HOX

An experimental puzzle inspired by cellular automata.

In each level, design evolutionary rules to grow a seed into the correct shape. Features 12 levels.  Also features a level editor (currently not supported in browser). Share your level codes in the comments!

Note: If you have issues running the game or would like to load / edit custom levels, please download the desktop version.

Controls:

• Left Click  :  Select / Place Cell
• Right Click  :  Erase Cell
• [Esc]  :  Go Back
• [M]  :  Toggle Music On / Off
• [Arrow Up / Down]  :  Scroll Rules List Up / Down

Explanation:

    To start the main game, select [PLAY] in the main menu. Each of 12 built-in puzzles can be played in any order. They are separated into 3 pages (click arrow buttons to navigate), and are roughly ordered by difficulty.

    The workings of this game can be discovered through experimentation. However, if you get stuck, please keep reading...

    To solve a level, design a rule configuration that causes the seed (starting position) to evolve into the correct shape. Utilize all 6 colored cells however you see fit. The shape ultimately only needs to match the target silhouette (denoted by the shimmering greyish background). When you are ready, press the play button at the bottom of the screen and watch the seed evolve according to your rules. You can also step forward and backward single steps at a time to help analyze specific moments. As an added challenge, try to solve each level with as few rules or as few steps as possible. 

    When you are finished playing a level, or are feeling stuck, return to the level select by pressing [Esc].

    Up to 16 rules can be utilized (use arrow keys up/down to see more of them). Each rule consists of a 3x3 'kernel', and a 1x1 'product'. The center of the kernel is the 'subject' of the rule. Rules are applied to every cell in the main 19x19 grid at every step. When a rule is applied, the subject will transform into the product. In order for a rule to apply to a cell, the cell and its neighbors must match with the kernel. Empty cells adjacent to the subject within the kernel are considered 'wild'. Rules are prioritized in order from top to bottom.

 "An empty cell with a green cell to the left of it will become a green cell"

"A red cell with a gold cell both below and bottom right of it will become a blue cell"

Tips:

• Read your rules aloud (like above)
• Rules that apply to empty cells are especially useful
• Keep rule priority in mind
• Try imagining applying rules manually to the main grid
• Most levels have a surprisingly simple solution

Loading custom levels:  
(desktop only)

   Select [LOAD] in the main menu. Copy a level code to your clipboard then select [LOAD] again. If the level code was invalid, the main grid will be empty.

As an example, here is a bonus level:  

2#$32!2#&3##2$79;8:<@?>=ADBECFKJMIO2

Creating custom levels:
(desktop only)

    Select [EDIT] in the main menu. The main 19x19 grid is now editable. Step zero will be the seed in your custom level. Create a rule set and evolve your seed into whatever shape you want. At any point past step zero, you may use the current state of the main grid as the target shape in your custom level. Pause the simulation and press the save button (bottom right corner). The resulting level code will be copied to your clipboard. Share your level codes in the comments!