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This puzzle game gained 4th place in the Mixed Game Competition at Function 2018 demo party, a top result considering it was competing against more powerful machines. This is a twist on the well known mobile puzzle app Threes, which inspired the very similar game 2048 (and 2048 has made more than one appearance on the C64, including a cartridge version from RGCD). Another 8-Bit version based on the Threes puzzle app was developed by John Lobo on the Amstrad CPC, it is called Amsthrees, achieving 9th out of 34 at the 2016 #CPCRETRODEV contest.

Your on-screen grid has a few starting tiles with low numbers on them. The player moves the whole "grid" in one of four directions, sliding the tiles around. Colliding two tiles of the same number creates a single tile with the next number up – so sliding two 1's together creates a 2. Red tiles with an 'X' on them are there to block moves. Lining up three 'X' blocks will make them all disappear, handy to clear some space. New tiles are generated as the grid is moved. The aim of the game is therefore to create a 25 block, or reach the highest number possible, before running out of clear space or possible moves.

The presentation is quite good, with hi-res tiles and well chosen colours. The subtle character animation and scrolling instructions on the title screen are good too. The music has a good beat and goes well in the background. Control is smooth, with either the 'W,A,S,D' keys or joystick in port 2.

It took some time to grasp the differences to Threes/2048, making the first few goes very frustrating. How long it will last depends on how hooked the player becomes. It falls short of being a "must play" game, but try it and see!

A different take on a familiar puzzle formula from Digital Monastery.