Sum Zero

Strategic math puzzles. Can you reach zero?

Concept

Sum Zero is a mobile puzzle game where players use math-based sliders to bring all tiles on a grid down to zero. Combining strategy, logic, and arithmetic, each level presents a unique challenge to solve.

Players navigate grids ranging in size from 2x2 to 5x5. Each tile has a number between -4 and 4, and the goal is to manipulate these numbers using sliders to make every tile equal to zero.

Key Mechanics

• Dynamic Grids: Levels vary in size, from 2x2 to 5x5, with difficulty scaling as grids grow larger.

• Tile Values: Tiles start with values between -4 and 4, requiring careful planning to neutralize.

• Slider Operations:

• Add 1: Increases all tile values in a row or column by 1.

• Remove 1: Decreases all tile values in a row or column by 1.

• Invert Sign: Multiplies all tile values in a row or column by -1 (positive becomes negative and vice versa).

• Block Tile: Sets all tile values in a row or column to 0, preventing further slider effects.

How to Play

Analyze the level

Use sliders positioned along the grid’s edges to manipulate rows or columns. Not every row or column has a slider. Begin the level with a grid of tiles displaying values from -4 to 4.

Plan a sequence of moves

Each level can be of different shape on a max of a 4 by 4 size. Strategically sequence slider movements to reduce all tile values to zero executing the lower number of moves possible.

Minimize moves amount

Deal with blocked or missing tiles that may appear as additional obstacles. Complete the level once all tiles display a value of zero.

Where to play

Play Sum Zero on Android for the best experience. If you prefer a desktop experience, you can download a playable version for Linux or Windows. You can also play it on itch.io if you just want to give it a quick try.

Features

• Varied Difficulty: Grids range from simple 2x2 layouts to challenging 5x5 puzzles. Larger grids increase complexity, requiring more strategic planning and foresight;
• Math-Based Game play: Leverage arithmetic sliders to manipulate tile values and solve puzzles.
• Strategic Thinking: Plan sequences of moves to clear levels efficiently while navigating blocked tiles and other constraints. Some sliders may initially seem helpful but create complications for future moves.
• Minimalist Design: Focused game play with endless potential for creative level designs.

Contributing

We welcome contributions to Sum Zero! Whether you have ideas for improvement, bug fixes, or new features, feel free to open an issue to share your thoughts or to submit a pull request with your contribution.

Together, let’s make Sum Zero even better!