TENS! is a New Approach to Sudoku Puzzles

Visually, TENS! has a pretty simple and clean aesthetic that is pleasing on the eyes. Like many games these days, the design is flat so it's rather minimalistic. The typeface is easy to read, and the colors are a nice mix of pastels and bright hues. If the default color scheme doesn't do it for you, there are additional ones that can be purchased through in-app purchases. There are smooth and fluid animation transitions as lines add up to 10 and get cleared out while adding to your point total. The game also has quirky clicking sound effects that are fun to listen as you play.

In the initial free download of TENS!, players have access to the Normal Mode with Endless and Challenges. You can get an Expert Mode if you want more of a challenge, but it is only through a $2.99 in-app purchase, and it includes an exclusive skin.

In the Endless Mode, you try to get as high of a score as possible before you run out of space on the board to fit the given blocks. Challenge is more puzzle-like and features different objectives that you must complete, such as beating a specific point threshold.

The point of TENS! is to drag dice onto the grid and have a total of 10 in a row or column. When this happens, you get a point for however many dice are in that line, and there are bonus points for getting combos, multi-line clears, and even getting rid of all dice on the board. Once there are no more spaces to fit the die pieces, then it's game over.

Controls are simple in TENS. At the bottom of the screen are three dice pieces that you can choose from. Just tap-and-drag the piece you want and place it somewhere on the board where it fits. Once it's placed in, the number on the row and column change to reflect the total number in it right now. When you've used the three pieces, the next set of three take their place.

You then repeat the process until no more moves can be made. If you make a mistake, there's an Undo button, but since the game is free, you'll have to endure an ad each time you want to use it. That is, unless you opt for ad removal, which costs $1.99.

TENS! is a unique approach to dice and Sudoku, and it's rather enjoyable. The game's minimalist graphics are appealing, and the sound effects are fun. Even if you don't play Sudoku on a regular basis, TENS! is not too overwhelming in difficulty and it's easy to follow. Controls are simple and the different modes offer a good amount of variety. Plus, if you need more, the Expert mode and other theme choices should satisfy you.

As a free game, TENS! is supported by ads — a lot of them. I felt like there was an ad every few minutes. I try not to use the Undo button too often either because it means sitting through a 30-second ad. I am not a fan of obnoxious ads, and TENS! has them. I wish it wasn't so intrusive.

I'm also not a huge fan of how each theme will cost you a dollar, and there's different prices for ad-removal and Expert Mode. I think the game should just include one all-or-nothing IAP, rather than nickel-and-dime you for every small thing.

As someone who enjoys all kinds of puzzle games, I find TENS! to be rather refreshing. It's a new approach to Sudoku, and it's much more fun and straightforward. The default color theme is fine with me, but it's nice that there are plenty of other options available if you're seeking a particular theme (there are sports ones) or color. TENS! is proving to be rather addictive, and I'm going to look into purchasing the Expert mode later on. It's gorgeous, challenging, and addictive. I just wish that the ads weren't so annoying.

I recommend TENS! to fans of puzzle games, specifically Sudoku. You can find TENS! on the App Store as a universal download for your iPhone and iPad for free with in-app purchases.