Write the prompt around a playable rule
The example gives each tile a predictable threshold and specifies how sparks travel. The objective limits random tapping and encourages players to set up a cascade. Ask for sequential animation so players can follow the wave. Keep target markers distinct from ordinary tiles and make chain completion visible before a new move can start.
Original concept prompt: “Create a small tile puzzle where tapping a tile adds one spark. A tile bursts at four sparks and sends one spark to each orthogonal neighbor; any neighbor reaching four bursts in sequence. Clear a marked set of target tiles in a limited number of taps. Animate one wave at a time and show remaining targets.” This is a recipe for an idea, not a claim that this exact game is already playable.
Play, observe and refine one thing at a time
Try a tap that causes no burst, one that causes a single burst and one that creates a longer chain. Confirm the neighbor rule and threshold at each step. If a long sequence is hard to follow, slow the animation or highlight the active tile. If players can win by tapping randomly, reduce the move budget or make target selection more specific.
Tune board size or target placement before changing the burst rule. A compact board lets you check a full chain without losing track of it. If the solution requires a particular setup, provide a short example level. Then remove the hint in a later level and see if players can apply the same reasoning.
Do not use hidden diagonal neighbors or different thresholds without clear markers. A chain should feel surprising in outcome but predictable in rule. If players cannot reproduce a successful setup, improve the state display or make the board reset easy to use.
Playable reference for this prompt: 2048 Drop. Tap one of five columns to drop a number block; equal touching blocks merge and double in chain reactions until a column overflows. Use this example to compare the proposed rules with a game you can try now.
Questions about merge chain game prompt
How should a chain reaction resolve?
Define a queue of bursts and animate each wave. Simultaneous neighbors need a consistent resolution order so the same starting board has an understandable outcome.
Can a cleared tile receive another spark?
Specify that rule before generating. Either behavior changes the puzzle, so test a chain that returns to a tile already involved in the current reaction.