Board 151: The Reader's Corridor

This picture is a view down a long, straight, narrow corridor flanked by enormous bookshelves. Partway down the corridor is an armchair and a small table with a lamp on. Slightly further down a short ladder leans against the shelves. The far end of the corridor seems to glow brightly with a white light.

Level 1 (Clear 30 red pegs from 82 total - Pro target 450k)

The first layout features parallel horizontal lines over the carpet, diamond-shaped pegs in vertical lines over the bookshelves, and a vertical line of round pegs near each side wall.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 543,470 

• An easy enough starter. Plenty of opportunities to take side wall bonuses.

Level 2 (Clear 30 red pegs from 126 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 475k)

The second layout is of four books on a shelf.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 167,720

• Not a very good effort, although the red pegs could have been better placed.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 391,750

• A better attempt, but still four red pegs left. This might need a power up, but I'll have another go first.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 535,900 

• I was down to my last ball, still with four red pegs left, and no real plan as to how to go about picking them off. Then I misjudged a catch, fluked a ricochet that took out three of the four, landed in the bucket and earned me enough points for pro. Rather fortunate to say the least.

Level 3 (Clear 30 red pegs from 119 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 425k)

The third layout features lines over the uprights within the lower bookshelves, plus a crooked one over the ladder. Also diagonal lines connecting them, following the lines of the shelves themselves, round pegs over the carpet and armchair, a line of round pegs down the right hand side, and alternating round and diamond-shaped pegs along the top.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 507,320

• Just one red peg left, but it was tricky to get to. I was trying to pick off the blue pegs to clear a path when I ran out of catches.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 255,880

• Not so good that time. I still had five red pegs left at the end. I didn't get the catches or the ricochets.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 402,310

• A better score again, but I couldn't quite get through to the last two or three red pegs. I'll give it one more go.

Attempt #4 - No power ups. Score: 374,050

• Five red pegs left and it’s time to break out the laser ball.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball. Score: 593,170 

• Even with the laser ball, it was touch and go at the end.

Level 4 (Clear 25 red pegs from 102 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 450k)

The fourth layout features three open books with a few round pegs as well.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 466,030 

• I just about managed to pass this one at the first attempt. The catches weren't easy to judge.

Level 5 (Clear 30 red pegs from 88 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 450k)

The fifth layout mimics the rays of light coming from the distant bright light at the far end of the corridor. It is a series of radii made up of alternating lines of separated rectangular pegs and round pegs, plus a few diamond shaped pegs around the outside.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 358,660

• Three red pegs left at the end, and a few more points still needed. I'm not sure if I'll get this without power ups, but it's worth another go.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 121,760

• Nowhere near either the score of the clearance that time. I'll add a laser ball.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 280,340

• I tried to send the laser ball the other way to make the most of the thickest density of pegs, but made a mess of it. I never really recovered after that.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 748,770 

• No problems that time. I got the yellow peg with the first shot, then did well with the laser ball. The catches went my way and I picked my way to a total clearance.

Level 6 (Clear 40 red pegs from 126 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 750k)

The same layout as level 2, but with 10 more red pegs, one less ball, and 275k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 589,210

• Two red pegs left, I think. Not far away, but not enough catches.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 1,548,890 

• I could play the yellow peg with the first ball, and then got a good laser ball with a Double Score bonus to boot. After that the catches went well, and I took a total clearance for my second highest score since the blog began. It was only my third score in excess of 1.5m, but Firelight Swamp level 7 still holds the record at 1.665m. This is, however, my highest score to be caught on video.

Level 7 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 94 blue - Pro target 625k)

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

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 698,280

• I had to hang on to the last two or three balls for about thirty shots. I got to within three pegs of victory, but couldn't quite make it all the way.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 574,450

• I thought I had plenty of balls in hand during the endgame to finish this one, but a sudden rash of missed catches right at the end left me two pegs short.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 861,060 

• I managed to keep the catches going this time, and I earned plenty of points in the process.

Level 8 (Clear 40 red pegs from 88 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 625k)

The same layout as level 5, but with 10 more red pegs, and 175k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 573,240

• Not a bad effort considering it took me about eight shots to get through to the yellow peg. I still had three red pegs left at the end.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 524,100

• I'd been down to the last red peg for quite a while, but I needed more points for pro. I only had two blue pegs left when I missed the final catch.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 655,580

• Down to three red pegs again. I could add a Big Bounce, but I want to give it another go first.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 516,320

• Nowhere near that time. Hardly any catches taken. I'll add a Big Bounce.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 242,420

• The yellow peg was difficult to get to, the green peg nigh on impossible. The green peg was at the very bottom of the central vertical line of round pegs, in other words the single hardest peg to get to on the board. I eventually got with the very last ball, so never got a chance to use it.

Attempt #6 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 688,760 

• It still took a few shots to find a path through to the yellow peg, but I did OK with the laser ball, and took the green peg out with it, so I could follow it up straight away with the Big Bounce, which also did OK. I had plenty of balls left for the endgame, and managed to pick my way to the end. I still needed to avoid the dreaded double 10k buckets at the finish, but anything else would do.

Level 9 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 52 blue, with only 8 balls - Pro target 575k)

The same layout as level 1, but with two fewer balls, 125k on the pro target and all pegs now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 765,310 

• I didn't find this one too tricky with the laser ball. The laser ball cleared enough space, to be able to pick off the catches without missing too many. There are not that many pegs to clear and the catches are generally easy to anticipate.

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 72 blue, with only 7 balls - Pro target 700k)

The same layout as level 4, but with 5 more red pegs, one less ball, 250k on the pro target, and a total clearance now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 604,890

• Eight pegs left and 100k short of the pro target. Not too bad for a first attempt. The yellow peg could have been better placed.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 514,950

• That one didn't go well. Only a 79% clearance as the yellow peg was hidden away again, and the catches didn't work.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 298,970

• Even worse that time. Just a 74% clearance and a dreadful score. I'll add a Big Bounce or I could be here all night.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 722,250

• Up to 91% with the Big Bounce as well, and points weren't a problem, but more work still to do.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 428,220

• An 84% clearance, but my laptop was running really slowly, making the game really jerky which was a little off-putting.

Attempt #6 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 904,580 

• I had to keep the final ball in play through the last six pegs, but I held it together for once.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	30	82	Reds	10	-	450k	1	543,470	543,470
2	30	126	Reds	9	-	475k	3	535,900	365,123
3	30	119	Reds	9	-	425k	5	593,170	426,546
4	25	102	Reds	8	-	450k	1	466,030	466,030
5	30	88	Reds	8	-	450k	4	748,770	377,382
6	40	126	Reds	8	-	750k	2	1,548,890	1,069,050
7	25	119	All	10	-	625k	3	861,060	711,263
8	40	88	Reds	8	-	625k	6	688,760	533,403
9	30	82	All	8	-	575k	1	765,310	765,310
10	30	102	All	7	-	700k	6	904,580	578,976

Board 150: Avalanche Ridge

This picture is of a snow-covered cabin on a mountain slope, about to be squashed flat by a vast snowball, and then buried in the avalanche behind it.

Level 1 (Clear 25 red pegs from 85 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 425k)

The first layout is what I call a 'bagatelle' level, comprised entirely of round pegs. These are irregularly scattered across the screen. There is a line the follows the approximate line of the slope, with most of the pegs concentrated to the right of it.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 537,090 

• I was helped by catching both balls of a Split Ball midway through for a big score boost. Otherwise it seemed fairly straightforward.

Level 2 (Clear 30 red pegs from 108 total - Pro target 500k)

The second layout follows the lines of the picture. There is a semi-circle around the front of the snowball, lots of lines like arrows, that trace the curves of the leading trails of snow. There are some curves following the lines of the hillside, and some single pegs on the mountain on the left.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 588,340 

• It was touch and go towards the end, as I tried to accumulate enough points with the final ball before I could take the final red peg. In the end I had to take it and hope to avoid the 10k bucket. I got the 100k bucket so there was no problem there.

Level 3 (Clear 25 red pegs from 112 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 425k)

The third layout shows eight snowflakes made up up round and diamond-shaped pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 161,430

• The red pegs were not favourably placed and I struggled for early bonuses. This may well need a laser ball, but I'm not giving up yet.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 150,520

• No closer. Eight red pegs left and nowhere near the pro target. I'll give it one more go, although I'm probably wasting my time.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 244,120

• Only four red pegs left that time. I was a lot closer, but still a long way away. I'll use a laser ball.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 1,010,310 

• I picked up a Triple Score Bucket bonus with the laser ball, and caught it after a perfect rim bounce for an enormous bonus. It was in the bag already at that point, so it was just a matter of seeing how many pegs I could take out. I only missed a total clearance by two or three pegs, and just crept over the million point mark.

Level 4 (Clear 30 red pegs from 97 total - Pro target 425k)

The fourth layout features three large circles, that appear to follow the course of the snowball. Where it is now, where it's just been and where it's going. The circle in the top corner is only half visible. There are also a number of straight lines running parallel to the direction of travel of the avalanche, and some round pegs between them.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 257,590

• Another potentially tricky one with no obvious routes through to the bucket for early catches.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 195,030

• I think I took one catch this time. All the balls seem to get funnelled into the centre where catches are the least likely. I'll add a laser ball.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 809,860 

• I got luckier with the catches, but then with a lot of the pegs out of the way with the laser ball, the chances of a lucky catch are that much higher.

Level 5 (Clear 30 red pegs from 121 total - Pro target 425k)

The fifth layout is a front view of the chalet. It shows the rectangular outline, the roof and chimney, a central front door, but no windows. There are round pegs scattered over it, and diamond-shaped pegs acting as icicles hanging from the eaves.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 410,240

• The score was coming along, but I still had about half a dozen red pegs left.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 578,850 

• A bit of careful catching in the endgame got me over the line that time. A few lucky catches helped of course.

Level 6 (Clear 40 red pegs from 108 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 750k)

The same layout as level 2, but with 10 more red pegs, one less ball, and 250k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 520,110

• I had five red pegs left at the end, and over 200k short of the pro target. I'll add a laser ball.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 795,060 

• I picked up the yellow peg with the first ball, and then did OK with the laser ball. I had to stretch the game to nearly a total clearance to reach the pro target, but I managed it OK.

Level 7 (Clear 40 red pegs from 112 total, with only 7 balls - Pro target 500k)

The same layout as level 3, but with 15 more red pegs, two fewer balls, and 75k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 530,140

• I should have had that one really. I needed to get rid of a blue peg before I could reliably take a catch off one of the last two red pegs, which I needed to do as I was down to my last ball. But rather than just taking it out, I was waiting for it to turn purple, and playing catches off the purple peg until it did. Needless to say, I eventually missed one and that was it.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 462,470

• Lots of red pegs left that time. My mouse pointer kept moving just as I took my shots making me miss a load of catches.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 772,250 

• A bit easier that time. I could get the yellow peg first time, did well with the laser ball, and picked them off from there.

Level 8 (Score 500k with 40 red pegs and 57 blue - Pro target 700k)

The same layout as level 4, but with 10 more red pegs, 275k on the pro target, and just a score to go for.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 448,400

• I had five pegs left at the end, but the catches weren't difficult and I should have at least cleared them all, even if I then couldn't reach the pro target.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 453,380

• A similar score, but only a 78% clearance. I clearly got better bonuses, but worse catches.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 334,650

• Some poor catching let me down there. I'll add a Big Bounce.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 931,670 

• I daresay the two power ups helped. I took a total clearance to easily pass the pro target.

Level 9 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 55 blue, with only 8 balls - Pro target 550k)

The same layout as level 1, but with 5 more red pegs, one less ball, 125k on the pro target, and a total clearance now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 590,010

• I kept the last few balls going for ages to get through the last twenty or so pegs, then tried to take out the last two pegs together with the last ball, and messed it up. Annoying!

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 528,620

• Three pegs left that time. Another one I should have finished.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 640,700 

• Got it at the third attempt, after being close twice. The only difference really, was that I managed to keep the catches going all the way to the end.

Level 10 (Clear 45 red pegs from 121 total, with only 7 balls - Pro target 650k)

The same layout as level 5, but with 15 more red pegs, three fewer balls, and 225k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 489,270

• It was a brave effort, but the yellow peg was buried right down in the middle of the door, so it took most of my balls just to get to it. I did my best to recover afterwards, but there was just too much left to do with only two balls.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 452,730

• A worse attempt, despite the yellow peg being easier to get to. The pegs I got left with after the laser ball were more awkward.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 486,450

• Another very similar score, and the yellow peg was right on top this time. I'll try adding a Big Bounce, although I suspect it might just get trapped.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 723,260 

• The yellow peg was nicely on top. I took out the green peg with the laser ball, which wasn't ideal. But it scored OK and didn't get trapped too badly. A few decent bonuses scattered about put me in with a chance. Some good catches towards the end and a final 100k bonus bucket got me over the line.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	25	85	Reds	9	-	425k	1	537,090	537,090
2	30	108	Reds	10	-	500k	1	588,340	588,340
3	25	112	Reds	9	-	425k	4	1,010,310	391,595
4	30	97	Reds	10	-	425k	3	809,860	420,826
5	30	121	Reds	10	-	425k	2	578,850	494,545
6	40	108	Reds	9	-	750k	2	795,060	657,585
7	40	112	Reds	7	-	500k	3	772,250	588,286
8	40	97	500k	10	-	700k	4	931,670	542,025
9	30	85	All	8	-	550k	3	640,700	586,443
10	45	121	Reds	7	-	650k	4	723,260	537,927

Board 149: Dino Fleet

This picture is of what appears to be a stone age dwelling with hunting spears and basic cooking pots outside by a primitive fire. Overhead, a flock of pteranodons or pterodactyls, or something similar flies past. I'm not sure what they've been doing for the last 65 million years or so since they were supposed to have died about, though. Maybe they got lost?

Level 1 (Clear 30 red pegs from 83 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 450k)

The first design shows three birds drawn in the classic V-shape design, only these has dinosaur-style spikes on top of the wings. There are also some small patches of round pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 748,500 

• The first level seemed easy enough. I couldn't quite manage a total clearance, but clearing the reds and reaching the pro target weren't a problem.

Level 2 (Clear 30 red pegs from 99 total - Pro target 400k)

The second design follows some of the lines in the picture. It uses the top curves of the cave shelters, the wooden stick constructions, and the main cave doorway. The sky is full of round pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 195,710

• A distinct lack of catches and bonuses meant this one never really stood a chance. With a little better catching at the end, I might have been able to rescue it, but it wasn't to be.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 758,290 

• I could have easily taken a total clearance this time, but I had to wrap it up quickly. I got quite a few lucky catches, particularly towards the start and picked up a number of lucky bonuses as well.

Level 3 (Clear 25 red pegs from 95 total - Pro target 450k)

The third design mimics the wooden sticks tied together over the fire to act as a cooking support. A couple more pairs of lines, one on each side, appear to be there just to balance out the design.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 504,170 

• It looked quite tricky early on, but once the pegs in the top corners were gone, then catches became much easier. I picked up all the catches and bonuses I needed in the endgame.

Level 4 (Clear 25 red pegs from 96 total - Pro target 425k)

The fourth design is of three spears, all at different angles, plus a few round pegs scattered about.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 399,940

• Catches really are quite tricky on this layout. I wasn't far off though.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 658,200 

• Another near total clearance. I got the lucky catches that I was missing in the first attempt.

Level 5 (Clear 25 red pegs from 102 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 400k)

The fifth design is of a handprint made out of round pegs, with a few more round pegs in the palm.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 227,350

• This is a tricky layout - ones comprised entirely of round pegs always are. I'll give it another go, but I expected it will need a laser ball.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 361,790

• I just needed to avoid the 10k buckets at the end, and the last red was quite central, so I thought I had a good chance. But, inevitably, the ball managed to find its way out to the edge of the screen somehow.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 572,840 

• I managed to get it without a laser ball after all. The bonuses and catches worked well. There were some good ricochets as well.

Level 6 (Clear 40 red pegs from 99 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 700k)

The same design as level 2, but with 10 more red pegs, one less ball, and 300k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 333,810

• I got nowhere near it without power ups. I'll add a laser ball.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 892,710 

• I could get to the yellow peg with the first shot, so that undoubtedly helped. I didn't have any problems and easily took a total clearance with balls and points to spare.

Level 7 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 58 blue, with only 9 balls - Pro target 650k)

The same design as level 1, but with 5 fewer red pegs, 200k on the pro target, and a total clearance now required.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 226,390

• The reds felt very awkwardly positioned and my catches didn't work well. Trying it without power ups might be a little hopeful, but level 1 was easy enough, and I didn't miss a total clearance by much. I'll give it another go.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 272,260

• Not much of an improvement. I guess I'd better add a laser ball.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 822,480 

• No problem with the laser ball. I got the yellow peg with the first shot, and never looked in trouble thereafter.

Level 8 (Clear 45 red pegs from 96 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 575k)

The same design as level 4, but with 20 more red pegs, two fewer balls, and 150k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 855,790 

• I struggled with this layout first time around, so I didn't bother trying without power ups. I went straight for the laser ball, and I was probably a good decision. I didn't quite get the total clearance, but that didn't matter as I easily passed the pro target.

Level 9 (Clear ALL pegs - 35 red and 60 blue, with only 9 balls - Pro target 625k)

The same design as level 3, but with 10 more red pegs, one less ball, 175k on the pro target, and a total clearance now required.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 224,790

• I only managed a 73% clearance, but there was really only one awkward peg left. I missed the catch trying to take it out. So not as far away as it might seem.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 192,520

• I was up to an 87% clearance that time, but my score was nowhere near enough. I'll add a laser ball.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 450,270

• A better effort with the laser ball, but still some way short of both clearing the pegs and reaching the pro target.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 299,740

• A dreadful attempt. Nowhere near it as I hardly got a single catch.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball. Score: 713,500 

• I got it that time, although with no balls in hand and needing the final bonus to get over the pro target. I think my laser ball path was better that time. It didn't score as much, but it removed more awkward pegs, so the catches in the endgame were a lot easier, and I could stretch the last few balls out for a long time.

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 72 blue - Pro target 650k)

The same design as level 5, but with 5 more red pegs, one more ball, 250k on the pro target, and all the pegs now needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 363,760

• Only an 83% clearance. This feels tough, even with the laser ball. I think I'll add a Big Bounce into the mix.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 623,100

• Three pegs left, and I really should have had that one. But a run of missed catches right at the end threw it away.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 633,960

• Just one peg left that time, and again I really should have finished it off. I probably didn't need to play the penultimate peg off the side wall, but I didit anyway and missed the catch.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 582,510

• Three pegs left again. I keep running out of catches just a shot or two from the end.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 698,030 

• Finally got it at the fifth attempt. I got a few extra fortunate catches and ricochets. The yellow peg was easy to take with the first shot. I managed to keep more balls back for the endgame, and that made life a lot easier.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	30	83	Reds	9	-	450k	1	748,500	748,500
2	30	99	Reds	10	-	400k	2	758,290	477,000
3	25	95	Reds	10	-	450k	1	504,170	504,170
4	25	96	Reds	10	-	425k	2	658,200	529,070
5	25	102	Reds	9	-	400k	3	572,840	387,326
6	40	99	Reds	9	-	700k	2	892,710	613,260
7	25	83	All	9	-	650k	3	822,480	440,376
8	45	96	Reds	8	-	575k	1	855,790	855,790
9	35	95	All	9	-	625k	5	713,500	376,164
10	30	102	All	10	-	650k	5	698,030	580,272