🕐 Clockwerx-like - Complete Guide

Welcome to the complete guide for Clockwerx-like, a puzzle-action game inspired by the 1995 classic Clockwerx! This guide will help you master the unique rotating wand mechanics and navigate through all the hazards.

Game Overview

Clockwerx-like is a unique puzzle-action game where you control a two-ended rotating wand (hand) that swings around nodes on a grid. Your goal is to navigate from the green start node to the purple goal node while avoiding various hazards and solving puzzles with switches and doors.

Controls

Basic Controls

• Q - Reverse rotation direction immediately
• W - Bounce (hold to bounce between the two nearest nodes)
• E - Arm a flip (snap to next node on contact - hold the key)
• R - Arm a flip + reverse direction (hold the key)
• Space - Pause/Unpause the game

Game Mechanics

The Rotating Wand

Your wand has two ends: a green orb and a red orb. One end is always attached to a node (the pivot), while the other end swings around in a circle. The wand rotates continuously, and you can only flip to connected nodes when the swinging end touches them.

Node Connections

Nodes are connected in a grid pattern (up, down, left, right). You can only move to nodes that are directly connected to your current pivot node. Closed doors block connections, preventing you from moving through them.

Level Elements

🟢 Start Node (Green)

• Your starting position
• Always marked with a green dot
• You respawn here when you lose a life

🟣 Goal Node (Purple/Magenta)

• Your destination
• Reach this to complete the level
• Automatically advances to the next level

🟡 Hyperdot (Yellow)

• Teleports you to a random normal node
• Useful for escaping tight situations
• Can be unpredictable - use with caution!

❌ Spikes (White X)

• Instant death on contact
• Can touch your wand or either orb
• Avoid at all costs!

🔵 Switch (Cyan Square)

• Toggles connected doors open/closed
• Activated when your pivot touches the switch node
• Each switch can control multiple doors
• Switches don't affect moving doors (cycling doors)

🚪 Door (Red Line)

• Blocks movement between two nodes
• Red = closed (blocked)
• Green = open (passable)
• Toggle with switches

🟠 Moving Door (Orange Dashed Line)

• Cycles between open and closed automatically
• Timing is crucial!
• Cannot be controlled by switches
• Watch the pattern and time your movement

🟣 Oil Glob (Purple Blob)

• Chases you along the node grid
• Moves toward your current position
• Contact causes instant death
• Keep moving to stay ahead!

💣 Bomb (Yellow with Fuse)

• Arms when your wand touches it
• Explodes after a short fuse
• Large blast radius - stay away!
• Disappears after exploding

Strategy Tips

Movement Strategy

• Plan Your Route: Look ahead to see where you need to go
• Time Your Flips: Wait for the right moment when the wand is pointing at your target
• Use Reverse: Q key reverses direction instantly - useful for quick corrections
• Bounce Between Nodes: Hold W to bounce between two close nodes - great for waiting

Hazard Avoidance

• Spikes: Give them wide berth - even the wand segment touching them kills you
• Oil Globs: Keep moving - they chase you but move slowly
• Bombs: Avoid touching them, or get far away quickly if you do
• Enemy Wands: Don't share a node with them - you'll lose a life

Puzzle Solving

• Switches: Plan which doors you need to open before reaching them
• Moving Doors: Watch the pattern - count the timing
• Multiple Hazards: Deal with one threat at a time
• Hyperdots: Use as a last resort escape, but be ready for random placement

Advanced Techniques

Flip Timing

The key to success is timing your flips correctly. Hold E or R when your wand is approaching a target node, and release if you change your mind. The flip happens instantly when contact is made, so you need to predict when the swinging end will touch the node.

Bounce Control

Holding W makes your wand bounce between the two closest nodes. This is useful for:

• Waiting for moving doors to open
• Staying in place while oil globs pass
• Positioning yourself for the perfect flip

Direction Control

Use Q to reverse direction instantly. This is faster than waiting for a full rotation. Combine with flips (R key) to change direction while moving to a new node.

Level Progression

The game features 12 hand-crafted levels with increasing difficulty:

• Levels 1-3: Introduction to basic mechanics
• Levels 4-6: Introduction of hazards (oil globs, bombs, moving doors)
• Levels 7-9: Combination of multiple hazard types
• Levels 10-12: Complex puzzles with all mechanics

Lives and Stats

• Lives: Start with 3 lives - lose one on death
• Time: Tracks how long you've been on the current level
• Flips: Counts how many times you've flipped to a new node
• Bounces: Counts how many times you've bounced
• Deaths: Total deaths across all attempts

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Rushing: Take your time to plan your route
• Ignoring Hazards: Always be aware of what's around you
• Poor Flip Timing: Practice the timing - it's crucial
• Forgetting Doors: Check if doors are open before attempting to pass
• Standing Still: Keep moving, especially with oil globs chasing you

Practice Makes Perfect

Clockwerx-like requires patience and practice. The unique control scheme takes time to master, but once you get the hang of it, the game becomes incredibly satisfying. Start with the early levels to learn the basics, then gradually work your way up to the more complex puzzles.

Good luck, and may your wand always point in the right direction! 🕐