Atoll
(Published on 8. January 2023, 01:12 by mathpesto)
Rules:
Normal Sudoku rules apply. Draw a non-intersecting loop through the centers of some cells. Every cell in the grid is one of three types: fully inside the loop, fully outside the loop, or part of the loop. A 2x2 area cannot be entirely one cell type. A green circle is inside the loop, a blue circle is outside the loop, and a yellow circle is part of the loop. A digit placed in a circle is the number of cells of its own type that it sees horizontally and vertically, including itself. (Other cell types obstruct vision.)
Cells inside the loop form one orthogonally connected area and cells outside the loop are orthogonally connected to the edge of the grid. Adjacent non-loop cells differ by 5 or more.
Solve:
Solution code: Column 9 (top to bottom)
Comments
on 8. August 2024, 15:15 by wuc
Very nice. I liked that there was no need to think 30min for a break in. Great rule combination. Thx for sharing.
on 3. January 2024, 17:24 by StephenR
It is surprising that this solves so smoothly given the apparent paucity of clues.
on 21. July 2023, 01:47 by coreng
What a beautiful puzzle! The finished coloring was fantastic and the logic throughout was smooth and interesting.
on 7. February 2023, 23:05 by Nell Gwyn
The way the loop and cave logic interacted with each other was fascinating.
on 13. January 2023, 22:26 by Christounet
Miraculously good ! Thanks.
on 9. January 2023, 07:57 by TJReds
Beautiful puzzle as always. Loved the constraints!
on 9. January 2023, 02:49 by Samish
Haha, such a funny puzzle! It strongly reminds me of the great Boiga Irregularis. Congrats on finding this :-) it will make a great ctc feature
on 8. January 2023, 09:07 by tryote
Can the loop move diagonally?
——-
No, only orthogonally. -Math Pesto
on 8. January 2023, 04:24 by Kafkapharnaum
Miraculous indeed! That kind of reminded me of filuta's Think Outside the Snake, which I would hope anybody would take as high praise indeed!
on 8. January 2023, 03:41 by Nordy
Miraculously smooth and fun with so few clues. Beautifully constructed!
