Want to make millions of dollars managing real estate in your spare time? Well,  you can either respond to a homemade sign nailed to a telephone pole, or you can play one of the best casual games I’ve come across in a long time: Build-a-lot.

A three-level tutorial is offered in the first of Build-a-lot’s eight neighborhoods. Then, aside from being given some general tips during gameplay, it’s up to players to formulate strategies that will meet specific goals in each of the remaining 32 levels/seven neighborhoods. If you want a mental workout, you need look no further.

Players get to work with an interesting variety of residences and buildings as they buy and sell both vacant and improved lots as well as build, repair and demolish various structures. Levels become more elaborate and tricky as one progresses through the game.

Each level carries two time limits: one to simply complete the level, and a much shorter one that yields a star. Achieving stars across the board unlocks a building called a Cost Mart that can be used in subsequent playthoughs.

No doubt about it, this game can be tough. But unlike many casual games, Build-a-lot gives players considerable control over what happens during gameplay. More than one strategy can be used to succeed in each level, and players have unlimited chances to  develop one that works.

Build-a-lot is a much-needed breath of fresh air in the casual game market. Its graphics, animation, music and sound-effects are all first-rate, and its challenges — even the more difficult ones — are fair. Ithas my unqualified endorsement!