Out-lines Squares & Row is a puzzle strategy game from Clay Pot Software. At first glance, it resembles the old dots game that we used to play as kids, the one where we make a grid of dots and then take turns drawing lines to see who can make the most squares. I still play that game with my kids every so often. This game however is similar, but not quite the same. In fact, Out-lines Squares & Row is like two games combined into one so it adds a second layer of challenge to the game. Not only must you try and make squares, you also have to try and connect 4 of your squares together, similar to Connect 4.

Just to get this out of the way first, the graphics in Out-line Squares & Row are nothing to write home about. They are just average and not very flashy. In fact, this looks like a game I would have played back in the old days when Windows Mobile was popular. Also, the game isn’t optimized yet for iPhone 5 so you’ll get those to black bars on the top and bottom.

Now, if you can overlook the graphics, you’ll find that the game is actually very challenging and fun to play. The game does play like a game of dots, except that you’ll need to take how many of your lines make up the square. If two or more of your lines make up the square, it’s yours. Other wise let’s say the opponent has 3 lines and you close it off with one of your lines, that box automatically becomes his and he takes that square. This leads into the second portion of the game which is trying to make a row of 4 consecutive spaces. The addition of the second part of the challenge makes it so that you are no longer just drawing random lines all over the board. Instead you have to really plan your moves in order to try and get a row of four as well as trying to block your opponent in the process.

Out-line Squares & Row is a good game for those who like challenging puzzle games or like playing games you can play with another person. You can play against either the computer or a real person. If you choose the computer, you can choose different difficulty levels to play, although I would recommend one of the intermediate levels for more of a challenge.

Out-line Squares & Row is available now in the App Store for $0.99. It is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later. There is also a free ad version here.