Disappointing in several ways... Still quite good.

Noisy, irritating sound effects. Definitely needs an option to turn off the sound! That omission costs it a star.

The initial set up of pieces happens automatically, yet that is one of the most fun and strategic parts of playing the real Risk. Another star lost.

Allocation of armies at end of turn is flawed, forcing moves, with no end option. We should be able to choose done *without* having to position every single army.

AI should be improved. The computerized "players" will often go to war crazily without real purpose. Other times, players will miss obvious chances to break up the holding of a continent even though they have overwhelming force and the odds are greatly on their side. Makes no sense. Loss of another star.

Definitely needs an option to slow down other players actions so you can watch the game unfold. It goes by too quickly and lowers enjoyment. Half a star gone!

THIS HAS BEEN FIXED: Doesnt save where you left off. Thats really bad... If youd like to stop and do something else, youre stuck.

Neither this or the deluxe version have been upgraded in nearly two years! Reviewers have been asking for an option to turn off the sound for years!! Half a star into a black hole.

Gave it back a star because its free and obviously someone put lots of time into it.

World War on Palm works much better--better interface, better play. Hope it gets ported or that Lux learns from it.

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An update! I have come to enjoy this program, after all. I turned off the sound (by lowering the volume control), which ameliorated that concern. Although be careful to turn your volume down or off *before* you launch the game, especially at night, or youll wake a partner or make yourself jump!

It is highly playable-- and winnable-- which is always nice. The frenetic explosions are useful for seeing whether you are losing armies or the defending country is. Still wish that the play of opponents could be slowed down greatly --to watch and learn, take it all in more slowly, be more involved in the drama.

The aftermath of winning a country follows Risk rules, which it hadnt at first seemed to-- whats tricky is that you have to move your armies into the country you attacked or leave them. A key trick-- hold down your finger--and it automatically will put all the armies in. Now thats hard to control, but still works.

MAJOR RECOMMENDATION: I wish one could turn OFF the use of the cards--it really undermines the strategy of the game. When we played this board game as kids we quickly dispensed with the cards as introducing too much luck--and swaying world conditions too greatly. Still, its well implemented.

OTHER SUGGESTION: Change the fortify rules--its ridiculous and distracting to watch other "players" move armies hither and thither. Its frenetic, with arrows appearing and reappearing everywhere. When we played the board game, you fortified from only one country to only one other.

So, Ive raised my rating to 3 stars and compliment the programmer on a job well done--and with appreciation for offering it free! Now, let us customize our colors and the level of aggression or style of play of the foes as World War did, and itd be even better!

AstroPaul about Lux Touch 3 - World Domination