Solitaire Expeditions
- July 23, 2022
- Quirky Porcupine
- 35h median play time
"Solitaire Expeditions" offers a refreshing take on classic solitaire, combining card gameplay with exploration and resource management. Players embark on an adventure through a whimsical world, using resources gained from solitaire matches to overcome obstacles and uncover secrets. With multiple islands to discover and a variety of card challenges, this game provides an engaging and immersive experience for solitaire fans and adventurers alike.
Reviews
- Solitaire Expeditions offers an extensive collection of over 180 solitaire variants, providing endless gameplay options and customization features.
- The game has a straightforward interface and includes helpful tutorials and rules for each variant, making it accessible for players of all skill levels.
- It features a unique Expedition mode that encourages players to explore different solitaire games while earning rewards and unlocking new backgrounds and card designs.
- The graphics and sound design are considered basic and could use improvement, with some players noting that the cards appear blurry and the overall visual presentation is dated.
- There are reports of frequent crashes and performance issues, particularly when running other programs simultaneously, which can disrupt gameplay.
- Some players find certain game variants frustratingly difficult, and the rules for some games are not always clearly explained, leading to confusion.
- graphics18 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally considered serviceable, with nice visuals for the playing cards and a pleasing art style, though some players feel it could use more polish and improvement. While the aesthetics are not the game's strongest point, they do not detract from the overall experience, as functionality is prioritized over visual appeal. Overall, the graphics are adequate for a card game, with some room for enhancement.
“I really like the art style of the game.”
“Nice card graphics also.”
“Only thing upsetting are the graphics.”
“Really, the only improvement that could be made is better graphics, but that might only distract from the base experience, so I really do not mind how it all looks.”
“Yes, it is not the prettiest game, but this is a card game, and it is more than serviceable as far as graphics.”
- gameplay14 mentions
- 7 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The gameplay offers a mix of traditional modes and innovative challenges, with a streamlined experience that prioritizes functionality over aesthetics. Players can access comprehensive rules and examples for all 180 games, along with a sorting system for easy navigation by type and difficulty. Additionally, an expedition mode provides structured long-term gameplay, catering to various preferences.
“Some game modes will keep with traditional gameplay while others range from innovative challenges to zany card sorting.”
“The gameplay is very streamlined, with very little to get in between you and playing cards.”
“There are no visual fountains here, but the gameplay is solid and there are a lot of solitaire games.”
“There's also an expedition mode if you like a bit more structure to your long-term gameplay, but I haven't tried it yet, as I've been happily working my way through the games in difficulty order, which I expect to keep me busy for quite some time.”
- music12 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with some users noting the absence of in-game music, which they found acceptable as it allows them to listen to their own music or podcasts while playing. The nostalgic music from previous versions, particularly "solitaire’s journey," is missed by some, especially since it currently does not function on the Steam Deck. Overall, the lack of intrusive sound effects and music is seen as a positive feature for those seeking a casual gaming experience.
“Tons and tons of solitaire games for the lazy casual card play when listening to podcasts or music or watching lazy YouTube... doesn't take up many system resources, is simple and unintrusive, no flashy nonsense, no daily challenges and minute-long connection to some online server for gods knows what... just card games and that's exactly what I wanted.”
“Oh, and you can play full-screen or window, listen to your own music, turn on/off interface sounds, and even play the expeditions mode where you travel from state to state in the USA and play randomly selected games.”
“There is no music (yet?) but that didn't bother me at all.”
“There are no fireworks, or cheer, or music.”
“For me, it's the former as I can play the game while listening to my music.”
- monetization12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game is highly praised for its absence of ads and microtransactions, providing a smooth and enjoyable experience reminiscent of classic solitaire games. Users express a strong preference for a straightforward, ad-free model, contrasting it with other games that have adopted intrusive advertising or subscription models. Overall, players appreciate the variety of game modes available without the burden of monetization tactics.
“No ads, a ton of variants, and runs smoothly.”
“No ads!”
“No ads, a ton of variants, and runs smoothly.”
“I used to play with Microsoft's Solitaire Suite, but they decided to make that a live service game, with either intrusive ads or a subscription model. I would have bought it for a fixed price since I've been using their solitaire games for a long time.”
“I play the Google Solitaire but hate the mobile games that force you to watch ads.”
“I was just looking for solitaire the way it used to be on Windows, without any ads, with Freecell and Spider Solitaire, and anytime I wanted.”
- story8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game lacks a traditional storyline or power-ups, focusing instead on a collection of 180 solitaire variations that range in difficulty. While it offers a journey mode, it does not include a quest mode, making it a straightforward and inexpensive option for solitaire enthusiasts. Overall, the emphasis is on gameplay rather than narrative depth.
“The visual design is very basic (by design, I suspect), there is no storyline and no power-ups, but it offers 180 different solitaire games, ranging from the ridiculously easy to win to the despair-inducing hard!”
“I own three other solitaire games, by three different studios, and while they differ in storylines and 'power-ups', the core solitaire version is identical in all three.”
“Bro, sometimes my brain shuts down and it becomes hard to concentrate on a full game with massive multiplayer or an engaging story.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its excellent optimization, featuring no ads and a wide variety of options, all while running smoothly.
“No ads, a ton of variants, and runs smoothly.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users consistently highlight the game's strong replayability, noting it as a key feature that enhances its appeal as a casual gaming experience.
“It is a great casual game with lots of replayability.”