Developer/Publisher: Gamesmith Studios
Price: $0.99
Genre: Strategy
Verdict: If you’re a fan of Tic Tac Toe, buy it
Pros: Fun  pastime, especially in multiplayer
Cons: Controls are a little touchy if not impossible at times

Take everything you know about Tic Tac Toe and throw it out the window! Gamesmith Studios has taken one of your childhood-favorite pastimes and made it into an awesome version that even adults can enjoy. The worst part about Tic Tac Toe now that we’re all older is that it’s too simple. The game was not intended to be played by 20-somethings or 30- somethings, it’s more for children in grade school. But this time around, it’s done in 3D, with playing fields ranging from 3×3 to 5×5 and with the ability to make connections in any direction, things just got a whole lot more strategic.

Unfortunately there are some control issues that hold this one back. Having to double tap the spot you wish to place you X or O, and the lack of sufficient zoom, leaves you placing your pieces in the wrong place quite often. I suppose it could be the fact that I have huge fingers, but I imagine this is going to be a problem for most people who play the game. I’m puzzled at why there is a zoom out that makes the playing field so small you can barely see it, yet the zoom in doesn’t give much space between landing zones. I’ve often found myself losing when I know where I want to place my X, but can’t seem to get it to drop in the right spot.

While the earlier stages that have a 3×3 grid are easy to navigate, the 4×4 and 5×5 grid can be a pain. This could easily be fixed in an update by allowing more movement with the camera, and a better zoom. But given the fact that you can play full games between two people on the same iPhone/iTouch, the minor control issue can be forgiven. Players just need to be very careful about the placement of their fingers on the screen.

Three different themes have been included as well, allowing players to choose the playingfield they want to game on. While the themes are nice, they don’t change the gameplay at all. But there are separate difficulties that help mix things up by including blocks. As you progress through the game, you’ll find yourself getting stumped by random blocks that appear, most times cutting off a close victory.

If you’re a fan of this timeless treasure, then you’re going to enjoy XO 3D. It is a breath of fresh air for a game that was so simple and fun in our past. Though XO 3D isn’t likely to bring new fans to the game of Tic Tac Toe, it’s fun for those who remember playing the game with pen and pad.