Is Sudoku too much work for you and a bit of a bore? Say hello to Bitmask, a Soduku inspired puzzle where numbers are replaced with the task of fixing the computer by unmasking the bits. Almost a pattern making exercise, the catch is that you may not repeat any three-bit pattern within a row or column. You switch bits by adjusting the switches. Some bits are fixed, others allow changes, as the numbers do in Sudoku.
Bitmask captures the appeal and depth of Sudoku while eliminating its more tedious elements (i.e. the need to write possible answers in the margins). Three difficulty settings make the game challenging for players of various skill levels.
A fun little game for any retro-geek. Watch the flashing leds as you try to discover better tactics to beat your best time. At times you may get lucky but sometimes you may need to work back to ensure that the combinations of bits work in both rows and columns. I have completed the game on easy but can see hard levels being a lot more challenging as you have more empty bits to fill.
Interestingly, the game has been designed by Giuoco Piano, a name which also refers to the oldest recorded opening in chess (wikipedia) but I don’t think there is any relation, is there?
Platform: iPhone
Version: 1.0
Cost: $2.99
Developer:Â Giuoco Piano
