Difference between revisions of "Sparrow Solitaire"
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The two most common variants of the game are "classic" and "shisen-sho". These variants change the requirements for a tile to be removed. | The two most common variants of the game are "classic" and "shisen-sho". These variants change the requirements for a tile to be removed. | ||
=== Classic === | === Classic === | ||
[[File:SS Classic example.png|thumb|alt=Example for classic layouts|Shaded tiles are not free and cant be matched]] | |||
To remove a tile, it must be free: this means it needs empty space on the left and right, and no tile can be sitting on top. Matching pairs anywhere on the board can be selected and cleared if they are both free. | To remove a tile, it must be free: this means it needs empty space on the left and right, and no tile can be sitting on top. Matching pairs anywhere on the board can be selected and cleared if they are both free. | ||
=== Shisen-sho === | === Shisen-sho === | ||
Sometimes called "Four Rivers" or "Rivers", this variant is a bit more complicated. The two matching tiles must be be capable of being connected by ''up to three horizontal or vertical lines'' which pass only through empty spaces. Both tiles must be on the same layer, but otherwise can be anywhere in the layout, | [[File:SS Shisensho example.png|thumb|The lines show how the two tiles must connect to be matched]] | ||
Sometimes called "Four Rivers" or "Rivers", this variant is a bit more complicated. The two matching tiles must be be capable of being connected by ''up to three horizontal or vertical lines'' which pass only through empty spaces. Both tiles must be on the same layer, but otherwise can be anywhere in the layout. | |||
Adjacent matching tiles can also be removed, as a single line passing through no other tiles connects them. | |||
=== Controls === | |||
[[File:SS Bmenucrop.png|thumb|Hold B to access more functions like hint, undo, redo, and reset.]] | |||
* D-pad to move the cursor (see cursor options below) | |||
* A to select a tile, click again to deselect the same tile | |||
* B to deselect last tile (or zoom toggle - see options) | |||
* Crank to cycle between free tiles (or zoom or undo/redo - see options) | |||
* '''Hold B''' and for a sub-menu that houses hint, undo, redo, and reset functions. Press one of the four directions to activate the sub function. | |||
=== Hints === | |||
Hold B and then press up to see a hint. The hint flashes two or more matching tiles that are able to be cleared. While tiles are flashing, you may use the crank to cycle to further sets of matching tiles (if any exist). In shisen-sho, only one hint is shown regardless of how many other matches may be available. This is to balance the loading time needed to calculate extra valid moves. | |||
Two important things about hints: | |||
# A hint only shows an ''available move'', not necessarily the ''best move''. Use at your own discretion! | |||
# Each unique hint seen deducts 150 points from your score! You can view the same hint multiple times without additional penalty. | |||
== Layout Select == | == Layout Select == | ||
Revision as of 02:32, 11 April 2023
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|---|---|---|
| Released on 2023-04-11 | ||
| Made by Mac & Matt | ||
| Download: https://play.date/games/sparrow-solitaire/ | ||
| 17.8 MB | ||
Sparrow Solitaire takes the classic tile-matching puzzle game mahjong solitaire, and reimagines it from the ground-up for Playdate. With simple rules and plenty of customizable options, the game is accessible to both new players and veterans of the genre.
The game is available on Catalog and itch.io for $10. There is also a free demo on the itch site.
Since the game is packed with features, this wiki page serves as a full user guide that goes into detail on each area beyond what is included in the in-game manual.
Gameplay
The goal of mahjong solitaire is simple: remove all the tiles by matching pairs of two. Tiles with the same face design will always match, yet there are a few tiles that have different faces and still match. These belong to the "seasons" and "flowers" suits, and are denoted in the game with black and white corner dots. (custom tilesets may use a different theme, but the suit names come from the traditional tileset).
The two most common variants of the game are "classic" and "shisen-sho". These variants change the requirements for a tile to be removed.
Classic
To remove a tile, it must be free: this means it needs empty space on the left and right, and no tile can be sitting on top. Matching pairs anywhere on the board can be selected and cleared if they are both free.
Shisen-sho
Sometimes called "Four Rivers" or "Rivers", this variant is a bit more complicated. The two matching tiles must be be capable of being connected by up to three horizontal or vertical lines which pass only through empty spaces. Both tiles must be on the same layer, but otherwise can be anywhere in the layout.
Adjacent matching tiles can also be removed, as a single line passing through no other tiles connects them.
Controls
- D-pad to move the cursor (see cursor options below)
- A to select a tile, click again to deselect the same tile
- B to deselect last tile (or zoom toggle - see options)
- Crank to cycle between free tiles (or zoom or undo/redo - see options)
- Hold B and for a sub-menu that houses hint, undo, redo, and reset functions. Press one of the four directions to activate the sub function.
Hints
Hold B and then press up to see a hint. The hint flashes two or more matching tiles that are able to be cleared. While tiles are flashing, you may use the crank to cycle to further sets of matching tiles (if any exist). In shisen-sho, only one hint is shown regardless of how many other matches may be available. This is to balance the loading time needed to calculate extra valid moves.
Two important things about hints:
- A hint only shows an available move, not necessarily the best move. Use at your own discretion!
- Each unique hint seen deducts 150 points from your score! You can view the same hint multiple times without additional penalty.