Conceptis launches Maze-a-Pix: a new type of picture-forming puzzle

Tuesday, June 1, 2004

Conceptis is proud to announce MAP (Maze-a-Pix) , a new type of puzzle that forms whimsical pictures when solved. Solved exactly the same as traditional mazes, MAP puzzles are suitable for children and adults alike and require no special rules or learning.

Each MAP puzzle turns into a surprise picture when completed: simply draw a path from entrance to exit avoiding the dead ends, and fill the squares along the path to reveal the hidden picture. As with all other puzzles from Conceptis, each MAP puzzle has one unique solution.

MAP puzzles are available in a large range of sizes, from small mazes of 25x25 targeted at kids, and up to colossal poster mazes of 200x200, which are suitable for adults. Using a sophisticated computer algorithm, MAP puzzles can be created at different difficulty levels by controlling the length and density of the false paths. In addition, each puzzle is automatically tested to ensure a unique solution.

Mazes are amongst the oldest and most popular type of puzzle ever known. The original concept of picture-forming mazes which led to Maze-a-Pix puzzles was invented in Japan over 20 years ago. Since then manually created picture-forming mazes became popular in Japanese puzzle magazines published by Gakken, Nikoli, Sun and others.

Looking for ways to expand our market, Conceptis decided to invest its resources and develop a computer algorithm for generating MAP puzzle. Consequently, Conceptis is the only company worldwide using computer algorithm to create picture-forming mazes.

MAP fan comments

Here are some comments posted by the first MAP solvers in The Puzzle Room forum (Maze-a-Pix (MAP) Puzzles):

• "One of my friends wanted to understand the puzzles I do, but she got frustrated with LAP after several attempts. So I offered the MAP puzzles to herand she LOVED them." Sillyliss, USA, 11 Apr 2004
• "I printed out the first few and gave them to my kids to try out. They both solved their first ones, and our 10 year old just asked me to print out more for him." Hardenm, USA, 12 Apr 2004
• "I gave the puzzles to 6 kids between 6 and 13 to try - the 6 and 7 years old were interested but lost interest when they got stuck. The older kids loved them and could not get enough - they have asked for more! On the other hand, I gave a couple of the larger mazes to a colleague of mine who is 72 who also enjoyed it." Louise, South Africa, 13 Apr 2004
• "I also found that the MAP's aren't just for kids. A coworker of mine who is in her mid 20's loves the larger ones." susie_cc, USA, 13 Apr 2004

Related resources

• Conceptis Maze-a-Pix