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Eric Snider's Solitaire and Video Poker

June 22, 2004

Eric Snider’s Solitaire

Eric Snider’s Solitaire is a very nice package indeed. Ten games are included, such as Klondike (regular and casino versions), Eight Off, Golf, Montana, Poker Square, Pyramid, Spiderette, and Towers. Gameplay is as smooth as silk, and there are some nice little helps that make things go even better, especially for impatient players. The game highlights “playable” cards as you go along, and also autoplays “safe” cards to the top if you’re playing a game like Klondike. These two features can be turned off if you like, but I’ve come to really enjoy them, as they let me focus more squarely on strategy.

The sound effects are also superb, providing a nice audible reminder of just how close you are to winning the game. They aren’t overbearing at all, just a simple little tone as each card is stacked at the top, and then a little tune at the end. The backgrounds are even better— you can choose from one of nine included with the program, such as Argyle, Aztec, Camo, Retro, Southwest, and Woodrow, or you can create your own. You have the choice of picking a single color from the standard custom palette or choosing a gradient, which you create by choosing the top and bottom colors.

There are plenty of Solitaire packages out there for Palm OS devices, some of them freeware, but none of them come close to the impressive graphics, smooth gameplay, and simple yet creative features. I’m very impressed, and can’t wait to see the next update. I’m hoping for more games, and support for 320x480 graphics, but I’ll be happily playing this version until then to make the wait a pleasant one.

Eric Snider’s Video Poker

If you’re looking for some Vegas-style action, then Eric’s Video Poker certainly deserves a closer look. It features two gameplay modes, either “Jacks or Better” or “Deuces Wild.” The object, of course, is to place your bets and try to increase your stake by playing video poker. This implementation is a fun one and gets good marks for a great interface, appropriate sound effects, and good design.

Playing is simple enough, simply place your bet and then tap the Deal button at the bottom right corner of the screen. Once you get your cards, you decide which ones to hold, and then you draw. If you have a pair of Jacks or better, three of a kind, a full house, a straight, or a flush, you’ll win. The game keeps track of all of your statistics automatically, and you can access them by tapping on the dollar amount at the top right side of the screen. Unfortunately I haven’t been doing too well, so it’s good to know that I can also add $20 to the machine at any time in order to keep playing and hopefully at least break even, if not “win” big.

Conclusion

Eric’s games are fun to play and have some nice features. New versions are already under development with even more enhancements, and are currently in private beta testing. They’ll run on a Palm III or greater, and there’s also a high resolution OS5 version for more modern handhelds. Eric’s Solitaire requires 155K of space on your Palm OS device, and costs $14.95. Eric’s Video Poker required 166K of space, and is $7.95. For more information, a free trial, or online purchase, visit the Sniderware web site.

PocketGoddess Rating for Eric Snider’s Solitaire: