As a compulsive writer and self-described word nerd, my love of math games often results in crossed eyes and exclamations of, "But you wubs the wurds?!" Yes, that is exactly what they say … it's not as if I haven't written about this before. Rock Ridge Games has fed my distraction that much more with Solution Zero for iPhone and iPod Touch by making it portable. Enough fun like this, and I may never write again.

Solution Zero falls nicely into that category of "easy to play, hard to master." In many ways, it has little to do with your math skills and more to do with your patience. You can score well if you just take your time; you score really well if you are fast.

The basics of the game run thus: With varying degrees of difficulty, you are given six numbers (0-9) and the four basic operators (+ - ÷ and ×). Your goal, using these six numbers and any combination of the operators is to solve for zero; your solution is zero. There are only two rules: 1) You cannot reach zero before the end, and 2) you cannot reach a negative number at any time.

At the lowest level (Whiz), you may be presented with the following: 7, 7, 5, 8, 5 and 6. Using any of the operators as many times as you like, the solution then becomes: 7+7-5-8+5-6. You slide the minus or plus sign (in this case) between the two numbers or tap it to remove it. I did have a bit of problem sliding the final minus sign, as did my children. After a few times, we got the hang of it, but that last area was a problem for everyone who tried it.

After your fifth or sixth go, you quickly realize that the last operator must be a subtraction sign or you can't reach zero. In my opinion, this is the one negative I see in the game. I always know the last operator, which gives me a head start on solving the equation.

You receive a set amount of points simply for solving the problem. Solve it quickly and you receive a bonus. Skip the problem and it counts against you. As I said before, it is always in your best interest to work the equation (though some will make you want to tear your hair out). Prodigy level (level 4) keeps me busy when I'm waiting for appointments. At 10 problems per series, I sometimes don't finish the series. For example: 7, 3, 9, 7, 5 and 3. I had hoped to give you the answer, but I want to finish this review, and I've counted down the entire 200 second bonus. I'm confident I'll answer it, but you get the picture.

My kids are giddy over the game. My 10-year-old sticks with the first two levels; my 12-year-old sticks with the middle two. At $.99, I have a hard time not recommending this game. If you're a math nerd or even just want a challenge on occasion, this is well worth the buck.