Gomoku

The problem with a game of noughts and crosses is that, unless you're playing someone who's drunk, it's difficult for each tussle not to end in stalemate.

There simply aren't enough slots on the board to lure your opponent into making a mistake. Every move is countered by the next, leading to draw after draw after draw.

To the rescue comes Gomoku – also known as five-in-a-row. As the name implies, the aim here is much the same, the only difference being to line up discs horizontally, vertically or diagonally in groups of five, rather than three.

Tough task

As such, merely managing not to lose is far more difficult than in noughts and crosses – indeed, even with the game's AI set to its easiest, learning how to attack on multiple fronts take some practice.

Just as well that one of the game's modes – dubbed training – allows you to do just that. Here you're presented with a clear board, the only aim being to make that elusive line of five before your opponent does.

Taking it in turns, matches can go on for several minutes if willing, with the 20x20 grid you play on ensuring there's scope aplenty for tight, tense tussles.

Playing the game's Challenge mode only ups the ante further, with symbols scattered around the board that add points to your total if you place a piece on top of them encouraging you to show a bit more ambition.

Game over?

Doing so comes at a cost, however, because this is one of the hardest puzzlers out there. It's possible you may never taste victory, making Gomoku a particularly short game.

Some sort of additional help – perhaps a smaller board, or a gentler training stage – would arguably give Gomoku added shelf life, not only letting you win one or two battles, but also bolstering your confidence and keeping you on board for the long game.

As it is, Gomoku will be a touch too difficult, too stripped back, for many. Add to that a bizarre fault that saw the game attempting to play on after a round was won – resulting in a full on crash – and you have a game that isn't quite the full 5/5 it aims for.