Sudoku 2 Pro HD for iPad Review

There are a LOT of sudoku games out there in the ether of the app store. Some are decent, some are okay, and some make you wish for the paper and pencil variety. A small number are very good, and fewer still are what I would call spectacular. Sudoku 2 Pro HD is an awkward name for what is hands down the best sudoku game I've played on the iPad.

Every aspect of Sudoku 2 Pro HD is well thought-out and executed, from the graphical and audio flourishes to the spot-on controls. Developer Finger Arts really deserves a commendation for taking what could have been another run-of-the-mill puzzle game and transforming it into a smooth and elegant experience.

The beauty of Sudoku 2 Pro HD is that it both enhances the core gameplay of solving sudoku puzzles while also staying out of the way - keeping clutter and needless interference out of the interface. There is no "story mode" here or cutesy characters distracting you. What remains is a very slick sudoku experience. Again, and I can't say this enough, it's the best I've played yet.

Enhancements are subtle, but well worth noting. Finger Arts has implemented a point system in the game that rewards accuracy as well as speed, and all scores are posted to OpenFeint leaderboards (if you so desire). Small graphical touches like numbers that spin when you complete a line or a nine-number grid have an amazing positive reinforcement effect that will keep you coming back for more. Add to that the crisp, unobtrusive sound effects whenever you place letters and you begin to see how immersive a sudoku game can be. And no, I've never thought of a sudoku video game as immersive before. I suppose there's a first for everything.

The bottom line is, if you enjoy sudoku, you owe it to yourself to give Sudoku 2 Pro HD a try. if you're like me, you'll soon discover that most other versions of the game pale in comparison.