The Zune is an MP3 player made by Microsoft. In addition to playing music, videos, podcasts and radio, the Zune includes five games: Checkers, Hexic, Space Battle, Sudoku and Texas Hold 'Em. To play the games, users may navigate to the "Games" selection on the Zune's main menu. Each game includes instructions for new players.
Checkers
Zune Checkers is a popular game played all over the world. Players can play against the device or with others, if their Zune wireless connection is active. In addition to the standard game, Zune Checkers has a "Suicide" game, in which the first player to lose all his checkers is the winner. Gameplay proceeds with the central button--the "Zune Pad"--as the joystick.
Hexic
Hexic is a game of color-matching. Players move the cursor selection to a group of three hexagons, then press the "Zune Pad" center to rotate them clockwise or the "Play/Pause" button to rotate them counterclockise. Make a cluster of three and the cluster disappears, allowing more hexagons to fall into their place. Special shapes, bonus stars and numbered bombs (use them in a cluster before they reach zero and explode, ending the game) enhance gameplay.
Space Battle
Possibly the most complex game on the Zune as far as gameplay, Space Battle pits one fighter ship against invading hordes. Players begin with a basic ship and then earn power-ups, as well as the ability to customize their ride's speed, armor and weapons.
Sudoku
A version of the popular number grid game is included with the Zune, though gameplay is awkward without a keyboard. Players may choose from the classic three by three by nine puzzle, a mini-puzzle with six groups of six cells, or a custom puzzle of either configuration, in which the player is presented with a completely blank grid and inputs the initial numbers.
Texas Hold 'Em
As with Zune Checkers, Zune Texas Hold 'Em players may elect to play solo, against the machine, or against a group. The card game includes Standard (six-player) and Heads Up (two-player) modes. Each player is dealt two cards, then after a round of betting, three cards common to everyone at the table appear face-up. Another round of betting follows, then another card, another round of betting, then the final card and the final round of betting. Every player who remains in the game ends up with five common cards plus two unique cards. Players begin with $100, but whether in single- or multiplayer mode, none of the gambling is real.
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