Board 144: Hatter Factory

This picture shows a conveyor belt in a factory producing wizard hats. The machinery is being operated by an anthropomorphic rabbit seated on an exhaust pipe of some kind.

Level 1 (Clear 30 red pegs from 113 total - Pro target 425k)

The first design uses various lines from the picture. Is uses the edges of the conveyor belt, various lines among the factory machinery, and has round peg clusters where the actual hats are, and in the area where the rabbit is .

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 290,670

• This is quite an involved level with a lot of clusters of pegs that need breaking into. I got down to one red peg but I couldn't build a pro score.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 748,500 

• I got a bit more luck with catches and bonuses and had the pro target reached comfortably by the time I got down to the last couple of red pegs. I had a few balls in hand so I could pick off purples for a few shots.

Level 2 (Clear 30 red pegs from 103 total - Pro target 475k)

The second design features four vertical lines, two near each side wall, forming two narrow channels on each side of the screen with a wide gap in the middle. The central part is filled with a regular arrangement of round pegs, while each of the narrow channels contains a vertical line of diamond-shaped pegs and a teleport portal at the bottom, flanked by a couple more diamond-shaped pegs. Each teleport connects to a single receiver, high and central.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 599,880 

• The teleports at the bottom add a level of difficulty to what would otherwise be a very straightforward level. Even then, bonuses are quite easy to find and catches aren't too tricky either.

Level 3 (Clear 30 red pegs from 112 total - Pro target 450k)

The third design features seven horizontal lines, each going all the way across the screen. Each line is solid only where it crosses the conveyor belt in the picture, and comprises of single round pegs to either side.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 428,320

• Just one red peg left and almost a pro score. I didn't get much luck with catches, particularly towards the end.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 535,320

• Just one red peg left again, and a 96% clearance, so not many blue pegs left either. Maybe with a little more patience I could have finished it but I thought I saw a way of taking out both the last two red pegs together. Needless to say, it didn't work.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 633,500 

• I did it with seven balls to spare that time. I was trying to leave the last two red pegs for a bit, but they were below a thick cluster of blue ones, so there was always a likelihood that they would get taken out early.

Level 4 (Clear 25 red pegs from 97 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 500k)

The fourth design is a close-up of one of the wizard hats being produced by the factory.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 520,780 

• Points were always a problem in this one. I wasn't picking up enough bonuses. When the last red went off an unexpected deflection at the end, I thought I'd missed out, but it found its way into the 100k bucket and that was enough.

Level 5 (Clear 25 red pegs from 90 total - Pro target 475k)

The fifth design features two crescent moons and two five-pointed stars like those in the designs on the hats.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 148,990

• This is quite a tricky one. The angles seem to want to push the balls down the centre which makes catching them difficult. I missed quite a few red pegs and was nowhere near the pro target.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 229,540

• A slight improvement, but only a slight one. I still had six red pegs left at the end and a long way to go to the pro target. I'll give it one more try.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 633,650 

• I had a bit more luck that time, and concentrated a little more on taking catches and it all worked out. There were certainly some timely bonuses in there which I wouldn't have done it without, but I got it without needing power ups which is unexpected.

Level 6 (Clear 40 red pegs from 113 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 650k)

The same design as level 1, but with 10 more red pegs, one less ball and 225k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 243,460

• I struggled at level 1, so attempting this one without power ups was probably too much, but I thought it was worth a try. I probably had 6 or 7 red pegs left at the end, and not even half the pro target. I'll add a laser ball.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 639,580

• I missed the last catch, so missed out by a single red peg. I was close enough to a pro score to have been able to guarantee it with the last shot. So close. The yellow peg was awkwardly placed though. The next attempt ought to be easier.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 519,650

• Three red pegs left that time. I got to the yellow peg with the first shot, but didn't get a good rim bounce with the laser ball. My catching didn't go well and the red pegs didn't seem well placed for bonuses.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 597,080

• Two red pegs left and about 50k short of pro. That final missed catch on my 2nd attempt is starting to rankle now!

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball. Score: 733,580 

• The catches worked much better that time. I had a decent run of luck and reached the pro target and the last red peg with a couple of balls to spare.

Level 7 (Clear 40 red pegs from 103 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 725k)

The same design as level 2, but with 10 more red pegs, two fewer balls, and 250k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 484,310

• I still had seven red pegs left at the end, but the catches were getting easier and I don't think I was actually that far away. It's worth another go.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 581,480

• I only had one red peg that time, but I was trying to pick off the purple pegs to build to a pro score. Unfortunately, shooting balls straight into the bucket wasn't easy because of the remaining pegs and the teleports. It was due to rushing one of those that lost me my last ball. A little more patience and I might have had it.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 432,070

• Not so good that time. I didn't get enough catches, although I had loads bounce off the rim of the bucket!

Attempt #4 - No power ups. Score: 515,780

• I think I'm going to have to add a power up. I don't like the idea of a laser ball though - too many low teleports to get in the way. I'll try a Big Bounce instead.

Attempt #5 - Big Bounce. Score: 816,270 

• The Big Bounce did the trick. I caught it in a Triple Score bucket to turn 62k into 187k plus a further 150k in skill points which gave my score a big boost. It meant I didn't need a total clearance and only needed a few extra purple pegs at the end.

Level 8 (Clear ALL pegs - 35 red and 77 blue, with only 9 balls - Pro target 650k)

The same design as level 3, but with 5 more red pegs, one less ball, 200k on the pro target and a total clearance now required.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 654,450

• Only a 90% clearance. I missed too many catches really, and the yellow peg could have been easier to get to.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 535,050

• Down to 85% clearance this time, and the yellow peg was even harder - right down on the bottom line.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 891,740 

• I had immediate access to the yellow peg that time, and I got a decent rim bounce from the laser ball. I had to make some good and some lucky catches thereafter, but I made it to the end for the total clearance required and a pro score.

Level 9 (Score 625k with 35 red pegs and 62 blue, with only 7 balls - Pro target 825k)

The same design as level 4, but with 10 more red pegs, two fewer balls, 325k on the pro target, and just a score to aim at.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 642,600

• I got the lower target but was some way short of the one for pro.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 669,770

• A slight improvement in score to last time but still a way to go. I'll add a Big Bounce.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 546,580

• I just couldn't get through to the yellow peg until I had hardly any pegs or balls left. I got the green peg first which meant of course that the Big Bounce got trapped down the bottom. After that I had to try and hit every peg off the side wall if I was to have any chance of a pro score, and too many missed catches was inevitable.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 838,290 

• That time the yellow peg was easily taken off the side wall with the first shot. I did well with the laser ball and took a number of fortuitous catches. By the time I activated the Big Bounce quite late in the game, I practically had enough for pro anyway. I already had the pro target reached by the time I got down to my last ball, so I didn't bother taking the final red peg.

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 35 red and 55 blue - Pro target 775k)

The same design as level 5, but with 10 more red pegs, 300k on the pro target and all pegs now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 434,990

• Just three pegs left, but a long way from the pro target.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 812,950 

• The yellow peg looked awkward but I managed to get to it without losing too many balls. I did OK with the laser ball, and the Big Bounce turned out quite successfully too. I ended up with several balls in hand through the endgame which helped a lot. I needed to avoid the minimum 20k bonus at the end and got 60k which was enough.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	30	113	Reds	10	-	425k	2	748,500	519,585
2	30	103	Reds	10	-	475k	1	599,880	599,880
3	30	112	Reds	10	-	450k	3	633,500	532,380
4	25	97	Reds	9	-	500k	1	520,780	520,780
5	25	90	Reds	10	-	475k	3	633,650	337,393
6	40	113	Reds	9	-	650k	5	733,580	546,670
7	40	103	Reds	8	-	725k	5	816,270	565,982
8	35	112	All	9	-	650k	3	891,740	693,746
9	35	97	625k	7	-	825k	4	838,290	674,310
10	35	90	All	10	-	775k	2	812,950	623,970

Board 2: Tiki Trail

This picture shows a wooden beach house supported on stilts over an idyllic-looking lagoon on some tropical island. On the far side of the lagoon is a thick jungle. There appears to be one way in to the jungle which is flanked by two tiki statues.

Level 1 (Clear 25 red pegs from 100 total - Pro target 300k)

The first design features four large squares, each with an arrangement of round pegs in. Two of the squares are not fully visible due to the edges of the screen. More round pegs are scattered about outside the squares.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 679,210 

• A pretty easy starter. I was trying for a total clearance, but the last red went off a ricochet. I had over double the pro score though, so it didn't matter.

Level 2 (Clear 25 red pegs from 98 total, with no ball bucket - Pro target 350k)

The second design has one big curve in the middle of the screen, with another shorter curve attached to each end. There is a thick cluster of round pegs above the main curve, and a thinner one above each of the other two. Very unusually for one of the first five levels, there is no ball bucket.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 504,970 

• Having no ball bucket this early in the board seems harsh, but it's really quite easy. Shooting the curve on the right automatically gives you the main curve as well, then the other curve on the left is available. After that it's just a matter of shooting into the bunches to pick off what's left.

Level 3 (Clear 30 red pegs from 99 total - Pro target 300k)

The third design has two curvy shapes somewhere between squares and crosses, amidst a regular pattern of round pegs. Eight bamboo poles protrude into the screen, four from each side to make side wall bounces awkward.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 397,360 

• Again, no real problems. I made just about enough early catches to keep me in the hunt, and the pro target was low.

Level 4 (Clear 25 red pegs from 88 total, with a 7s shot-clock - Pro target 400k)

The fourth design five circles in varying degrees of incompleteness amidst a sea of round pegs. There are four pegs that slowly move in and out from four of the circles. Again, unusually for the first four levels, there is a seven second shot-clock.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 484,600 

• I was probably fairly lucky with the catches I took - quite a few of the balls seemed to end up in the bucket - which is always helpful. I got to the last red peg before I'd got the points for pro, but I had balls in hand to play a few purple pegs before I finished it.

Level 5 (Clear 25 red pegs from 96 total, with only 7 balls - Pro target 350k)

The fifth design features a couple of large circles, each with a smaller broken circle inside. Each large circle sits above a curve. Various single round pegs are scattered around outside them.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 518,830

• I found quite a few good slides, but I didn't make enough catches. I had lots of points, but still two red pegs left at the end.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 490,330

• Four red pegs left that time, and again well above the pro target. I just need a few more catches.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 404,580 

• I concentrated a little less on score and more on clearing the red pegs that time and found a better balance between the two.

Level 6 (Clear 25 red pegs from 99 total - Pro target 350k)

The sixth design, because unusually there is a sixth design, consists of an arrangement of diagonal lines and round pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 452,130 

• Unusual to get a new layout for level 6, but it didn't prove too tricky - mainly due to the low pro target. I got lucky with a final 100k bonus, otherwise I would have only just made it.

Level 7 (Clear 25 red pegs from 84 total, must play bank shots - Pro target 375k)

The seventh design, because uniquely, this board has seven entirely different designs, has a round tiki face in the centre, with a regular arrangement of round pegs on each side of it. There are three teleport portals along the bottom, with a couple of bamboo poles to help guide balls into the centre one, each linking to a single receiver in the middle at the top. This level requires each ball to hit the side wall, or the ball in the middle, before it hits any pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 601,340 

• There probably was a time, a long time ago, when I would have found this level quite tricky. But now I know the angles very well indeed, and this level was very easy for me. You're helped a lot by the teleports that can keep the ball in play for quite a long time.

Level 8 (Score 300k with 25 red pegs and 73 blue - Pro target 500k)

The same design as level 2, but with a ball bucket, 150k on the pro target, and just a score to go for.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 517,770 

• I thought I'd just missed out on a pro score there when I missed the final catch, but I got a Crucial Bounce off it which just edged my score over the target. Again, not too difficult. The obvious early sweeps can pick up some early bonus points, and then it's just a matter of picking off any other bonuses that can be had. I wasn't particularly lucky with the placement of the red pegs, but I managed it anyway.

Level 9 (Score 300k with 25 red pegs and 71 blue - Pro target 500k)

The same design as level 5, but with three more balls, 150k on the pro target, and just a score to go for.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 1,030,250 

• With level 5 it was getting all the red pegs that was the tricky bit. Amassing a big score seemed relatively easy, so I wasn't expecting this to be any harder than that one. I may have got a bit lucky at times, but I managed a total clearance this time, and doubled the pro target for a seven figure score.

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 74 blue - Pro target 400k)

The same design as level 3, but with 5 fewer red pegs, two more balls, 100k on the pro target and a total clearance now needed.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 282,490

• A 91% clearance which isn't too bad for a first attempt. I've never managed a board yet without any power ups at all, so I'll be in no hurry to resort to a laser ball here. This surely has to be doable with no boosts.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 582,080

• Just one peg short that time, and a score well over that required for pro.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 461,060 

• I got it that time, although I needed a lucky bounce on the penultimate peg. On any other level, it would have missed the bucket, but thanks to the bamboo poles on the side walls, the ball was deflected back into the bucket. But, however I got there, that's a board now completed without power ups, and I've been trying to do that for ages.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	25	100	Reds	10	-	300k	1	679,210	679,210
2	25	98	Reds	10	NBB	350k	1	504,970	504,970
3	30	99	Reds	10	-	300k	1	397,360	397,360
4	25	88	Reds	10	7s	400k	1	484,600	484,600
5	25	96	Reds	7	-	350k	3	518,830	471,246
6	25	99	Reds	10	-	350k	1	452,130	452,130
7	25	84	Reds	10	Bank	375k	1	601,340	601,340
8	25	98	300k	10	-	500k	1	517,770	517,770
9	25	96	300k	10	-	500k	1	1,030,250	1,030,250
10	25	99	All	12	-	400k	3	582,080	441,876

Board 143: Mystic Shrine

This picture is of an Oriental looking shrine in the woods. A narrow river winds past it and a small wooden boat sits on the river in the foreground.

Level 1 (Clear 30 red pegs from 88 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 475k)

The first design is of the ramparted end of the shrine walls. Three levels of it, one upon the other.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 688,720 

• I had to be quite careful at the end. I was down to one ball and still had two reds left that were awkwardly placed. I had to pick off a few blue ones first, but I made the necessary catches and all was well.

Level 2 (Clear 30 red pegs from 92 total - Pro target 425k)

The second design follows several of the lines in the picture. Tree branches, the boat in the foreground, and several lines of the shrine itself.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 482,490

• I took on a couple of risky purple pegs at the end that I really didn't need to, and I suffered the consequences when I missed the catches. Silly!

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 408,870

• Three red pegs left that time. I didn't get as much luck with the catches.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 629,300 

• No mistakes that time. I got down to the last red peg with a few shots in hand, so I could pick off a few purples without endangering the victory. As soon I got down to my last ball, I made sure I didn't get distracted and finished it off.

Level 3 (Clear 30 red pegs from 84 total - Pro target 475k)

The third design is a close up of the roof of the shrine. It shows the conical roof with its sharp point on top. There are round pegs in the cone and in a double line above it on both sides of the point.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 285,620

• Three red pegs left. I found it quite tricky to break into the centre of the design.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 536,910 

• Another one that was touch and go a little bit towards the end. Although more for points than pegs this time. I managed to find a deflection into the 100k bucket off the final red peg which helped.

Level 4 (Clear 25 red pegs from 92 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 450k)

The fourth design is of five rectangles arranged like the windows of the shrine, in a horizontal line but with the central one lower and larger than the rest. An arrangement of round pegs lies beneath them.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 368,260

• Five red pegs left. I didn't get particularly lucky with catches - several seemed to miss the bucket after deflections at the last moment.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 231,890

• I missed nine red pegs that time, after not taking a single catch. My luck has to improve a little.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 653,400 

• An unexpected finish took out all four of the remaining red pegs, and the purple peg, just leaving one blue peg behind. But I was short on balls, and had plenty of points so it was most welcome. I did better on catches that time, but wasn't sure it was going to be enough until that last shot.

Level 5 (Clear 30 red pegs from 84 total - Pro target 400k)

The fifth design is of seven lines each with a 135° degree kink halfway along. I'm not sure what these lines are supposed to represent - the angles between the roofs and the spikes on top of them perhaps?

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 486,580 

• This one looked harder than it was. I had to pick up a few extra purple pegs at the end to boost my score up to the pro target, but I had balls in hand to do it, so it wasn't a problem.

Level 6 (Clear 40 red pegs from 92 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 650k)

The same design as level 2, but with 10 more red pegs, one less ball and 225k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 849,010 

• I rather like this design. There are lots of opportunities for big ricochets and distance bonuses. I took a total clearance for a comfortable victory and pro score.

Level 7 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 58 blue, with only 7 balls - Pro target 725k)

The same design as level 1, but with two fewer balls, 250k on the pro target and a total clearance now needed.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 488,160

• Only an 85% clearance. This will probably require a laser ball, but I'm not quite ready to give up on it just yet.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 342,540

• Up to 89% that time, but a long, long way away from the pro target. I'll add a laser ball to try and boost my score a bit.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 419,140

• A slight improvement on the score, but an 88% clearance means no improvement on pegs. My catching could have been better though.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 537,400

• I got the clearance that time, but was a long way from the pro target again. I need more bonuses.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball. Score: 657,560

• I was down to just one peg, tried to take it off the side wall and messed up the timing. I missed the peg and the bucket. If I'd played it directly, I might even have been able to catch a deflection into the 100k bucket, which would have been enough. A bad choice of shot.

Attempt #6 - Laser Ball. Score: 741,270 

• I had to show a lot of patience and wait for the right purple pegs in this one. I knew I had to take the majority of the remaining pegs as purple ones and off the side wall if I was to have any chance of making the pro target. Luckily I could do just that and managed to catch enough of them to keep going all the way to the end. Then despite a minimum 20k final bucket bonus, I had enough points for pro.

Level 8 (Clear 40 red pegs from 84 total, with only 7 balls - Pro target 725k)

The same design as level 3, but with 10 more red pegs, three fewer balls, and 250k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 463,660

• I only had two pegs left - one red and one purple - so I didn't have any realistic hope of making the pro target. I tried to get the purple one off the side wall, but it was just out of reach and I missed the catch.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 744,570 

• I had to trust to luck with the last ball. I had two red pegs left next to each other, and I could only see one of them. I shot the one I could see and a ricochet took out the other.

Level 9 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 62 blue, with only 7 balls - Pro target 700k)

The same design as level 4, but with 5 more red pegs, two fewer balls, 250k on the pro target and all pegs now needed.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 316,620

• Attempting this with no power ups was definitely a little over-ambitious. Just a 70% clearance, and not even half the pro target.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 515,420

• An 87% clearance that time, so an improvement, but some way to go.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 397,390

• Another poor score, and just an 87% clearance. I'll try adding a Big Bounce.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 714,250

• Missed out by just one peg, but I couldn't see any way of taking a catch off what was left. Shame.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 818,660 

• Got it that time, and with a ball to spare. I'd started mistiming my standard laser ball shot and was never getting good rim bounces, so I had to go back to a previous video to see what I was doing wrong. My aim had slipped, and I was aiming to low on the side wall. I aimed a bit higher this time and got a much better result. A few lucky bounces went my way towards the end, but it was a good result.

Level 10 (Clear 45 red pegs from 84 total, with only 7 balls - Pro target 650k)

The same design as level 5, but with 15 more red pegs, three fewer balls, and 250k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 373,600

• Not a very good effort. Again, I probably was a bit ambitious attempt it without power ups, but you have to try these things, don't you? Sometimes you can surprise yourself.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 917,210 

• That was a lot better. I'm still not convinced I really needed the laser ball, I may have conceded to easily. But once the bulk of the pegs are cleared away, the catches become quite easy from almost any peg. I took a comfortable total clearance with several balls to spare.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	30	88	Reds	9	-	475k	1	688,720	688,720
2	30	92	Reds	10	-	425k	3	629,300	506,886
3	30	84	Reds	10	-	475k	2	536,910	411,265
4	25	92	Reds	9	-	450k	3	653,400	417,850
5	30	84	Reds	10	-	400k	1	486,580	486,580
6	40	92	Reds	9	-	650k	1	849,010	849,010
7	30	88	All	7	-	725k	6	741,270	531,011
8	40	84	Reds	7	-	725k	2	744,570	604,115
9	30	92	All	7	-	700k	5	818,660	552,468
10	45	84	Reds	7	-	650k	2	917,210	645,405

Board 3: Pharoah's Guardian

This picture shows an Egyptian pyramid with a Sphinx in front of it. Beneath the Sphinx is a rather obvious passage leading into the pyramid. I was under the impression that pyramids were constructed in a way to make entering them extremely difficult to prevent graverobbing. Clearly not this one!

Level 1 (Clear 25 red pegs from 111 total - Pro target 400k)

The first design features a long wavy curve. There is a shorter wavy curve above it. Between the two curves, and also above them, are many single round pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 500,770 

• Three pegs short of a total clearance, and 100k over the pro target. A good start to the board.

Level 2 (Clear 25 red pegs from 106 total - Pro target 350k)

The second design features two rectangular boxes where the walls are that flank the doorway in the picture. Each box features a design made of round pegs - a crook on the left, and an eye on the right. Between the boxes and above them are a scattering of round pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 371,420 

• I didn't make the pro target by much but it felt like a comfortable victory nonetheless. My catching could have gone better, and I didn't get a huge amount of luck.

Level 3 (Clear 25 red pegs from 99 total - Pro target 375k)

The third design has some short curves on the top of the sphinx's head, and on his shoulders, plus some concave curves forming a U-shape at the bottom. Otherwise there are several clusters of round pegs, and a couple of round pegs covering the eyes of the sphinx.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 866,860 

• A very comfortable total clearance. It never felt in doubt, almost from the first ball.

Level 4 (Clear 25 red pegs from 89 total - Pro target 350k)

The fourth design has half a dozen three-quarter circles, lots of single round pegs, and three small pyramid obstacles. A number of the pegs are hidden beneath the pyramids and cannot be shot directly.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 305,610

• I wasn't getting the early catches there, and I was struggling for points towards the end.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 471,620 

• A lot more comfortable that time. I didn't get any awkward red pegs stuck below the central pyramid, and I got down to one red peg quite quickly so I had several shots to build a bigger score with.

Level 5 (Clear 25 red pegs from 99 total - Pro target 375k)

The fifth design features more concave curves. Two in the bottom corners, then big semi-circular nested ones in the centre. There are loose pegs covering the wall between the curves, and a line of round pegs outside each side of the main pyramid. A line of diamond-shaped pegs traces each edge of the main pyramid, but these pegs move from side to side.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 304,040

• A bit more tricky, this layout. The moving pegs get in the way quite a lot. I missed two red pegs and was about 75k short of the pro target.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 595,390 

• No problems that time. I had the run of the balls, all the luck seemed to go my way. Lots of useful ricochets.

Level 6 (Score 300k with 25 red pegs and 81 blue - Pro target 400k)

The same design as level 2, but with 50k on the pro target, and just a score to go for.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 452,070 

• I tend to find these 'points only' levels the easiest as there is no necessity to clear all the red pegs. So it was here. I could have taken the final red peg, but there didn't seem any point.

Level 7 (Score 325k with 25 red pegs and 74 blue - Pro target 425k)

The same design as level 3, but with 50k on the pro target, and just a score as a target.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 863,690 

• Another points only level, and another comfortable pro score. I took a total clearance for just over double the pro target.

Level 8 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 64 blue - Pro target 450k)

The same design as level 4, but with 100k on the pro target, and a total clearance now required.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 225,800

• Only 85% clearance. This is going to be a tough total clearance as so many of the pegs are tucked away underneath the pyramids.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 258,300

• 85% again, but I got stuck with some awkward pegs under the central pyramid. I got most of them, but I ran out of balls trying to get the last one.

Attempt #3 - Big Bounce. Score: 436,140

• I think adding a Big Bounce is probably a good idea to help with the awkward low hidden ones. I didn't help hugely this time, but I'll stick with it.

Attempt #4 - Big Bounce. Score: 334,960

• Up to 91% that time, but I had some tricky pegs to clear, and the Big Bounce hadn't helped with them at all.

Attempt #5 - Big Bounce. Score: 795,270 

• The Big Bounce worked OK, but didn't clear out the awkward ones like I'd hoped. I did manage to find the angles of other pegs, and the bucket rim, to get to them all though. Then it was just a matter of making enough catches off the remaining pegs to get the 100% clearance. A tricky level.

Level 9 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 74 blue, with a 7s shot-clock - Pro target 475k)

The same design as level 5, but with 100k on the pro target, a seven second shot-clock and a total clearance now required.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 257,860

• Only an 85% clearance, but I was being distracted at the time. I'll try again later.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 357,730

• Up to 91% clearance. Closer, and a better score too. It's worth persevering with for now.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 338,890

• Only 83% that time as I didn't seem to get any luck. I'll add a laser ball.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 595,740

• Another failure, but much closer that time. Up to 95% clearance.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball. Score: 748,700 

• I picked up a few more early catches that time and it made a big difference to have some balls in hand towards the end.

Level 10 (Clear 25 red pegs from 111 total, with only 3 balls - Pro target 300k)

The same design as level 1, but with seven fewer balls, and 100k less on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 87,460

• Three balls isn't many. I went to the left with the first ball in an attempt to get a big sweep down the curve, but it jiggled its way through the round pegs and just took out the bottom of the curve. I could only get to the yellow peg with my very last ball so never got to use the laser ball.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 465,950

• A much better effort. I got the sweep this time, and used the laser ball. I still left three red pegs behind though. At least one of which was quite buried in a sea of blue pegs.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 297,950

• Six red pegs left behind. I really need to get the first ball down properly, so I can get a good sweep and a catch, and then be able to repeat it in every attempt.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 391,660 

• I didn't find a particularly good first shot, but I did catch the ball, so that was something. The second ball wasn't great, but it did clear the way for me to get to the yellow peg. The third ball took out both trigger pegs for a bonus. The laser ball then did quite well, and the Big Bounce that followed just left me two red pegs for the final ball, and I managed to deflect from one straight onto the other.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	25	111	Reds	10	-	400k	1	500,770	500,770
2	25	106	Reds	10	-	350k	1	371,420	371,420
3	25	99	Reds	10	-	375k	1	866,860	866,860
4	25	89	Reds	10	-	350k	2	471,620	388,615
5	25	99	Reds	10	-	375k	2	595,390	449,715
6	25	106	300k	10	-	400k	1	452,070	452,070
7	25	99	325k	10	-	425k	1	863,690	863,690
8	25	89	All	10	-	450k	5	795,270	410,094
9	25	99	All	10	7s	475k	5	748,700	459,784
10	25	111	Reds	3	-	300k	4	465,950	310,755

Board 4: Sunset Corral

This picture shows a fairly barren western scene at sunset. A few cactus plants are scattered about a flat plain. To either side and in the distance are large rocky outcrops. On the left is a single wooden building.

Level 1 (Clear 25 red pegs from 104 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 450k)

The first design features three pairs of nested horseshoes. There are clusters of loose round pegs at the bottom, and a small arch of round pegs over the top.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 595,790 

• An easy starter. There are plenty of choices for an early sweep shot or two. Lotsof chances for bonuses. Not too many other pegs getting in the way.

Level 2 (Clear 35 red pegs from 102 total - Pro target 425k)

The second design features more horseshoes. A vertical line of three on each side, at various angles. There are also three nested curves in the centre.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 527,920

• I missed one red peg. It was at the bottom of the lowest right-hand horseshoe. I thought if I could get a ball in there it was bound to take it out. Unfortunately it bounced around inside then popped out the top without hitting the red peg.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 708,120 

• Two pegs away from a total clearance. There are many opportunities for sweep shots here, and I got a few. Again, it's not a difficult level.

Level 3 (Clear 25 red pegs from 107 total - Pro target 350k)

The third design features a large central cactus. There are loose round pegs both inside and outside the cactus design.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 505,060 

• Another one that didn't seem too bad. I finished it comfortably, having passed the pro target some shots before.

Level 4 (Clear 25 red pegs from 108 total - Pro target 325k)

The fourth design returns to the horseshoe motif. This time there are seven horseshoes in a staggered diagonal line across the frame. Each horseshoe in turn slowly rotates clockwise through 360°. There are also clusters of round pegs at the bottom and in the top corners.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 188,610

• Not a very good effort. It looked like it was going to be a lot easier than it was. I still had four red pegs left at the end and I was nowhere near the pro target.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 245,690

• An improvement. A higher score, and only a couple of red pegs left.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 303,220

• Better again. I cleared all the red pegs this time. I just needed to avoid the 10k bucket at the end, but couldn't.

Attempt #4 - No power ups. Score: 730,430 

• No problems this time. The catches were working, the sweeps weren't too bad, the bonuses were coming steadily. I didn't quite get the total clearance, but I wasn't far off.

Level 5 (Clear 25 red pegs from 101 total - Pro target 300k)

The fifth design has three sheriff's stars as obstacles - one in the middle, and the other two only partly visible on the sides of the screen. There are four teleport portals, one in each corner, and all connect to a central receiver, immediately below the middle star. There is one peg above this receiver which is particularly tricky to get to.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 365,300 

• I got very lucky with early catches here, catching all the first four shots. I did still have quite a few balls in hand at the end, but it was still very useful to know I had lots of balls in hand if I missed the odd catch.

Level 6 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 82 blue - Pro target 450k)

The same design as level 3, but with 100k on the pro target, and a total clearance now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 608,440

• I did it again! My favourite trick of forgetting when it's an ALL PEGS level. I got down to my last ball and played the final red peg, with no thought as to where the ball might be going. I still had maybe 7 or 8 other pegs left, so there was no guarantee I would have done it, but I would have been in with a chance.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 455,170

• I didn't get much luck in this one, and my catching wasn't very good.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 862,940 

• Luck was more on my side that time. I picked up several early catches, I got the yellow peg with the first shot, and did well with the laser ball. I needed quite a few catches to get to the total clearance, but I was up to the task.

Level 7 (Clear 40 red pegs from 101 total - Pro target 400k)

The same design as level 5, but with 15 more red pegs, and 100k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 294,590

• Quite a lot of red pegs left at the end, but then I used up a lot of shots trying to get the awkward peg above the receiving teleport. When that peg is red, the game becomes about three times harder! I got it, but I didn't have enough balls left to finish what was left. I'll add a laser ball.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 442,320 

• I made a mess of the laser ball, but I managed to clear all the red pegs anyway, including the awkward one. I got a bit lucky at the end. I had two red pegs left, low and central. I shot the ball into one of the lower teleports and it took out both and dropped into the 100k bucket.

Level 8 (Score 375k with 25 red pegs and 83 blue - Pro target 425k)

The same design as level 4, but with 100k on the pro target, and just a score to go for.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 720,040 

• I found a good sweep with the first ball for once, and took out the yellow peg. I did well with the laser ball, netting a Double Score with it. I left the last red peg and kept picking off purple pegs until I ran out of balls, as I was already well over the pro target.

Level 9 (Clear 50 red pegs from 102 total, with no ball bucket - Pro target 600k)

The same design as level 2, but with 15 more red pegs, 175k on the pro target, and no ball bucket.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 661,680

• Not a bad effort, although I wasted one ball entirely. I only missed four red pegs at the end. I managed to get the white peg first, but I didn't get a bucket for it.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 645,540

• Only one red peg missed that time, so I'm getting closer.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 600,450 

• I squeaked home by the narrowest of margins. Again, no bucket off the white peg, but some fortuitous bonuses, particularly towards the end, helped me along.

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 79 blue, with only 8 balls and a 5s shot-clock - Pro target 550k)

The same design as level 1, but with 100k on the pro target, a five second shot-clock, and a total clearance now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 486,680

• A 92% clearance, but the points weren't too far away. Not bad for a first attempt.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 902,390 

• Not many early catches, but some good sweeps and ricochets cleared enough space for me to make lots of catches in the endgame. I got a good laser ball as well, despite not having many pegs left by the time I activated it.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	25	104	Reds	8	-	450k	1	595,790	595,790
2	35	102	Reds	10	-	425k	2	708,120	618,020
3	25	107	Reds	10	-	350k	1	505,060	505,060
4	25	108	Reds	10	-	325k	4	730,430	366,987
5	25	101	Reds	10	-	300k	1	365,300	365,300
6	25	107	All	10	-	450k	3	862,940	642,183
7	40	101	Reds	10	-	400k	2	442,320	368,455
8	25	108	375k	10	-	425k	1	720,040	720,040
9	50	102	Reds	10	NBB	600k	3	661,680	635,890
10	25	104	All	8	5s	550k	2	902,390	694,535

Board 142: Peacock Paradise

This picture depicts an Eastern style palace on top of a cliff. A staircase and a path lead from there down to a lake at the foot of the cliff where several peacocks can be seen around the edge. A huge rock formation behind the palace also resembles a peacock.

Level 1 (Clear 30 red pegs from 112 total - Pro target 425k)

The first design has a series of horizontal lines covering the cliff face, and going all the way across the screen. There is a break in the lines where the steps and path are. There are single round pegs where the water is and a few assorted pegs on top covering the towers and main palace.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 597,390 

• I got down to four red pegs and four balls, with the pro target already surpassed. Unfortunately there was a blue peg that I needed to take out as well, to clear a path to two of the reds. So I still needed one catch, but I just couldn't get one. In the end I needed a very lucky ricochet to take out the last two red pegs with the final ball.

Level 2 (Clear 30 red pegs from 87 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 450k)

The second design is like a fan, a bit like a peacock's tail. It has two straight lines at the bottom

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 630,860 

• These sort of designs that funnel balls into the centre can often be quite awkward, but this one seemed quite straightforward. Maybe I just got lucky, but I managed a total clearance and a score well over the pro target.

Level 3 (Clear 25 red pegs from 120 total - Pro target 500k)

The third design features what appear to be three large water droplets. Actually, they're probably feathers. That would make more sense.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 605,980 

• Lots of opportunities to pick up sweep shots here. I didn't get many big sweeps, but I picked up a few small ones. I managed to muddle my way through to the end.

Level 4 (Clear 25 red pegs from 95 total - Pro target 425k)

The fourth design is a close up of the palace on top of the cliff.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 323,080

• Six reds left at the end, so I may need another attempt or two to get the hang of the angles.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 533,910

• A lot closer that time. I was just one red peg short of victory, and I had the pro target already.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 460,350 

• I thought I'd wasted too many balls chasing unnecessary purple pegs towards the end, but then a fortunate ricochet that took out three of the last four red pegs in a single shot saved the day.

Level 5 (Clear 25 red pegs from 128 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 400k)

The fifth design features six triangles arranged in a fanlike display. So lots of straight lines, and hardly any single pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 232,600

• I'll have another go, but this one looks like it will be nigh on impossible without any power ups.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 533,010 

• I'm glad I gave it another try before adding a laser ball. I guess it was possible after all! I got some good ricochets, a few catches, and a generally good run of the balls.

Level 6 (Score 650k with 35 red pegs and 85 blue, with only 9 balls - Pro target 800k)

The same design as level 3, but with 10 more red pegs, one less ball, 300k on the pro target, and just a score to chase.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 339,430

• I got nowhere near the main target, let alone the pro one. I'd better add a laser ball.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 803,370 

• It took a few shots to get through to the yellow peg, but I did well with the laser ball. I was still struggling for points at the very end, and once I got down to my last ball, I had to pick my shots with great care lest I fall just short. In the end I managed to get within 10k of the pro target, so I could take out the final red peg knowing I was guaranteed a pro score.

Level 7 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 87 blue - Pro target 600k)

The same design as level 1, but with 5 fewer red pegs, 175k on the pro target, and a total clearance now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 630,220

• Just three pegs left at the end, I think, so not a bad attempt.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 932,380 

• It took a couple of shots to get to the yellow peg, but they were good shots that took out a lot of pegs and scored quite a few points. I shot the laser ball the other way to make the most of the density of pegs, so that did well too. The catches and ricochets were generally going my way which always helps.

Level 8 (Clear 35 red pegs from 95 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 675k)

The same design as level 4, but with 10 more red pegs, one less ball, and 250k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 799,040 

• Not too tricky with the laser ball. I could get the yellow peg immediately, and then I did pretty well with the laser ball. A Double Points bonus with it didn't hurt either!

Level 9 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 57 blue, with only 7 balls - Pro target 700k)

The same design as level 2, but with 2 fewer balls, 250k on the pro target and all pegs now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 672,000

• Just one peg away. I'm quite gutted, as I've seen quite a few comments on the forum to the effect that this is proving the toughest level of the board for many. It would have been very nice to get it at the first attempt! But the very last catch missed the bucket by a whisker.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 376,890

• Nowhere near it that time. Just a 72% clearance. The bounces just weren't going my way.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 428,870

• Just two pegs left, but I wasn't close enough to the pro target to give myself a chance had I finished anyway.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 729,900 

• I needed my best catching head on, but I got through it. I had to take a lot of shots on off the side wall, but I was judging them generally pretty well. I managed to leave a final peg that I could deflect into the 100k bucket from.

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 103 blue, with only 7 balls - Pro target 725k)

The same design as level 5, but with two fewer balls, 325k on the pro target and a total clearance now required.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 464,140

• Just 82% clearance. I'm quite surprised that people are saying that level 9 is the hard one, as this one looks much harder to me. The angles were horrible the first time around.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 969,740 

• When I went down to my last ball, still with eleven pegs to go, I thought my chances of success were pretty slim. However, I didn't have to worry about points, as I already had plenty, so I just picked off the remaining pegs one at a time, without worrying about their colour, and managed to keep catching all the way to the end. I guess it wasn't as hard as I thought.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	30	112	Reds	10	-	425k	1	597,390	597,390
2	30	87	Reds	9	-	450k	1	630,860	630,860
3	25	120	Reds	10	-	500k	1	605,980	605,980
4	25	95	Reds	10	-	425k	3	533,910	439,113
5	25	128	Reds	9	-	400k	2	533,010	382,805
6	35	120	650k	9	-	800k	2	803,370	571,400
7	25	112	All	10	-	600k	2	932,380	781,300
8	35	95	Reds	9	-	675k	1	799,040	799,040
9	30	87	All	7	-	700k	4	729,900	551,915
10	25	128	All	7	-	725k	2	969,740	716,940