Dark Stars
(Published on 26. August 2024, 16:00 by Blobz)
Image generated with Hotpot AI Art Generator
Normal sudoku rules apply.
Divide the grid into galaxies: orthogonally connected groups of cells that have 180 degree rotational symmetry about their centers (marked with a small dot). All cells must be part of a galaxy; no galaxies overlap.
Grey Dots mark "renban" galaxies: those with two or more cells, whose digits form an unbroken consecutive sequence in any order. White dots mark galaxies whose digits do NOT form a sequence. Digits may not repeat within a galaxy.
Six single-cell galaxies -- "Dark Stars" -- are NOT marked: their locations must be deduced by the solver. All cells (max 8) around a Dark Star belong to regular galaxies. Digits do not repeat amongst the Dark Stars.
As per Galactic Map Standards: All galaxies with at least TWO cells indicate their SMALLEST digit with a diamond icon. All galaxies with at least SIX cells indicate their LARGEST digit with a circle icon.
Have fun, leave a comment if you enjoy the puzzle!
Solution code: Row 4
Comments
on 17. September 2024, 04:16 by Frank Puzzles
Lovely logic throughout. I especially loved the limiting factors of the diamonds and circles.
Fun puzzle!
BTW, my solve of the puzzle just published and is at this address:
https://youtu.be/ospc92zIRCk
Hope you enjoy my puzzling through the solve!
on 3. September 2024, 02:19 by ViKingPrime
Blobz is one of the few setters who consistently delivers. Fantastic puzzle.
on 29. August 2024, 21:04 by wuc
What a great addition to a great series. Cant be honest about the solve time - took me infinite minutes. But pure joy thx.
on 28. August 2024, 00:32 by DanishDynamite
Awesome!
on 26. August 2024, 22:44 by SeveNateNine
The second half packs quite a punch, more like 4* for me. Great puzzle!
on 26. August 2024, 20:06 by Franjo
The galaxies weren’t hard to find, but I struggled heavily with their correct fillings. Anyway, it was a pleasure to solve this wonderful puzzle. Thank you very much for sharing.
on 26. August 2024, 19:46 by pookster
Awesome as usual, Blobz! I love this puzzle series!
