Minesweeper, but you only solve each situation once.
This game puts a fresh spin on the classic game of Minesweeper. Instead of manually solving each puzzle, players create and optimize a set of rules that can automatically solve the puzzles for them. This novel approach allows players to focus on the strategic and logical aspects of the game, rather than the repetitive task of clearing squares.
At the heart of the experience is the rule creation system, which allows players to define rules that act on the game's "regions" - areas of the board with a certain number of bombs surrounding them. Players start with simple rules, like "if a region has 3 free spaces, mark them as clear," and gradually build up more complex and powerful rules as they progress. The game provides feedback on the validity of the rules, ensuring that players create rules that are formally correct.
One of the key draws is the satisfaction of watching the game automatically solve puzzles using the rules the player has created. As players unlock new variables and more expressive rule-building tools, they can create increasingly sophisticated rulesets that can handle a wider range of situations. The game encourages players to continually optimize their rule sets, removing redundant or unnecessary rules to make their systems more efficient.
As players advance through the game's thousands of levels, the puzzles become increasingly complex, requiring players to devise more intricate and versatile rules. The game introduces new concepts and variables, such as "more than 2" or "less than 3," which add an extra layer of challenge to the rule-building process. This gradual increase in complexity keeps the gameplay engaging and rewarding, as players are constantly pushed to expand their logical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
Players report a deep sense of satisfaction in watching their carefully crafted rule systems effortlessly solve hundreds or even thousands of puzzles. The "popping" sound effect that plays when a new level is solved adds to the feeling of accomplishment, as players witness the fruits of their logical labor. The game's addictive nature is often cited, as players can easily lose track of time while optimizing their rulesets and unlocking new capabilities.
By shifting the focus away from the traditional Minesweeper gameplay loop of clearing squares and marking bombs, this game offers a refreshingly novel take on the genre. Players who are drawn to the logical and strategic aspects of Minesweeper, rather than the repetitive mechanics, often find this to be a deeply rewarding experience that challenges their problem-solving skills in new and engaging ways.