What does make LT-Sokoban interesting?
Note: All examples are from Lasertank.lvl with Medium rating.
The main problem in Sokoban levels is deadlock. If we push certain (movable-) blocks to the wrong place, some blocks become useless because they can't be retrieved forever. Level #1980 (SASQUATCH) is a good example to try. The Tank is not trapped. It's easy to move around, but deadlock can easily happen at the beginning.
Some interesting features.
1. One or more blocks short
There are many blocks on the board. You are to free and send some of them to the destination (usually water). However, at almost the end of the game you realize that you need more block(s) to reach the flag.
In levels #676 (Odyssey) and #1530 (Far Out Flags 4), the blocks are originally surrounded by water. Some of the blocks can be useless and some others become bridges. It's easy to be near the flag, but not on it.
If you don't like waters, you can play levels #847 (Horas perdidas em sua vida) and #1020 (So simple ...). You free the blocks on the ground and send them into the water, but if you are not careful, you are running out of block(s).
2. Suffocated (Claustrophobic)
The Tank is surrounded by too many blocks. It has difficulty to get out. Many of the blocks are useless, but how many? You must free enough blocks to reach the flag. Try levels #693 (No more) and #1074 (Samba, Rio de Janeiro).
3. Backward (Need to park)
Intuitively, we should push the blocks forward to the flag, starting with the block nearest to the flag. However, the block(s) nearest to the flag can only go to the wrong direction, backward. Meanwhile, the farther blocks can't go forward either because their way is blocked by the blocks in front of them. Levels in this category are #1786 (Sokomania 15) and #1843 (carpal tunnel).
4. Move around
These two levels are not difficult, but interesting that the blocks must be pushed further away and comeback again to the same spot but with different direction. Two examples are levels #768 (Xsokoban Boxxle 163) and #1783 (Sokomania 12).
Less obvious is level #2000 (So Go Ban The Ice).
5. Multiple bridges
More than one bridge are made for different reasons.
5a. The blocks of the first group are needed to make the first bridge that is needed for the Tank to reach the blocks of the second group to make the second bridge. Example, level #1940 (Tunnel Bridges).
5b. The blocks of the first group are more than enough to make the first bridge. Some of the blocks are sent through the first, second, and third bridges to join the blocks of the last group to make the last bridge. Example, level #1335 (Locoban 3).
Level #166 (Blocks) is in the same category. The blocks of the second group are not enough to make the second bridge, so the first bridge is built to send many blocks through the first, second, and next bridges to reach the flag.
5c. Some blocks must go through the first bridge, some other blocks must go through the second bridge, while the rest may go through either bridge. All blocks are needed, so both bridges must be built. See level #682 (Rafting).
5d. The first bridge is under construction, but its direction can't be changed, so the second bridge is made to shoot the blocks on the first bridge. Level #1966 (Flying Saucer Overhead) shows this method.
6. To free blocks from the bridge under construction
Some of the blocks can only be freed by shooting them from the partly built bridge. See level #2013 (rata1). Ignore the shortcut that makes surplus of blocks.
One variation of this method is that different bridge is needed and completely built. See level #335 (Jerikho 777).
7. No easy pruning
Many blocks in a cluster look crowded, but if you can free (or park) the blocks beginning with the block at the 'corner' of the cluster, the problem is too easy. Some examples are levels #1231 (Combination 1), #1248 (Unmovable 5), and #1251 (Treasure Chest 1). BTW, there are surplus of block(s) in each of the three levels.
HAVE FUN.
If you want to know more about Sokoban and its relation with LaserTank, see the related Yahoo group messages:
Msg. #5173 (Wed Jan 21, 2004), Subject: Sokoban.
Msg. #5176 (Sat Jan 24, 2004), Subject: Re: Sokoban.
Msg. #5178 (Sat Jan 24, 2004), Subject: The birth of the LaserTank.
Bye,
Suyono
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