Sokobond

Sokobond is a sokoban game about combining atoms into molecules. Each atom has a number of available electrons that must be turned into chemical bonds. Inspired by science and chemistry, the game offers clever block-pushing puzzles with minimalist visual design and calm background music.

In each puzzle, you control an atom that can move around the grid and push other atoms. Each atom, including the one you control, may have a number of available electrons rotating around it. allowing it to form chemical bonds. Typically, when two atoms both have an available electron and they’re brought next to each other, then a bond will form between them, and from here on pushing one of the atoms will move both as a single, solid molecule. The goal of each puzzle is to move atoms and molecules until every electron is used in a chemical bond.

Sokobond’s mechanics are based on chemistry. Atoms start with rotating electrons depending on the element they represent: hydrogen (H) has one, oxygen (O) has two, etc. Players have to be prudent when managing available electrons; making sure the bonds are formed at the right moment requires logical and spatial reasoning. Each level ends with a short chemistry fact about the molecules you’ve ended up creating.

More mechanics are introduced through the game, such as the ability to cut or rotate existing bonds. Sokobond has a non-linear level select map that looks similar to the periodic table of elements, with different areas dedicated to each mechanic, so you can choose which puzzles to tackle at any time. There’s also an optional, complex post-game about revisiting various puzzles to create alternative molecules.

This description was written by Hira.