Killer Sudoku by Sudoku.com is a logic and number puzzle game developed by Easybrain that combines classic Sudoku and Kakuro gameplay. Its core features and suitable groups are as follows:
1. Game type: Advanced challenge of mathematical logic puzzle solving
The game is based on the traditional Sudoku framework, requiring players to fill in the numbers 1-9 in the 9×9 grid, ensuring that the numbers in each row, column and 3×3 grid are not repeated. Its innovation lies in the introduction of the "dotted cage" mechanism: the sum of the numbers in each dashed cage must be equal to the value marked in the upper left corner of the cage. For example, if a cage is marked as "16", the number combination in the cage may be 7+9 or 8+8 (the latter is excluded due to repeated numbers), and players need to determine the unique solution through logical reasoning. This gameplay combines the uniqueness constraint of Sudoku with the addition operation of the sum of numbers, significantly improving the depth of strategy.
2. Game Features: Multi-dimensional design enhances experience
Difficulty grading system
Provides 5 difficulty modes from "fast", "easy" to "expert", covering the needs of beginners to advanced players. Low difficulty focuses on teaching basic rules, while high difficulty tests players' advanced logical ability through complex dotted box combinations (such as multi-grid intersections, large sums of numbers).
Daily Challenge and Achievement System
Puzzles are updated daily. Players can get virtual rewards such as trophies after completing challenges, which stimulates the motivation for continuous play. The in-game statistics function records the best time to solve problems and supports players' self-breakthrough.
Auxiliary tools and humanized design
Automatic check: real-time marking of repeated numbers to reduce errors.
Note function: allows candidate numbers to be marked in the space to assist reasoning.
Hints and undo: Get hints when stuck, and erroneous operations can be undone unlimited times.
Cross-platform adaptation: supports mobile phones and tablets, automatically saves progress, and facilitates fragmented time play.
Visual and interactive optimization
Provides a variety of color themes, players can customize the interface style; long press the lock number function to fill multiple squares at one time to improve operation efficiency.
3. Suitable for all players at all stages
Novice players: Quickly master the basic rules of Sudoku through the low-difficulty mode, and gradually develop logical ability by combining the dotted box addition mechanism.
Advanced players: Complex dotted box combinations in high-difficulty mode (such as cross-grids, large sums) require the use of advanced techniques such as the "45 rule" (the sum of numbers in each row/column/grid is 45) to meet the needs of deep puzzle solving.
Sudoku enthusiasts: The variant gameplay of classic Sudoku provides freshness while retaining the core fun of number uniqueness and avoiding repetition.
Mathematics and logic trainers: The game emphasizes addition operations and elimination reasoning, which is suitable for exercising calculation ability and systematic thinking.
Killer Sudoku by Sudoku.com Gameplay, skills and precautions
1. Core gameplay: Fusion of Sudoku and number sums
Basic rules
Fill in the numbers 1-9 in the 9×9 grid, ensuring that the numbers in each row, column and 3×3 grid are not repeated, consistent with classic Sudoku.
Hitman Features: Cage Mechanism
There are areas (Cages) divided by dotted lines in the grid, and the sum value is marked in the upper left corner of each Cage.
The player needs to use logical reasoning to determine the combination of numbers in the Cage so that the sum equals the marked value. For example, a 3-grid Cage marked with "10" could be 1+2+7 or 3+4+3 (the latter is excluded due to repeated numbers).
2. Key Skills: Problem-solving Strategies from Simple to Advanced
Prioritize Cages with Decimal Values
2-grid Cage: The sum of 3 can only be 1+2; the sum of 4 can only be 1+3.
3-grid Cage: The sum of 6 can only be 1+2+3; the sum of 7 can only be 1+2+4.
Quickly lock in a unique combination: For example, the sum of 16 (two grids) = 7+9, and the sum of 17 (two grids) = 8+9 can be filled in directly.
Cross-Exclusion Method
Combine the restrictions of rows, columns, and palaces to eliminate impossible numbers in the Cage. For example, if a certain palace already has the number 5, then the Cage in that palace cannot contain 5.
Extreme thinking of large-value Cage
Large sum box (such as total 30): usually contains large numbers such as 7, 8, 9, and try these combinations first.
Small sum box (such as total 6): try the combination of 1, 2, and 3 first.
“45 rule”
The sum of numbers in each row, column, or 3×3 grid is 45 (1+2+…+9).
Application scenario:
If the total of the Cage in a row is known to be 17+16+7+3=43, then the remaining space must be 45-43=2.
If the total of the Cage in a palace is known to be 20, then the sum of the remaining two grids is 45-20=25, which may be 9+8+8 (9+7+9 after excluding duplication, which needs further verification).
White space observation method
When you are stuck, fill in other areas first, and it may be clearer when you look back. The clues of Killer Sudoku are linked together, and sometimes "detours" can lead to faster breakthroughs.
3. Notes: Avoid common mistakes
Repeated numbers
Make sure that the numbers in the Cage are not repeated, and do not repeat the numbers in the row, column, or grid. For example, if you fill in 1+4 in a 2-grid Cage marked "5", you need to check whether there is already a 1 or 4 in the row.
Ignore unique combinations
The sum of some Cages corresponds to a unique number combination (such as the sum of 4=1+3). You need to remember common combinations to improve efficiency.
Over-reliance on guessing
The core of Killer Sudoku is logical reasoning, so avoid filling in numbers randomly. If you get stuck, use the hint function in the game or undo the operation.
Ignore the restrictions of rows, columns, and grids
Even if the number combination in the Cage is correct, it may cause errors due to violations of the uniqueness rules of rows, columns, and grids. Cross-validation is required.