This month we look at a selection of what used to be called 'parlour games' -- card and board games which don't require the reflexes of a gazelle, and in which no blood is spilled. Some are variations on old themes, while some are quite new. All can be played solo, and all are more challenging than they may first appear.

Cards are normally moved by dragging, though they will optionally 'fly' to valid destinations with a single click, or be picked without clicking at all -- helpful in guarding against RSI, or just in speeding up play. Only legal moves are permitted. Undo and redo are available, as are many keyboard shortcuts, and games can be saved and resumed. In addition, player profiles can be saved including scores, statistics and preferences.

A 'Card Shark' can be asked to set recommended options for each game type, provide playing tips, move for you if you're desperate, and even tell you in advance if you can't possibly win, or if your win is assured.

What makes this apparently simple pattern-matching game so entertaining is that it offers 20 different starting layouts varying significantly in difficulty, and that random arrangement of the tiles ensures that every game is a new experience.

The default set of tiles is beautifully drawn, being based on classic mah-jong designs. (Mah-jong is said to mean 'game of the winds'.) The layouts have appropriate shapes such as Dragon and Battlefield. Alternative tile sets carry letters of the alphabet or simple coloured shapes that are more suitable for young children.

Failure to finish a game is often the result of making a wrong choice quite early in the process, so the provision of unlimited undos and the ability to replay a game with the same starting arrangement are welcome features.

You stand inside an oddly shaped enclosed playing area along with a number of yellow balls which you must push in front of you (no pulling allowed) towards a pattern of pigeonholes set in the floor in one of the playing area's 'rooms'. Various walls, doorways and posts, as well as the yellow balls themselves, impede your efforts.

Eventually you will succeed, only to move to the next level and a different starting arrangement. With a total of 250 levels in 5 'collections', it is unlikely that you will run out of challenges for quite a while. Although there are a number of basic concepts that can be mastered, the higher levels remain sufficiently challenging to fill in many a spare half-hour.

This implementation of Skat is comprehensive and detailed, though the display of play itself is best described as 'workmanlike'. Included are a manual for beginners, the complete official rules, and a manual for operation of the Mac interface.

Two of the mandatory three players are played by the Mac, and possibly the most important option is the selection of a playing style for your opponents. There are four fixed and two dynamic styles, the latter varying between cautious and daring according to progress of the game. A number of standard rule variations may be chosen.

In 'learn' mode, you can view your opponents' cards, review a table of cards already played, or replay a hand. In all modes, the Mac will offer a context-sensitive playing suggestion if you're stuck, once again in accordance with a playing style you select.

Multiple word lists can be used to tailor the game for different age groups or interests. A 'Kids' Words' list is provided as well as the normal one, and lists can be imported from any text source, and edited within the program.

The letters on your rack can be rearranged at any time with a click of the mouse, and you can also view letters remaining in the pool, as well as the list of bonus words for the scenario in use. Your rack can be positioned as you wish, and all racks can be made visible if you prefer.

A game can be played by any combination of human and computer players. The latter can have either human or techno appearance, and any of nine skill levels, from novice to expert.

As the solo player in System's Twilight, you must make your way through a 'System' comprising mazes, word and number puzzles, cryptograms, graphical and sound puzzles. As usual in this genre, early puzzles build skills you will need to apply in later ones, but the increasing degree of difficulty provides a continuing challenge and not a little frustration. As you move about you will hear stories and collect objects which may or may not have any future value, leading to a lot of notetaking.

The 2D graphics are well-drawn, attractive and entertaining, and animation is smooth.