Mr. Sudoku from Ambrosia Software

Update: Images pulled at request of developer, until launch day

If you aren’t familiar with Sudoku, it’s a logic-based puzzle that gained popularity in the U.S. in 2005. For many, it has become the new solitaire.

The gameplay seems simple at first, but can become quite challenging:

Sudoku is an addictive, logic-based number placement puzzle game. Each puzzle starts with a partially completed grid that you’ll have to solve. The object is to insert numbers in the boxes so that each column, row, and each of the nine boxes contain the digits from 1 to 9 exactly one time only.

A free web version is available to try from your desktop computer.

Ambrosia Software has recently posted screenshots and video from the iPhone version of their upcoming Sudoku game. Called Mr. Sudoku, the game offers thousands of different Sudoku boards to play within a polished user interface.

Four levels of difficulty can be selected and boards can be chosen using a Coverflow interface. Unique to this version of the game, Ambrosia allows the user to enter their numbers using handwriting recognition. You simply write the number on the screen with your finger and it appears. If you prefer, Ambrosia also offers a more traditional pop-up menu from which you can simply tap to select the number.

The game is expected to be released alongside the App Store on July 11th, and will cost $9.99.

A YouTube video of the gameplay and number entry is embedded below: