Hardwood Solitaire IV (Tegra)

Yet another virtual variation on the bored office drone’s distraction of choice, Hardwood Solitaire won’t tax your Tegra 2-powered device to its limits, but it’s a good way to soothe the nerves after a wave-ripping session of Riptide GP.

The game’s polished presentation and intuitive touchscreen gameplay will help hook you in, too, though the in-app purchasing pressure means the house nearly always wins.

Presumably a sequel to Hardwood Solitaire III: The Horror takes Manhattan, Silver Creek Entertainment’s title is a solid spin on the world’s loneliest, yet oddly compulsive, card game.

Although the core gameplay in each variation of solitaire is the same – clearing all suits of cards in order of Ace to King – the ten or so types included in Hardwood Solitaire IV show just how customisable the game can be.

Newcomers are advised to stick with the best-known form of solitaire Klondike, while veterans should head for the likes of the double deck-based Forty Thieves and its brain-melting rules.

The relatively steep learning curve for inexperienced solitaire players is, fortunately, offset by the solid design of the game: distinctive card designs, a cheery soundtrack, and the satisfyingly smooth sliding of cards across the table.

In addition, Hardwood Solitaire IV’s simple tap-and-drag mechanic nearly matches the purity of real card play, all without the hassle of constant reshuffling.

The biggest criticism you can level at the game is the bombardment of in-app purchase opportunities.

New backgrounds, card decks, player avatars, and more than 100 other solitaire variations are all available, if you’re prepared to fork out extra cash.

Should you be looking for a soothing title to curl up in bed with, Hardwood Solitaire IV remains a safe bet – just don’t be surprised if you suddenly find yourself with dozens of variations, funny avatars, and an empty bank account.