Rubik's Slide Explained

Rubik's Slide electronic puzzle game is a Rubik's-branded combination puzzle produced by TechnoSource in 2010. Players must manipulate the circuit to re-create a specified pattern, with 10,000 puzzles built into the device.[1]

Description

The puzzle is based around a 3x3 grid of translucent panels, each panel being illuminated from below with red and blue LEDs. The bank of panels is mounted on a central spring-loaded pivot that can both slide a short distance in each of the four cardinal directions, as well as rotate or yaw slightly around the pivot. Each Slide and Twist maneuver triggers a change in the game's state.

The CPU selects a random pattern of lights as the goal state, then it selects another random pattern of lights as the starting state. The latter pattern visibly illuminates the panels. The goal pattern can be viewed at will by holding a button on the side of the device. Reaching the goal states scores a point, and the CPU generates a new puzzle.

A Slide maneuver will shift all rows or columns one space in the direction of the push. Rows or columns that are shifted off the visible play area "wrap around" to the opposite side. A Twist maneuver's effect varies based on the difficulty setting.

The game has three difficulty settings:

Easy Difficulty

Medium Difficulty

Hard Difficulty

Criticism and reviews

Gizmodo praised the device for having a pleasing tactile quality and encouraging repeated play.[2] Tech Crunch suggested it was fun and addictive.[3]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Miles. Stuart. Rubik's Slide plans to twist and slide its way into your puzzle life. Pocket Lint. 29 November 2012. 28 January 2010.
  2. Web site: Meet the Rubik's Slide: New Shape, New Frustrations. Gizmodo. 16 February 2010 . 29 November 2012.
  3. Web site: Biggs. John. Hands-on with the Rubik's Slide. Tech Crunch. 29 November 2012. February 17, 2010.