Game Info
GAME NAME: Solitaire Dungeon Escape
DEVELOPER(S): Jose Varela
PUBLISHER(S): Jose Varela
PLATFORM(S): Nintendo Wii U
GENRE(S): Card/Puzzle
RELEASE DATE(S): June 18th, 2015
Solitaire has always been a staple for many home computers but Solitaire Dungeon Escape is a newcomer to the Wii U eShop. While on the surface it seems that this is only going to be a half-hearted attempt to create an actual game, what is actually in the package is quite a nice little experience.
The Dragon has stolen the princess and it is up to you to get her back, the only way to accomplish your goal of saving the princess is the travel through the dungeon and playing a mystical card game. The premise of the game is nothing special but it does add a little bit of a nice story to help get through the 160 card puzzles.
At it’s heart Solitaire Dungeon Escape is really just a solitaire game. It’s meant to be played alone and overall a really well done time waster. The basic rules for any solitaire game is to try and eliminate all the cards that are on the playing field while also keeping a few cards in the deck, if you run out of cards in the deck before you are able to eliminate all the cards on the playing field then you will lose. Most rounds will not last very long but they’re entertaining enough to keep coming back and trying to finish all of them.
Beyond the normal rules of solitaire there are missions during some of the rounds; such as a time limit, trying to get a set amount of points, or even attempting to get a large string of cards in a row. The missions on top of the solitaire game are a nice addition that allow the game to have a little bit more legs while playing, it’s not a simple cut-and-dry experience.
The graphics are nothing to write home about but they do add a nice backdrop to an otherwise very sterile and generic overall package. The music on the other hand while simple and very short is both entertaining and fits the style of the game and the energy nicely, it really feels like a medieval song.
Sadly even though there are high scores to be set, its only for in-house use as there are no online interaction at all, other then the ability to post pictures to MiiVerse. The only other problem is that the game can be a lot of trial and error, some times it feels like there is no way to win if the right cards on not in the deck.
The Recommendation
The price tag of $5 on the Nintendo eShop may look a bit steep for a solitaire card game but I think it is a affordable and well priced game for what is offered. There are 160 puzzles which is enough to keep somebody busy for quite a while. While the game is really meant to be a solitary experience, allowing others to watch on the TV screen while the player is using the GamePad offers a fun atmosphere for families to play together.
