RAT RUN 9: Shock Value
(Published on 31. July 2024, 02:02 by marty_sears)
- Normal sudoku rules apply: place the digits 1-9 once each in every row, column, and 3x3 box (marked with dotted lines.)
- AIM OF EXPERIMENT: Finkz the rat must reach the cupcake by finding a path through the maze. The path must not visit any cell more than once, cross itself, or pass through any thick maze walls.
- As well as moving orthogonally, Finkz may move diagonally if there's a 2x2 space in which to do so, but may never pass diagonally through a round wall-spot on the corner of a cell.
- TELEPORTS: Entering a yellow teleport will cause Finkz to be instantly transported to the other teleport. From there she can continue her journey. The teleports contain the same digit.
- BLACKCURRANTS: Digits connected by a blackcurrant are in a 1:2 ratio (one is double the other.) Not all possible blackcurrants have been given.
- CAGES: Digits don't repeat in a cage. Every cage has the same total, which is to be deduced. The digit on a cage's electricity symbol is its 'shock value'. Any cage with a shock value of 5 or more is switched on, and Finkz should not enter these for safety reasons. Cages with a shock value lower than 5 are switched off and are therefore safe to enter.
- TEST CONSTRAINT: In this experiment, the correct path will be a valid Chinese Whisper line, ie; adjacent digits along the path must differ by at most 2.
Solution code: Digits on the path in column 1 (from top to bottom)
Comments
on 4. October 2024, 11:24 by Crusader175
The quality of the puzzles in this series is just incredible
on 28. August 2024, 11:07 by Nemefish
just outstanding and delightful. Makes me wish I could give 10 stars
on 26. August 2024, 16:48 by Nurator
That puzzle had an awesome flow from start to finish!
Loved it!
on 12. August 2024, 16:02 by AsgarArn
Very Nice and smooth.
For me not as easy as some comment migth sugest but still easier than most in the series.
Very well constructed!
on 7. August 2024, 14:20 by ChinStrap
Finkz has survived another day, but is so focused on the cupcake that he doesn't even realize the masterpieces that he runs through to get to it.
This one was super smooth, with gorgeous logic and interconnecting parts. Probably one of the easier ones but that is fine!
on 7. August 2024, 13:51 by Lion Crow
Great fun. Thanks.
on 3. August 2024, 02:25 by Phistomefel
I've been binge solving your Rat Run series the last couple of days and it's been amazing. Thanks a lot for making these fun puzzles with interesting constraints and especially thanks for continuining the series further, Marty!
on 2. August 2024, 19:35 by AshBrown
Another great one. Thanks!
on 2. August 2024, 18:50 by ako
S M O O T H ! ! !
on 1. August 2024, 23:21 by DonQuichopp
Hmmm, if you don't know how to deduct the value of the cages this is a very difficult puzzle. For me as a beginner it took ages to break in. And then, man, one little word does so much damage to the solution timer ;-) I enjoyed the "labyrinth"-experiments! One beautiful addition to the series!! Absolutely wonderful!
on 1. August 2024, 22:47 by Perladel
Very smooth and fun!
on 1. August 2024, 16:17 by Voidslime
These puzzles are so much fun! In my mind this is what fog puzzles should be replaced by. I love how finding the line gives some focus and direction without fog error checking.
on 1. August 2024, 09:40 by Reid
These puzzles are always a highlight of my week!
on 1. August 2024, 02:31 by Kriodeco
Amazing puzzle. Will go back and try the other ones.
on 1. August 2024, 00:59 by Nairurian
Thank you for giving us an easy run this week after the nightmare last week.
on 31. July 2024, 23:20 by samuel1997
It is super fun! Thank you!
on 31. July 2024, 22:37 by Klausku
Finkz completed this maze much easier than the previous one. Luckily she wasn’t trapped between the shocking cages. I found this puzzle quite straightforward. Still it is shockingly beautiful. Looking forward to the next experiment.
on 31. July 2024, 18:42 by Glasgow
Very smooth. Difficulty felt consistent throughout. Probably a bit easier than 3 stars. Lovely puzzle!
on 31. July 2024, 16:19 by vfig
while finkz solved the maze without too much difficulty, and as predicted avoided electrocution, i am starting to wonder about the ethics of feeding her so many cupcakes! is that healthy for a rat?
on 31. July 2024, 16:17 by rysmyth240
I got be honest, Finkz almost didn't make it.
on 31. July 2024, 15:41 by GeorgeTheToad2
Either I have learnt how to think like Finkz or this is the easiest of the series so far. Everyone should give this a go. Pure genius maze series. Thank you.
on 31. July 2024, 15:34 by sujoyku
As the prior editions, this puzzle is a true shocker. Shockingly beautiful, shockingly clever and shockingly fun to solve! I am looking forward to more experiments with Finkz to come. Thank you so much for setting and sharing these gems, marty_sears!
on 31. July 2024, 15:13 by Montikulum
If (at least parts of) this series do(es) not make it into the next CTC Greatest hits book, I don't know what will.
on 31. July 2024, 14:48 by wuc
Another masterpiece. Not that much easier. Because of the multilayer rulset and some very clever ideas required for me still 3 stars. Amazing. I wish the series would never end :-)
on 31. July 2024, 14:37 by MontyPython'sHolyAle
After having to leave Finkz to fend for herself last week, I was happy to provide her with some assistance today. As usual, this was great fun, well done.
on 31. July 2024, 14:16 by Franjo
It’s Finkzday, so I can watch another adventure of the lovely rat. Again it was a pleasure to solve. Thank you so much for adding this shocking maze.
on 31. July 2024, 12:27 by Christounet
Shockingly fun ! Thanks :)
on 31. July 2024, 11:12 by ViKingPrime
My worry is that we've created a real 'The Prestige' situation with all these teleporting rats.
on 31. July 2024, 10:23 by davidemsa
This series is still great. I love the way the path logic works towards the end of this one. The flavour explanation to justify the "killer cages" term you had to use was funny.
on 31. July 2024, 05:43 by antiknight
Cool little puzzle with a nice idea with these shock values.
on 31. July 2024, 05:33 by MSDOS
Very nice addition to the series! Wonderful, clever setting!
on 31. July 2024, 04:41 by Glasgow
Very smooth. Difficulty felt consistent throughout. Probably a bit easier than 3 stars. Lovely puzzle!
on 31. July 2024, 04:21 by cybers
Finkz probably appreciates having fewer round wall-spots, but I don't as the solver! Great fun, thank you for this series!
on 31. July 2024, 02:22 by vitaminz
What a joy this entire series has been, and this is a worthy continuation. The ending of this one is particularly fabulous
