Board 148: Masquerade Ball

This picture is of a mask perched on the edge of a table by a window. Everything in the picture is ornate - particularly the mask, the table, and the panelling below the window. Also on the table is an ornate candelabra and a fan.

Level 1 (Clear 30 red pegs from 98 total - Pro target 500k)

The first design is of a mask with solid lines delineating the top and bottom, and around the eyeholes. Also some basic lines of round pegs as decoration.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 728,740 

• An easy enough starter. Although I nearly blew it at the end while chasing a total clearance. I didn't though, and I got the total clearance. There were lots of good slides available for big bonuses early on, which I took advantage of.

Level 2 (Clear 30 red pegs from 129 total - Pro target 475k)

The second design again looks like a mask, but a more ornate one, and in a frame.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 211,960

• Not a very good attempt. It seems a tricky one, but I'm sure I can do better than that.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 348,860

• A definite improvement, but still some way to go to the pro target. Only two reds left that time. I'll give it one more go.

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

• Just one red peg left that time. I'm close, but I'm not I'm going to get there any time soon. I'll add a laser ball.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 601,620 

• Much more comfortable with the laser ball. I had balls to spare at the end.

Level 3 (Clear 30 red pegs from 80 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 450k)

The third design looks like two fans separated by a long curved line.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 520,830 

• I needed a bit of good fortune to get a pro score here at the first attempt. There were several unexpected catches and ricochets.

Level 4 (Clear 25 red pegs from 72 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 400k)

The fourth design is a fairly simplistic pattern of diamond-shaped and round pegs forming three large diamonds. Quite how they relate to the theme, I've no idea.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 566,920 

• This looked harder than it turned out. I may have got lucky with catches early on.

Level 5 (Clear 25 red pegs from 85 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 475k)

The fifth design is based on the curtains to either side of the window. The centre of the screen is empty, but there are curves to the left and right, and a couple of straight lines at the bottom.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 511,950

• Just one red peg left at the end. So pretty close and not bad for a first attempt.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 560,180 

• I should have realised that the purple peg I played at the end was inevitably going to take out the final red peg as well, but I thought about it too late. It didn't matter though. A final 10k bonus would have left me just short of the pro target, but the 100k that I got was fine.

Level 6 (Clear 40 red pegs from 80 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 725k)

The same design as level 3, but with 10 more red pegs, and 275k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 684,540

• An attempt that was littered with mistakes. I rushed too many shots and messed them up needlessly.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 788,830 

• I didn't score much by way of early bonuses in this one, so I had to make lots of single peg catches in the endgame to make up the difference to the pro target. I needed to go all the way to a total clearance to be certain of it.

Level 7 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 99 blue - Pro target 650k)

The same design as level 2, but with 175k on the pro target and a total clearance now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 642,960

• Three pegs left, but there were some fairly dubious attempts at catches in there, so there's definitely some room for improvement.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 898,800

• A better score, but only a 92% clearance.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 851,320 

• My catching in the endgame was a little better, and I had more balls in hand which meant that the mistakes I made weren't quite so costly.

Level 8 (Score 625k with 40 red pegs and 45 blue, with only 9 balls - Pro target 600k)

The same design as level 5, but with 15 more red pegs, 125k on the pro target, and just a score to go for.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 645,170 

• Not too much of a problem with the laser ball. I made heavy weather of the catches a little, but I got there nonetheless.

Level 9 (Clear 30 red pegs from 98 total, with only 7 balls - Pro target 825k)

The same design as level 1, but with three fewer balls, and 325k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 614,290

• I needed to pick up more bonuses early on, so I was always looking short of points towards the end. I was forced to try adventurous shots off the side walls, but I missed the catches.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 1,084,760 

• I found a good first shot that time, simply by aiming at the yellow peg. It gave me a big score and set me up well for a total clearance with a seven figure score.

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 42 blue, with only 8 balls - Pro target 575k)

The same design as level 4, but with 5 more red pegs, one less ball, 175k on the pro target and a total clearance now required.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 429,240

• Just three pegs left, although I'd kept the final ball going for about a dozen shots already when I missed a catch.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 402,220

• Just three pegs left again, but I would have needed a big final bonus if I was to achieve a pro score. I'll add a Big Bounce.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 706,230 

• The Big Bounce made the difference. I activated it at about the right time, and it scored well. I went on to take the total clearance with a couple of balls to spare.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	30	98	Reds	10	-	500k	1	728,740	728,740
2	30	129	Reds	10	-	475k	4	601,620	378,197
3	30	80	Reds	8	-	450k	1	520,830	520,830
4	25	72	Reds	9	-	400k	1	566,920	566,920
5	25	85	Reds	9	-	475k	2	560,180	536,065
6	40	80	Reds	8	-	725k	2	788,830	736,685
7	30	129	All	10	-	650k	3	898,800	797,693
8	40	85	625k	9	-	600k	1	645,170	645,170
9	30	98	Reds	7	-	825k	2	1,084,760	849,525
10	30	72	All	8	-	575k	3	706,230	512,563

Board 147: Dalmatian Station

This picture is of a fire engine in a fire station, but the firemen are anthropomorphic dalmatian dogs.

Level 1 (Clear 30 red pegs from 107 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 450k)

The first design uses lines from the picture, particularly the detail of the fire engine, but also the pole and other lines on the wall and floor are covered by lines and round pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 260,530

• Some awkward angles here. I was struggling for both bonuses and catches.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 625,990 

• I got a bit more luck that time, both with the catches and bonuses. It's quite a tricky arrangement and will definitely need a laser ball next time around.

Level 2 (Clear 30 red pegs from 102 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 425k)

The second design mimics two ladders, one above the other. Each has a line of round pegs beneath it.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 272,300

• Another awkward set of angles. Just like the first attempt at the first level, I was well short of points and had five or six red pegs left at the end.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 354,600

• A better score, but 10 red pegs left at the end. I'll give it one more go.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 684,830 

• I got a lot more luck that time, particularly in the positioning of the red pegs. Nearly all of them were in the upper ladder which is much easier to get to, and it also allows for easier bonuses. As a result I cleared the red pegs quite easily, and had balls left over to build a bigger score.

Level 3 (Clear 30 red pegs from 95 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 450k)

The third design looks like a fire service rosette. It's a circle with a few round pegs inside, four flaps of ribbon around the sides, and some diamond-shaped pegs to either side.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 306,340

• I will give this one more try, although I feel I was actually quite lucky to get as close as I did without power ups. I suspect the next attempt will be a fair bit further away.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 527,210 

• It didn't fell like I got much luckier this time than last, but I think perhaps, the red pegs were slightly better situated this time. However it happened, I managed to clear the red pegs and hit the pro target without any power ups.

Level 4 (Clear 30 red pegs from 76 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 450k)

The fourth design features a snaking hose with a high pressure nozzle on the end. A scattering of loose round pegs lies beneath it.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 445,220

• I finished before I was ready. The last two red pegs both got taken out off a purple peg when I still had a couple of balls in hand. Annoying to then only get a 10k final bucket and finish 5k short of the pro target.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 460,720

• I surpassed the pro score that time, but still had four red pegs let at the end.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 370,000

• Three red pegs left at the end, and 80k short of the target. I'm loathe to resort to power ups after being so close on the first attempt, but I might have to shortly.

Attempt #4 - No power ups. Score: 572,810 

• It was worth persevering. I got it that time, although it was touch and go as to whether I was going to be able to negotiate a path through to the final red peg with my last ball. I tried it a couple of ways, but eventually cleared a path that enabled me to get it off the side wall.

Level 5 (Clear 30 red pegs from 134 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 400k)

The fifth design is a close up of the front of the fire engine, showing its windows, lights and grille.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 101,340

• About seven red pegs left and I was lucky to get that close. Bonuses were almost impossible to find. There seems little point tackling this again without power ups, so I'll use a laser ball. That ought to be enough, as long as I can get to the yellow peg.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 824,560 

• Not too bad with the laser ball. I got the yellow peg with my second ball, although both my first two balls took out an annoyingly large number of pegs, leaving less than I'd hoped for for the laser ball. It didn't matter though as I had plenty of balls left and the catches came much easier with half the pegs gone.

Level 6 (Clear 45 red pegs from 107 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 600k)

The same design as level 1, with 15 more red pegs, one less ball, and 150k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 498,720

• About 100k short of the pro target and four red pegs left. I didn't get much luck though.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 661,270 

• It wasn't easy. I had to keep the final ball going for quite a few shots to mop up the last few red pegs and earn enough points for a pro score.

Level 7 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 51 blue, with only 9 balls - Pro target 700k)

The same design as level 4, but with 5 fewer red pegs, 250k on the pro target, and a total clearance now required.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 704,060 

• I just squeaked home by less than 5k points and no balls to spare. It was touch and go all the way, although it would have been a lot easier had the yellow peg not been so difficult to get to.

Level 8 (Score 500k with 40 red pegs and 55 blue, with only 9 balls - Pro target 600k)

The same design as level 3, but with 10 more red pegs, one more ball, 150k on the pro target, and just a score to go for.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 547,920

• I was just one peg short of a total clearance, so probably just one catch away from a pro score. Annoying.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 801,120 

• I got interrupted by a phone call part way into this one, but I managed to edit the long period of inactivity out of the video. I managed to take the total clearance this time, quite comfortably, for a score well over the pro target.

Level 9 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 72 blue, with only 8 balls - Pro target 700k)

The same design as level 2, but with 275k on the pro target and all pegs now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 789,050 

• It was a close run thing all the way through, and I got a bit lucky with the last ball. I missed the catch of the penultimate peg, but caught the rim of the bucket, deflected off the side wall, and back onto the final peg to finish.

Level 10 (Clear 45 red pegs from 134 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 800k)

The same design as level 5, but with 15 more red pegs, one more ball, and 400k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 801,400 

• I didn't find this one too bad. I missed a few careless catches towards the end which meant I only just crept over the line for a pro score, but once the majority of the pegs were out of the way with the laser ball, catches then became quite straightforward. I didn't get a rim bounce with the laser ball which hampered my score quite a lot as well.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	30	107	Reds	9	-	450k	2	625,990	443,260
2	30	102	Reds	8	-	425k	3	684,830	437,243
3	30	95	Reds	8	-	450k	2	527,210	416,775
4	30	76	Reds	9	-	450k	4	572,810	462,187
5	30	134	Reds	8	-	400k	2	824,560	462,950
6	45	107	Reds	8	-	600k	2	661,270	579,995
7	25	76	All	9	-	700k	1	704,060	704,060
8	40	95	500k	9	-	600k	2	801,120	674,520
9	30	102	All	8	-	700k	1	789,050	789,050
10	45	134	Reds	9	-	800k	1	801,400	801,400

Board 146: Qilin Grove

This picture shows a large statue of a Chinese qilin in a dense wood. A couple of glowing green pendants hang from the trees nearby. A qilin is a Chinese mythological creature, similar to a chimera. Although perhaps if the artist had done a little more research they would have discovered that a qilin is a hooved creature, and not a clawed one!

Level 1 (Clear 25 red pegs from 100 total - Pro target 425k)

The first design follows some of the lines in the picture. It uses the tree trunks and some curves from the Qilin statue itself. There are also some round pegs at ground level and in the tree canopy, plus diamond-shaped pegs over the statue's claws and horns.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 416,850

• I had quite a few red pegs left at the end. I found judging catches really quite tricky on this layout. I'll give it another go.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 282,960

• I was struggling for points this time, but got down to the final red peg. Catches were still an issue though, although I did get a few more.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 354,800

• A slight improvement on the score and only one red peg left, so I'm getting closer.

Attempt #4 - No power ups. Score: 254,050

• I'm getting no better at catches on this level. Two red pegs left that time and well short of the pro target. I'll give it one more try before I turn to the laser ball.

Attempt #5 - No power ups. Score: 504,220 

• I finally just about managed to struggle my way to a red peg clearance and pro score. I left a low central red peg until last that I managed to get into the 100k bucket off.

Level 2 (Clear 30 red pegs from 78 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 475k)

The second design features a series of four curves, like the ones on the chest of the statue. There is a cascade of diamond-shaped pegs below it, and some round pegs below that. There is also a line of round pegs at the top.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 226,980

• Another struggle for catches and bonuses. I had three red pegs left at the end and quite a few points still required.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 290,960

• Three red pegs left again. Slightly closer to the pro target, but I still felt a long way away. I'll give it one more go.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 277,840

• No, I'm getting nowhere with this one. The catches are not getting any easier. I picked up one or two lucky bonuses that time, but I still had ten red pegs left at the end.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 834,020 

• I took a total clearance with the laser ball. I did get quite a lot more luck as well.

Level 3 (Clear 30 red pegs from 108 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 475k)

The third design comprises entirely round pegs. They are laid out in wavy rows with a void around the Qilin statue itself.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 302,620

• These bagatelle levels are always a bit of a lottery. You need a bit of luck with catches in the early part of the game. I had three red pegs left at the end, but was short of points as well.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 406,600

• A better effort. Just two red pegs left and a much closer score. Worth another try.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 254,380

• Four red pegs left that time, and a poor score. I'll use another laser ball.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 652,350 

• Even with the laser ball, I was struggling to clear the red pegs. I made the pro target easily enough though - the laser ball certainly helped with that.

Level 4 (Clear 25 red pegs from 94 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 500k)

The fourth design is a close up of the three horns on the statue's head, and its furrowed brow. A zigzag line of round pegs runs along the bottom, and a vertical line of rectangular pegs runs up each side wall.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 128,330

• This one is harder than it looks. The red pegs weren't very favourably placed, but I still had about six red pegs left at the end, and a very low score indeed.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 273,400

• An improvement. Only two or three red pegs left at the end and double the previous score. Still a long way to go, but it's worth another try.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 576,080 

• With a little more luck and a little more skill, I managed to negotiate my way to a pro score.

Level 5 (Clear 25 red pegs from 97 total - Pro target 550k)

The fifth design features the two pendants that are hanging from the trees. There are two similar designs, each featuring a pair of concentric circles with diamond-shaped pegs radiating out in another circle, and a vertical line above representing the chain, vine, etc. that suspends it. A line of round pegs runs along the bottom.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 425,030

• Not a bad effort for a first attempt. I still had about four red pegs left, but I made quite a lot of catches, and the score wasn't bad.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 303,160

• Not quite as good as the last one, but I do feel like I'm starting to get the hang of the angles a bit better.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 831,730 

• A little bit more luck, and the acquired knowledge of the last two attempts helped me to get a pro score here. The angles are OK once you get to know them. I got down to the last red with about seven balls still in hand, so I could spend a lot of time picking off purple pegs. As it was, I finished prematurely with a few balls left over.

Level 6 (Clear 40 red pegs from 100 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 650k)

The same design as level 1, but with 15 more red pegs, one less ball, and 225k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 633,740

• Just one red peg left and only 17k short of the pro target, so really just one catch away.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 810,030 

• I got there quite easily this time. I missed out on a total clearance by just one peg.

Level 7 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 53 blue - Pro target 650k)

The same design as level 2, but with 5 fewer red pegs, one more ball, 175k on the pro target and a total clearance now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 543,720

• Eight pegs left at the end, and just over 100k short of the pro target. I didn't get much luck in the early part of the game, though. It took me an age to get to the yellow peg.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 743,110 

• I got the yellow peg with the first ball, and I'm sure that made a difference. I completed the total clearance, and although I didn't have balls to spare, it still felt fairly comfortable.

Level 8 (Clear 40 red pegs from 97 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 750k)

The same design as level 5, but with 15 more red pegs, one less ball, and 200k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 766,720 

• I found this one quite easy with the laser ball. I couldn't get through to the yellow peg for ages, but I still scored well with the laser ball when I activated it. I didn't have many balls left after that, but the catches then became much easier, so I could eke them out for long enough to clear all the red pegs and earn enough bonuses to get to the pro target.

Level 9 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 83 blue - Pro target 600k)

The same design as level 3, but with 5 fewer red pegs, two more balls, 125k on the pro target and a total clearance now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 577,550

• Three pegs left, and only 25k or so short of a pro score. Pretty close, and not bad for a first attempt.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 831,650

• Five pegs left that time. A shame, because, thanks to two or three lucky shots, I had loads of points. But I didn't get the ricochets when I needed them, and I think it's clearing all the pegs here that's the tricky part, rather tham scoring the points.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 780,640

• Three pegs left again. Just a few too many narrow misses in the last few balls ruined what had been looking quite promising at one stage.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 591,380

• I debated whether to take the last ball off the side wall or not. I still needed about 85k, so the 25k for coming off the side wall would help, but I had to weigh that off against the possibility of deflecting directly into the 100k bucket. I went for the latter, but the angle wasn't quite there. I should have realised that and changed the plan, but I carried on regardless, missed the centre bucket, and only earned 60k for the final bonus. It wasn't quite enough for pro.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball. Score: 874,880 

• No problem that time. I took more early catches so I had plenty of balls left in the endgame and that makes such a huge difference.

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 69 blue, with only 9 balls - Pro target 775k)

The same design as level 4, but with one more ball, 275k on the pro target and all pegs now required.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 938,990 

• I find these levels with vertical columns down the sides quite easy as they tend to lots of opportunities to play the ball off the side wall first, then the top of the peg to take a catch in the opposite corner. And so it proved here, as I played quite a few of them.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	25	100	Reds	10	-	425k	5	504,220	362,576
2	30	78	Reds	9	-	475k	4	834,020	407,450
3	30	108	Reds	8	-	475k	4	652,350	403,987
4	25	94	Reds	8	-	500k	3	576,080	325,936
5	25	97	Reds	10	-	550k	3	831,730	519,973
6	40	100	Reds	9	-	650k	2	810,030	721,885
7	25	78	All	10	-	650k	2	743,110	643,415
8	40	97	Reds	9	-	750k	1	766,720	766,720
9	25	108	All	10	-	600k	5	874,880	731,220
10	25	94	All	9	-	775k	1	938,990	938,990

Board 145: Whirlpool Totem

This picture shows a huge stone totem statue standing at the heart of a raging whirlpool, just off the coast. Numerous gulls can be seen flying around inside the circle of whirling water.

Level 1 (Clear 30 red pegs from 117 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 500k)

The first design looks like a whirling turbine. There is a six-bladed fan in the centre, with each blade having a large curling curve outside of it. A double curve of round pegs lies outside that to the left and right.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 335,420

• I struggled to break through to some of the red pegs. Plus, I was some way short of the pro target as well.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 604,960 

• I rode my luck outrageously in that game. There were several shots that I misjudged completely only to see them ricochet around and finish in the bucket anyway. Not that I'm complaining mind you.

Level 2 (Clear 30 red pegs from 93 total - Pro target 500k)

The second design shows five basic V-shaped line drawings of seagulls amidst a scattering of round pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 328,770

• I still had four red pegs left at the end. Despite having cleared most of the pegs, I was still struggling to find reliable catches at the end due to all the awkward angles.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 519,430 

• I was probably a little more fortunate with my catches the second time around. I managed to keep a few balls back for the endgame, and that helped a lot.

Level 3 (Clear 25 red pegs from 96 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 525k)

The third design alternates solid lines with rows of round pegs, up the side of the wall of water in the picture. There are no pegs over the totem in the centre.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 251,180

• Six red pegs left at the end and not even halfway to the pro target.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 400,110

• Only two red pegs left that time, and a better score. It's worth one more try.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 546,140 

• That one extra attempt did the trick. I managed to hang on to my balls a little better. I took a few more catches and got through the red pegs.

Level 4 (Clear 25 red pegs from 111 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 450k)

The fourth design is an approximate rectangle made up of water droplets - a mixture of round and teardrop-shaped, plus a fair few single round pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 566,830 

• Not too much trouble with this one. I had a few balls left towards the end to be able to go for some purple pegs.

Level 5 (Clear 25 red pegs from 141 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 550k)

The fifth design features five eccentric rings of varying sizes. The largest ring is too large for the screen and disappears off the top. There are a total of 20 round pegs in between the rings.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 448,970

• I don't think I'll bother trying this one again without power ups. The laser ball should make short work of this sort of level, so I'll go straight for that.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 885,140 

• It wasn't too hard with the laser ball. Once I'd got to the yellow peg, the laser ball scored well, and could pick off the red pegs that remained.

Level 6 (Clear 40 red pegs from 96 total, with only 7 balls - Pro target 700k)

The same design as level 3, but with 15 more red pegs, two fewer balls and 175k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 826,770 

• The pro target wasn't too hard to reach with the laser ball, but I had to tread carefully to make sure I took out all the red pegs.

Level 7 (Clear 45 red pegs from 93 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 700k)

The same design as level 2, but with 15 more red pegs, two fewer balls and 200k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 491,500

• Four red pegs left, and just over 200k short of the pro target.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 513,250

• A slight improvement on the score, but about 8 or 9 red pegs left at the end.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 765,340

• Plenty of points and just one red peg missed, so pretty close this time.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 433,120

• Not a very good attempt. Lots of red pegs left at the end and well short of the pro target.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball. Score: 767,880 

• A few lucky bonuses helped me to get to the pro score. A few good catches and some lucky ricochets helped clear the red pegs.

Level 8 (Score 700k with 35 red pegs and 106 blue, with only 9 balls - Pro target 850k)

The same design as level 5, but with 10 more red pegs, 300k on the pro target and just a score as a target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 481,450

• I did very badly with the laser ball. I've a long way to go.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball & Grenade Ball. Score: 897,290 

• I didn't quite manage a total clearance, but I was only a couple of pegs short. I managed to edge my way to a pro score with lots of catches in the endgame.

Level 9 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 86 blue - Pro target 725k)

The same design as level 4, but with one more ball, 275k on the pro target and a total clearance now required.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 665,830

• My catching in that one, particularly in the endgame, was just diabolical.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 1,080,590 

• My catching was much improved that time. I got the pro target easily and had a ball or two to soare at the end.

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 92 blue, with only 9 balls - Pro target 650k)

The same design as level 1, but with 5 fewer red pegs, 150k on the pro target, and a total clearance now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 1,063,190 

• I had some marvellous ricochets on the way to that total clearance, and some pretty good catchess, too.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	30	117	Reds	9	-	500k	2	604,960	470,190
2	30	93	Reds	10	-	500k	2	519,430	424,100
3	25	96	Reds	9	-	525k	3	546,140	399,143
4	25	111	Reds	9	-	450k	1	566,830	566,830
5	25	141	Reds	9	-	550k	2	885,140	667,055
6	40	96	Reds	7	-	700k	1	826,770	826,770
7	45	93	Reds	8	-	700k	5	767,880	594,218
8	35	141	700k	9	-	850k	2	897,290	689,370
9	25	111	All	10	-	725k	2	1,080,590	873,210
10	25	117	All	9	-	650k	1	1,063,190	1,063,190

Board 1: Misty Falls

This simple picture is of a waterfall cascading into a pool. The waterfall is flanked by vivid green plants and vines.

Level 1 (Clear 25 red pegs from 69 total - Pro target 250k)

The first design is a regular pattern of round pegs set in seven rows. A couple of bamboo poles stick out from each side of the screen.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 467,790 

• I struggled for early catches a bit, so I was low on balls throughout the endgame. Luckily, my catching was on good form and I kept the last few balls going through all the remaining pegs for a total clearance.

Level 2 (Clear 25 red pegs from 75 total - Pro target 350k)

The second design features eight straight lines set at two different angles with a number of round pegs scattered about them.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 691,290 

• I found this an easier total clearance than the previous one. Several of the early balls took extended ricochets and that helped build points and clear pegs. The angles were conducive to catches as well.

Level 3 (Clear 25 red pegs from 82 total - Pro target 400k)

The third design has a large elliptical curve neatly lined up with the shooter with lots of round pegs inside it and a few more beneath.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 682,650 

• Another total clearance. Some good early catches and ricochets early on helped, and of course the huge sweep with the first ball.

Level 4 (Clear 25 red pegs from 90 total - Pro target 200k)

The fourth design features another long curve, but this one is more bowl shaped, and the round pegs are only above it, not below.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 949,520 

• This one has a ridiculously low pro target. I had it with the first shot. I took another total clearance without too much difficulty.

Level 5 (Clear 25 red pegs from 92 total - Pro target 400k)

The fifth design features seven short curves amidst a scattering of round pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 562,650

• I could have finished this one quite easily, but I decided I'd have a go a taking a full house of total clearances. I got up to 93% before running out of balls.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 385,880

• I missed two red pegs that time, mainly due to some poor catching. I hope I don't regret turning down an easy clearance in the first attempt.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 542,780 

• I was actually going for a fine cut on the purple peg with my final shot, but I missed it altogether and hit the last red behind it. No total clearance, but not to worry. I could only manage an 89% clearance and was down to two balls, so it wasn't looking likely.

Level 6 (Clear 25 red pegs from 96 total - Pro target 300k)

The sixth design is mainly a regular pattern of round pegs, but there are also some diamond-shaped ones at the top.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 200,320

• Four red pegs missed and 100k below the pro target. These levels are getting harder.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 471,080 

• I hadn't meant to take out the last red peg then as I still had balls in hand, but I'd passed the pro target, so it wasn't a problem.

Level 7 (Clear 25 red pegs from 86 total - Pro target 350k)

The seventh design features two pairs of concentric circles, one top left and the other bottom right. Each pair has a teleport portal in the centre. Between them is a larger circle with some single curved pegs inside. Also inside this circle, at the top, in the receptor portal for the two teleports.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 573,420 

• I wasn't sure if I was going to get there as I messed up a lot of shots, but somehow I managed to muddle through for a victory and a pro score.

Level 8 (Clear 25 red pegs from 88 total - Pro target 300k)

The eighth design is a cascade of round pegs coming down the waterfall, fanning out at the bottom, and then curling up again at the sides.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 559,440 

• Another accidental finish after the pro target had been breached. Not too much of a stretch.

Level 9 (Clear 25 red pegs from 100 total - Pro target 325k)

The ninth design has three circle obstacles that look olike barrel-ends. These are set in a regular pattern of round pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 312,900

• I should have just taken the final red peg direct. I had a shot at it, but I couldn't guarantee a pro score playing it that way. I tried to take it off a barrel, but missed it by a whisker.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 531,860 

• I muddled through somehow again. Not the prettiest or most skilful game I've ever played but they all count.

Level 10 (Clear 25 red pegs from 107 total - Pro target 300k)

The tenth and final design has four vertical posts, and then six bamboo pole ends sticking out from the sides of the picture, three on each side. Above and between the posts are more round pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 250,800

• I got very little luck, and the red pegs seemed particularly awkwardly placed.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 457,960 

• I got it that time with four or five balls to spare, and it could have been more.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	25	69	Reds	10	-	250k	1	467,790	467,790
2	25	75	Reds	10	-	350k	1	691,290	691,290
3	25	82	Reds	10	-	400k	1	682,650	682,650
4	25	90	Reds	10	-	200k	1	949,520	949,520
5	25	92	Reds	10	-	400k	3	562,650	497,103
6	25	96	Reds	10	-	300k	2	471,080	335,700
7	25	86	Reds	10	-	350k	1	573,420	573,420
8	25	88	Reds	10	-	300k	1	559,440	559,440
9	25	100	Reds	10	-	325k	2	531,860	422,380
10	25	107	Reds	10	-	300k	2	457,960	354,380