Worked on this all night trying to crack the code… How do super simple games like 2048, Wordle, T...Worked on this all night trying to crack the code… How do super simple games like 2048, Wordle, T...
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Worked on this all night trying to crack the code… How do super simple games like 2048, Wordle, Two Dots become so addictive?
It actually started as a maze game, but something felt missing. I wanted something simple yet endlessly replayable something that gives you a constant dopamine chase.
Then it clicked.
A game about finding the oddity. Like a minimalist, fast-paced “Where’s Waldo,” but reduced to its purest form: shapes.
One rule: Find the anomaly.
There’s always one shape in the grid that doesn’t belong. Every level is different.
It’s endless, stimulating, challenging, and surprisingly fun.
ANOMALY is the most complete, polished build I’ve ever made with Anything and it’s officially 100% done and getting uploaded to the App Store soon.
You can test it right now in the web version. Hope you enjoy it this one means a lot.
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Monic's avatar
MNC logo
this looks fun!
Brian's avatar
I’ve played it sooo many times already!!
nati's avatar
Pure excellence
Brian's avatar
Thank you!!
Piyush's avatar
Amazing! You got a GOAT!
Brian's avatar
Thank you Piyush!!🙌🏽
Nirmal's avatar
This looks incredibly fun — and you’ve nailed exactly what makes those simple classics so addictive! I’m definitely giving the web version a try! Quick question — did you design a difficulty curve or does it scale dynamically as players improve?
Brian's avatar
I did! It’s based on your score so the grids start at 3 by 3 but can get all the way up to 8 by 8 and the patterns also get more difficult making it harder to spot the anomaly.
Nirmal's avatar
That’s a great progression system — gradually increasing both grid size and pattern complexity keeps the challenge engaging without overwhelming new players. Are you considering adding any power-ups or timed modes later to mix up the gameplay even more?
Lorant's avatar
Hey @Brian Wadley. Was it difficult to figure out the game logic while using AI, or did it get it right on the first try?
Brian's avatar
It actually got it right away mainly because I gave it 25 shapes to start with and pattern generations of course I told it to always make sure an anomaly shows up as well. Difficult part was refining it making sure it's not impossible to spot the anomaly.
Lorant's avatar
For me the hard part was the puzzle completion logic
Brian's avatar
Yeah I can see that being challenging but I tried it out and it worked flawlessly! did you create those images yourself and do you plan to release more?
Sheikh's avatar
Impressive design
Kayla's avatar
This game is so fun. I really like cognitive pattern games and I was able to challenge myself, so far the highest score I've gotten is 65🔥
Brian's avatar
Nice I got to I think 73 for my personal best!
David's avatar
This is a game I can myself playing all day, looks like fun! Nice work
PCW's avatar
Interesting direction-the core loop looks simple and clearly structured.
Stephen's avatar
Well-done Brian, Your hard work is paying off
A.'s avatar
I loved the way you simplified it!
Andi's avatar
awesome
Kristine's avatar
Ahh, Minimalist Game! Yes, Please!!! So good. ❤️
Said's avatar
Coachesjoy logo
Great work
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