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puzzle-design-kb/todos/TODOS.md
2026-03-19 12:05:40 -07:00

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TODO List for Puzzle Sampling Chapter

  • Create Inspiration chapter introduction document (src/inspiration.md)

    • Write section explaining purpose: sampling of 30+ games with best puzzles analyzed
    • Document Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps format requirements
  • Beneath a Steel Sky: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/beneath-a-steel-sky/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • Broken Sword 1: Shadow of the Templars: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/broken-sword-1/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • Broken Sword II: The Smoking Mirror: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/broken-sword-ii/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • Day of the Tentacle: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/day-of-the-tentacle/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • Full Throttle: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/full-throttle/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • Gabriel Knight 1: Sins of the Fathers: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/gabriel-knight-1/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • Grim Fandango: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/grim-fandango/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/indiana-jones-fate-atlantis/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/indiana-jones-last-crusade/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • King's Quest III: To Heir Is Human: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/kings_quest_3/ and kings-quest-iii/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • King's Quest VII: The Princeless Bride: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/kings-quest-vii/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • King's Quest VIII: Mask of Eternity: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/kings-quest-viii/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • The Legend of Kyrandia: Book One: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/kyrandia_1/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • Loom: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/loom/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • Maniac Mansion: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/maniac-mansion/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • Quest for Glory 1: Shadows of Darkness: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/quest-for-glory-1/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • Quest for Glory II: Trial by Fire: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/quest-for-glory-ii/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • Quest for Glory III: Wages of War: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/quest-for-glory-iii/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • Quest for Glory IV: Shadows of Darkness: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/quest-for-glory-iv/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • Sam & Max Hit the Road: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/sam-max-hit-the-road/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • Simon the Sorcerer: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/simon1/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • Spacequest 1: The Sarien Encounter: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/spacequest-1/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • Spacequest II: The Vohaul Assault: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/spacequest-ii/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • Spacequest III: The Pirates of Pestulon: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/spacequest-iii/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • Spacequest IV: The Rogerwars: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/spacequest-iv/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • Syberia: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/syberia/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • The Dig: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/the-dig/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • The Longest Journey: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/the-longest-journey/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders: analyze walkthrough and create game section

    • Examine walkthrough files in src/walkthroughs/zak-mckracken/
    • Identify the 3 best puzzles using analysis-checklist.md criteria
    • Write Problem/Why It Works/Solution/Steps for each puzzle
    • Link each puzzle to its pattern type from the Playbook
  • Edit inspiration pages - screenshot placeholders and accuracy check - IN PROGRESS

    • zak-mckracken-and-the-alien-mindbenders.md - completed
    • the-longest-journey.md - completed
    • the-dig.md - completed
    • syberia.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs
    • spacequest-iv-the-rogerwars.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs
    • spacequest-iii-the-pirates-of-pestulon.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs
    • spacequest-2-the-vohaul-assault.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs
    • spacequest-1-the-sarien-encounter.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs
    • simon-the-sorcerer.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs
    • sam-and-max-hit-the-road.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs
    • quest-for-glory-iv-shadows-of-darkness.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs
    • quest-for-glory-iii-wages-of-war.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs
    • quest-for-glory-ii-trial-by-fire.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs
    • quest-for-glory-1-shadows-of-darkness.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs
    • maniac-mansion.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs
    • the-legend-of-kyrandia-book-one.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs, rename file from kyrandia-1-shadow-of-the-fox.md
    • kings-quest-viii-mask-of-eternity.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs
    • kings-quest-vii-the-princeless-bride.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs
    • kings-quest-iii-to-heir-is-human.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs
    • indiana-jones-and-the-last-crusade.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs
    • indiana-jones-and-the-fate-of-atlantis.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs
    • grim-fandango.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs
    • gabriel-knight-1-sins-of-the-fathers.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs
    • full-throttle.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs
    • day-of-the-tentacle.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs
    • broken-sword-ii-the-smoking-mirror.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs
    • broken-sword-1-shadow-of-the-templars.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs
    • beneath-a-steel-sky.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs
    • loom.md - add Screenshots sections after Steps, verify against walkthroughs

Puzzle Type Hierarchy Reorganization

Phase 0: Create Parent Category Overview Pages (6 files)

  • Create information-discovery-parent.md

    • Write overview explaining information-as-puzzle-solution domain
    • Link to all 6 child types with brief descriptions
    • Commit after creation
  • Create cognitive-transfer-overview.md ✓

  • Create spatial-temporal-coordination-overview.md ✓

  • Create npc-interaction-overview.md ✓

  • Create systems-and-logic-overview.md ✓

  • Create non-standard-domains-overview.md ✓

Phase 1: Core Restructuring (Sequential Construction Merge)

  • Read meta-puzzle-construction.md content

    • Document current structure and examples for merge planning
  • Read repair-chain-construction.md content

    • Identify SQ3 escape pod example and any other unique content
  • Create sequential-construction.md (rename + merge)

    • Start with meta-puzzle-construction.md content
    • Add "Repair/Restoration Chains" section with SQ3 escape pod
    • Update headers to reflect new parent categorization
    • Commit after creation
  • Delete repair-chain-construction.md

    • Verify all content migrated first
    • Remove file and commit
  • Restructure multi-faceted-plan.md

    • Explicitly define "Parallel MFP" as primary variant (non-linear gathering)
    • Remove claim that Sequential Construction is a variation
    • Update Related Types table to reference Sequential Construction as sibling type
    • Keep parallel examples only (MI1 Voodoo Doll, SMHTR Bigfoot Totem)
    • Commit after restructuring

PHASE 2 COMPLETE ✓ - Delete Redundant Types (Content Redistribution)

  • Read corporate-infiltration.md content ✓

  • Redistribute corporate-infiltration.md content ✓

    • Moved SQ3 ScummSoft Janitor Disguise to distraction-physics.md (stealth section)
    • Commit: cf7de16
  • Delete corporate-infiltration.md file ✓

  • Read predator-chase-escape.md content ✓

  • Redistribute predator-chase-escape.md content ✓

    • Moved SQ3 Arnoid chase to distraction-physics.md (as Predator Rerouting variant)
    • Added relationship reference in timed-consequence.md
    • Note: G1 cop chase not present; only SQ3 example existed
    • Commits: 82c7573, 66100f4
  • Delete predator-chase-escape.md file ✓

Phase 3 COMPLETE ✓: Specific Type Reorganizations

  • Promote and expand metaphor-literal.md (commit: 90ed5a0)
  • Document Pattern Learning ↔ Symbol Code Translation relationship (commit: a40f863)
  • Clarify Cross-Temporal Causality ↔ Cross-Realm Logistics relationship (commit: f24a6a6)

Phase 4 COMPLETE ✓: Distractor Physics Rename

  • Rename distraction-physics.md → distraction-environmental-manipulation.md (commit: bccd834)

Phase 5 & 6 COMPLETE ✓: Cross-Reference Cleanup

Phase 8 COMPLETE ✓: Validation & Build

  • mdbook build passes with only pre-existing warnings (unclosed tags)
  • Final grep confirms zero remaining references to deleted types

Deliverables Checklist ✓ ALL COMPLETE

  • 6 parent category overview pages created ✓ (info-discovery, cognitive-transfer, spatial-temporal, npc-interaction, systems-and-logic, non-standard-domains)
  • sequential-construction.md exists (meta-puzzle + repair-chain merged) ✓
  • corporate-infiltration.md deleted, content redistributed ✓ → distraction-physics.md
  • predator-chase-escape.md deleted, content redistributed ✓ → distraction-physics.md + timed-consequence.md
  • repair-chain-construction.md deleted, content merged ✓ → sequential-construction.md
  • distraction-environmental-manipulation.md renamed from distraction-physics.md ✓
  • All Related Types sections updated across all puzzle type files ✓ (commits: 74ddc46)
  • All Inspiration pages checked and links fixed ✓ (commit: eed5e8c - bulk update of 27 files)
  • SUMMARY.md restructured hierarchically under parent categories ✓ (needs final review)
  • mdbook build passes with no broken links ✓ (only pre-existing HTML tag warnings remain)
  • At least 25 commits created ✓ - Total hierarchy work commits: ~35+

See commit history above for full breakdown by phase.


Puzzle Type Page Refactoring

See REFACTOR_PUZZLE_TYPES.md for detailed plan.

Phase 1: Pilot - Refactor Tier 1 Pages (Most Verbose)

  • Refactor pattern-learning.md (target: ≤400 lines, 3 examples)
    • Keep: Core Mechanic, Solution Chain, 3 best examples
    • Move: Extended MI2/MI1/BAS/QFG4 analysis → respective game inspiration pages
    • Commit after each change
  • Refactor sensory-exploitation.md (target: ≤400 lines, 3 examples)
    • Keep: Core Mechanic, 3 examples (parrot, poodle, Medusa mirror)
    • Move: QFG3 honeybird/meerbat, Loom tower, etc. → inspiration pages
  • Refactor multi-faceted-plan.md (target: ≤400 lines, 3 examples)
    • Keep: Core Mechanic, parallel MFP examples only
    • Move: QFG2/QFG3/QFG4 multi-examples → inspiration pages

Phase 1 Status

  • pattern-learning.md refactored (75 lines)
  • sensory-exploitation.md refactored (88 lines)
  • multi-faceted-plan.md refactored (89 lines)

Phase 2: Refactor Tier 2 Pages

  • Refactor sequential-construction.md — needs Core Mechanic, trim examples
  • Refactor information-brokerage.md — needs format cleanup
  • Refactor environmental-storytelling.md — needs format cleanup
  • Refactor memo-chain.md — needs format cleanup
  • Verify all Related Types links after refactoring
  • Run mdbook build to check for broken links

Phase 3: Review and Cleanup Tier 3 Pages

  • Review and cleanup remaining puzzle type pages (≤400 lines each)
  • Verify Related Types tables are consistent across all pages

Tier 3 Refactoring Tasks (15 files - need format cleanup)

  • Refactor truth-revelation.md (124 lines → ensure ≤400, 3 examples, proper format)
  • Refactor cross-temporal-causality.md (456 lines → trim to 3 examples, proper format)
  • Refactor cross-realm-logistics.md (472 lines → trim to 3 examples, proper format)
  • Refactor multi-character-coordination.md (662 lines → trim to 3 examples, proper format)
  • Refactor timed-consequence.md (528 lines → trim to 3 examples, proper format)
  • Refactor comedy-based-persuasion.md (230 lines → ensure proper format)
  • Refactor distraction-environmental-manipulation.md (551 lines → trim to 3 examples)
  • Refactor class-specific-ritual.md (299 lines → trim to 3 examples, proper format)
  • Refactor multi-faction-diplomacy.md (233 lines → trim to 3 examples, proper format)
  • Refactor robot-programming.md (314 lines → trim to 3 examples, proper format)
  • Refactor escalating-combat-progression.md (302 lines → trim to 3 examples, proper format)
  • Refactor surreal-logic-bridge.md (247 lines → ensure proper format)
  • Refactor metaphor-literal.md (252 lines → ensure proper format)
  • Refactor observation-replay.md (620 lines → trim to 3 examples, proper format)
  • Refactor symbol-code-translation.md (800+ lines → trim to 3 examples, proper format)

Phase 4: Validation

  • Run npx remark-cli on all changed files
  • Run mdbook build to verify no broken links
  • Final review of SUMMARY.md navigation structure