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Microsoft Sudoku game info

Microsoft Sudoku is a great version of the popular puzzle game, developed by Microsoft Casual Games.

Goal

The goal of Microsoft Sudoku is to fill in the entire 9x9 grid with numbers ranging from 1 to 9 in a way that no numbers are duplicates in any row, column or 3x3 block. There is only one solution for each puzzle and players can also challenge themselves against the clock.

Gameplay

Microsoft Sudoku offers two game modes - classic and irregular. Sudoku puzzles in both game modes can be freshly generated at four levels of difficulty - easy, medium, hard and expert. 

A number puzzle game, Microsoft Sudoku is set on a 9x9 grid with bold lines indicating the blocks. These blocks measure 3x3 in all classic levels, but change in irregular levels to increase the difficulty of the game. 

The game begins with a few of the numbers already entered into the grid to help the player get started. With increases in level difficulty there will be fewer numbers entered in for you. The player cannot revise these numbers, which are shown in black. This helps the player determine which numbers can be amended - numbers entered by the player (which can be amended) will be shown in blue instead. 

A useful handy feature players should take advantage of is the Notes function. Clicking on the Notes button allows players to toggle between inputting numbers and adding notations of what they think a square could be. For each puzzle there are also three hints for players to use. Hints will display the correct number for any selected square. 

Remember, the numbers 1-9 must only appear once in each row, column and block and there is only one arrangement of correct numbers for each puzzle!

Controls and Shortcuts

To enter a number, click on an empty square and select the number you want to enter from the list on the right hand side. Doing this in reverse order (clicking a number, then choosing a square) will also work to fill in a cell. 

Alternatively, players can choose to play with keyboard controls and shortcuts. Using the arrow keys, players are able to select a square and type the number they wish to enter using the keypad or number keys. To facilitate smoother gameplay, the backspace/delete button also allows players to erase any numbers or notes from the selected square while pressing CTRL+Z will undo the previous action.

The player can pause the current game by pressing on any button along the top of the game. The arrow button takes the player back to the main menu, while the plus-sign button allows the player to restart the level or change the difficulty. 

Settings

Players can access the settings for the game by clicking on the cog wheel on the upper right corner of the game window. Here, the player can select from several options to alter their gameplay.

• Reveal All Notes: When this is checked, the game will show all notes, which includes all possible numbers in remaining empty squares. These notes automatically update as the game is played out.
• Block Duplicates: When this is checked, the game will not allow you to enter duplicates of the same number in the same row, column or block. 
• Show Incorrect: The game will show mistakes in white numbering in a red box. 
• Show Guides: This would allow the player to see the possible numbers that will fit in a square when selected. Furthermore, clicking on a number from the list will highlight all squares that number could occupy in green.
• Show Timer: While there is no time limit for Microsoft Sudoku, players can turn on the timer here to further challenge themselves in obtaining the quickest times. 


Tips

• Clicking on any number will show all duplicates currently on the grid. 
• Use notes to help you remember the possible solutions to the puzzle. 
• A classic way of playing is to work through the grid systematically. Choose a row, column or block to start checking possible solutions, then work your way through the other rows/columns/blocks. Try to spot spaces that only have one possible solution. 


Other versions

Microsoft Sudoku is also available as a full version. This can be accessed through the Microsoft store page and features daily challenges every day, helping players collect coins and win badges through the game. Additional game modes and themes are also up for grabs, including the option to play with charms instead of numbers!