Atomica (game)

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Atomica is a computer puzzle game published by PopCap Games. The game can be played for free online at various websites, or a full version can be downloaded and unlocked for a nominal fee.

[edit] Gameplay

The game involves a grid-like board with atoms of different colors positioned on it. The objective is to create molecules by dragging the atoms into 2x2 or 3x2 groups of the same color. Once a molecule is formed, points are earned, and the atoms used to create the molecule are removed from the board. The game ends when the board becomes completely full of atoms and further matches are not possible.

Each move a player makes consists of picking an atom and then picking the new location for the atom. Assuming there is an unobstructed path available, the atom automatically slides into its new location. However, each time the player moves an atom without successfully constructing a molecule, new atoms are added to the board. Hence, efficiency in making use of the positions of existing atoms is rewarded.

Combos can be created by continuing to create molecules each turn for a number of turns, so it is sometimes advantageous to wait to form molecules until multiple molecules can be formed at once. This desire must be balanced with the ever-increasing number of atoms filling the board, which can cause previously available moves to become impossible.

[edit] Trivia

A mode for color blind players is provided, where each different colored atom is marked with a unique symbol. This allows players to distinguish between colors which might otherwise appear very similar.