Mars Rover (MIT Mystery Hunt 2020)
| Mars Rover | |
|---|---|
| MIT Mystery Hunt 2020 | |
| Spaceopolis | |
| Author(s) | Brent Holman |
| Answer | Click to revealMINIMAL CLOUD STORAGE |
| Statistics | |
| No. solves | 44 |
| No. total guesses | 101 |
| Links | |
| Puzzle | Link |
| Solution | Link |
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Mars Rover is a [INSERT PUZZLE TYPE] puzzle from the Spaceopolis round of the 2020 MIT Mystery Hunt.
Solve Path[edit | edit source]
Puzzle Elements[edit | edit source]
Hexagonal Grid - A hexagonal grid, seven on a side, is provided with the puzzle.
Audio - The puzzle also contains seven pieces of audio. Each one plays some number of assorted vehicle noises; there are only three different noises.
Text-Heavy Presentation - Below the audio are several "video log transcripts", detailing Mark's attempts to map out the crater.
Logic Puzzle (Miscellaneous) - Each of the audio files details a path through the grid, with the sounds representing either a forward movement or a 60-degree turn. The puzzle involves filling out the given hex grid using the clues provided—something like a freeform Crossword.
Identification (Music, Popular) - The fifth clue mentions that music is playing during two NAV outings; these can be heard in the fourth and fifth audio clips. Their titles are used for that path's fill. The third clue also involves filling in a song lyric.
Optimization - After filling out the grid, Mark places 19 hydro stations, which cover their own hex and the six hexes around it. Mark gives two locations directly and says only that the others are placed to cover the most area; the layout is reconstructible from only this information.
Marked Elements - Reconstructing this layout and taking the letters where the hydro stations were placed gives the answer.
