Review: Simple Solitaire

At a Glance

ESRB Rating: E - Everyone
My Rating: Everyone
Genre: Card game
License: Freeware
Fun-O-Meter:
Release Year: 2012
Reviewed Version: 7.4.4.0
Review Published On: December 8th, 2021
Played on: Thaddeus

Available for:

Windows

Available from:

Windows Store

Areas of Concern:
  • In game advertising


How to Save and Pause:

Your games are automatically saved whenever you close the app.

If you're playing a variant that uses a timer, then you can pause the game by opening a submenu, such as the instructions or appearance options.

Time needed per session:

This is basically an advanced form of the classic Windows Solitaire program, so you don't need to worry about fitting it into your schedule.

Does this game pose issues for Christian players?

No - this is a great game for Christians
The only thing that may be objectionable about this game is an advertising banner shown at the bottom of the playfield.

Screenshots

[view screenshot]
A typical game

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Making progress

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When you win, the cards bounce away



Game Overview

Simple Solitaire is exactly what its title suggests: it's a version of Klondike solitaire, and that's pretty much it. But, unlike the Microsoft Solitaire Collection, there aren't any profiles to log into, no medals to collect, no daily challenges to test your skill; it's just a simple game of solitaire. In other words, it does one thing, and does it quite well.

Now, if the name "Klondike" doesn't ring any bells, then let me reintroduce you to what is easily the most well known single player card game out there. Or to be more specific, this is the proper name for the familiar solitaire game that used to come with Windows (ie, sol.exe or "Windows Solitaire"). At the start of the game, seven groups of cards are dealt to the tableau. Except for the topmost card in each group, the cards are face-down. You then build down by opposite color, such as a red Queen on a black King, and eventually you'll be able to build the foundations up by suit. You can also draw cards from the remainder of the deck as needed.

There are also a few different ways to play this game. For example, you can choose to draw cards one at a time or in groups of three, and there are a couple of ways to keep score. You'll get to choose these options whenever you start a new game.

Ultimately, Simple Solitaire offers just about everything you'd want from a solitaire app. Since it doesn't feature anything extra, it also loads very quickly, just like the old solitaire games. If all you really want from your solitaire experience is what used to come with sol.exe (or thereabouts), then this is probably your best option.

Points of Interest

Multiple theme options

You can choose between four different card themes, six card backs, and an additional six table designs. The card images are particularly well done, as the designs range from a classic style, a more "modern" minimalist design, and two unique detailed styles. Also, you can change the game's appearance at any time, not just between games.

Unobtrusive ads

One drawback of free games is that they are often ad-supported. So, instead of paying for the game up front, you'll need to put up with advertisements during the game itself. This can go sideways pretty fast, but in this case, the only ad you'll see here is a lone banner ad at the bottom of the playfield. It'll also move further down the window if any of the stacks gets long enough.

Concerns and Issues

None

It's just Klondike solitaire. The only real possibility for objective content might be what's shown in an advertisement, but that's not the game's fault.