tomhudson's Journal: 39 more puzzles in a new pack, client updates

Just a few quick updates:

1. Modified the tiles so that they are more visible on dark backgrounds
2. Added shadow cursor
3. Added an "X" cursor for tiles that are locked
4. Added a timer
5. Scoring now awards bonus for time left on timer.

Oh, and 39 more pictures in a second puzzle pack.

Easy mode option?

[Ruzty]

You added a timer and other score/difficulty enhancements. How about options for an "easy mode"? I played a few and found it much simpler to solve puzzles with another window open with the unscrambled original image on screen. Perhaps the web version could have the option to display a thumbnail (or even full sized overlay) and the mobile version the ability to onscreen the original? Using this help would negate the ability to get bonus score, but make it more accessible to younger or less competent play

Re:

[tomhudson]

... cheater!!!! :-) Just joking!

I thought of that, but I'm kind of loath to allow it, in part because when I'm trying to solve one, I'm thinking "darn, I wish I could see the whole picture" (I can, I have the originals, but that would be cheating). There will be a "difficult mode" some time in the future, where for the first x days after a puzzle pack is released, you don't get a preview, and you get extra bonus points for solving it (but first I have to make the site so users can register and the client

Re:

[arb]

Yeah, you definitely need to add an "easy" mode with fewer tiles and an optional preview thumbnail (not too small though!) to make it a bit easier. But for a basic jigsaw puzzle it is reasonably neat. One problem I did have though was sometimes the tiles randomly disappear and/or show the wrong piece - sometimes you get duplicate pieces on screen, but when you move one of the dupes it reverts back to the piece it should be...

Re:

[tomhudson]

The smaller ones are going to have to wait a bit - let's get one thing working properly first :-)

You now have a preview icon as of this afternoon - mouse over it for a small view of the complete puzzle. Ruzty requested it, so thank him.

"one problem I did have though was sometimes the tiles randomly disappear and/or show the wrong piece - sometimes you get duplicate pieces on screen, but when you move one of the dupes it reverts back to the piece it should be..."

Interesting - thanks for telling me. I'l