Based on the features of the planets, we have found Mercury to be very interesting because it has so many craters. This made the puzzle interesting from a design point of view and I wanted to represent the planet as best as I could.
Lets be clear, there are going to be no easy or hard puzzles - just challenges that will some may do quickly while others may take longer.
The R1 Blue came in around 2-3 hours while the Bronze was 40. One person received his Bronze at 11am and had it open by 5pm while others have taken a year.
Many found different parts of the puzzles more or less challenging. So is Mercury easy - no, is it a challenge - yes.
I felt that the two static puzzles will be interesting and new to keep people occupied. When Earth comes in, then the stakes raise like the Bronze as we introduce more thought as well as solving. Some may prefer these as once solved as they can be repeated easier.
So over the course of the puzzles, I will be increasing the level that you need to raise your game to solve and not to bring in extremely difficult designs. By the way, BB's will not be used due to the R2 design and the fact it would be difficult to stop them going to parts that can jam the puzzle.
If I bring out a "Starter" maze, that can be done and sold just as a disc so friends and family can use one of your backs to play.
Until then, I am concentrating and continuing to bring the Cosmic series and hope by the end everyone will have a favourite.
Regarding the next batch, work is starting on the backs and I will give everyone in the first 20 enough time to give me feedback. Of course I want the puzzle to be as good as possible so this is a great way to ensure this.
Changes have already been made based on what has already been said.
While Sophie keeps a good eye on the forum, those 20 "initial testers" who would like to converse can do so directly with me
chris.pitt@revomaze.co.uk rather than the forum. What I can say is that everyone in the first batch are being very constructive and doing all they can to ensure that information is not being incorrectly placed to spoil it for others. Thanks to everyone for that.
My aim is to learn and remedy as much as possible so the next group will have the challenge I wanted.
Hope everyone is ok with this.
All the best
Chris