Tangle: A Word Puzzle with a Twist

Inspiration

We were inspired by the clever wordplay and category-based challenges in games like NYT Connections but wanted to add an extra layer of misdirection. The idea of joker words misleading words that don’t fit into any category came from the desire to make the game more engaging and tricky. We wanted a puzzle that wasn’t just about finding connections but also about avoiding distractions.

What it does

Tangle presents 16 words, where 12 words form three hidden categories of four words each. The challenge? Spot the correct groups while avoiding four Joker words meant to throw you off. The faster you solve it, the better your ranking!

How we built it

• We built Tangle using Web Views
• The game runs on Svelte, chosen for its speed and efficiency, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience.
  
• The UI is clean and intuitive, making word selection quick and frustration-free.
  
• "Play" mode lets users instantly jump into a new Tangle, while "Create" mode allows them to create and share their own puzzles.
  
• A leaderboard system tracks completion times, adding a competitive element to the game.
  

Challenges we ran into

• Striking the right balance between simplicity, ease of use, and fun was a challenge. We wanted the game to feel intuitive while keeping it engaging.
  
• Designing a clean and responsive UI that worked seamlessly across different screen sizes and Web Views took multiple iterations.
  
• Ensuring both "Play" and "Create" functionalities felt natural meant refining interactions, so players could quickly jump into a game or craft their own puzzles.
  
• Optimizing for responsiveness while maintaining a smooth experience required careful layout adjustments and performance tuning.
  

Accomplishments that we're proud of

• Creating a unique twist on word association games that feels fun and fresh.
  
• Designing a smooth, intuitive gameplay experience that anyone can pick up and play.
  
• Successfully implementing both "Play" and "Create" functionalities, allowing users to jump into a game instantly or design their own puzzles to share.
  
• Ensuring a responsive and seamless experience across different devices and Web Views.
  
• Building a leaderboard system that adds a competitive edge and encourages players to improve their times.
  

What's next for Tangle

• Expanding the game with new creative and fun modes that introduce fresh challenges and twists.
  
• Implementing collaborative play, where two players can solve a Tangle together in real-time.
  
• Enhancing the leaderboard system with daily, weekly, and all-time rankings to keep competition exciting.
  

Built With

• css
• devvit
• html
• javascript
• reddis
• svelte
• vite