Universal Cubix Challenge (by Thinkerton Games/Thomas Bowen)

Discussion in 'iPhone and iPad Games' started by Thinkerton Games, Jun 19, 2015.

  1. Thinkerton Games

    Thinkerton Games Well-Known Member
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    Jun 11, 2015
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    Good Find! Congrats on Maple 5!
     
  2. y2kmp3

    y2kmp3 Well-Known Member

    Jun 25, 2010
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    Thinkerton Games,

    From the original version to the current version release, have the par values been adjusted for any levels in the game (modified to correct previous errors or omissions)?
     
  3. Thinkerton Games

    Thinkerton Games Well-Known Member
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    No they have not, some of the puzzles are designed where there is the possibility of completion in less moves. Like you mentioned, think of the 'best' moves like par in golf. Some levels have multiple solutions to reach par, a limited few can be completed below par.

    Thanks!
    Tom
     
  4. y2kmp3

    y2kmp3 Well-Known Member

    Jun 25, 2010
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    Thanks. I am referring to Maple 8 (par 13). Remembered solving the level before the update. Accidentally deleted the app (long story) and have to restart the game from scratch. Now stuck on this level and unable to re-solve the level (most embarrassingly). No bug or change to this level, correct?

     
  5. Thinkerton Games

    Thinkerton Games Well-Known Member
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    Ah yes, that one's a doozie! No changes there.
     
  6. y2kmp3

    y2kmp3 Well-Known Member

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    #66 y2kmp3, Jul 15, 2015
    Last edited: Jul 15, 2015
    Found another new "special" level:

    Walnut 7 - 15 moves possible, par is 19 moves.

    This one is quite tricky to pull off, Thinkerton Games. Like to return the challenge to you to see if you can rediscover my solutions for this "special" level and the previous "special" level.

    Very tempted to post a screenshot here, but will hold off for now to minimize spoilers.

    Also, for Walnut 8, there are 3 "cross" blocks. The level is entirely solvable using ONLY 2 "cross" blocks, moving these blocks only 4 times in total. Thus, the remaining one (at the bottom right corner) is entirely redundant.

    Likewise, for Walnut 10, the level is entirely solvable using only 3 of 4 "cross" blocks. The remaining one is entirely redundant. However, differing from Walnut 8, I can understand that you might put the extra block there to maintain symmetry of the solution.
     
  7. Thinkerton Games

    Thinkerton Games Well-Known Member
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    #67 Thinkerton Games, Jul 15, 2015
    Last edited: Jul 15, 2015
    Yes, both of those levels are able to be completed in the moves mentioned! Careful with the spoilers on walnut 8, I've studied players rolling those three cubes around for ages not realizing the solution! If you'd like to PM me any more level specific feedback that'd be great!
     
  8. y2kmp3

    y2kmp3 Well-Known Member

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    #68 y2kmp3, Jul 15, 2015
    Last edited: Jul 15, 2015
    Just discover another "special" level:

    Birch 4 - 6 moves; par is 8 moves

    I think, as the mechanics get more sophisticated, there are more chances of discovering alternative unintended solutions. This is NOT a bad sign BUT a good sign that speaks to the openness of the game's solution space and also proves that the game's levels (and their solutions) are handcrafted and NOT algorithmically derived.

    As you may know, for rolling block puzzles, as a class, have been shown mathematically to be PSPACE-COMPLETE, and algorithms now exist to solve "efficiently" most "simple" rolling block puzzles. Your game is far more complex than these basic versions, so those algorithms will likely not be adoptable to solve your game.
     
  9. Thinkerton Games

    Thinkerton Games Well-Known Member
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    Absolutely, it was understood that users may find more efficient/alternate routes to the more complex puzzles, you can do a lot with the sliding blocks if you take the time!
     
  10. y2kmp3

    y2kmp3 Well-Known Member

    Jun 25, 2010
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    Tom,

    Discovered another "special" solution:

    Chestnut 9 - 7 moves (par = 8 moves)

    However, unlike other levels, I am having trouble reproducing the stock solution for this level, because
    my solution differs from the stock solution by only 1 move, meaning that it cannot involve a simple "back-and-forth" extra step loop.
    I PM'd you my solution. Like to compare with the official solution.
     
  11. y2kmp3

    y2kmp3 Well-Known Member

    Jun 25, 2010
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    Finally finished game!

    Very interesting final "White Marble" world, with
    not 1 but 4 special levels that can be solved under par. Most interestingly, Marble 10, which the developer said can be finished in 23 moves (par is 24 moves), can actually be solved in just 22 moves.

    Overall, extremely polished, clever, and well designed rolling block puzzler. Handcrafted puzzles with no timer are bonus. A must play for puzzle fan.

     
  12. Thinkerton Games

    Thinkerton Games Well-Known Member
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    Jun 11, 2015
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    Thanks!

    Thanks for the ever excellent feedback! Really glad you enjoyed the game so much. Hopefully it will encourage others to give it a go!
     
  13. coolpepper43

    coolpepper43 👮 Spam Police 🚓

    Aug 31, 2012
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    My god this is a hard game! It's a real challenge, hence the name. The graphics are beautiful and I really like how each new set of levels has a new game mechanic to the game. But, man oh man I'm sad to say that I am stupid when it comes to these kinds of games I guess. This is really well made and at .99 cents its well worth the price for anyone looking for a real challenge.
     
  14. Thinkerton Games

    Thinkerton Games Well-Known Member
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    He he, thanks for the kind review. I'm glad the game is proving to be a real challenge, I'm glad you think it's good value for money.
     
  15. Thinkerton Games

    Thinkerton Games Well-Known Member
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    Update!

    The next set of levels, 'Sandstone', is in beta!
     
  16. Thinkerton Games

    Thinkerton Games Well-Known Member
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    Cubix Challenge Update 1.20

    The latest Cubix Challenge update is making its way to the App Store with all new levels!

    * New Sandstone levels added!
    * Level unlock requirements lowered!
    * Minor bug fixes

    If you haven't yet taken the opportunity to download Cubix Challenge, now is the ideal time! With 120 challenging levels and Gamecenter Achievements, there's a LOT of bang for your buck! Be warned, the game is a real challenge and is perfect for those looking for a slow paced brain-teaser that will put their grey matter to the test!

    Looking forward to hearing feedback! Thanks for your support!
     
  17. JohnnyV123

    JohnnyV123 Member

    Jun 21, 2015
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    Glad to get some new levels! Don't get me wrong....I'm nowhere close to getting three stars on a lot of the older ones but always cool to see you're still putting work in on the game. Thanks!
     
  18. Thinkerton Games

    Thinkerton Games Well-Known Member
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    Thanks!

    Thanks so much for the kind words, really happy you're finding the game to be a challenge!
     
  19. Thinkerton Games

    Thinkerton Games Well-Known Member
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    Jun 11, 2015
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    Feedback

    Would love to hear any additional feedback on the game now it's been out a couple of months. Thanks for all who purchased and supported! Work has begun on my next game, more news soon!
     
  20. Thinkerton Games

    Thinkerton Games Well-Known Member
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    Update 1.21

    Cubix Challenge 1.21 update is out now. Containing some minor optimizations and bug fixes (exciting!).

    If you haven't taken a chance to play it yet, now would be a great time! With 120 challenging levels, tons of game mechanics and hours of gameplay, it's a bargain at 99c!

    Thanks,
    Tom
     

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