What the hell, Xbox Live Arcade? I was playing Sudoku on my PlayStation 3 within weeks of the console's release, and of course the Wii isn't powerful enough to handle Sudoku (kidding - don't kill me), so what's your excuse? Why the hell have I had to wait nearly two and a half years to sit in front of my television muttering numbers to myself while rocking back and forth like a mental patient or Tuvok during the last episode of Star Trek: Voyager? Simply unforgivable. Far too late if you ask me, Merscom has announced Buku Sudoku for XBLA, heading our way in Q2 of 2008. The game not only features multiple puzzle sizes, difficulties, control schemes and tutorials, but also features multiplayer co-op and competition...but as I said, too little, too late. Not even your crystal-clear HD screenshots will change my mind.

Merscom to bring Sudoku to Xbox LIVE Arcade®

Sudoku to launch on Xbox LIVE Arcade Q2 2008 with innovative multi-player

CHAPEL HILL, NC - January 31, 2008 - Merscom announced it will be publishing this Spring Buku Sudoku, the first Sudoku game for the Xbox LIVE Arcade system. The first, and only, Sudoku title for the Xbox LIVE Arcade, Buku Sudoku brings the worldwide Sudoku phenomenon to the Xbox LIVE Arcade while adding innovative competitive and cooperative play features.

Buku Sudoku uses three key features of the XBLA platform to create the best console Sudoku experience. First, the native HD resolution of the 360 allows for an easy to read grid with pencil marks. Secondly, the controller's triggers and thumbsticks make for a very fast entry method, a usual barrier with electronic Sudoku games. Thirdly, the unique XBLA service allows for multiplayer experiences never before witnessed in a Sudoku game. All of this is wrapped up in a cohesive graphical style that manages to offer something for all users. In a similar fashion, multiple puzzle sizes, difficulties, control schemes, and tutorials offer appeal to any player whether totally new or a veteran.

"We are really excited about the release of Buku Sudoku, as it takes the proven and popular gameplay of Sudoku to a new level. It will appeal not only to Sudoku fans but anyone who loves a great gameplay experience," said Kirk Owen, CEO at Merscom. "Given the popularity of Sudoku on other platforms and the quality of this game, we expect Buku Sudoku to be a phenomenal hit."