Mystic Diamond

Tired of Sudoku? Here is a refreshing and challenging alternative. Based on a simple precept of ten equations organised into four rows, four columns and two diagonals, all of which are interwoven with each other. The letters 'A' through to 'J' represent the numbers 1 to 9. The total of these values is given in the corresponding blue field. When playing on higher levels, the letter 'X' substitutes for one of these values as well. No number is repeated on the same row, column or diagonal. To limit the possible solutions, two numbers (in the green fields) have been given. With three levels of play starting at 'Easy' and running through to 'A bit tricky', this puzzle is bound to give the user hours of puzzle solving pleasure. Using a simple interface with large graphic components this application is both intuitive and easy to use. Software design for scaling all images and text also makes this puzzle a pleasure to use on any device from a small phone to a large tablet. The 'Paid' version of this application - "Mystic diamond Pro" also includes the'Dang Hard' level and more options. It is of note that no solution to this puzzle requires guessing; all solutions can be derived by logical deduction. Even so, you will be pleasantly surprised by the challenge offered on the higher levels of play. Although new and unique to the Android market, this puzzle is based on an archaic model first reportedly in use by the Greek schools of Mathematics as a mental 'warm up' of sorts. In the latter half of the twentieth century this puzzle again became popular being a staple for many newspapers around the world along with crosswords and other puzzles. It was not until the very late part of the twentieth century that this puzzle was supplanted by Sudoku which in part is actually modeled from this puzzle. Although the 'Easy' and 'Not so easy' levels can be completed with some mental juggling, the 'A bit tricky' and 'Dang Hard' levels offer a challenge to the mentally adroit - try working the puzzle out without a pencil and paper handy! This puzzle is bound to give the user hours of frustrating yet pleasurable entertainment and as it did in the Classical schools of Greece, limber up the mental muscles of those who play. If you enjoy this puzzle please consider buying the paid version - "Mystic Diamond Pro"