Top similar games like Sudoku Killer / 杀手数独

Killer Sudoku: Sudoku Gets a Deadly Dose of Arithmetic

Sudoku, the beloved logic puzzle, gets a thrilling upgrade in Killer Sudoku (杀手数独), also known as Sumdoku or Addoku. This isn’t your grandma’s Sudoku; it adds a layer of strategic depth that will challenge even seasoned Sudoku masters.

The core mechanics remain: fill a 9×9 grid with digits 1-9, ensuring each row, column, and 3×3 block contains each digit only once. However, Killer Sudoku introduces “cages”—dashed-line enclosures containing multiple cells. Each cage displays a target sum, and the numbers within that cage *must* add up to that sum, without repeating any digits.

This seemingly simple addition dramatically increases the complexity. Suddenly, you’re not just placing numbers; you’re solving mini-arithmetic puzzles *within* the larger Sudoku grid. A seemingly innocuous cage sum of 17 might only have a few possible combinations, instantly limiting the possibilities for those cells and influencing surrounding numbers. This interconnectedness creates a beautifully intricate web of deduction.

Killer Sudoku isn’t just about brute force; it’s about elegant strategy. You’ll need to anticipate the consequences of each number placement, considering not only its effect on rows, columns, and blocks, but also on the cage sums. The game’s minimalist design, multiple color themes, and relaxing soundtracks enhance the experience, making it a perfect blend of mental workout and tranquil escape. With features like Steam achievements and cross-platform cloud saves, Killer Sudoku offers a captivating and endlessly replayable challenge. Prepare to be hooked!