Symmetrain

I'm very much not a gamer* and one thing that irritates me no end is not knowing HOW the game works. Is it obvious to most of you what controls mean and how to move around games? It's not to me therefore you can't understand how happy I am to see explicit instructions. * I own scores of game apps but can't figure out so many except adorable simple (often Japanese) cat games, geography and vexillology ones.

This award winning app, apparently created by a pair of German students, is a delight-- it requires a different skill set from most of the 'solitaire' games available for iOS, has marvelous visuals (more on that in a moment), and is simply fun to play. The home screen comes complete with hidden "Easter eggs", so that as you tap on certain of the passengers in the train station you get the design and music credits (among others), and even a comment from the Blue Bird of Happiness, as well as a sound track of a station, with overhead announcements. If I have any complaint at all, it is that the trains run too fast-- it's impossible to take the time to actually admire all that has been included in the (too often!) asymmetrical scenery through which the various trains pass.

This is my first review so I hope you all can bear with me. I haven't unlocked all the trains yet, but so far I am having an awesome time with this game. From the peaceful music to the great artwork, Symmetrain keeps me wanting to play more. The game's unique twist in the "Find the Difference" game genre is its vital component and its a hook that captures me every time I open up the app. My body tenses up when I see that my train is catching up to a bundle of trees or buildings, and I have to pull my red emergency brake to slow down and catch the differences. What is also great is that when I don't feel like having my heart race, I can choose the "Extra" train to play a more quiet, serene level and just enjoy. I think people of all ages would love this game. It's something different, something new, something relaxing, but also exciting! (Can't wait to get the "Bullet" train!)