mNo edit summary |
|||
(2 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
Line 2: | Line 2: | ||
|title = Atomix |
|title = Atomix |
||
|image = [[Image:Atomix Coverart.png]] |
|image = [[Image:Atomix Coverart.png]] |
||
|developer = [[ |
|developer = [[Günter Krämer]] (as "Softtouch") |
||
|publisher = [[Thalion Software]] |
|publisher = [[Thalion Software]] |
||
|distributor = |
|distributor = [[Grandslam Entertainment]] |
||
|designer = |
|||
|engine = |
|||
|version = |
|||
|released = 1990 |
|released = 1990 |
||
|genre = [[tile-based game|Tile-based]] [[transport puzzle]] |
|genre = [[tile-based game|Tile-based]] [[transport puzzle]] |
||
|modes = [[Single player]], [[multiplayer game|2 player]] |
|modes = [[Single player]], [[multiplayer game|2 player]] |
||
|ratings = |
|||
|platforms = [[MS-DOS]], [[Amiga]], [[Commodore 64]], [[Atari ST]] |
|platforms = [[MS-DOS]], [[Amiga]], [[Commodore 64]], [[Atari ST]] |
||
|media = [[Floppy disk]] (1) |
|media = [[Floppy disk]] (1), [[cassette]] |
||
|input = [[computer keyboard|Keyboard]], [[joystick]], [[computer mouse|mouse]] |
|||
|requirements = |
|||
|input = [[computer keyboard|Keyboard]] |
|||
|preceded by = |
|||
|followed by = |
|||
}} |
}} |
||
'''Atomix''' is a 1990 [[2D computer graphics|2D]] [[transport puzzle]] [[video game]] [[video game developer|created]] by [[Softtouch]] (Guenter Kraemer) and [[video game publisher|published]] by [[Thalion Software]]. |
|||
'''''Atomix''''' is a [[transport puzzle]] [[video game]] developed by [[Günter Krämer]] (as "Softtouch") and published by [[Thalion Software]], released for the [[Commodore Amiga]] and other personal computers in late 1990. The object of the game is to assemble [[molecules]] from compound [[atoms]] by moving the atoms on a [[two-dimensional]] playfield. |
|||
The object of the game is to assemble [[molecule]]s from compound [[atom]]s by sliding the atoms around. This has to be done in a set time limit for each [[level (computer and video games)|level]]. The screen contains a small preview window showing what each molecule should look like. The [[tile-based game|tile-based]] playing field contains a number of atom blocks, as well as walls. The player can move an atom around by selecting it, and moving it up, down, left, or right. The catch is that, when moving, an atom block will not stop moving until it hits a wall or another atom block. Even if it is the last atom to complete the molecule, it will keep moving past the almost complete molecule. Since it is not possible to stop anything in mid-movement, it requires careful planning to align all blocks properly. Of course, each level has a strict time limit. |
|||
''Atomix'' was received positively; reviewers noted the game's addictiveness and enjoyable gameplay, though criticized its repetitiveness. |
|||
== Levels == |
|||
The first level is [[water (molecule)|water]] (H<sub>2</sub>O) with three atoms in a horizontal layout. The second is [[methane]] (CH<sub>4</sub>) in a [[cross]]-shape. Further levels use increasingly large and complex molecules, many with diagonal links which are harder to make. If the player runs out of time (except on a bonus level), the game ends, unless the player buys an extra credit from his score (which is rather expensive). The game has 30 levels, the first nine of which are listed below. |
|||
== Gameplay == |
|||
* 1 - Water |
|||
* 2 - Methane |
|||
* 3 - [[Methanol]] |
|||
* 4 - [[Ethene]] |
|||
* 5 - [[Propene]] |
|||
* 6 - Bonus Stage 1 |
|||
* 7 - [[Ethanol]] |
|||
* 8 - [[Propan-1-ol|Propanol]] |
|||
* 9 - [[Acetaldehyde|Ethanal]] |
|||
[[File:Atomix gameplay.png|thumb|left|Each level in ''Atomix'' requires the player to assemble a molecule of a different [[chemical compound]].]] |
|||
About every five levels there is a [[bonus stage|bonus level]], which is filled of [[Erlenmeyer flask]]s rather than atoms. The flasks are filled with different amounts of liquid, and have to be put in a set pattern. The [[gameplay]] is basically identical to regular levels. |
|||
''Atomix'' takes place on a playfield, consisting of a number of walls, with the atoms scattered throughout. The player is tasked with assembling a molecule from the atoms; more specifically, the atoms must be arranged into a specific shape, identical with the shape of the molecule displayed on the left side of the screen.<ref name=manual>{{cite manual |
|||
== Computational complexity == |
|||
| title = Atomix [game manual] |
|||
When [[generalized game|generalized]] to puzzles of arbitrary sizes, the problem of determining whether an Atomix puzzle has a solution is [[PSPACE-complete]].<ref>{{Cite journal |
|||
| section = The Game |
|||
| author = Markus Holzer and Stefan Schwoon |
|||
| publisher = Thalion Software |
|||
| title = Assembling molecules in ATOMIX is hard |
|||
| date = 1990 |
|||
| journal = Theoretical Computer Science |
|||
| page = 1}}</ref><ref name=zzap64>{{cite journal |
|||
| volume = 313 |
|||
| author = Zzap!64 staff |
|||
| issue = 3 |
|||
| |
| year = 1990 |
||
| |
| month = October |
||
| |
| title = Atomix |
||
| journal = Zzap!64 |
|||
| doi = 10.1016/j.tcs.2002.11.002}}</ref> |
|||
| issue = 66 |
|||
Some heuristic approaches have been considered.<ref>{{cite book | author = Falk Hüffner, Stefan Edelkamp, Henning Fernau, and Rolf Niedermeier | chapter = Finding Optimal Solutions to Atomix | series = Lecture Notes in Computer Science 2174/2001 | publisher = Springer | id = ISSN 03029743 | title = KI 2001: Advances in Artificial Intelligence : Joint German/Austrian Conference on AI, Vienna, Austria, September 19–21, 2001 | year = 2001 | page = 229}}[http://theinf1.informatik.uni-jena.de/~hueffner/hueffner-studienarbeit-atomix.pdf Finding Optimal Solutions to Atomix]</ref> |
|||
| pages = p. 22 |
|||
| publisher = Newsfield Publications Ltd |
|||
| location = United Kingdom |
|||
| issn = 0954-867X}}</ref><ref name=comformat>{{cite journal |
|||
| last = Jarratt |
|||
| first = Steve |
|||
| year = 1990 |
|||
| month = October |
|||
| title = Atomix |
|||
| journal = Commodore Format |
|||
| issue = 1 |
|||
| pages = p. 26 |
|||
| publisher = Future Publishing |
|||
| location = United Kingdom |
|||
| issn = 0960-5169 }}</ref><ref name=amicom>{{cite journal |
|||
| last = Vogel |
|||
| first = Sandra |
|||
| year = 1990 |
|||
| month = October |
|||
| title = Atomix |
|||
| journal = Amiga Computing |
|||
| issue = Vol. 3 No. 5 |
|||
| pages = p. 46 |
|||
| publisher = Interactive Publishing |
|||
| location = United Kingdom |
|||
| issn = 0952-5948 }}</ref><ref name=cuami>{{cite journal |
|||
| last = Dillon |
|||
| first = Tony |
|||
| year = 1990 |
|||
| month = September |
|||
| title = Atomic |
|||
| journal = CU Amiga |
|||
| pages = p. 35 |
|||
| publisher = EMAP |
|||
| location = United Kingdom |
|||
| issn = 0963-0090 }}</ref><ref name=acar>{{cite journal |
|||
| last = Campbell |
|||
| first = Phil |
|||
| year = 1990 |
|||
| month = November |
|||
| title = Atomix |
|||
| journal = The Australian Commodore & Amiga Review |
|||
| issue = Vol 7 no 11 |
|||
| pages = p. 80 |
|||
| publisher = Saturday Magazine Pty Ltd. |
|||
| location = Australia |
|||
| issn = }}</ref><ref name=zero>{{cite journal |
|||
| last = Ponting |
|||
| first = Tim |
|||
| year = 1990 |
|||
| month = May |
|||
| title = Shorts: Atomix |
|||
| journal = Zero |
|||
| issue = 7 |
|||
| pages = p. 75 |
|||
| publisher = Dennis Publishing |
|||
| location = United Kingdom |
|||
| issn = }}</ref><ref name=amifor>{{cite journal |
|||
| last = Smith |
|||
| first = Andy |
|||
| year = 1990 |
|||
| month = May |
|||
| title = Atomix |
|||
| journal = Amiga Format |
|||
| issue = 10 |
|||
| pages = p. 59 |
|||
| publisher = Future Publishing |
|||
| location = United Kingdom |
|||
| issn = 0957-4867 }}</ref> The player can choose an atom and move it in any of the four [[cardinal directions]]; however, a moved atom keeps sliding in one direction until it hits a wall or another atom<ref name=manual /><ref name=zzap64 /><ref name=comformat /><ref name=amicom /><ref name=cuami /><ref name=acar /><ref name=zero /><ref name=amifor />. Solving the puzzles requires strategic planning in moving the atoms<ref name=comformat /><ref name=cuami />, and on later levels with little free space, even finding room for the completed molecule can be a problem<ref name=zzap64 /><ref name=comformat /><ref name=amicom /><ref name=cuami />. Once the molecule is assembled, the player receives [[score (game)|score]]; the faster the puzzle is completed, the more score is given<ref name=manual /><ref name=comformat /><ref name=amicom />. |
|||
Each puzzle must be completed within a time limit<ref name=zzap64 /><ref name=comformat /><ref name=amicom /><ref name=amifor />; otherwise the game ends, though the player can spend some of his score to restart the failed puzzle instead<ref name=zzap64 /><ref name=comformat /><ref name=amifor />. The entire game consists of 30 puzzles<ref name=zzap64 /><ref name=comformat /><ref name=amifor /> of increasing difficulty<ref name=cuami /><ref name=amifor /><ref name=ace33 />. In addition, after every five puzzles, there is a [[bonus level]] where the player must move [[flask]]s filled with various amount of liquid to arrange them from empty to full<ref name=zzap64 /><ref name=comformat /><ref name=amicom />. |
|||
== References == |
|||
<references/> |
|||
* [http://thalion.atari.org/games/atomix/atomix.html Atomix] at Thalion Webshrine |
|||
* [http://www.rottentomatoes.com/g/pc_games/atomix/ Game overview] in [[Rotten Tomatoes]]. |
|||
* [http://watomic.sourceforge.net/ wAtomic], an open-source clone for Windows. |
|||
* [http://www.linuxsoft.cz/en/sw_detail.php?id_item=162 KAtomic], an open-source clone for KDE. |
|||
* [http://code.google.com/p/kp-atomix/ kp-atomix], an open-source javascript/html version of KAtomic. |
|||
* [http://jens.triq.net/atomix.php Atomix], an open-source clone for GNOME Desktop Environment. |
|||
* [http://atomix-ds.over-blog.com/ Atomix DS], a [[homebrew]] version for the [[Nintendo DS]]. |
|||
* {{moby game|id=/atomix|name=''Atomix''}} |
|||
* [http://www.mylostgames.com/play/atomix/ Atomix] online flash game at MyLostGames. |
|||
* [http://code.google.com/p/droid-atomix/ DroidAtomix], an open-source port for [[Android OS]] |
|||
The game also offers a [[multiplayer|two-player mode]], where two players are working on the same puzzle; they are taking turns which last up to thirty seconds<ref name=manual /><ref name=zzap64 /><ref name=amicom />. |
|||
{{puzzle-videogame-stub}} |
|||
== Development == |
|||
[[Amiga Format]] reviewed a pre-release version in its May, 1990 issue. It was almost a complete version of the game, although it lacked sound.<ref name=amifor /> |
|||
Initially the game was released for [[Amiga]], [[Atari ST]] and the [[IBM PC]]; as of May 1990, the C64 version was not yet planned <ref name=ace33>{{cite journal |
|||
| last = Lacey |
|||
| first = Eugene |
|||
| year = 1990 |
|||
| month = June |
|||
| title = Atomix |
|||
| journal = ACE (Advanced Computer Entertainment) |
|||
| issue = 33 |
|||
| pages = p. 46 |
|||
| publisher = EMAP |
|||
| location = United Kingdom |
|||
| issn = }}</ref>, and was only released a few months later. A [[ZX Spectrum]] version was also planned. It was to be distributed by [[U. S. Gold]],<ref>{{cite journal |
|||
| author = Your Sinclair staff |
|||
| year = 1990 |
|||
| month = August |
|||
| title = T'zers |
|||
| journal = Your Sinclair |
|||
| issue = 56 |
|||
| pages = p. 7 |
|||
| publisher = Future Publishing |
|||
| location = London, United Kingdom |
|||
| issn = 0269-6983 }}</ref> but was never released. |
|||
== Reception == |
|||
''Atomix'' received warm reactions from reviewers. They stated it was highly enjoyable<ref name=amicom /><ref name=amifor /> and addictive<ref name=zzap64 /><ref name=cuami /> despite its high difficulty level<ref name=amicom /><ref name=ace35>{{cite journal |
|||
| last = Dillon |
|||
| first = Tony |
|||
| year = 1990 |
|||
| month = August |
|||
| title = Updates: Atomix |
|||
| journal = ACE (Advanced Computer Entertainment) |
|||
| issue = 35 |
|||
| pages = p. 64 |
|||
| publisher = EMAP |
|||
| location = United Kingdom |
|||
| issn = }}</ref>. Reviewers also pointed out the possible educational application of the game<ref name=acar /><ref name=ace33 />. |
|||
However, certain reviewers criticized the game for its repetitiveness<ref name=zzap64 /><ref name=zero /> and stated that it lacked [[replayability]]<ref name=comformat />. Some reviewers also wrote about the game's unoriginality, noting similarities to earlier games, [[XOR (video game)|Xor]] and [[Leonardo (video game)|Leonardo]]<ref name=zzap64 /><ref name=tgm>{{cite journal |
|||
| last = Lapworth |
|||
| first = Warren |
|||
| year = 1990 |
|||
| month = May |
|||
| title = Atomix |
|||
| journal = The Games Machine |
|||
| issue = 30 |
|||
| pages = p. 60 |
|||
| publisher = Newsfield Publications Ltd |
|||
| location = United Kingdom |
|||
| issn = 0954-8092 }}</ref>. |
|||
Graphics were generally considered adequate, though not spectacular<ref name=zzap64 /><ref name=amicom /><ref name=cuami /><ref name=ace33 />. The soundtrack was found enjoyable<ref name=zzap64 /><ref name=amicom />, though the [[Commodore Format]] reviewer considered it annoyingly repetitive<ref name=comformat />. |
|||
''Atomix'' has been the subject of scientific research in [[computational complexity theory]]. When [[generalized game|generalized]] to puzzles of arbitrary sizes, the problem of determining whether an Atomix puzzle has a solution is [[PSPACE-complete]].<ref>{{Cite journal | author = Markus Holzer and Stefan Schwoon | title = Assembling molecules in ATOMIX is hard | journal = Theoretical Computer Science | volume = 313 | issue = 3 | month = February | year = 2004 | pages = 447–462 | doi = 10.1016/j.tcs.2002.11.002}}</ref> Some heuristic approaches have been considered.<ref>{{cite book | author = Falk Hüffner, Stefan Edelkamp, Henning Fernau, and Rolf Niedermeier | chapter = Finding Optimal Solutions to Atomix | series = Lecture Notes in Computer Science 2174/2001 | publisher = Springer | id = ISSN 03029743 | title = KI 2001: Advances in Artificial Intelligence : Joint German/Austrian Conference on AI, Vienna, Austria, September 19–21, 2001 | year = 2001 | page = 229}}[http://theinf1.informatik.uni-jena.de/~hueffner/hueffner-studienarbeit-atomix.pdf Finding Optimal Solutions to Atomix]</ref> |
|||
== References == |
|||
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}} |
|||
[[Category:1990 video games]] |
[[Category:1990 video games]] |
||
[[Category:Amiga games]] |
[[Category:Amiga games]] |
||
[[Category:Atari ST games]] |
|||
[[Category:Cancelled ZX Spectrum games]] |
[[Category:Cancelled ZX Spectrum games]] |
||
[[Category:Commodore 64 games]] |
[[Category:Commodore 64 games]] |
||
Line 73: | Line 177: | ||
[[Category:PSPACE-complete problems]] |
[[Category:PSPACE-complete problems]] |
||
[[Category:Puzzle video games]] |
[[Category:Puzzle video games]] |
||
[[Category:Video games developed in Germany]] |
|||
[[cs:Atomix]] |
|||
[[it:Atomix]] |
|||
[[tr:Atomix]] |
Revision as of 09:40, 6 June 2010
Atomix | |
---|---|
Developer(s) | Günter Krämer (as "Softtouch") |
Publisher(s) | Thalion Software |
Platform(s) | MS-DOS, Amiga, Commodore 64, Atari ST |
Release | 1990 |
Genre(s) | Tile-based transport puzzle |
Mode(s) | Single player, 2 player |
Atomix is a transport puzzle video game developed by Günter Krämer (as "Softtouch") and published by Thalion Software, released for the Commodore Amiga and other personal computers in late 1990. The object of the game is to assemble molecules from compound atoms by moving the atoms on a two-dimensional playfield.
Atomix was received positively; reviewers noted the game's addictiveness and enjoyable gameplay, though criticized its repetitiveness.
Gameplay
Atomix takes place on a playfield, consisting of a number of walls, with the atoms scattered throughout. The player is tasked with assembling a molecule from the atoms; more specifically, the atoms must be arranged into a specific shape, identical with the shape of the molecule displayed on the left side of the screen.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] The player can choose an atom and move it in any of the four cardinal directions; however, a moved atom keeps sliding in one direction until it hits a wall or another atom[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. Solving the puzzles requires strategic planning in moving the atoms[3][5], and on later levels with little free space, even finding room for the completed molecule can be a problem[2][3][4][5]. Once the molecule is assembled, the player receives score; the faster the puzzle is completed, the more score is given[1][3][4].
Each puzzle must be completed within a time limit[2][3][4][8]; otherwise the game ends, though the player can spend some of his score to restart the failed puzzle instead[2][3][8]. The entire game consists of 30 puzzles[2][3][8] of increasing difficulty[5][8][9]. In addition, after every five puzzles, there is a bonus level where the player must move flasks filled with various amount of liquid to arrange them from empty to full[2][3][4].
The game also offers a two-player mode, where two players are working on the same puzzle; they are taking turns which last up to thirty seconds[1][2][4].
Development
Amiga Format reviewed a pre-release version in its May, 1990 issue. It was almost a complete version of the game, although it lacked sound.[8]
Initially the game was released for Amiga, Atari ST and the IBM PC; as of May 1990, the C64 version was not yet planned [9], and was only released a few months later. A ZX Spectrum version was also planned. It was to be distributed by U. S. Gold,[10] but was never released.
Reception
Atomix received warm reactions from reviewers. They stated it was highly enjoyable[4][8] and addictive[2][5] despite its high difficulty level[4][11]. Reviewers also pointed out the possible educational application of the game[6][9].
However, certain reviewers criticized the game for its repetitiveness[2][7] and stated that it lacked replayability[3]. Some reviewers also wrote about the game's unoriginality, noting similarities to earlier games, Xor and Leonardo[2][12].
Graphics were generally considered adequate, though not spectacular[2][4][5][9]. The soundtrack was found enjoyable[2][4], though the Commodore Format reviewer considered it annoyingly repetitive[3].
Atomix has been the subject of scientific research in computational complexity theory. When generalized to puzzles of arbitrary sizes, the problem of determining whether an Atomix puzzle has a solution is PSPACE-complete.[13] Some heuristic approaches have been considered.[14]
References
- ^ a b c d "The Game". Atomix [game manual]. Thalion Software. 1990. p. 1.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Zzap!64 staff (1990). "Atomix". Zzap!64 (66). United Kingdom: Newsfield Publications Ltd: p. 22. ISSN 0954-867X.
{{cite journal}}
:|pages=
has extra text (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help)CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Jarratt, Steve (1990). "Atomix". Commodore Format (1). United Kingdom: Future Publishing: p. 26. ISSN 0960-5169.
{{cite journal}}
:|pages=
has extra text (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help) - ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Vogel, Sandra (1990). "Atomix". Amiga Computing (Vol. 3 No. 5). United Kingdom: Interactive Publishing: p. 46. ISSN 0952-5948.
{{cite journal}}
:|issue=
has extra text (help);|pages=
has extra text (help); Check|issn=
value (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help) - ^ a b c d e f g Dillon, Tony (1990). "Atomic". CU Amiga. United Kingdom: EMAP: p. 35. ISSN 0963-0090.
{{cite journal}}
:|pages=
has extra text (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help) - ^ a b c Campbell, Phil (1990). "Atomix". The Australian Commodore & Amiga Review (Vol 7 no 11). Australia: Saturday Magazine Pty Ltd.: p. 80.
{{cite journal}}
:|issue=
has extra text (help);|pages=
has extra text (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help) - ^ a b c Ponting, Tim (1990). "Shorts: Atomix". Zero (7). United Kingdom: Dennis Publishing: p. 75.
{{cite journal}}
:|pages=
has extra text (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help) - ^ a b c d e f g h Smith, Andy (1990). "Atomix". Amiga Format (10). United Kingdom: Future Publishing: p. 59. ISSN 0957-4867.
{{cite journal}}
:|pages=
has extra text (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help) - ^ a b c d Lacey, Eugene (1990). "Atomix". ACE (Advanced Computer Entertainment) (33). United Kingdom: EMAP: p. 46.
{{cite journal}}
:|pages=
has extra text (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help) - ^ Your Sinclair staff (1990). "T'zers". Your Sinclair (56). London, United Kingdom: Future Publishing: p. 7. ISSN 0269-6983.
{{cite journal}}
:|pages=
has extra text (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help) - ^ Dillon, Tony (1990). "Updates: Atomix". ACE (Advanced Computer Entertainment) (35). United Kingdom: EMAP: p. 64.
{{cite journal}}
:|pages=
has extra text (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help) - ^ Lapworth, Warren (1990). "Atomix". The Games Machine (30). United Kingdom: Newsfield Publications Ltd: p. 60. ISSN 0954-8092.
{{cite journal}}
:|pages=
has extra text (help); Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help) - ^ Markus Holzer and Stefan Schwoon (2004). "Assembling molecules in ATOMIX is hard". Theoretical Computer Science. 313 (3): 447–462. doi:10.1016/j.tcs.2002.11.002.
{{cite journal}}
: Unknown parameter|month=
ignored (help) - ^ Falk Hüffner, Stefan Edelkamp, Henning Fernau, and Rolf Niedermeier (2001). "Finding Optimal Solutions to Atomix". KI 2001: Advances in Artificial Intelligence : Joint German/Austrian Conference on AI, Vienna, Austria, September 19–21, 2001. Lecture Notes in Computer Science 2174/2001. Springer. p. 229. ISSN 03029743.
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)Finding Optimal Solutions to Atomix