4 Differences - Flash-based Spot-the-Difference Puzzle

4 Differences is a flash animation puzzle created by Newgrounds.com artist Case Hollingsworth (Ivorydrive), with music for the submission credited to Hugh & Saturation. More specifically, the song that is used in the game is called Cirrus. This spot-the-difference puzzle was submitted to Newgrounds.com on February 2, 2010 and won a Daily 5th Place award on February 3, 2010.

Gameplay

The objective of this spot-the-difference puzzle is the same as any other spot-the-difference puzzle, namely to spot the differences between two images. In this submission, however, you will only need to spot four differences, which may be different from other spot-the-difference puzzles.

There is no time limit in 4 Differences. Nor is there a penalty for clicking on the images even though you are not necessarily clicking on a difference.

The game will begin once you click Play. For those of you familiar with spot-the-difference games, the rest of the game should be familiar to you. For those of you unfamiliar with such puzzle games, once you click play, you will then be presented with two images that, upon first glance, look exactly the same. The goal of the game is to spot the minute differences between these seemingly similar images.

When you think you have found a difference between the two images, simply click on the difference. The difference will resolve itself by appearing the same in both images so that the difference is no longer visible.

Some differences may be seen in moving objects; however, most differences are stationary.

Remember: you only have to find four differences in each set of images. A number will count down to let you know how many more differences you will need to find in order to progress through the game. The counter appears in different locations throughout the game, but generally appears in the middle of the screen somewhere.

Once you have successfully found and clicked on the four differences that make each image unique, you will automatically be shown two more images that, once again, look exactly the same upon first glance. There are around 12 or 13 sets of images for you to scrutinize.

At the bottom left hand corner of the screen, you can toggle the music that plays and loops in the background.

Game Review

4 Differences, like many of its spot-the-difference brethren, offers a relaxing, calming experience for the player. The tonal music chosen for this submission helps to amplify the soothing atmosphere. The breathtaking images further add to the feeling of peace and tranquility that one gets when playing through this puzzle. The no-pressure style of the game is wholly relaxing and a great way to just chill.

4 Differences scores an 8/10 for providing an experience that is aurally and visually appealing. Even hardcore gamers may find this creation a welcome break from more intense styles of gameplay.