I just loved this game, so, to each their own!!

Oops, Double Games made a nice one. I play several types of solitaire
not just Klondike, many that the average player only wins one in over fifty games not one in four. I have been very unhappy with the games I downloaded from DG, so I almost left this one on the vine. A couple of comments toward the end interested me so I gave it a shot. Nice, however since they seem to be listening now I would like to say. I like thinking games NOT timed ones. Having a timer is ok for some, but I would rather have a choice.

.... venice is made by popcap games,not double games...


double games just takes everything out there and puts it on there site.

sorto of like gamehouse does.

DELIGHTFUL GAME THANX

judalea,
DoubleGames did not make Venice Deluxe. PopCap games made this wonderful game. Here is the link:

http://www.popcap.com/games/venice?s_kwcid=venice%20deluxe|1986944388

DoubleGames is a scam. They have people download games that they've stolen from other companies and added their own spybots into the installation. I can't believe GGOTD hasn't figured this out yet.

I'm very frustrated because I can't get the stacks to move sometimes, and I can't figure out why not. I'm putting red on black or vice versa, and I'm building the stack with the high card on the bottom. So why won't they stick?

have just downloaded and viewed the game, and it's very similar to a solitaire game I used to play on the Mac called "Seahaven Towers"; the only difference is that the cards are fanned out in piles, whereas ST was just in layered rows beneath the target piles. Haven't seen this type of solitaire for quite a while; must admit that Swan's comment (#22) convinced me to give it a go

So that you know why I boycott DoubleGames, this is from McAfee SiteAdvisor:

"After entering our e-mail address on this site, we received 4.8 e-mails per week. They were very spammy. We received 2 e-mails which contained a virus."

I would say this happens because they SELL your address without consent. To be fair in my critique, we are not asked to give our addresses through the GGAOTD; but I, for one, do not trust companies that carry on this practice.

And this is the link to the McAfee review:

http://www.siteadvisor.com/sites/doublegames.com?suite=false&premium=false&client_ver=ie_2.4.6066.0&client_type=IEPlugin

In the review McAfee does say that the downloads are clean, without spyware or adware. On the titles that I have made trial of I have never encountered a problem. But also, of the DG games I have tried they have each been lacking of the quality that deserves the price that is asked.

In conclusion. DoubleGames is an automatic thumbs down from me for overall low quality and bad business practices.

1 minute review.

Great game, I agree with Swans review; this has a lovely artistic feel about it, light and fresh. I haven't come across this particular solitaire game before, and after about half an hour of enjoyable play I thought "this is well worth keeping". The relaxing music can be turned off during game play if you do find it tedious. You could perhaps select some of your favourites from whatever media player you prefer. I give this 7 out of 10 for game play, originality and great graphics.

End of review......


Sorry, no screen captures today.



Do download this; especially if you are a fan of solitaire. I don't usually play card games, but as I said above I thoroughly enjoyed the short time I played this game. It has a freshness that I've not found in most card games I've played on the compute for a long time.

I also had problems downloading this file; when I clicked on the Wiki Fortio link. I kept getting redirected to the following page:

Cannot find "http://w4.wikifortio.com/node-fs/download/5e0afb77aa545beffe00a23054670767/SnowfallSolitaire.zip"

However after several attempts I did get the familiar download window. There were no problems with respect to warnings from my F-Secure antivirus software which automatically updates whenever there are new definitions to download, so I would take the unsubstantiated comments regarding Malware and Trojans with a pinch of salt; although it's always cool to actually check your downloads. I've so far never been forced to disagree with the giveaways promise of thoroughly tested software, and trust that they continue to regard the safety of the community as important.

Thank you Double Games and the Game Giveaway team for a very playable card game.

#30 judalea -

DoubleGames only sells Venice, if you click on the page linked it says clearly that it was produced by PopCap games (who is one of my favorite internet games developers).

Just another example of DoubleGames using their products to push the sale of other, better ones :)

(I didn't get today's game even though I like solitaire, I'm afraid it'll start up in fullscreen and kill my monitor...)

Whenever it's a DoubleGames that's up, I've taken to never read what they write, or what anybody comments, until after I've tried out the game - seeing as both tends to be a great turnoffs :P

I like solitaires, and this one is a pretty decent one. The rules are easy to understand, while keeping the game itself challenging and fun.

It's very user friendly - among other things it'll automatically save your game on exit and offer you to resume next time you open up - and it has a pleasant interface and a not too annoying background music. Not to mention, if I play long enough, I'll be a Dragon, which is a definite plus!! ;P

While I don't believe I would pay money for it - I prefer solitaire bundles - I would give it 9/10 as a solitaire game, and 6/10 as game software (mainly because it only contains the one solitaire).

I know this isn't a comment about this game, but bear with me. I just saw that Double Games is supposed to have published "Venice". I played this the other day, and although simple in concept and repetitive, it was still level 34 before I got stumped. It has different layouts and "puzzles", and considering a lot of their games which have been offered here, I am truly amazed that they would have developed it. It is a unique concept (wow!). Obviously they are more interested in offering their lesser games for free.

i dont see what is so wrong with another solitaire game to replace windows...the graphics are OK and it is FREE....thanks GGOTD

The fact that Double Games put out individual solitare games, with Japanese themes tends to fill up my computer with wasted junk. I already have a solitare game that has a couple hundred games and variations, so until DG includes one I don't already have, I will most likely skip them.
I can imagine anyone would money for each and every one they offer.

Yo #19 "bsw" I've also had enough of people DEFENDING DoubleGames. Do you not understand that every time you install a piece of their software, you are getting spybots and trojans loaded into your system as well? I mean just how ignorant are you? If you value your computer in the slightest, you will stop downloading this spam from DoubleGames and write a letter of complaint to GGOTD. This is not "infect your computer for free with DoubleGames spyware giveaway of the day". It is GAME GIVEAWAY OF THE DAY. The people who publish this website need to start living up to their name again.

A nice surprise from DoubleGames! The game activated and set up smoothly and the instructions are easily understandable. As a solitaire enthusiast, I found this variation quite satisfying. As with DoubleGames' earlier offering, Age of Japan, there is enough challenge to hold my interest and keep me coming back for more play. The 'undo' feature is a welcome addition to the traditional solitaire format. It provides the opportunity to experiment with various play sequences. The music can easily be toggled off by clicking the musical note icon in the upper right corner. As solitaire games go, I give this an 8 out of 10!

I look at it this way... it is free. If you don't like today's game, wait until tomorrow or the next... I am hoping that there are more games posted here that are also available at game sites for $19.99.

One reason I like games from GAOTD is I can install where I want them. Not like the new game installers all the game sites are starting to use that dump Everything on your C drive! (and some lie and say you can choose. Riiiight.)

My Thanks to Giveaway of the Day for offering us daily choices! Some liked, others hated. Unfortunately, you can't please all the people all the time!

Bushido Solitaire from DoubleGames is one of my favorite games to date. It's actually challenging and fun, and I still play it regularly. So I'll give this one a try.

I have to admit their output is uneven at best, but I wouldn't discount a game just because it came from them.

-=Gamewatcher

Geeze, I guess I had a problem while editing my review. Some of my grammar isn't great, due to me cutting and pasting to shuffle comments around - I apologize!
~ Swan (needs coffee!)

Good morning everyone! ;)

I had to laugh when I saw that it was another Double Games offer. While I don't mind their later games, I'm looking forward to sitting down later with my coffee, to read some of the funnier comments condemning them..

Review:

I actually had problems with the download this morning, bringing down one corrupt file after another. The weird thing is that when I tried it in a different browser, it immediately went to Wikifortio without issue - could GotD please check this out please?

Once it did download, it activated and installed easily, seamlessly either during this process or during game play.

Launch screen: The player is greeted with yet more Japanese cartoon (not necessarily kiddie,) graphics. I'm really not sure why this theme is so prevalent among card games in general.

This screen is where you create your user name. Once you've hit [enter] click on [Select] and you come to the 'Main Menu' screen.

Main Menu: Choices of [Play;] [Users]; [Instructions]; [High Scores]; and [Exit].

Instructions screen: Clear, understandable instructions for the player. Use the slider to the right to scroll the instructions down to read further. Clicking out of this screen, brings you a choice of [Quest] or [Relaxing Modes]. I chose [Relaxing] so that I could do this review at my own leisure.

Your following choices are [New Game] or [Load Game] - which was great to see. This means that the player can SAVE their game, to return to later.

And as much as some would like to ignore, it also means that Double Games is continuing to listen to our reviews, as some of us have complained bitterly about the absence of being able to save one's game in the past.

Graphics: Right from the launch screen, you can see that the graphics are professional, even though they are still Japanese themed cartoons. However, they are not particularly (only) of the kiddie variety. Mostly cooler colors are used, giving the game a kind of 'clean and cool,' feel to them.

At full screen, the graphics render excellently, with no creation issues at all that I could see. However, when I tried the game in [window mode], the left side of the playing field, part of it blurred noticeably. The buttons were all still fine - it was some of the other labels that were the problem - 'Time;' Total;' and 'Wins.' The graphic artist needs to address these again. Especially, because many people, like myself, prefer to play card games in 'window mode.'

Options: These are not extensive but are (enough) accessible from within the game. Music on/off; volume; max/min; and the 'x' for quit.

Music: Actually the music is quite soothing, and very ambient for concentration. This is another pleasant surprise from Double Games!

Game Play: The first thing one notices, is that the 'deal,' is pretty unique for a solitaire game. Each pile (of 13 cards,) is fanned out (4 deep,) rather than the standard arrangement of being placed in piles.

Above those, are four 'foundation places,' where all your cards must end up eventually - each foundation must begin with an ace.

There is also an [Undo] button and a [New Game] button should you fail the round. Each card placed on the foundations, scores you 5 points; a new 'Rank' is achieved when a particular score is reached, and bonus points are allocated if you complete the game.

The game is also timed and you need to keep a watchful eye on the countdown on the left, where you can also see your 'Rank.' More scores are achieved the faster you play the game. Know too, that the game is much harder to play because of the fan layout and before anyone complains - I'm sure the developer meant this intentionally!

Personally, I like solitaire games and this one is a keeper for me, especially since it's not quite like your ordinary solitaire game.

Points:

1 - a little originality thrown in;

2 - graphics;

1 - enjoyment factor and return play;

1 - save feature;

1 - clear instructions;

1 - music;

TOTAL - 7/10

If you all go back to some of the other Double Games offers, you'll see that much of what I've scored positively today, has not been present AT ALL in their games before. This software house has taken serious note of our reviews and improved their games considerably.

Kudos Double Games!
Thank you for your tenacity with us. ;) Even though your games are mostly card games and simple, if they are well designed, have good graphics and music with a save feature built in, you really can't go wrong.

Now how about some really impressive games huh? ;)

Thanks always to GotD who are the direct liaison between us and the developers/software houses. I'm sure our comments are passed on to them, else Double Games would never have had stepped their act up as they seem to have done now.

Have a lovely day everyone!
~ Swan

Wow you guys are rough. As far as FREE games go this is pretty good. No, I wouldn't spend cash on it, but since its FREE I'll leave it to amuse the kids for a little while. Personally when it comes to solitare I'm afraid I'm really old fashioned and use an actual deck of cards. I know, very dark ages but what can I say. I also think its hilarious that people complain about deleting a few shortcuts. Did you guys break a sweat? Better take a rest in between clicks I wouldn't want anybody to overexert themselves. Until tomorrow then, Domo arigato.

Nice to see screenshots at least, but i have enuff solitaire games to play then i can shake a stick at already lol. I do love solitaire but it has to be different and/or unique for me to bother. I actually would have tried it but then i saw who it was from, no thanks.
Funny stuff #3 - fetalminds

Luckily, I've heard enough DoubleGames bashing to know to ignore the ratings on those games and to decide for myself. I really enjoyed this game. Most solitaire games are too easy for me to look at them as anything but a time waster, and for the first 6 games I played of this one, I had started to think that it was rigged (3 games I had all even numbers on the top of the files; 3 games, I had all odd numbers), but my seventh game was more reasonable. I can't imagine how people can compare this game to the solitaire that comes with their computer - they're nothing alike.

#15... no it doesn't.

I downloaded the game and tried it. I found it lacking. I have downloaded other games from Doublegames, for instance Fishing Frenzy which I really like, but this one is just plain boring. I like solitaire for those moments when I want to let my mind wander... this game left my mind hurting instead as my frustration level increased. Placing the cards on top of other cards was a struggle. The fan layout is the only layout available. Their is only one background and it is boring. This game is not nearly as entertaining as the solitaire that comes with Windows. I tried it out for 30 minutes and then deleted it.

And to add to my irritation, I had to delete four different shortcuts from my desktop that were put on during the install, to their 'other games'. PLEASE get a clue, Doublegames. People do not like having additional links put on their computer along with the games they install. It is annoying!

Unlike a lot of people here I don't automatically pass on Doublegames offerings, but I did find this one wanting. Thumbs down for me.

Having all the cards face up and in the 'fan' position made it hard for me to play. It's not as easy to see which card is the bottom of your run and which is the next card to be played. I'm not fond of this one. Thanks!

Thank you for all the fine games and utilities.

Does this one have erotic card backs too?

Contrary to most of the comments made, I like this game..it is different from any solitaire game that I already have, and it is quite different from the one included on the computer.

OK, so I'm not an imbecile because I got it for free. Am I an idiot because I liked playing it? DON'T answer that.

Ignoring the idiotic DG description and the fact that I don't see what Japan has to do with Solitaire, as a card game with pleasant, though not exciting, background graphics and music, it was OK. There are no volume controls on the sounds and music, but icons in the upper right let you turn them on and off. There is also an icon for pause, full screen/window, and exit. Instructions do not say that you can double-click a card to place it on the stacks, but you can.

I also like solitaire games and I like ones with a bit of a challenge, but ones that you can win. This game fit those parameters. In fact, it was hard to loose - I don't think I'm just that good - some may not like that. The cards are big enough and easy to read.

You don't get scores unless you are playing Quest mode, and that seems to be the only thing Quest mode does. I tend to be a fast and "sloppy" sol player and had to stop too often because the cards didn't stay where I put them. A little less precision/larger targets on the playing field would be appreciated. For this same reason, however, I liked that the spacebar would automatically move all possible cards to the stacks. If you use this mode, you will also need to Undo sometimes because cards are stacked that you need on the playing field to get to other cards. That's OK; I didn't see a penalty for Undo - though I did not play for long - just a few games.

I might get bored with it after a while, but I will probably come back to it now and then for some mindless gaming.

I wont download this due to the last double games give-away destroying my pc (costing me £500) and comment #3 I like your web link it is awesome. double games are RUBBISH (not rubbish worse than rubbish they are ****DO not get give-aways from them.

10.9.8.7.6.5.4.3.2.1.0...
Yeah "#1 M" I'm out of here...
Wasted enough time on the DoubleGame black hole of time.

AND they banned my IP from making comments! (the cheek!!)

But they did have quite a few good games in the good ol' days.
So thanks for those.

And yes "http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/" is still good.
(The ScrapeBooking program today is good enough for my Mum for example)

Thanks and goodbye!

The setup of the cards is unnecessarily confusing and the whole snow theme is pointless and does nothing to make the game more enjoyable.

You'd have to be quite the imbecile to purchase this game normally when Windows' Solitaire is standard with your OS.

DoubleGames is an automatic thumbs down.

As soon as I read the first sentence... I thought that it sounded like one of those Doublegames releases. Can't say that I was surpirsed to see that I was right. They do specialize in nonsense descriptions that tell nothing about the game at all.

Again it's a version 1.0 from about 1 year ago.
Again, it's overpriced.

It does make one wonder how many solitaire games do publishers and game creators think that are wanted? Also makes me wonder how many people out there really fork out money for solitaire games, time and time again. Perhaps those people should be made aware that if they buy a book of cards or two that they will safe a whole lot of money.

They act as if Japan is some alien world, I mean please...
What is so strange about it? Poetry? Weddings?
Perhaps you can't "clear it up" if you are not even willing to read a childrens book about it, or maybe Double Games thinks it's players are leadheaded morons, probably the latter.

I wonder if this one has nudity in it.

Until Next Time.
Reddish

I like solitaire games. This is a nice and simple one that loaded well and seems to work well and quickly so far. Easy to figure out. Pretty light blue background and options to turn off music and sound. Even has an option to play all available cards by pressing the space bar so it looks like they have most solitaire game basics covered. Has a pause feature and options of 'quest' or 'relaxing' versions. I haven't quite figure out how the quest is that much different than the relaxing except for the points. Please more card games.

Why would you get this when solitare's already on the computer?
Just another waste of space...

nice game though gaotd!

I have no idea what the game is like, but that's far and away the most condescending thing I've read about Japan, or perhaps any other foreign culture, in years.

How many solitaire games has DoubleGames published? I think I've given enough of their card games a chance, I'll pass on this one.

I have however, made a tribute to the descriptions that DoubleGames writes.

http://fetalminds.blogspot.com/2007/06/full-of-vagueness-and-hidden-sense.html

I know DoubleGames has a bad rep around here, but for me I just can't get over the bad language ... every game description is horrible. Until they hire someone fluent in English, I will never consider them a legitimate developer.

Bye Rick..... I'm gone too. Doublegames Giveaway of the Day is not what I am interested in at all!

I do recommend Giveaway of the Day though, it is still good(on most days). Everyone should check that out if you haven't already.