4k Tap-N-Join for the ZX Spectrum

Tested on 16k, 48k, 128k and all Amstrad models

Keys – Sinclair Joystick or 6-left, 7-right, 8-down, 9-up, 0-place block

Simple block joining puzzle game. Aim is to score as many points as possible before the time runs out by joining 3 or more in a row of the same type of block. The blocks are (lovingly named by my 6yr old daughter):

Chipmunk (green)
Pineapple (yellow)
Gooey (cyan)
Silver (magenta)

You can join the blocks horizontally, vertical and on the two diagonals as shown below:

xxx – join horizontal

x
x
x – join vertical

x
 x
  x – join diagonal 1

  x
 x
x – join diagonal 2

Extra points are awarded for joining blocks across multiple axis - 100pts per block for 1 axis, 200pts for 2, 300pts for 3 and 500pts for all 4. There are also in game bonuses which can be gained by joining blocks with the following icons included:

b,o,n,u,s – join all 5 of these (not necessarily in one go) to gain a score multiplier
timer – freeze the timer for 5secs
bomb – bang!

There are two game modes - Standard & 1 Minute Blitz.

Standard: As well as scoring points against the clock the aim is also to fill the timer to the top by joining as many blocks as possible. Once the timer reaches the top you progress to the next, more difficult, level. Extra time is reward for each 3 or more in a row join. Join 3 or more in a row across multiple axis and you get even more time added - 2x for two axis, 3x for three up to a maximum of 4x for horizontal, vertical and the two diagonals. As the levels progress joining just 3 in a row won't be enough to beat the ever decreasing timer!

1 Minute Blitz: You get one minute to score as many points as possible so get joining. All bonuses apply but no time is added for each successful join.