Object: Maximize the area covered by your crystals.
(10 random variants, 50 fixed setups)

NOTE that all challenges with fixed setups are only accessible via the MENU selection screen (click button 'M'), not via the usual 'variants' selection! (Saving fixed setups as zsgs saves a lot of typing!)

Click the main board anywhere to let the system create a random setup of red, blue and green 'crystal seeds'.
Choose a colour which determines which of the seedlings you want to 'grow' by clicking the small coloured tile at the right border repeatedly (or accept the default colour). This colour is then fixed during the game. However, in the 'MIXED' variants you may change this colour at any time later.

You have to build structures ('crystals') which are doubly symmetric, i.e., they are mirrored along the horizontal and vertical axis. Click one of the big buttons at the right border to determine the type of symmetry-centre for your crystal.
You can drop one tile or a cluster of 4 tiles as a centre of a new crystal.
In any case your centre must cover at least one crystal seed.

From now on, click positions adjacent to the excisting crystal. The system will automatically fill in all additional symmetrical tiles.
All positions covered must be either empty or of the chosen colour!
A finished crystal must cover exactly 4 positions of the chosen colour.
You will see up to 4 counters appear next to the colour button.
Once you have covered 4 coloured squares, you are allowed to click the 'Crystal Finished' button. The crystal will change colour and the area of all existing crystals will be calculated.

Beginners: Try to cover as many area with your crystals as possible.
Experts: Try to achieve the area coverage shown at the top border.

Fixed setups: Click the MENU ('M') button to see a list of 50 challenges with fixed setups.
In challenges numbered 41 to 50 you may vary the selected crystal colour during the game. Some solution files are attached to the game.

Variants: there are 4 randomized setups with different amounts and colours of tiles dropped.
There is also a variant where you can create your own setup. Click the board first.

Please note that there are eight alternative piece sets available.

 
This solitair game is based on the 2-player game 'Crystal' mentioned in the 'Encyclopedia of Games' by Barb Whiter.

More freeware and real puzzles and games at my homepage: karl.kiwi.gen.nz.