Here's a showcase of the Playdate handheld's yellow charms. Sparrow Solitaire (2023) is by Matt Sephton and Mac Vogelsang and it boasts some charming, rewarding, and relaxing puzzling fun.
It's an adaptation of thee traditional tile-matching puzzle game mahjong (or mah-jongg). This was created in 19th century China and remains popular to this day.
Match Tiles, Enjoy The Breeze, and Embrace Sparrow Solitaire
Yes, so here's a reimagining of mahjong. But it does keep the core of the game—simplicity.
There are lots of similar games in Asia, such as shōgi in Japan (the N64's Saikyō Habu Shōgi did a game on that in 1996). Much like with chess and whatnot, it's all about addictive removal of items.
Sparrow Solitaire has an excellent tutorial section that teaches you the ropes. Then you jump on it!
You match tiles, but the layered playing areas get very tricky fast. You have a certain number of moves and must try and clear the screen before running out of moves. It's simple, but complex, yet never overwhelms.
The beautiful simplicity of the graphics harks back to the golden years of the Game Boy, NES, Mega Drive etc. Talented game designers eking out as much detail as possible, despite the technological limitations.
We really do love its presentation. From time to time there's also an on-screen susurrating breeze with autumnal leaves floating in black and white over your playing area. Neat little touch that adds to the relaxation vibes. 🍂
Then you get the chillout music.
The score is breezy, jaunty, and charming. It was provided by composer Yūyake Monster (judging from the surname, we're guessing that's a pseudonym).
A great completement to another of the Playdate's brilliant pick-up-and-play titles. Solitaire Sparrow offers a mixture of chillout and challenge, which it manages with cool aplomb.
There are 100s of layouts to choose from, so you won't run out of arenas any time soon. And high scores can be shared via QR code to the Playdate community.
Oh yeah, there's even a built-in level editor and two-player challenge mode!
Busy stuff, then, and a deceptively simple title. But one we'll be revisiting time and time again for some end-of-day puzzle solving shenanigans.
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