Mystical Birdlink

🦜 Mystical Birdlink: The Onet Connection Algorithm

Mystical Birdlink is a specialized variation of the classic Mahjong Connect (or Onet) genre. While it masquerades as a simple matching game, the core mechanic is a pathfinding problem. The rule is strict: you can only connect two identical tiles if a line can be drawn between them with no more than two 90-degree turns. This constraint transforms the game from a simple visual search into a logic puzzle involving spatial geometry and obstruction clearing.

The "Mystical" theme overlays a grid of obstacles. Unlike standard Mahjong where tiles are stacked, here they are laid flat on a single layer. The challenge lies in "opening the board"—clearing central tiles to create open lanes (highways) that allow distant tiles to connect.

🧠 Cognitive Load: Visual Scanning

Success requires specific visual processing skills:

• Peripheral Vision: Advanced players do not look at one tile at a time; they soft-focus to see the whole board, allowing their brain's pattern recognition software to highlight potential matches automatically.
• Path Visualization: Before clicking, you must mentally trace the invisible line. "Can this line turn left, go down, and turn right?" This mental simulation must happen in milliseconds.
• Strategic Clearing: Removing tiles from the center creates more routing options than removing tiles from the edges. This requires strategic foresight.

🎮 Mechanics & Rules

The game engine enforces the "Three-Segment Rule":

• Segment 1: The line leaves Tile A.
• Segment 2: The line turns once (90 degrees).
• Segment 3: The line turns again (90 degrees) to hit Tile B.
• Failure State: If a third turn is required to navigate around an obstacle, the match is invalid. The game calculates these paths using a simplified A* (A-Star) search algorithm instantly.
• Gravity (Optional): In some levels, tiles shift (fall down or slide left) when a match is made. This dynamic board state forces players to re-evaluate matches after every move.

🏆 Tactical Advice

1. Work from the Inside Out

Beginners match the easy pairs on the outer edges. Experts clear the middle. Clearing the center opens up "cross-board" paths, allowing you to connect a tile on the far left with a tile on the far right using the empty space in the middle.

2. The Scan Pattern

Don't scan randomly. Scan the board in rows (left to right) or columns (up to down). Systematizing your search pattern ensures you don't miss obvious matches.

🛡️ Performance Info

Runs smoothly on browser engines:

• Timer: The game features a countdown bar. Matching tiles adds time back, rewarding speed and accuracy.
• Graphics: Bright, distinct icons ensure accessibility for players on smaller mobile screens.

❓ FAQ