Gear Shift
(Published on 13. February 2025, 14:01 by NotSoMagnifique)
My first foray into global entropy!
Rules:
- Normal Sudoku rules apply.
- Modular lines - every three digits along a teal modular line must have a digit from each of the following sets - [1,4,7], [2,5,8], and [3,6,9].
- Global entropy - every 2 by 2 box of cells must have at least one low digit (1,2,3), one medium digit (4,5,6), and one high digit (7,8,9).
- Ratio Kropki dots - digits separated by a black Kropki dot have a value ratio of 1:2. No negative constraint.
- X sums - digits separated by an X sum to a value of 10. No negative constraint.
Solution code: Column 5 digits, top to bottom
Comments
on 16. February 2025, 13:53 by marty_sears
The first ever global entropy puzzle I have solved! This was a lovely smooth puzzle, very expertly chosen line layout (brilliant symmetry) and kropki / X clues which were always just enough to let the entropy do the rest of the work.
The ending disambiguations were particularly pleasing.
>>>NSM here - so glad you liked it! And thanks for letting me pester you on Discord about it, I'd made the assumption that you had done a GE puzzle from Mad-Tyas before! As I said during testing, I almost feel more like this puzzle appeared to me than that I created it.
on 14. February 2025, 23:31 by damo_89
Very nice, once I remember the lines were modular and the global rule was entropic! Probably pushing into 2 star for me, there are a few tricks that can speed along the solve if you know them.
on 14. February 2025, 17:33 by wacfwaef
Wonderful puzzle! Approachable and fun logic between entropy and modularity.
on 14. February 2025, 10:44 by ukjohnd
Wow! Seemed very intimidating at first, but once I stepped into it, the patterns just unfolded. Great puzzle thankyou.
>>>NSM here - if it's any comfort, I had the same feeling as I was testing it! Any time I was getting frustrated, I just had to slow down and see what patterns I could find.
on 14. February 2025, 06:04 by rainingfish
was struggling for half an hour before I realised that I read the rules incorrectly and ended up starting over from scratch! After that it was a smooth ride and satisfying solve
>>>NSM here - glad to hear it clicked for you! May I ask which rule you had misread? I'm always looking to improve my rules-writing.
on 14. February 2025, 01:34 by I Love Sleeping
Usually global X is scary, but it worked neatly in here. The lines are pretty in both looks and logic. Nice work!
>>>NSM here - I was stunned it worked so well, even as the setter. Thank you for the review.
on 14. February 2025, 00:38 by sujoyku
Wonderful puzzle! It was very fun to test. Thank you, Katie!
on 13. February 2025, 21:33 by AnebodaSlatorp
Very pretty
on 13. February 2025, 19:34 by Big Tiger
Well it was one star when I started, and two stars when I finished. Given that I actually broke it once and had to start over, I'll give it 2. It IS true that once a certain layout is ascertained it goes quickly, but finding the best place to start took a little thinking!
>>>NSM here - thank you for sticking with it!
on 13. February 2025, 18:32 by Beeker88
This puzzle got me to create an account! really enjoyed the logics behind it.
>>>NSM here - welcome! Feel free to check out my other puzzles!
on 13. February 2025, 15:41 by Lorena
This is how I rate this puzzle:
Difficulty: 1/5 - Easy going but not trivial
Aesthetics: 4.5/5 - Super pretty
Fun: 5/5 - Would be a great way to introduce anyone to modular lines / entropy
Flow: 6/5 - Silky smooth, a joy from beginning to end
Overall rating: YES so magnifique!
>>>NSM here - I think my ideal is not stupidly hard but not trivial either, so I'm so glad it worked for you!
on 13. February 2025, 14:40 by PinkNickels
Nice one. I think it will be 2* for most, but we will see what the consensus is. Regardless of difficulty, it was a very fun solve. Thanks for sharing
>>>NSM here - thank you for the comment! Yeah, I've gotten different reactions from folks during the testing phase, so I'll be interested to see what the general consensus is.
