Lost Yeti is fantastic puzzle game on ios created by Gionathan Pesaresi. If you're reading this then chances are you have already played the game. If not get onto the App Store to check it out. Or head to metacritic to read the glowing reviews.
The reason for writing these tips is to encourage players to embrace and attempt the step challenge. I'm currently ranked no.1 player in the World across all three chapters. It's not because I'm some super-skilled player; it's down to simple practice. And a lack of challengers, which is hardly surprising when there are 1000s of ios games all vying for our time and attention.
After completing all 60 levels and obtaining all the ice lollies I was keen to test my skills on the step challenge.
The step challenge is all about completing each level in the shortest number of steps or Perfect Run. The combined number of steps in each of the 20 levels for each chapter give you a ranking on the Game Center leaderboard.
1. Nowhere to run
There are essentially 2 types of level in Lost Yeti. The first is the "free runner" whereby the Yeti will continue to move until he dies or reaches the exit.
The second is the "blockable" where the Yeti can be blocked so he can't move or has limited movement.
It is generally a good idea to block in the Yeti as soon as possible to stop him moving. Then the path to the exit can be created ready for when the Yeti is released.
2. A to B
The shortest route or Perfect Run to the exit is more often the most obvious one. If it looks like the level can be done in 8 steps then it probably can.
3. Broken Lines
When you select an object within a slidable row or column broken white lines will appear until you de-select or move the object. The Yeti will turn or stop if it hits a broken line. The same applies to the monsters.
Effective use of the "broken line" is crucial to achieving good and Perfect runs on a lot of levels.
This can be important on "free runner" levels when instead of letting Yeti run it's course and hit walls, you can shorten the run with smart slider movement.
4. Flying Start
The first second of a level will often determine whether you get a good run or a bad run. Whether it be blocking in your Yeti or setting up the exit strategy a fast start is crucial.
A good example is level 20 of Snowy Hills . The first time I completed this level it took me about 100+ steps, and to be honest I think I fluked the level. My current record is 23 steps - which isn't no fluke. As a "free runner" level it's crucial to get a fast start.
5. Block them monsters
The route to the exit is often made more perilous by those pesky monsters. Blocking them off so they can't move or are a trapped in an area can create routes for good runs.
It's not always necessary or even possible to do this but moving monsters introduce timing issues - which can be a real headache. Ratini on Gloomy Cave is the master of upsetting best laid plans.
6. A Clockwork Yeti
A Flying Start (4) is usually just the first of a series of careful moves that must be made to get a good run. The monsters all behave in a predictable manner and if they can't be blocked you'll have to perfect your timing. Don't wait for clear routes to appear. Anticipate when a clear route will occur. This usually involves setting your Yeti on a route towards a monster with the knowledge the monster will turn out of the Yeti's path (or won't be there when Yeti arrives).
Anticipating clear routes is probably the most advanced tip here.
A good example is level 12 of Mighty Glacier. Yeti starts off blocked into a space but he's still moving and racking up the steps. The level has 2 monsters and a corridor design. Blocking off the monsters and anticipating the clear route is key to getting a good run.
Summary
As you can see from my tips there's nothing particular super-skillful about what I've done to top the rankings.
It's just about being focused, trying to get the perfect run on every level and practice. Try, try and try again and someday you could be the World's Best.
I reckon I've done the perfect run on 80% of the game, so there's plenty of room for Step improvement.
Armed with these tips you should be able to get less than 300 steps on Snowy Hills.
Less than 250 steps will take some more dedication.
Less than 200 steps on Snowy Hills is a challenge. Do that and you become a Lost Yeti Step Master.
Good luck on the Snowy Hills, in the Gloomy Cave and on the Mighty Glacier.
Michael
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<update> On 12 March 2014 a landmark moment in Lost Yeti history. Achieved less than 200 steps on all 3 chapters.
