64 Mosaic Puzzle

Bruce Jordan
Translation by Chris Metcalf, Programming Assistant

In our October issue, we published a game, "Mosaic Puzzle," with versions for several computers. Program 2, which was identified as the 64 version, actually runs on the VIC. Here is the 64 version.

"Mosaic Puzzle" is a computer version of those sliding-squares puzzles that used to drive people nuts before the advent of Rubik's Cube. The object of the game is to arrange the 15 squares (1-8 and A – F) into some predetermined order by sliding them around in their frame. The first few moves are easy, but as the game progresses, it gets a lot more complicated. You'll find yourself rearranging everything just to get the last few squares in place.

When you start the game, you're asked if you wish to set a time limit. If you answer Y for yes, enter the time limit in one line with no spaces or punctuation between the values. For example, for a 1-hour, 23-minute limit, enter 012300. If no time limit is selected, the screen will display elapsed time and TIME LIMIT: NONE.

Next, enter the goal order that you will try to match to win the game. Note that some goals cannot be reached from the given starting arrangement. If you reach a point where only two adjacent tiles must be switched to complete the puzzle, then your goal is unreachable. You can also select various keys for up, down, left, and right movement. If you prefer a joystick, use port two. When you are playing, pressing the RETURN key or the fire button allows you to pause momentarily before resuming the game, restarting the program, or stopping entirely. Breaking off and resuming has no effect on the time clock (displayed at the top of the screen along with the time limit).