The New Parts

I just released an update (build 1.4.29) that contains the Number Blocks type parts. They all interact with the current Contraption Maker parts. Here they are:

• Number Blocks -- built in 0 through 100 -- they can go higher/negative using the other parts below

• Fractional Blocks

• Arithmetic Machine

• Evaluator Outlet

• Equation Outlet

• Number Line Outlet

How they Work

New Puzzles

There are two collections of new puzzles.

The Number Blocks puzzles are the standard type of puzzles starting with a few tutorial ones and then some more difficult ones. Right now there are 14 of them. More will be added over time.

There are only 2 Math Learning puzzles right now. My plan is to fill these out with very simple math problems for youngsters (like my granddaughters) to play and learn some math. The puzzles that I create will advance through various math concepts - starting with addition and working forward -- and hopefully be fun.

More puzzles will be added in the next couple of months, but I really needed to take a break from these before starting in again on puzzles with a fresh eye.

It gets tough to come up with new puzzle concepts. When I was working on The Incredible Machine and I set about ordering the puzzles for a logical easy to harder progression I realized that I had written most of them. And it was hard at the end to come up with fresh concepts.

Here are my notes from when I was figuring out TIM puzzle order:

Number Blocks aren't a DLC

Initially this was going to be a DLC, but I decided to just include in the base game for everyone that has already bought Contraption Maker as a thanks. I'll most likely increase CM price sometime in the next few weeks. The Number Blocks will always be in the base game.

Going Forward

I'm going to switch gears for a while and do some work on other things and swing back and add more puzzles. One of the "other things" I need to do is stain my deck before winter.