Classic Solitaire (Free) for Windows 8

Classic Solitaire (Free) for Windows 8 is a controversial version of the popular card game introduced with Windows 3.0 in 1990. The game was designed by an intern, Wes Cherry, in 1989 (who received no royalties for his game design) and included with PCs to help to ease users into the use of GUIs (Graphical User Interface) and to teach them how to use the computer mouse proficiently, both features being revolutionary compared to the computer programmes that had come before them.

Solitaire was included as standard in all versions of Windows from that time until the release of Windows 8 and 8.1. With Windows 8, the card game had to be deliberately downloaded from the Windows Store. This meant that users needed to have a Microsoft-friendly email address – not a big deal, but a frustration considering the simplicity of playing the game on previous versions of Windows.

Another major bugbear for users was the fact that the game was only available for free with advertising. The advertisements take the form of full screen 15 or 30 second videos which cannot be stopped, minimised or aborted in any way. This feature is a source of irritation for office workers trying to sneak a surreptitious five-minute break in the middle of the working day!

The software is geared to work on both PC and tablet computers. The game itself is based on the game known as Klondike when it is packaged in a Solitaire game bundle, and involves the resolving of a layout of cards to four foundation bases, one for each suit, starting with the Ace and working in ascending order. There are various settings to choose between: standard or Las Vegas scoring, draw one or three, as well as various features that make the game quicker and easier to play, such as double-tap or right-click to move the cards to the desired spot. There is a moderate choice in card backs and backgrounds, and a winning game produces an animated celebration.

Pros

• Familiar card game, known from previous Windows versions
• New graphics and card designs

Cons

• Free users must tolerate pop-up advertising videos
• Having to log in to play is time-consuming and allows user preferences to be tracked
• Some users find the new graphics to be too colourful and slightly oversize – almost as though it has been designed for children