Blob: Difference between revisions

The '''blob''' is an amoeba-like green [[monster]] whose direction is completely random, and moves only every other turn. The only limits on a blob's direction are illegal moves.

== Mechanics ==

The direction of the blob actually means nothing, even on a [[clone machine]], because the randomly selected direction will take effect from a blob's first move. Because the movement of the blob is not defined in any way, the [[Controller and Boss Glitch]] has no effect on it. In [[Lynx Ruleset|Lynx]], by contrast, blobs and [[walker]]s move in specifically programmed directions.

== [[Acting wall]] redirecting ==

There are few strategies for redirecting blobs normally, but sometimes they can be nudged, encouraged, and even forced into a specific path by acting walls, or additionally by existing [[acting dirt]]. This can be desirable or undesirable depending on the situation. Usually, if Chip is trying to avoid being hit by blobs in a ''specific'' section of route - such as running to the [[thief]] in [[Abandoned Mines]] - the fewest acting walls are preferred to give the blobs less chance of blocking other blobs' desired directions, such that those blobs would be more likely to hit Chip.

If there is no set route through the room, acting dirt exists in the pathway, or the blobs are instead intended to remove [[bomb]]s or hit [[button]]s that Chip cannot reach, then blob-acting walls will often help. In the first case, they force the blobs into a more important decision as to which path they are guarding. Acting dirt will also define a safe route through that the blobs cannot infringe on, which is made more secure by the acting walls. The third case is intended to encourage blobs to move closer to the target by reducing its options. If other blobs take away the option of retreating, the initial blob is more likely to move closer to where Chip wants it.

The ultimate situation in blob redirection is the following:

[[File:Blob demo.png]]

In this case, the blob has only two choices: D back onto a north [[force floor]] with no effect, or U, which will send it >U to boot. The same choices then apply, and the second U move leads to death on the [[bomb]], which frees the [[exit]].