The 2nd Dimension of Mastermind

Call it a color-coded version of Sudoku. This title expands the classic Mastermind game into a new dimension, adding an extra layer of abstract thought. In the original Mastermind, players are required to guess the colors of several blocks lined up in a row, with only a limited number of attempts allowed. After each guess, the game lets the player know how spaces were correctly guessed, as well as how many colors were correct, but on the wrong space. Using these clues, logical-minded players can ultimately guess the entire sequence. This 2D version adds a new twist, with a nine-tile board. A few levels of difficulty are available, and most players will be able to win the first round on the easiest level. The game's primary flaw is a lack of mouse controls; players must select tiles and mark colors using the keyboard. Graphics also are quite simplistic. Nevertheless, this creative freebie is likely to appeal to computer users eager to challenge their logic skills.