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When starting up a game called Fairway Solitaire, the name suggests a lot. “OK”, you think.
“Somehow they've combined solitaire with golf. This should be interesting”. Then
you're hit with a cheerfully animated introduction about the age old war between golf and gophers
before being thrown into a puzzle game with not only intriguing mechanics, but plenty
of personality.
Not every course in this game (and there are many on offer) is eighteen holes, but the
basic goal is the same. You want to finish each hole with a score of par or under. This
is where the golf comparisons end and solitaire begins. Every hole has a layout of cards that
are hiding stacks of other cards. Down the bottom you have your play stack and the hole
is over once that stack has been used. The rules of solitaire have been changed a little
as all you need to do to remove the cards on the field is tap cards that are either
one higher or one lower than the card currently in your play stack. Each successive card you
tap creates a chain combo and if you can fill the combo meter at the top of the screen before
having to turn over the next play stack card, you gain a bonus of one thousand golf bucks!
Golf Bucks are the de facto currency in this world, buying you upgrades, but most importantly
they can be used to supplement a combo that's run out of steam. Nowhere to go with your
next move? Simply open up your golf bag, pay a nominal fee, choose the appropriate iron,
and lo and behold, your combo continues, filled with new life. The game starts with only irons
available, but additional clubs can be purchased as well.
Now Fairway Solitaire is a little insidious. The game is free, but it only includes the
first course pack. The problem is that after playing the first pack, you'll easily pay
the paltry fee to unlock the rest of the game. It's a good deal too, with countless courses
to gain three stars on, a continuing narrative of an evil gopher told in animated cut-scenes,
colorful commentators narrating your play, trophies and a whole host of unlocks, the
content alone of this title is dizzying. Luckily it's based on a simple, clever, and addictive
puzzle game. This one's easy to recommend.