available on SudokuPad
Every 100 years, the mysterious castle of Sudokuvania appears in the countryside. Legend has it that it contains the Secret of Sudoku. Gathering the last few given digits in the area, you solemnly approach the boxy fortress, determined to discover the secret and share it with your favorite people.
This is a labor of love combining sudoku with my favorite video game genre – Metroidvanias. MVs are known for featuring exploration, gaining new abilities, and difficult boss fights, and I noticed the similarity to grid-based puzzles as soon as I started setting them. So, I present Sudokuvania: Digits of Despair.
Not just a big puzzle, Sudokuvania is a puzzle hunt in and of itself. As you clear the 40×50 map of dynamic fog, you will uncover new clues and new rules. Some cells’ contents can only be found by solving linked Boss Puzzles. There is even a bit of a story, although I wouldn’t call it compelling by any means. All in all, Sudokuvania is over 20 puzzles in one!
Note: Zooming is unsupported on mobile; Sudokuvania is best enjoyed in a desktop browser.
One Of The Top-Rated Puzzles on Logic Masters Germany’s Puzzle Portal
Over 400 registered solves (top 2%)
100% niceness rating (rounded up)
Most-commented Very Hard puzzle
See what users on LMD have said about Sudokuvania: Digits of Despair!
the coolest experience with Sudoku solving I’ve ever had. […] the genuine reactions I had to certain reveals throughout the solve were similar to things I’ve experienced to playing actual Metroidvanias.
LMD user ‘Jaych’
reminded me the hours I spent exploring Zelda’s map on my Nintendo NES when I was a kid. A journey full of fun surprises too. Incredible work putting this together and making work properly !
LMD user ‘Christounet’
Amazing. Just amazing. The design, presentation, and difficulty make this puzzle a truly spectacular experience!
LMD user ‘NarcolepticBear’
This was some of the most fun I’ve had in years […] Incredibly cool stuff and really opened my eyes to what’s possible
LMD user ‘Jewel’
This was hands down the most fun I’ve had in a while, and I was amazed at how well it captured the spirit of a Metroidvania, including how you come across all sorts of clues that don’t make sense until halfway through the game. Thank you so much for creating this!
LMD user ‘amelenty’
the best experience I have ever had playing a “puzzle game”. […] I would have gladly paid for this if it was a standalone game on steam on itch. 10/10
LMD user ‘DavidFarreGil’
Feeling Confused or Stuck?
View the Help and Hints page for answers to common questions.
You can also read this excellent walkthrough by John McCall.