Category test2 sliced

In cognitive science, problems can be mapped out by making a diagram of something called the problem space. The problem space is a chart of every possible place you can be while solving the problem, including mistakes and dead-ends.

Mazes have problem spaces that are identical to their physical layout. If you made a chart of every place you could be in a maze, you'd simply be making another drawing of the maze.

Hybrids mix the spatial aspects of a maze with more puzzle-like rules. The problem space is still influenced by the physical layout of the puzzle but isn't an exact replica of the physical space.

Puzzles may have some physical layout, but their problem spaces have little to do with the orientation of the puzzle. Puzzles don't have a physical space that you are trying to navigate, only a problem space.

Text puzzles rely mostly on words to influence the problem space (although rules governing physical layout may be part of the logic you'll need to use to solve the puzzle).

Mouse over the titles to see a description and swath of each category of maze, hybrid, puzzle, or text puzzle.