Variety Puzzles

The spiral is a unique format where words run in both directions, inward and outward. This format can be used in any language. Amuse Labs can also supply puzzle content for such puzzles.

Spirals can be of any length, but a mini-spiral (25 cells) and full spiral (100 cells) are common. Click here to see a full spiral.

Marching Bands is another interesting format. There are 2 sets of clues: the rows, and the concentric bands. Each row or band has multiple words and clues are provided for each of them separately. However, the solver has to figure out where one word ends and another one begins!

Marching Bands puzzles appear occasionally in various publications. The puzzle embedded here has been created for Amuse Labs by Bart Gold.

Split decisions is a bit like a crossword puzzle without any clues. The solver has to fill out the cells with letters such that each slot in the grid is a valid word. But there is a twist: some pairs of letters are pre-filled in the grid with two different options, and the words have to make sense with either option. For example, if the options are __AR_ and __IT_, the answer could be SPARE, SPITE, so S, P and E could be valid words in the grid.

The puzzle embedded here has been created for Amuse Labs by Fred Piscop. Split Decisions is a registered trademark, see this site for more information.

The Rows Garden is an interesting puzzle format by Patrick Berry. Like in an American crossword, all letters are part of two clues; however, the solver has to work out which clue refers to which cells. To create this game, you would first construct a normal crossword grid, and enable the Rows Garden special effect for that puzzle.

The New Yorker adapted this format for a puzzle called Bagel Shop in their annual puzzles and games issue (play it here). In this puzzle, the grid changes to a graphic with a bagel theme, and the bloom types are called sesame, whole-wheat or salt bagels! This interactive puzzle is also powered by PuzzleMe.

Memorable quotes from famous figures, movies and literature can inspire us or make us laugh. Now, with PuzzleMe™, you can give your favorite quotes a new life! Create a unique game using the best lines you’ve heard or read and challenge your audience to figure them out. Alongside is one example – can you decipher this quote that celebrates a mega scientific achievement?

You can also use this game type for a personalized, playful message for your friends and family. Contact Amuse Labs if you wish to create one of your own.

A series of six mini crosswords make one Mini Meta puzzle. Each mini-puzzle has to be solved before the user can attempt the meta puzzle. The first five puzzles in a series each have a special word in their grids. These words form a meta-clue for the final meta-answer which is hidden in the sixth puzzle. The subject of the meta (such as entertainment or sports) is provided as an optional hint to solvers.

The puzzle format was invented by constructors Pete Muller and Andrew White. It is published by The Washington Post where the first five mini crosswords in a puzzle are released from Monday to Friday and the sixth crossword and the meta puzzle are released on Saturday. PuzzleMe is the only platform that supports the Mini Meta puzzle format. Solvers use a regular crossword-solving interface for the mini puzzles; but for the meta, they first mark one word in each of the first 5 solved grids to form the clue, and then use a zig-zag navigation interface to spot the hidden meta answer in the final grid.

Write to us if you wish to include this game type in your puzzles mix.