of the other two games here, it’s clear and effective. My only beef is that no matter which font you choose, the numbers used for notations can be difficult to read. 1 also provides a number of useful customization options. You can choose from six different fonts for numbers (including Japanese Kanji characters) and from six different backgrounds, and the music and sound effects can be separately muted. With 3,000 total puzzles, you won't run out of puzzles any time soon.Other features include a game timer and an online ranking system. The optional error checker tells you when you have entered an incorrect or illogical value, allowing you to catch errors early and preventing needless frustration.įive difficulty levels, from easy to insane, ensure that you will be able to find a puzzle that matches your skill level. If you don't want that much help, the optional smart notes feature automatically deletes values from notes you have entered manually when they are no longer valid.

The optional auto-notes feature enters all of the notes into the puzzle for you and keeps them updated as you solve. No more tedious switching between entry mode and note mode to complete your puzzle. Two separate keypads, one for entries and one for notes, allow you to enter values quickly and easily. Take a journey to feudal Japan with Sudoku Free! With beautiful graphics and killer features, Sudoku Free! is the best Sudoku app available for iOS.

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