Solace is based on one of the most classic strategy games of all times, Risk! The main objective of the game is to take over the world one territory at a time. Using a variety of both land and sea based army units, you must conquer neighbouring territories until you have wiped any resistance from the map.

Solace is a turn-based game, in that each player takes turns manipulating his or her own pieces. You are given the chance to buy more units, move existing units, and then place the units you've purchased on the map. Each player takes a turn and the game goes on until one person has defeated the rest. Although game play can seem slow at first, it is easy to become immersed in the battle movements of the various armies.

Despite the name, Solace isn't just a single player game. You can play online against other players for a truly unique game that no artificial intelligence can provide. There are a couple of different ways to play multi-player Solace. The first, and probably the slowest, is an e-mail game. You take a turn playing, moving troops and such, then Solace e-mails this information to other players. They can then make their moves. The game would go back and fourth until someone won. The second, and probably the most popular option, is a GameSmith game. This is simply an internet game handled via the GameSmith system. Since Solace does not need to update every second like other interactive games, you do not need a fast modem to play online. The third, and most innovative of the multiplayer game connections is the local network game. Although this does not sound like anything new to Mac games, Solace can use Rendezvous networking. This means games over Ethernet and AirPort with no need to type in I/P addresses.

Although slightly slower than most games, Solace still offers a great gaming experience. Wonderful graphics and an easy to use tutorial make it quick and easy to enjoy the game. Installing and running the game are very simple as well. Overall, a very good game.

— Kevin Montgomery
MLMUG Reviewer