Review: Solitaire: Deck of Cods - Plus Video

Overview

Solitaire: Deck of Cods, from Namco, at the most basic level is golf solitaire. The gameplay style is very similar to the online game Fairway Solitaire. In Golf Solitaire most cards are in the play area where only the top one is showing, and the remaining cards are in the deck. Your goal is to make runs of cards: 6,7,8,7,6, etc in any order, and suit is irrelevant. The twist of Fairway solitaire or Deck of Cods is that the cards in the play area are set up in varying formations requiring more strategy. Rather than having to clear all of the cards, Deck of Cods provides goals for each level for example 10 inch fish or catch five fishes. You run is the size of the fish, so when you have a run of 10 cards, that’s a 10 inch fish. For a run to qualify as a fish it has to be at least 3 cards.

Features

Fifty levels are included with half in freshwater and half in saltwater. There are eight different fishing locations, and every level has a different card layout. Depending on your location it changes the fish you catch. There are 12 types of fish per type of water, and you get a trophy if you collect them all. Your longest catch of each type of fish is saved, and there are facts about each fish including region they live, average length & weight, and a fun fact. Another great feature which enhances the gameplay is wildcards. As you play you will collect fishing frenzy cards which rearrange all the cards or fish finder which reveals all of the hidden cards. Also included are lures that can be played at any time. You pick up a Jack lure when your streak is coming to an end, and then you can continue your streak starting with the Jack. Bluetooth connectivity is included allowing you to play for the biggest catch head-to-head. You can post your scores to facebook, but no online high scores are included.

The Good

Finally the great Fairway Solitaire gameplay comes to the iPhone, with a brand new fishing theme. Golf solitaire is one of the best types, and then with the added wildcards, card formations, and fish, it is top notch. Having goals instead of just clearing the deck adds a lot more fun, and reason to play. The connection between the size of the fish and your run, makes runs so much more important than the standard version. As a little tidbit Namco has done a great job with the controls. Just tap a card to play it. The background music is great, and one of the best I’ve heard on the iPhone. There are three or four different songs, that all have an up-beat fishing type theme. I actually enjoyed listing to the music as much as playing the great gameplay. Also the sound effects go great as the fish splash out of the water when you complete a run. The visuals are spot-on for this type of game. The backgrounds are nicely designed from the forest river, to the inlet cove. The card designs are nice especially with the fishing Jacks, Queens, and Kings. Namco put a lot of polish into this game, which could have just been very simple designed.

The Bad

Playing over Bluetooth is great, but if a game is going to go with connectivity it should have Bluetooth and wifi. No online scores or achievements are included for biggest fish or to boast when you collect the trophies. There are only fifty levels, and when you make it through, I don’t know if you’ll ever play again. The game is too easy as well. All you have to do is complete the goals, which are pretty easy, especially as you rack up wildcards, and never come close to diminishing your stockpile. If there are cards left over, there’s no negative or anything at all related to the game. Fairway solitaire gives you a gold score, based on having a par number of cards left over. All 18 levels, “holes” contribute to your overall score which needs to be a certain score to unlock the next course. Deck of Cods lacks re-playability, but the first time through is definitely a fun experience.

The Verdict

Solitaire: Deck of Cods is a really fun experience, and is one of the best card games in the App Store. Namco branches away from its classic games, and makes a real catch. The enhanced golf solitaire gameplay is great, as are the sounds, and visuals, and even controls. The only problem is the game goes by quickly, and there’s nothing much to do after you get through all fifty levels. You’ll have a great first time through which makes this game a should buy for $1.99. Video below and here. Shows one fresh water, and one salt water level...

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