Scorerun

Scorerun is a paradigm that optimises score.

This paradigm focuses on performing as many non-reversible actions as possible, which is what score represents. Currently there is no established way of quantifying it.

It was observed that some players enjoy clearing all bases and dropping all zonks to the lowest available point. To reward and encourage this style of play requires a way of quantifying it. The current idea is to add a score system. Players will be awarded points for performing destructive actions, like dropping zonks down and clearing bases. Players that find ways to perform more destructive actions will earn more points. Performing all possible actions will essentially bring a level to its lowest possible state. A solution like that would yield the maximum possible score.

In the future some non-reversible actions might become reversible thanks to new elements and mechanics they might offer. This could create opportunities to farm points endlessly, which would become a competition of patience, rather than cleverness. This will be solved by deducting points when the opposite action is performed. For example players receive points for eating bases, but every time a new base is created by an object similar to the Mole from Emerald Mine - players receive negative points. This way clearing additional tiles will not yield net score gains.

Pushing is an example of action that is potentially reversible, so it should yield no additional points or a preferred direction could be selected. Preferred direction would award points, while the other would deduct points.

Zonks have a natural preference to roll left if both left and right side is available for rolling. It means that rolling to the right is an action that is potentially more expensive, because it might involve more work. Players can use Murphy to block the left side, to make zonks roll right, rather than left. This is why pushing zonks to the right will be awarded with points, while pushing them to the left will deduct points from the score.

Dropping a zonk down by 1 tile will award more points than what could be earned by pushing it as far right as possible

The score will have no impact on the ability to exit the level, even if the final score happens to be zero, or even negative.