The classic single player card game has entered the third dimension. Now you can play (yet another) version of Solitaire, now available on the Nintendo 3DS eShop.

There are two modes of Klondike Solitaire that you can choose from, but they’re mostly the same and it’s the typical Solitaire game that you can play on any computer, too. You can get hints and undo moves on the bottom screen, or reshuffle the deck for a new game. The cards you can move will wiggle when you tap the hint button, but sometimes it’s a little vague and every now and then it won’t give you a hint at all.

When you complete a round, the game will tally your score based on how many moves you used and other aspects. By reaching certain scores and goals, you can unlock different backgrounds. The backgrounds are actually the 3-D part of the game, not the cards. Since I’ve been blind in my left eye since birth, I can’t see the 3-D effects, so I got some people to help me with that part of the review (thanks, Mom and brother Jeff). They said some of the words also pop out in 3-D as well, but other than that it wasn’t very impressive.

Since the action is all viewed on the top screen, there really isn’t much touch screen support. It’s all done with the D-pad and buttons. It works fairly well, but more stylus control options would’ve been nice, even if it did compromise the 3-D effects. I think this version of Solitaire could’ve been a little better, with more game modes and maybe better hint options to let you know if you’ve run out of moves. But if you love card games and have a 3DS, I guess this would be a fun pick for now.

Kid Factor:

One thing a lot of Solitaire game makers don’t realize is that not EVERYONE knows how to play Solitaire. It’s not like it’s an instinct that we’re born with. Most of these kinds of games, including this one, don’t even have a tutorial mode. This may be the first time a little kid plays a Solitaire game, so a more comprehensive in-game tutorial would’ve been excellent. As it stands, reading skill is needed for the instructions and menus. But other than that, it’s suitable for all ages. 3D Solitaire is rated E for Everyone.

Tags: Game Reviews