After solving some excellent loop puzzles recently, I decided to also try this genre out and create a loop that chopped into small zipper line segments. Thanks Flinty, vitaminz and garford for testing and the detailed feedback.
The images below show an example puzzle and the corresponding solution. The red line represents the loop which does not perform any diagonal movements (only moves orthogonally). The segments are represented by different colors. The long segment is a valid zipper line because 5=4+1=3+2. The 3-cell segment is valid because 4=3+1. One-cell segments are always valid zipper lines. All circles show the length of the segments. The squared two counts the number of visible non-loop cells. The squared 4 counts the number of visible loop cells. If the top-right digit of the puzzle was squared, it would have to be 6 because it sees itself, one cell to the left and 5 cells to the bottom.
Play the Example Puzzle on SudokuPad
Solution code: Row 9, left to right (9 digits)
on 17. June 2024, 23:28 by wuc
I love puzzles like this. So special and perfectly flowing. I hope I can ever set such a cool puzzle thx.
on 9. May 2024, 15:31 by Fra314
Brilliant. So many cool deductions required, the logic is sound and the puzzle is fun and beautifully constructed. A real gem!
on 18. April 2024, 13:23 by Geb
I like the way the segment length constraint shapes the loop! Very solid puzzle. Nice one.
on 16. April 2024, 18:36 by yttrio
Fun, smooth loop puzzle! Nothing too tricky, but there were still lots of interesting deductions along the way.
on 16. April 2024, 04:00 by ChinStrap
Really good loop puzzle.
on 16. April 2024, 00:42 by goodcity
The solvepath felt unexpected for this one. Very nice one!
on 15. April 2024, 23:07 by Big Tiger
I'm learning that I just don't find zipper lines fascinating - not sure why Simon of CTC loves them - but I pressed on and made it through and did enjoy myself overall. Nice work!
on 15. April 2024, 20:39 by vitaminz
A different way of thinking, at least for me, but not actually very hard (I think it’s probably more approachable than advertised). It’s worth the solve just to sit in awe of how well every piece clears up everything around it. Truly masterful setting.
on 15. April 2024, 20:36 by Flinty
Suprisingly approachable. Very nice puzzle.