Although I've never personally been able to get into Minesweeper, you did a great job explaining to me why it's noteworthy. I typically end up feeling like the sad idiot while trying out dedicated puzzlers, but I've gotten a lot of enjoyment out of Picross. It's generally very accessible and relatively simple, but the lure of uncovering whatever piece of art that's hidden in each puzzle keeps me engaged. Another neat thing with Picross is that if you do end up feeling stumped, you can sometimes predict solutions by analyzing and recognizing the art as it is being formed. I think it helps alleviate some of the frustrations that come with guesswork by leaving some wiggle room for an alternate path to ultimately solving the full picture. I'm looking forward to whatever comes next!

@AustinAshworth

6 ай бұрын

I used to be obsessed with Picross 3D on the Nintendo DS! You are right, the alternate method of solving for the picture is really cool and helpful. Thank you so much!

Considering the quality and care this video has put into it, I'm surprised with how few views this has. Hopefully the algorithm is kind to you, it brought me here!

@AustinAshworth

6 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

@antiparadoxical

6 ай бұрын

You're welcome! I really like your calm video essay style, it's very relaxing and definitely fit with the whole vibe of minesweeper

My personal favorite is infinite minesweepers like m3o. Turns out you can usually solve one of those literal edge cases by just going around. Plus you literally have infinite minesweeper. m3o also has harder areas shaded darker for those who really want a challenge.

@AustinAshworth

6 ай бұрын

I’ll admit that I’m not familiar with those variants. I’ll check m3o out!

Man, just found your channel. I absolutely love the content. Please, do keep it UP!

@AustinAshworth

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the kind words!

What’s the background music? :o also very nice video, really resonated with the experience I’ve had with so many games, even beyond the puzzle game genre :) always happy when KZread recommends me the good channels before they get big

@AustinAshworth

6 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! The music is "Monument Journey" by Jesse Gallagher. I stumbled upon it from the KZread royalty-free audio library and thought it fit Hexcells's vibe well.

I sure didn't see this game coming as the next video. I'm somehow unfamiliar with minesweeper, my elementary schools locked all games and my parents were pretty strict with computers. This did a great job conveying the appeal and meditative qualities of the game. I try my hardest to ignore the advance of AI tools in game development, but I know we’ll soon reach a point of no return. I doubt this transition will go well.

@AustinAshworth

6 ай бұрын

I’m shocked you aren’t familiar with Minesweeper haha, it’s a game I just assume everyone, even those who don’t play games, has played at one point or another. I’m glad you got something out of the video regardless!

13:21 Oh hello. That's the first level I made! I'll admit, it is the weakest of the 3 I made, I'm more proud of the other two. I just got too excited to use the editor :P

@AustinAshworth

6 ай бұрын

Oh wow! What are the chances you stumbled upon my video haha. Hopefully I didn’t come across too dismissive of the user created levels, I do really respect the creativity and thought that must go into them!

@raydorepp

6 ай бұрын

​@@AustinAshworth Yeah no, you didn't come across as dismissive. My level was probably the best example you could've used too, considering that my "unique rule" could more or less be replaced with an in-game mechanic.

Sweepers rise up