This is how the row looks after moving the 3 tiles all one step to the left.
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How to play
Drop Zone
Drop Zone is a game you’ll have to play careful and thoughtful in order to get the max out of it. Don’t rush while playing, know what you do, and practice before you think you are good at it.
Luck also plays a role, but don’t count on luck when have something much better: your skills. The game is not complicated but it does require your concentration.
The game has 8 normal rounds and a bonus round. The bonus round is linked to the normal rounds, your actions in the normal rounds will have impact on the bonus round.
Scoring
The earlier in the game you match numbers, the more points you get. Each row you complete on a board advances your level with 1. A new board starts with level 1 again.
Each matching number awards you with:
250 points x Your current level
plus
125 points x Number of rounds remaining x Your current level.
Please note that the game has 8 rounds. Although after the first round there are only 7 remaining, the number of rounds remaining includes the current round.
The earlier in the game you match numbers, the more points you get. Each row you complete on a board advances your level with 1. A new board starts with level 1 again.
Each matching number awards you with:
250 points x Your current level
plus
125 points x Number of rounds remaining x Your current level.
The first match, in the first rounds thus gives
250 x 1 + 125 x 8 x1 = 1250.
Bonus round picks
You start the game with level 1. The number of picks you have during the bonus round is the highest level you reached during the game minus 1.
Time limits
You start the game with level 1. The number of picks you have during the bonus round is the highest level you reached during the game minus 1.
Time limits
At the initial display of the bonus round you have 15 seconds before the game moves to the next round. This is the only phase in the game drop zone rushes you.
In the normal rounds you'll be fine when making a move at least once in a minute. If you fail to do so, the game will move to the next round.
I start the game by paying it.
Immediate after start the game displays the positions of the bonuses as I will get them at the end of the game in the bonus round. Every time when I – during the game – move a number from left to right, the bonuses on that column will also move one step from left to right, the same for moving from right to left.
If I keep track of these moves, I’ll know where the bonuses are during the bonus round !! 16 positions is a bit hard to remember, but there is no need. Remembering the 4 highest bonuses is enough.
Instead of memorizing, I’ll write them in a notecard. The top bonus is on column 1, the 2nd and 3rd bonus are both on column 2 and the 4th is on column 1 again.
After writhing that down, I can wait till the game starts or click on the spinner (the bottom row of the play board) to start playing the game.
Immediate after start the game displays the positions of the bonuses as I will get them at the end of the game in the bonus round. Every time when I – during the game – move a number from left to right, the bonuses on that column will also move one step from left to right, the same for moving from right to left.
If I keep track of these moves, I’ll know where the bonuses are during the bonus round !! 16 positions is a bit hard to remember, but there is no need. Remembering the 4 highest bonuses is enough.
Instead of memorizing, I’ll write them in a notecard. The top bonus is on column 1, the 2nd and 3rd bonus are both on column 2 and the 4th is on column 1 again.
After writhing that down, I can wait till the game starts or click on the spinner (the bottom row of the play board) to start playing the game.
My notecard:
1
2
2
1
In the first round I see that my level is 1 and I am in the first round.
I also see I can make a number match (the number 6 in the 4th column). Another thing is that I can also play the number 8 on the top row, after I made the number match with 6. I will show later on. Let’s first play the 6, by clicking it on the play board.
I also see I can make a number match (the number 6 in the 4th column). Another thing is that I can also play the number 8 on the top row, after I made the number match with 6. I will show later on. Let’s first play the 6, by clicking it on the play board.
After playing 6, do not click the spinner to go to the next round. We are not done this round, not yet.
I did not make any moves to the left or the right, thus my notecard remains unchanged.
My notecard:
1
2
2
1
Marked with red arrows
After I remove the 6, I see the number above it falling down. There is a reason the game is called Drop Zone, numbers drop down. An empty spot remains at the top row. I scored 1250 points removing this number. As we mentioned before, the formula determining the score is such that the earlier in the game we match a tile, the more points it will give.
Marked with blue arrows
The number 8 on the top row cannot be matched, as it is not in the same column as the number 8 on the spiner.
However, we can move numbers. The rule is that we can move numbers in the direction of the arrow (that direction is randomly given each round, to the left or to the right), as long as there is an empty spot to move to and there no numbers above that number.
Marked with the white arrow
So I can move the number 7 at the left most column one step to the left (placing it at the right most column)
That move to the left at the top row, I also write down in my notecard. Moves to the left have a negative value, moves to the right a positive value. So, I got a -1 in the top row.
My notecard:
1 -1
2
2
1
If I keep on moving items to the left on the top row, I will eventually come in the situation that the 8 is at the desired column.
And this is how it looks after moving all one more step to the left
Now, we only have to move the number 8 one more time in order to put it on the desired 3rd column. Doing so will make it disappear and adds another 1250 points.
This where in total 7 moves to the left. I’ll write them in my notecard, and click the spinner to move to the next round.
This where in total 7 moves to the left. I’ll write them in my notecard, and click the spinner to move to the next round.
My notecard:
1 -1 -7
2
2
1
As you see I got 2500 points already, due to the two matches in the previous round.
The second round brings us new possible matches: The 8 in the first column, the 9 in the third column and the 4 in the last column. There are more 9’s and 4’s on the board, it must be possible using the moving feature to match a few more.
When I get fully rid of the top row, I’ll get 250 points extra (remember the scoring rule) per match. That must be possible, as I am making 4 matches and there only 2 tiles on the top row.
Another thing to take into consideration: The spinner only shows numbers that are available on the play board. Thus, the less different numbers are available on the play board, the bigger the odds on a match in the next rounds. I’ll remove the last 8 for sure, but perhaps I can also get rid of all 9’s.
The second round brings us new possible matches: The 8 in the first column, the 9 in the third column and the 4 in the last column. There are more 9’s and 4’s on the board, it must be possible using the moving feature to match a few more.
When I get fully rid of the top row, I’ll get 250 points extra (remember the scoring rule) per match. That must be possible, as I am making 4 matches and there only 2 tiles on the top row.
Another thing to take into consideration: The spinner only shows numbers that are available on the play board. Thus, the less different numbers are available on the play board, the bigger the odds on a match in the next rounds. I’ll remove the last 8 for sure, but perhaps I can also get rid of all 9’s.
I start with making all 3 matches, clicking the 8 in the first column, the 9 in the 3rd column and the 4 in the last column.
No moves left or right for now, thus my notecard remains unchanged.
My notecard:
1 -1 -7
2
2
1
I got 1125 points for each match, being 1 x 250 + 7 x 125 x 1, bringing my total score to 5875.
I did unfortunately overlook the chance to score another 250 points. After removing 2 numbers I could have moved the 7 on the top row all the way left until it would drop down one row, that would have increased my level, and thus I would have scored 250 points extra for the last number match.
I didn’t see that on time, and now there is no way back. Too bad, but let’s move on.
I can still move those 2 7’s and the 9 on such way that I’ll match the 9. That will also take the last 9 of the board, which is a good thing too as no 9 will appear on the spinner anymore.
I’ll move the 7 on the top row, 2 steps to the left. It will drop one row, and thus also increase my level. I also write the 2 steps in my notecard. It is a move to the left thus, I write it down with a minus.
I did unfortunately overlook the chance to score another 250 points. After removing 2 numbers I could have moved the 7 on the top row all the way left until it would drop down one row, that would have increased my level, and thus I would have scored 250 points extra for the last number match.
I didn’t see that on time, and now there is no way back. Too bad, but let’s move on.
I can still move those 2 7’s and the 9 on such way that I’ll match the 9. That will also take the last 9 of the board, which is a good thing too as no 9 will appear on the spinner anymore.
I’ll move the 7 on the top row, 2 steps to the left. It will drop one row, and thus also increase my level. I also write the 2 steps in my notecard. It is a move to the left thus, I write it down with a minus.
My notecard:
1 -1 -7 -2
2
2
1
As you see the 7 dropped one row down and the level is 2 now.
I can move the 7 one step to the left, afterwards the empty spot on the row is at the total right column, so I can move the 7 on the total left column one step to the left, afterwards I can move the 9. All this I have to repeat 3 times bringing the 9 at the column I want it.
Once the 9 has arrived at it is new column,it will disappear, being matched.
I made 9 moves to the left, on the second row. So, in my notecard I write a -9 on the second row.
Matching this 9 will also finish the work this round. I made all matches I can make, there is nothing left to do. I click the spinner to move to the next round.
I can move the 7 one step to the left, afterwards the empty spot on the row is at the total right column, so I can move the 7 on the total left column one step to the left, afterwards I can move the 9. All this I have to repeat 3 times bringing the 9 at the column I want it.
Once the 9 has arrived at it is new column,it will disappear, being matched.
I made 9 moves to the left, on the second row. So, in my notecard I write a -9 on the second row.
Matching this 9 will also finish the work this round. I made all matches I can make, there is nothing left to do. I click the spinner to move to the next round.
My notecard:
1 -1 -7 -2
2 -9
2
1
The next round brings me among other things a red + symbol on the spinner. We had that in the first round too, but then it couldn’t do nothing as the column was full.
Now the column is not full, thus the + symbol does its work: A new number is added on top of the column. The number 6 you see on the right column is new, we didn’t have that last round.
As you see on the spinner, I can match the numbers 2 and 4.
However, let’s look a bit ahead. Playing this round wisely makes that I can match a 2 and both 4's.
I’ll show you how. Let’s start with taking the 2
Matching the 2 makes that the 7 that was above it drops one row down. And of course I get a score for it. My level is 2 and there are 6 rounds to go. So, I get 2×250 + 6x125x2 = 2000 points.
I will not match the 4 yet, but first do some preparation so I can take the other 4 too. I move the 6 on the second row one spot to the right and then the 7 two spots to the right.
After that when I take the 4 in the third column, all is free to move that in the 2nd column one spot to the right and...it will also be mine.
Of course I write my 3 moves down.
My notecard:
1 -1 -7 -2
2 -9 +3
2
1
Now you might more clear see what I am heading at. I remove the 4 in the 3rd column, the 2 drops down. Then I move the 4 in the 2nd column one column to the right and I also match it.
Both 4’s are matched now. Let’s not forget to also write down the one move to the right in my notecard.
I click the spinner, let’s see what the next round will bring.
Both 4’s are matched now. Let’s not forget to also write down the one move to the right in my notecard.
I click the spinner, let’s see what the next round will bring.
My notecard:
1 -1 -7 -2
2 -9 +3
2 +1
1
Damn!
This is pretty much the most worthless round possible. Not a single match can be made and we get 2 extra tiles.
Getting extra tiles doesn’t always have to be a punishment as there is no extra score for completing lines and/or for completing the entire board, while we do get nice scores making a match, when the level is pretty high.
Sometimes one is lucky, sometimes one is not. There is nothing to gain in this round. I click the spinner and go on to the next round.
This round looks a whole lot better. I can match 6’s and 7’s.
With a bit of moving around, making sure I catch all I can catch, I’ll end up with only the bottom row left over.
First take the 6 on the top row, then move that 7 until you can take it too. Now there will drop down nothing that can bother me.
Then take the 7 in the second column, the 6 drops down.
You also have a free tile in the third row, that row only contains 6's and 7's. Keep moving them and take them until all are gone.
And of course, carefully write down the moves:
My notecard:
1 -1 -7 -2
2 -9 +3 +1
2 +1 +6
1
This round is a cute one!
I hope you now already see, after looking at the board that we can match all, except the 6.
Be aware that one number has to be matched while the level is still 3, all others can be matched with the level being 4. That is important, as it means 25% more points.
I don’t forget to write down my moves. All moves to the right, thus a +.
Then I click the spinner to go to the next round.
My notecard:
1 -1 -7 -2
2 -9 +3 +1
2 +1 +6
1 +6
This round is far from complicated. One single click on the 6, it will give a nice 2000 points, and then on to the next round.
Note that we did reach level 4, which is good news for the bonus round. We will get all 4 clicks that round.
Since I completed the entire board, a new board is generated, full with numbers. I can make several matches.
I think you got the drill by now. For making all the matches I can, I have to make one move to the left on the top row. So I write that down in my notecard.
This was the last round. I won’t click the spinner already, that would start the bonus round. I first have some math to do. No worries, it ain’t complicated math at all. Just counting.
I think you got the drill by now. For making all the matches I can, I have to make one move to the left on the top row. So I write that down in my notecard.
This was the last round. I won’t click the spinner already, that would start the bonus round. I first have some math to do. No worries, it ain’t complicated math at all. Just counting.
My notecard:
1 -1 -7 -2 -1
2 -9 +3 +1
2 +1 +6 +1
1 +6
I use the time I got during the last round to quickly add up all values in my notecard.
My notecard:
1 -1 -7 -2 -1 = -10
2 -9 +3 +1 = -3
2 +1 +6 +1 = 10
1 +6 = 7
Since there are only 4 columns. I need the remainder of these values after dividing them by 4. E.g. -10 divided by 4 is 2 with a remainder of -2. I need that remainder.
My notecard:
1 -1 -7 -2 -1 = -10 ==> -2
2 -9 +3 +1 = -3 ==> -3
2 +1 +6 +1 = 10 ==> 2
1 +6 = 7 ==> 3
Add 4 to all values below 1 (thus to negative values or 0).
My notecard:
1 -1 -7 -2 -1 = -10 ==> -2 ==> 2
2 -9 +3 +1 = -3 ==> -3 ==> 1
2 +1 +6 +1 = 10 ==> 2
1 +6 = 7 ==> 3
Now you know for each row in which column the highest bonus is.
Click the spinner to go to the bonus round.
The first bonus pick. I click the 2nd column, if I counted right here is the highest bonus.
And so I do all 4 bonus picks.
And there is my second big error during this game. I did not do all my counting correct. The 6 in the 4th line had to be a 5, I made a mistake. That costs me a lot of points.
This mistakes can happen, counting accurate during the entire game, every game again, is rather hard. I still got 3 out of 4 right, and that is a whole lot more than when I would just have relied on chance and picked just a random one out of the 4.
More important: We won this game. The final score is 62025, while we only needed 61999. The machine pays me L$20, I won!!
More important: We won this game. The final score is 62025, while we only needed 61999. The machine pays me L$20, I won!!
And now it is your turn, grab a Drop Zone machine and try it out. This game keeps your brain busy so don't bother unless you like this sort of challenges.
It is rather satisfying to bring a Drop Zone game to a good (winning) end...because one can be sure that luck alone will never bring you that far. You need to play damn good to get this machine on its knees.
Where to play?
Click a link to teleport directly to the Drop Zone game machines.