There are those timeless pieces of software that will live in the hearts of PC gamers. Those built in games that will forever been a part of the gaming scene and today marks a celebration for of one of Microsoft’s most iconic additions.
Microsoft Solitairehas been a feature of the Windows brand for three decades after making its debut on Windows 3.0 in 1990. It stands as one of Microsoft’s most recognizable pieces of software and is part of PC gaming nostalgia.
RELATED:Every Xbox One Exclusive Revealed For 2020 So Far
According to Microsoft, those 30 years have not slowed down the player base with over 35 million players still taking a whirl at getting the waterfall of cards upon victory. Just last year sawMicrosoft Solitaire(originally known asWindows Solitaire) be inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame as recognition for its place in the history of the medium. It was inductedalongsideSuper Mario Kartand the originalMortal Kombat.
In 2012,Solitairestopped being a part of Windows with the release of Windows 8 and turned into a standalone app. This version introduced new game mode, challenges, Xbox Live integrations and difficulty settings. The change led to many being upset that a staple of the Windows brand was removed but also featured a new subscription based model to play without ads. With Windows 10, Microsoft broughtSolitaireback as part of theMicrosoft Solitaire Collectionmeaning players would no longer have to take the extra step to install, although the subscription model remained. The game even expanded beyond Windows to have a release on mobile devices and even a web client.
Microsoft Solitairesits among the giants of built-in games alongsideMinesweeperandHearts. It’s often considered the seminal “avoiding work game” and thebest way to fight boredom in front of a PCwhen the internet is out. With the card game genre exploding through Blizzard’sHearthstone, CD Projekt Red’sGwentandValve’s soon to be rebootedArtifact, its always worth remembering the first withSolitaire. It’s been three decades but it might be worth a shot at getting one of the most satisfying success animations in gaming history.
Microsoft Solitaireis available now on Windows, iOS and Android.
MORE:TCG: 5 Best Trading-Card Video Games Ever (& 5 You Forgot Existed)
