Rules

Each player starts a round with 21 pods.  Players alternate turns, dropping a pod into the grid. The goal is to connect 4 or more pods in a line. (see scoring section)

When a line is completed, it disappears.  Alll pieces above that line fall down to where the line was.  Points are then awarded to the scoring player.

More points are given for connecting 5, 6 or 7 in a row, as well as for making line combos.  For example, a horizontal and diagonal combined will net the player a higher score, and a horizontal, diagonal and vertical combined will net an even higher score.  (ie. The more lines a player finish simultaneously, the higher the player's score will be.)

Completing a line during a drop gives the player a bonus drop.

You can only complete a line score by including your current drop pod in the line!  When pods drop down, they may align with other pods of your color:  4, 5, or even 6 in a row.  In order to score this line, you must complete it with your current drop pod.  This makes for some interesting strategy!

If you fail to drop your piece within 10 seconds, you forfeit your turn.

In Single Player, you start the game with 3 lives.

The round ends when either player runs out of pods.

Winning

Computer Opponent (Single Player Mode)

As you play Gridlock!, the computer opponent AI will adjust itself to your playing skill.   At the start of the single player game, the computer logic intelligence is very basic (about equal to a 6 year old child.)

Every few rounds, your score and performance are evaluated by the computer.  If you are dominating, it will further attempt to thwart your efforts to score.  The computer AI can grow to be a Gridlock! Master.  At the end of the round, each player's round score is tallied, and added to the player's total score.  If you fail to score higher in a round than the computer, a life is lost.

Once all of your lives are depleted, the game ends.  (extra lives can be earned - see scoring section)

Two Player Mode

In two player mode, two people play on one computer using the keyboard. (see control section)   When starting a two player game, you'll be prompted to select the type of game: 5 rounds, 15 rounds, 30 rounds, or free play.  At the end of each round, each player's round score is tallied, and added to the player's total score.  The player with the highest round score wins the round.   Depending on the play mode selected, the game ends after either 5, 15, or 30 rounds.  The player with the highest total score wins the game.   In free play mode, the game continues until the game is reset manually.

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