Board 18: Lunar Horizon

This picture shows a simple moonscape, with the planet Earth visible, large in the night sky.

Level 1 (Clear 25 red pegs from 101 total - Pro target 400k)

The first design features solid lines that follow the skyline, with a few little curves implying craters on the moon's surface. A solid circle surrounds the Earth in the sky, and a ring of round pegs inside it rotates. There is also a scattering of single round pegs in the sky.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 426,040 

• Not the greatest of efforts. I missed quite a few catches, and didn't get many bonuses, but I did enough to get through what was a fairly easy level, and scrape a pro score.

Level 2 (Clear 25 red pegs from 100 total - Pro target 375k)

The second design features two large stars made up of a mixture of diamond-shaped pegs and round ones, plus three small stars, made up of just five diamond-shaped pegs. A tight line of round pegs runs across the bottom of the screen.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 292,730

• Two red pegs left. All those diamond-shaped pegs make for some unpredictable ricochets. Not an easy level, but worth another go.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 287,710

• Four red pegs left that time, but I didn't feel like I had much luck there. This certainly feels like it ought to be quite possibly without power ups.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 159,940

• My luck seems to be getting worse. The red peg placement was dreadful that time, with no obvious red pegs near the side walls for bonus scores. I did my best, but I had to clear so many blue pegs just to get to the red ones that I never really stood a chance.

Attempt #4 - No power ups. Score: 445,880 

• Got it that time. I knew it would go eventually. Just a little bit more luck was needed. A better red peg arrangement and some better catching and ricochets.

Level 3 (Clear 25 red pegs from 97 total - Pro target 450k)

The third design shows two flying saucers in the sky which act as obstacles. A large ellipse of vaguely rectangular pegs surrounds each one, and a liberal spreading of single round pegs occupies the rest of the screen.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 446,460

• On target for a pro score, but one red peg left, awkwardly placed under the right hand saucer.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 276,160

• I didn't get any decent sweep shots around the curves, so I was always struggling for points. Just one red peg left, but nowhere near a pro score.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 352,780

• Not bad, but still a way from clearing the red pegs. I think I'll add a Big Bounce as they can be quite good a clearing low pegs under obstructions.

Attempt #4 - Big Bounce. Score: 530,200 

• I got a couple of reasonable sweeps during the game, and the Big Bounce was quite effective. I also made quite a few good catches in the endgame to clear a path through to the last couple of red pegs in the bottom right hand corner.

Level 4 (Clear 25 red pegs from 90 total - Pro target 425k)

The fourth design shows five small circles, each with a trail of round and diamond-shaped pegs behind it, like small meteorites plunging towards the surface.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 253,240

• Just one red peg left, but I was short on points. I needed more bonuses, but they just weren't available.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 344,700

• I only had two balls left but I knew I had to try and clear a path to the last red peg somehow. But by doing that, I knew there was a good chance I would ricochet into the red peg, and I was still quite a long way from the pro target. I did try to clear the blue pegs, but did indeed hit the red peg as well. Unfortunately I then fell into the 10k bucket, when a 100k final bonus would have just about got me home.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 326,290

• Three red pegs left that time, but I got very little luck. I'll give it another try.

Attempt #4 - No power ups. Score: 298,250

• I'm still not getting any luck with this one. Looking at it, it's hard to believe that it could be that difficult. I've wasted enough lives on it though. I'll use a laser ball.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball. Score: 414,260

• The yellow peg was nigh on impossible to get to, way down in the bottom left hand corner. I was down to two balls when I eventually got it, and there was just too much left to do.

Attempt #6 - Laser Ball. Score: 480,560 

• The yellow peg was, if anything, in an even worse position that last time. I had hardly any balls left by the time I got to it. I did OK with the laser ball, though, and I did OK with catches in the endgame and made it to the pro target.

Level 5 (Clear 25 red pegs from 98 total - Pro target 300k)

The fifth design is made up entirely of single round pegs, scattered around 8 teleport portals which all lead to a receiver low down on the right.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 179,860

• Having such a low teleport receiver is a bit of a nightmare. As soon as a ball enters any portal it essentially disappears off the bottom of the screen. I only had two red pegs left, but I was low on points.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 292,590

• I just needed to avoid a 10k bucket at the end, and I thought I had a good chance of doing so, but the ball managed to find its way into one to leave me about 8k short.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 263,430

• Again, I completed the red pegs, and again, if I'd avoided the 10k bucket at the end, I'd have had a pro score. Depressing!

Attempt #4 - No power ups. Score: 141,380

• This one never looked likely. I didn't pick up any lucky catches, and the red pegs were very awkwardly placed.

Attempt #5 - Big Bounce. Score: 108,700

• I tried adding a Big Bounce but it didn't help much. I think I triggered it too early. Next time, I'll see if I can leave it for a bit.

Attempt #6 - Big Bounce. Score: 276,630

• For a third time, I took out all the red pegs, needed to avoid the 10k bucket for a pro score and couldn't.

Attempt #7 - Big Bounce. Score: 343,880 

• Finally! A few timely bonuses made the difference here. I'm not sure the Big Bounce made any noticeable difference, and I noticed that when a 10k final bucket would have been enough, this time I successfully avoided it and got a 50k instead. Typical!

Level 6 (Clear 35 red pegs from 97 total - Pro target 625k)

The same design as level 3, but with 10 more red pegs, and 175k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Big Bounce. Score: 743,860 

• The Big Bounce worked quite well for once, and I got one or two decent ricochets at opportune moments. I lucky ricochet and a few lucky catches at the end allowed me to get a total clearance. I had to wait for an age near the end for the right one of the remaining three blue pegs to turn purple.

Level 7 (Clear 35 red pegs from 98 total - Pro target 425k)

The same design as level 5, but with 10 more red pegs, and 125k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 495,250

• I opted for a Laser Ball this time in the hope that there might be a viable path amongst all those teleports. Actually, it turns out that my standard path works pretty well. It's still a tricky job to finish from there, though, so I think I'll add a Big Bounce as well.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 614,200

• I wasted an excellent opportunity completely there. I had two red pegs left and two balls. I tried to play one of the reds thin for a catch with my second last shot, and missed it entirely. I then tried to play the other red peg thin with my last ball and did exactly the same thing!

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 701,080 

• I triggered the Big Bounce before the Laser Ball, which is usually disastrous, but this time the Big Bounce actually worked really well, taking out 41 pegs. The Laser Ball didn't do too badly after that, despite the relative lack of pegs to go for. There were a few more catches to be had after that, though, enough to see me through to a total clearance.

Level 8 (Score 350k with 25 red pegs and 76 blue - Pro target 575k)

The same design as level 1, but with 175k on the pro target and just a score to aim for.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 251,200

• The red pegs weren't in friendly positions by in large, and I struggled to pick up any catches.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 234,580

• Quite a similar attempt to the previous one. Again, I was a long way short of points. I think that's going to continue to be the case unless I add a Laser Ball, so I'd better do that now.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 488,150

• Just one red peg left at the end, which I could have taken, but I needed a few more points first. Then I missed a catch.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 420,870

• Again, one red peg left, but again I couldn't take it until I'd built up some more points.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 738,540 

• The extra power up may have done the trick as both power ups worked pretty well. They got me all the way to a total clearance and a comfortable pro score.

Level 9 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 65 blue - Pro target 575k)

The same design as level 4, but with 150k on the pro target, and a total clearance needed.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 786,720 

• The yellow peg was nicely in the open for an easy first shot. Then the laser ball worked particularly well. It was just a matter of making enough catches after that to get through to end, which I managed comfortably.

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 75 blue - Pro target 525k)

The same design as level 2, but with 150k on the pro target and a total clearance now required.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 318,240

• My standard path for the laser ball clearly doesn't work well with this layout. Next time I might try the same line, but shooting right instead of left. That looks a better bet.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 599,220

• A better effort, but I had too much to do in the endgame. I got the clearance up to 90%, but 100% never looked likely. I think I'll add a Big Bounce for next time.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 796,180 

• I found a much better path for the Laser Ball that time, and the Big Bounce did OK. My catching could have been better at times, but it was just about good enough to get me through to the end.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	25	101	Reds	10	-	400k	1	426,040	426,040
2	25	100	Reds	10	-	375k	4	445,880	296,565
3	25	97	Reds	10	-	450k	4	530,200	401,400
4	25	90	Reds	10	-	425k	6	480,560	352,883
5	25	98	Reds	10	-	300k	7	343,880	229,495
6	35	97	Reds	10	-	625k	1	743,860	743,860
7	35	98	Reds	10	-	425k	3	701,080	603,510
8	25	101	350k	10	-	575k	5	738,540	426,668
9	25	90	All	10	-	575k	1	786,720	786,720
10	25	100	All	10	-	525k	3	796,180	571,213

Board 128: Thunder Alley

This picture shows a landscape of green windswept rolling hills under a stormy sky. A windmill stands in the distance.

Level 1 (Clear 30 red pegs from 95 total - Pro target 425k)

The first design features two rows of short curves at the bottom, like plants bending in the wind. There's also a random scattering of round pegs across the sky and some more round pegs in a couple of rows beneath the curves.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 500,700

• Not enough early catches left we with three awkward red pegs well covered by blue ones and only one ball left. I picked off some outlying blue pegs for a while, but getting enough of them to allow me to get at the remaining red ones never looked likely.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 674,870 

• I had a bit better luck that time, and picked up two or three early catches and a few better ricochets which all made a difference. It meant I had more balls and less pegs left ini the endgame. I probably should have had a total clearance, but misjudged the angle off the penultimate blue peg and took out the last red one shot too early.

Level 2 (Clear 25 red pegs from 100 total - Pro target 450k)

The second design features three long curves, each with a couple of smaller curves branching off, looking like plants bending in the wind again. There are some single round pegs in three rough rows at the bottom, and three wavy curves at the top representing the wind or clouds or maybe detritus being blown through the air.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 591,770

• I was scoring well, but I thought my last shot was guaranteed to rebound into the last red peg, but it didn't and I didn't manage to catch it either.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 321,290

• A lower score and four red pegs left that time. I'll give it one more go.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 362,590

• I got all the reds, but I was struggling for points. I'll use a laser ball to finish it off.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 943,350 

• I surely could have got a total clearance if I'd needed one as I still had stacks of balls left at the end, but the last red peg was right in the middle of the screen and trying to pick off the blue pegs without hitting it was proving tricky. I got the yellow peg with the first ball, did well with the laser ball, and never looked back.

Level 3 (Clear 25 red pegs from 108 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 450k)

The third design follows some of the lines in the picture. It uses the plants on the righr, the outline of the hills on the left, and the clouds in the sky.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 292,450

• Not a very good effort. I still had quite a few red pegs left at the end. I'll give it another go, but if I don't see a substantial improvement, I'll be using a laser ball afterwards.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 412,380

• I wasn't far off a pro score, and I still had some good opportunities for catches left, but there was one blue peg in the way. I had an opportunity to clear it, so I went for it but misjudged the catch and took out the last red peg off a ricochet. A 100k final bonus would still have saved me, but I only managed a 50k. I think I will use a laser ball next.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 764,150 

• I got to the yellow peg on my second shot. The rim bounce with the laser ball wasn't great, but I managed to clear the reds for a score well over the pro target.

Level 4 (Clear 30 red pegs from 111 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 400k)

The fourth design is a representation of the windmill in the far distance, so it features lots of rectangular blocks set at 45°.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 387,490

• I should have had that. One red peg left, but I was struggling for points. I kept the last ball going for quite a few shots, and got to within 20k of the pro target. I wanted one more purple peg though, to make absolutely sure. I waited for the right peg to turn purple then played what should have been a straightforward catch, but it went right into the corner and just caught the rim of the bucket.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 334,100

• Two pegs left that time, and fewer points. I'll give it another go though.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 586,650 

• I got the hang of the angles that time. I cleared all the pegs on the left-hand side first to stop them getting in the way, then I played lots of single peg catches into the bottom left-hand corner. With so many 45° angles about, they weren't hard to find.

Level 5 (Clear 25 red pegs from 75 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 425k)

The fifth design consists of three jagged lines, like forks of lightning, and a sprinkling of diamond shaped pegs in between. The pegs are all quite high which could make catching a little awkward.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 586,480 

• Points were very slow to come at the start. But I got a few good early ricochets, and once the pegs started to clear away a bit, the catches started to become easier to pick out. I managed to string the last few balls out all the way to a total clearance.

Level 6 (Clear 40 red pegs from 95 total, with only 7 balls - Pro target 675k)

The same design as level 1, but with 10 more red pegs, three less balls and 250k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 377,810

• Seven balls just isn't enough to clear all those red pegs without any power ups to help. I'll need a laser ball.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 571,090

• A much better effort. I got the yellow peg with the first ball, and did prettty well with the laser ball, but my catching let me down a bit in the endgame. Just one red peg left at the end and only about 100k short of the pro target.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 326,870

• I got very little luck that time. I got the yellow peg first ball again, but the laser ball was hit by the dreaded Big Bucket, so I couldn't get any rim bounce with it. I just couldn't seem to get any catches or ricochets after that. The ball just kept finding the gaps.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 533,140

• I was going OK then, but two attempted catches that went right into the corner in quick succession did for me.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball. Score: 407,050

• Another attempt devoid of luck. The yellow peg went second ball, but yet again, the laser was sabotaged by the Big Bucket, and then the catches and ricochets just wouldn't come. I'll give it one more go before I start thinking about using a second power up.

Attempt #6 - Laser Ball. Score: 793,400 

• That one worked a lot better. I got the yellow peg straight away and did quite well with the laser ball. It triggered the Split Ball which earned me some extra points. I made some decent catches after that and had one or two telling ricochets. I made a total clearance in the end.

Level 7 (Score 525k with 35 red pegs and 73 blue, with only 7 balls - Pro target 875k)

The same design as level 3, but with 10 more red pegs, two less balls, 425k on the pro target, and just a score to go for.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 693,730

• I managed the basic target score, but it's quite a big step from there to the pro target. I was going for a total clearance, but failed at 93%.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 1,032,240 

• A mixture of some good catching and some useful bonuses got me a total clearance and a seven figure score for pro.

Level 8 (Clear 45 red pegs from 111 total, with only 7 balls - Pro target 750k)

The same design as level 4, but with 15 more red pegs, one less ball, and 350k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 369,090

• Not the best of attempts. I cleared one side out of pegs, but I missed too many catches working on the other side.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 260,930

• Nowhere near again. I'd better use a laser ball. Probably a bit over-ambitious to attempt it without. Especially twice.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 1,044,440 

• Another total clearance and another seven figure score. The yellow peg wasn't too hard to reach and I did pretty well with the laser ball. I needed to make a lot of catches after that, but once the bulk of the pegs are out of the way, catches are not too difficult.

Level 9 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 75 blue, with only 8 balls - Pro target 675k)

The same design as level 2, but with two less balls, 225k on the pro target and a complete clearance necessary.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 650,710

• Only an 89% clearance, but the signs are promising. I was denied a rim bounce with the laser ball by another Jumbo Bucket. I do seem to be getting a lot of them at the moment.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 619,290

• Up to 93% clearance that time, but then I got a decent rim bounce with the laser ball this time.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 574,930

• Only 88% clearance. My catching let me down this time. The yellow peg went quickly and the laser ball worked well, but I was unable to make the catches I needed to finish it off.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 1,044,740 

• My catching was better that time so I managed to get to the end without running out of balls.

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 25 red and 50 blue, with only 8 balls - Pro target 625k)

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

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 649,670 

• The yellow peg went quickly, and I did well with the laser ball. A laser ball generally works best on low pegs, particularly the rim bounce part, but this level has very few low pegs. My laser ball triggered a Split Ball part way through, though, which forged an extra path through the high pegs which was a big help. I needed to make quite a few good catches after that, and I still needed to avoid a minimum 20k from the final buckets, but I got 60k which was enough.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	30	95	Reds	10	-	425k	2	674,870	587,785
2	25	100	Reds	10	-	450k	4	943,350	554,750
3	25	108	Reds	9	-	450k	3	764,150	489,660
4	30	111	Reds	8	-	400k	3	586,650	436,080
5	25	75	Reds	9	-	425k	1	586,480	586,480
6	40	95	Reds	7	-	675k	6	793,400	501,560
7	35	108	525k	7	-	875k	2	1,032,240	862,985
8	45	111	Reds	7	-	750k	3	1,044,440	558,153
9	25	100	All	8	-	675k	4	1,044,740	722,417
10	25	75	All	8	-	625k	1	649,670	649,670

Board 19: Imperial Entrance

This picture shows a Japanese entrance way constructed in the traditional style with wood and paper with tiled roofs.

Level 1 (Clear 25 red pegs from 112 total - Pro target 350k)

The first design comprises a solid arc towards the bottom of the screen, with a semi-circle perched on it. Scattered around these linesis a pattern of single round pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 624,780 

• This one didn't give me any problems. I had one or two spare balls at the end that allowed me to take on a few purple pegs, but not many. It was a comfortable victory, but I may have been a little lucky.

Level 2 (Clear 25 red pegs from 104 total - Pro target 300k)

The second design features a series of five semi-circles arranged to look like a lotus flower. Eight more flower design, each made up of half a dozen round pegs are positioned around the outside.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 507,200 

• I didn't make many catches in the early part of the game, but I made enough. There were a few bonuses as well. All in all it was another steady pro score.

Level 3 (Clear 25 red pegs from 106 total - Pro target 350k)

The third design mainly features solid horizontal and vertical lines that follow the lines of the entrance itself, plus some angles rectangular pegs to each side and some round pegs amongst the straight lines.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 619,640 

• This screen needs a little caution as good ricochets can be tricky to engineer, but the angles are generally quite regular, and the catches are there if you're prepared to be little patient.

Level 4 (Clear 25 red pegs from 106 total - Pro target 300k)

The fourth design features a grid made up mainly of single round pegs arranged in lines, with a few rectangular pegs in there as well.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 450,240 

• The angles on this level are much harder to predict, but luck was on my side and I took a few catches. There are some decent chances at good ricochets here though, and I got some of those too.

Level 5 (Clear 25 red pegs from 115 total - Pro target 300k)

The fifth and final design features three four-pointed stars made up of diamond-shaped pegs, plus some single round pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 345,830

• Not a bad effort, coonsidering. But although the angles here are all quite regular, everything gets in everything else's way, so catches are never easy, even in the endgame. I'm going to need a laser ball here, if only to make some gaps to take catches through.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 567,910 

• The laser ball did its job and made subsequent catches much easier. It meant I could stand a reasonable chance of making some catches in the endgame and that made the difference.

Level 6 (Clear 35 red pegs from 106 total - Pro target 550k)

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

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 424,030

• Not a particularly good effort. The rim bounce on the laser ball went back on itself so scored very little, and the ricochets didn't really go my way.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 879,260 

• That was an unexpected finish, but a particularly lucrative one, and I was over the pro target anyway, so I'll take it. The last three reds all went off an extended ricochet from the purple peg. The yellow peg was again available immediately and the rim bounce worked much better this time.

Level 7 (Score 250k with 35 red pegs and 69 blue - Pro target 500k)

The same design as level 2, but with 10 more red pegs, 200k on the pro target and just a target score to aim at.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 602,790 

• This didn't seem too tricky last time around, so I tried it without power ups and got it first time. Catches and ricochets both seemed readily available so it really wasn't a problem.

Level 8 (Clear 25 red pegs from 112 total, with no ball bucket - Pro target 300k)

The same design as level 1, but with 50k less on the pro target and no ball bucket. In the first 19 boards this particular trick was used eight times of which this is the last. In the 108 boards since then it hasn't been used at all, so I guess it's fallen out of favour with the designers. As a result this is the first one I've come across for the blog. My style of play relies heavily on the bucket, so I find these a nightmare!

Attempt #1 - Big Bounce. Score: 195,170

• It's been a long time since I did a level without a ball bucket since this is the last board to feature this particular twist. I'd forgotten just how much I hate them. The trouble is, my game revolves completely around playing catches into the bucket, so I have to change my strategy around completely. I'm going to need a laser ball.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 200,460

• I cleared the reds, but even a 100k final bucket bonus wouldn't have got me to the pro target. I tried to get the white peg before triggering the laser ball, as that can produce a bucket which could make all the difference, but I didn't manage it.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 228,850

• A better score and just one red peg left. I did manage to get the white peg first, and I got a bucket out of it, but the yellow peg was awkwardly placed and I couldn't get to it before the bucket disappeared again.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 416,090 

• I got the white peg first again, but didn't get a bucket out of it, and besides, I hit the green peg straight afterwards anyway, activating the Big Bounce. The Big Bounce worked pretty well though, and I picked up some useful ricochets and distance bonuses. It ended up being quite a comfortable victory with two or three balls to spare at the end to play purple pegs with.

Level 9 (Clear 40 red pegs from 115 total - Pro target 475k)

The same design as level 5, but with 15 more red pegs, and 175k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 1,008,260 

• I needed the laser ball on level 5, so I went straight for it this time around. It worked well and I managed a total clearance for a seven point score.

Level 10 (Clear 50 red pegs from 106 total, with a 5s shot-clock - Pro target 625k)

The same design as level 3, but with 25 more red pegs, 275k on the pro target and a five-second shot-clock.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 543,690

• Too many missed catches that time, but I wasn't far off. I think this can be done without power ups.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 665,770

• Again too many missed chances. One more attempt I think.

Attempt #3 - No power ups. Score: 517,180

• I suppose I'd better use a laser ball then. I don't seem to be getting any closer. Annoying, though, as I got a total clearance in level 1.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball & Gravity Ball. Score: 422,050

• My worst attempt yet, despite using a laser ball. My catching there was dreadful.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball & Gravity Ball. Score: 937,900 

• It took a few shots to get the yellow peg, but the laser ball worked well, picking up a Split Ball on the way to take out 50 pegs in total for 275k points. After that I had 17 red pegs to get with 10 balls. I managed to get those, and the 20 remaining blue pegs as well for a total clearance.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	25	112	Reds	10	-	350k	1	624,780	624,780
2	25	104	Reds	10	-	300k	1	507,200	507,200
3	25	106	Reds	10	-	350k	1	619,640	619,640
4	25	106	Reds	10	-	300k	1	450,240	450,240
5	25	115	Reds	10	-	300k	2	567,910	456,870
6	35	106	Reds	10	-	550k	2	879,260	651,645
7	35	104	250k	10	-	500k	1	602,790	602,790
8	25	112	Reds	10	NBB	300k	4	416,090	260,142
9	40	115	Reds	10	-	475k	1	1,008,260	1,008,260
10	50	106	Reds	10	5s	625k	5	937,900	617,318

Board 127: Sultan's Flyway

This picture shows a wide expanse of rolling sand dunes with a vast palace in the background. An array of flying carpets stream out of the palace toward the viewer. A little lizard perches on a palm frond in the foreground.

Level 1 (Clear 30 red pegs from 133 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 425k)

The first design is of a rug with tassels in the corners. The shape has a solid border all the way around it, and a symmetrical design made up of pegs of various shapes and sizes decorates the middle.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 228,340

• Three red pegs left, and they were all awkward to get to, plus quite a long way from the pro target. Getting this without power ups seems unlikely, but I'm prepared to give it another go.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 109,130

• A dreadful attempt. I got no luck at all. The red pegs were awkwardly placed. I still had seven left at the end I think. Nowhere near.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 346,880

• I strung a few catches together at the very end to make it look slightly more respectable, but I was nowhere near really. It took way too long to get to the yellow peg which was way down the bottom.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball. Score: 685,270 

• I managed to get to the yellow peg with only my second ball, and then do much better with the laser ball. I got lucky with a few ricochets as well, and it was enough to see me comfortably home.

Level 2 (Clear 30 red pegs from 108 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 650k)

The second design features three long scrolling lines going across the screen, plus a few single round pegs.

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

• Just one red peg left which I couldn't take until I had a few more points. I could have done better with the first sweep shot. There must be a way of taking out all three main curves with the first shot. If I can find that, then I ought to be home free.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 1,015,680 

• I thought I had this one pretty much under control until the very last ball. I found a good angle for the first ball this time, which did indeed take out all three big sweeps in one go. It also picked up a double score for good measure which got me to the pro target immediately. With the last ball, I took out the last red peg and was instantly horrified when the buckets didn't appear. My first thought was that this must be an All Pegs level and I hadn't realised. Rather fortunately the ball flew right across the screen and hit another red peg on the other side which I completely hadn't seen and then the buckets appeared. Phew! The actual last red peg had been camouflaged against the red carpets of the background.

Level 3 (Clear 25 red pegs from 104 total, with only 9 balls - Pro target 500k)

The third design follows various lines in the picture. It uses the edges of the carpets, a tree in the foreground, the tops of the sand dunes, some of the detail of the palace, and a couple of brids.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 219,040

• Three red pegs left, but a long way from the pro target. The red pegs seemed very awkwardly positioned, but it seems an awkward layout in general. I think I'll use a laser ball.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 802,370 

• The laser ball made it a lot easier. I got it activated early and did reasonably well with it. I still had a bit of work to do afterwards, but I managed it. My second to last ball had a particularly good ricochet, taking out all but one blue peg and one red peg. I was sorely tempted by the total clearance, but I played it safe and took the last red instead.

Level 4 (Clear 25 red pegs from 112 total - Pro target 475k)

the fourth design is a close up of a symmetrical design such as might be found on one one of the rugs. It mainly consists of curves running in various directions.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 510,110

• I had quite a few red pegs left, but once I went down to my last few balls I had to start picking off blue pegs one by one to get to them. I got through quite a few, but eventually misjudged one and that was that. I'll give it another go, but more in hope than expectation.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 784,520 

• I got a bit more luck early on this time, with some good ricochets and a few lucky catches. The previous attempt gave me a good idea about the angles involved, and I could use that knowledge to get me a total clearance here.

Level 5 (Clear 25 red pegs from 106 total, with only 8 balls - Pro target 400k)

The fifth design is also based on one of the flying carpets, but this one is made up of a grid of single round pegs, with a fan of four diamond-shaped pegs at each corner.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 236,250

• This one needs a bit of luck. I didn't do too badly. I only had one red peg left, but I was trying to build a pro score by waiting for the right purple peg and taking a catch off it, but there were precious few easy catches to be had anywhere, so I eventually made one mistake too many. Worth another try though.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 424,730 

• I had a bit more luck that time, taking out quite a few red pegs early on. I went for more catches towards the start of the game where I could which probably helped as well. I had to take a chance at the end. The final red peg was at the bottom of the central column with four or five blue pegs above it. If I wanted to hit it directly I was going to have to take all of those out one at a time, and I was down to my last ball. Instead I went for a ricochet of a nearby blue peg that I could see, hoping that the ball would drop straight into the 100k bucket, as that's what I would need for a pro score. Luckily, that's just what happened.

Level 6 (Clear 35 red pegs from 112 total, with only 7 balls - Pro target 650k)

The same design as level 4, but with 10 more red pegs, three less balls, and 175k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 423,290

• It took most of my balls to get through to the yellow peg so I was always struggling after that. I kept the final ball going for quite a long time, but eventually succumbed to inevitability.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 702,800

• I did it again! I thought I'd cleared the last red peg, and completely didn't see one right in the middle tucked under a blue peg, hiding against the red carpet background. I could so easily have taken it if I'd known it was there.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 809,160 

• No mistakes that time. I had the yellow peg on my third shot, I think, and then used a standard path for the laser ball which works pretty well on this layout. There was still plenty of work to do, but by picking out the catches carefully, I got there.

Level 7 (Clear ALL pegs - 35 red and 73 blue, with only 7 balls - Pro target 925k)

The same design as level 2, but with 5 more red pegs, two less balls, 275k on the pro target and a total clearance now needed.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 1,023,560 

• Quite pleased to get that one without power ups. I was debating beforehand whether it was even worth trying it, but I'm glad I did. I reviewed my video for level 2 before I started which allowed me to repeat the first shot, taking a mega-sweep across all three central curves. It also gave me a good idea where to release to get the catch, which I managed to do. I still had a helluva lot of work to do afterwards, but my catching was generally working well, and luck was on my side.

Level 8 (Clear ALL pegs - 30 red and 103 blue, with only 9 balls - Pro target 600k)

The same design as level 1, but with 175k on the pro target and a complete clearance now required.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 395,970

• Several red pegs left, but the yellow peg was in an awful position so I was always struggling.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 216,130

• Just two red pegs left, but another utterly horrific yellow peg placement. No chance at all.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 482,850

• The yellow peg was still not great, but it was better. I got 92% of the pegs that time, so still a way short. I'll add a Big Bounce.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 657,800 

• It took a few balls to get to the yellow peg again, but I did quite well with it, and then the Big Bounce was quite successful as well, so that probably made the difference. I was struggling for points at the end though, and needed to avoid a bad result from the final buckets. It looked for a moment as if both balls were certain to fall in the two 10k buckets, but then one took a last minute flick across to the 100k bucket instead.

Level 9 (Clear 45 red pegs from 104 total, with only 6 balls - Pro target 750k)

The same design as level 3, but with 20 more red pegs, three less balls, and 250k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 600,620

• I got the yellow peg straightaway, but my catching in the endgame wasn't up to its usual standard, and I still had about five red pegs left at the end.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 1,116,470 

• The yellow peg was again available with the first ball, and I did well with the laser ball. I did much better with ricochets and catches this time, and took a complete clearance for a seven figure total.

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 35 red and 71 blue, with only 8 balls - Pro target 625k)

The same design as level 5, but with 10 more red pegs, 225k on the pro target, and a total clearance now required.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 594,270

• I kept the penultimate ball in circulation for an age as picked off pegs one at a time, but then I missed two catches in fairly quick succession with only 95% completion. It was a brave effort, but this will probably need a Big Bounce as well.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 294,970

• Neither power up worked particularly well and my catching in the endgame was poor. Just 81% clearance.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 721,960 

• A complete contrast to my previous attempt. This time both power ups worked quite well, and my catching was generally on target as well. I went straight into endgame strategy as soon as both power ups were out of the way, and started playing single peg catches. I still had ten balls left at that stage and 41 pegs. With a bit of patience and care I got down to three pegs and three balls so at that stage I could take all three pegs off the side wall without worrying about catches and that got me over the finish line for a pro score.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	30	133	Reds	9	-	425k	4	685,270	342,405
2	30	108	Reds	9	-	650k	2	1,015,680	798,130
3	25	104	Reds	9	-	500k	2	802,370	510,705
4	25	112	Reds	10	-	475k	2	784,520	647,315
5	25	106	Reds	8	-	400k	2	424,730	330,490
6	35	112	Reds	7	-	650k	3	809,160	645,083
7	35	108	All	7	-	925k	1	1,023,560	1,023,560
8	30	133	All	9	-	600k	4	657,800	438,187
9	45	104	Reds	6	-	750k	2	1,116,470	858,545
10	35	106	All	8	-	625k	3	721,960	537,066

Board 20: Hidden Temple

This picture shows an Aztec-style pyramid. Tha path to the it is flanked by a couple of huge carved heads in the foreground.

Level 1 (Clear 25 red pegs from 115 total - Pro target 350k)

The first design comprises ten rows of single round pegs. The lines are broken up into single pegs and groups of four, seemingly at random, albeit symmetrically.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 276,700

• This is a tricky layout. The pegs are all round so the angles are unpredictable, all the pegs are away from the side walls so Exact Angle bonuses are hard to get. I'll give it another try, but I can see the laser ball coming out in the not too distant future.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 244,680

• No closer that time. There were at least half a dozen red pegs left at the end. I'll use a laser ball.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 655,600 

• I found an angle to get the yellow peg with the first ball, and got a pretty good result from the laser ball. I picked up a few lucky catches, and then started picking pegs off one at a time. I got all the way through them for a comfortable total clearance.

Level 2 (Clear 25 red pegs from 102 total - Pro target 400k)

The second design is made up of a jumble of rectangular blocks set at 45° to the horizontal, interspersed with single round pegs.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 180,380

• The pegs are rectangular this time, but all the interlocking angles make judging the ricochets almost as hard here as on the previous level. I'll give it a second try, but I suspect the laser ball will come out after that.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 201,380

• A marginal improvement but no more than that. I better use another laser ball, I suppose.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 588,380 

• Much like the previous level, the laser ball did enough damage to make further catches that much easier. I didn't quite manage a total clearance, but I came close.

Level 3 (Clear 25 red pegs from 101 total - Pro target 425k)

The third design features lots of rectangular pegs following the steps up the sides and corners of the pyramid, along with lines of round pegs. Other round pegs and a few pairs of diamond-shaped pegs are scattered about.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 262,920

• Three red pegs left and nowhere near the pro score. I can see a pattern developing with this board.

Attempt #2 - No power ups. Score: 350,850

• A better effort, but I was still struggling. Only one red peg left but it was going to be bugger getting to it! Laser ball time.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 579,240 

• Even with a laser ball, this one was quite tough. I had quite a bit to do in the endgame and got lucky with bonuses. It did take quite a few balls to break through to the yellow peg, but the laser ball picked up a Triple Bucket Bonus which helped a bit.

Level 4 (Clear 25 red pegs from 106 total - Pro target 375k)

The fourth design features a stepped pyramid in cross-section, with the horizontal lines made of rows of three rectangular blocks, and the vertical lines are pillars that act as obstacles. Inside the pyramid is a tight network of round pegs, and outside is a looser network.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 280,020

• Another one that looks too tough be completed without a power up. I could give it another go, but I'll go straight for the laser ball.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 367,100

• Those pillar obstacles are a real pain. They make so many pegs hard to get to. Even having taken out a bunch with the laser ball, I was still struggling to get anywhere near all the red pegs.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball. Score: 468,550 

• I got lucky that time, particularly with the final ball which took out both the last two red pegs and dropped in the 100k bucket. I had visions of that level taking a long time. I'm not looking forward to its second appearance.

Level 5 (Clear 25 red pegs from 108 total - Pro target 375k)

The fifth design featrues an ornately carved circle which completely contains a complex arrangement of straight lines, curves and round pegs. More loose round pegs lie outside the circle on both sides. The stone circle fades in and out so that sometimes the balls can pass through it, and sometimes they can't.

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 469,680 

• At least I got one level without power ups. I found this one not too tricky. It's all about judging the timing of the ring disappearing and reappearing. Getting the points required for Pro was trickier than clearing the reds, but I had both done with balls to spare. I could have had a clearance but the last red went off a ricochet.

Level 6 (Clear 30 red pegs from 102 total - Pro target 500k)

The same design as level 2, but with 5 more red pegs and 100k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 557,000 

• This wasn't much of an increase in difficulty over level 2. Just 5 more red pegs and a pro target that I reached before anyway. The yellow peg was neatly at the top so I could get it straight away, then the laser ball did enough damage to allow me to finish off without too much trouble.

Level 7 (Score 325k with 25 red pegs and 81 blue - Pro target 450k)

The same design as level 4, but with 75k on the pro target and just a score to be attained.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 394,770

• Only 50k short so pretty close, and the yellow peg was tricky to get to, so I lost a few balls there. I only had one red peg left at the end, so one more ball probably would have been enough.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 387,100

• Again, just one red peg left, but I couldn't get through to it. I think I'll add a Big Bounce.

Attempt #3 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 278,630

• The yellow peg was a nightmare to get to. It took way too many balls to do it and I scored very little for the laser ball as a result.

Attempt #4 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 310,510

• The yellow peg was easy to hit, but I mistimed the laser ball completely, and then the Big Bounce was utterly ineffectual as well. I actually didn't do too badly considering.

Attempt #5 - Laser Ball & Big Bounce. Score: 483,220 

• I didn't clear the red pegs, but I got the pro score and that's all that matters on this one. I picked up a few lucky catches and bonuses, but I think this level needs that. The Big Bounce still didn't work well.

Level 8 (Clear 35 red pegs from 108 total - Pro target 550k)

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

Attempt #1 - No power ups. Score: 244,130

• I thought I'd give it a go without power ups, but I got nowhere near it. This will need a laser ball, I think.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 666,880 

• The yellow peg was easy to get to, and I did OK with the laser ball. I had to pick up a few bonuses off the purple peg in the endgame, but I had one or two balls in hand to allow me to do that.

Level 9 (Clear 45 red pegs from 115 total - Pro target 575k)

The same design as level 1, but with 20 more red pegs and 200k on the pro target.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 709,630 

• I managed to find a path to the yellow peg on the first shot, and did OK with the laser ball. It isn't the easiest of layouts, but there are big gaps down the sides which makes catches a little easier, and that made a big difference.

Level 10 (Clear ALL pegs - 35 red and 66 blue - Pro target 525k)

The same design as level 3, but with 10 more red pegs, 100k on the pro target, and a total clearance now required.

Attempt #1 - Laser Ball. Score: 537,450

• I can't believe I failed there. I had three balls to get the last four pegs so I just needed one catch, and none of them were difficult. I would normally have expected to catch at least three of them. The first two rebounded off the inner rim of the bucket, but then I decided that instead of taking a catch with the last ball, I'd take what looked like a rock solid guaranteed ricochet. But even that didn't work and I missed that as well.

Attempt #2 - Laser Ball. Score: 746,920 

• I got the yellow peg first time, and found a good path for the laser ball that took out nearly all the flat rectangular pegs. After that I had some good ricochets, and made some good catches. It was touch and go a little at the end, but I just managed to scrape home.

SUMMARY

Level	Reds	Pegs	Target	Balls	Clock	Pro	Attempts	Record	Average	Video
1	25	115	Reds	10	-	350k	3	655,600	392,326
2	25	102	Reds	10	-	400k	3	588,380	323,380
3	25	101	Reds	10	-	425k	3	579,240	397,670
4	25	106	Reds	10	-	375k	3	468,550	371,890
5	25	108	Reds	10	-	375k	1	469,680	469,680
6	30	102	Reds	10	-	500k	1	557,000	557,000
7	25	106	325k	10	-	450k	5	483,220	370,846
8	35	108	Reds	10	-	550k	2	666,880	455,505
9	45	115	Reds	10	-	575k	1	709,630	709,630
10	35	101	All	10	-	525k	2	746,920	642,185