GCPP:Proposal-Molly

Username: Guppyzr

Additional Contact Info: Guppyzra on the Hunter Ocean

Game Concept
A linear puzzle based on the idea that in real-life good craftsmanship, all the grains in a plank of wood must flow continuosly.

Objective
Create planks of wood in as few moves as possible on the gameboard by switching different 'grain patterns.' (pieces)

Gameplay
The playing board is a grid 7 by 5 squares. The middle square of the board does not exist and cannot be used in gameplay. Every square is filled with 1 of 4 random 'grain patterns' (pieces). Grain patterns on the board can be rearranged by selecting a grain pattern and switching it with a grain pattern diagonally 1 square away. To create a plank grain patterns must be switched so that the grain runs constantly through a group of 4+ squares- see images below. Once such a group known as a 'plank' has been created, the plank is highlighted and then locked- this means no grain patterns in the plank can be switched with other grain patterns. The plank can still be 'extended' by adding extra grain patterns onto either of the two open ends of the plank. Once a plank has been created only four moves are allowed until the plank is 'completed' at which point the grain patterns used in the plank are cleared and new patterns are randomly generated without disrupting the pattern of other pieces. The four move delay between the creation and completion of the plank is shown by four nails by the side of the playing board. In an occassion where more than 1 plank has been created extra nails are shown by the side. Once 10 planks have been created the puzzle is complete.

Scoring
Each grain pattern in a plank gives you X points. This gives you your plank score. Bonus pieces give you % of X points for the plankwhich is added to the plank score. The total score divided by 10 gives you the final score.

Variability
Bonus grain patterns enable players to earn X% more points. A special 2-square grain pattern enable players to continue a plank on another line of the gameboard- this piece moves vertically only. It also provides double points when used but does not clear like normal pieces. Varnished grain patterns offer the same amount of points as normal pieces but do not clear once a plank is completed. Rotting grain patterns work like normal grain patterns but offer no points. The central square is used in more advanced gameplay, able to maximise your score and if ignored can half, third, and even quarter your score.

The Central Square
This piece appears in more advanced games once the first plank has been cleared. This grain pattern cannot be moved into new positions, Once it is cleared the square returns to its previous condition of uselessness. If it is used in a plank which continues to another row the piece is cleared no points are awarded, the plank that it was in is not cleared for a further 4 turns. The grain pattern is wasted if the patterns to either side of it are switched more than 5 times. It removes Z% from the final score. Z is the number of patterns in the last plank cleared multiplied by 5. The grain pattern can be used and completed in a one row plank. It adds Y% to the final score. Y is the number of grain patterns in the plank multiplied by 5.

End Criteria
The puzzle ends when 10 planks have been created.

Difficulty Scaling
As a player progresses the ratio of rotting pieces to normal pieces increases and lee bonus pieces become available for use.

Known Problems
Due to the four move delay chains are impossible and combos can rarely be achieved.

Discussion
[Puzzle Project: Molly]