Synthesplode!

Try and get as much of the grid pink with as few moves as possible! In Synthesplode! you are given a grid of squares full of blue spheres at various energy levels. It is your job to set off exploding reactions between the squares to turn as many of them pink before running out of moves.

Instructions

The goal of Syntheplode! is to get the highest score possible by setting off explosions between grid spaces.
Scoring gives points for:
How many spaces have been turned pink.
How many extra moves the player has left.
Scoring deducts points for:
How many blue spaces remain.

Grid squares can hold varying amounts of energy based on their location. Middle spaces with four adjacent squares can hold 3 levels of energy before exploding outwards, edge spaces can hold 2 before exploding, and corners can hold only 1.

The game consists of 3 set levels that are the same each time where you can refine your strategy and try to maximize your score, as well as a fourth, randomly generated level.

Controls

Arrows: Movement
X Button: Add to Cell
Z Button: Restart When Prompted

About the Project

This is a short original game by Jordan Grayson with a given prompt of "Chain Reaction." The base mechanic for this game is inspired by the AppStore game Chain Reaction. The math behind the grid explosion algorithm is inspired/based on a Sandpile model. The puzzle spin on this formula is original. This game was created during a one week period in Pico-8.

Author

The game design, art, programming, and sound effects for Synthesplode! were made by Jordan Grayson. The music was inspired by Robby Duguay but made by Jordan Grayson.