sokoban

Slash'EM and the latest version of Nethack have an optional Sokoban branch. Since there is no way to start a level again if you mess it up, you are permitted to "cheat" in various ways, but this is bad for your luck.

• It was invented in 1982 by Thinking Rabbit Inc.
• Sokoban is the Japanese word for warehouse keeper.
• Solving sokoban positions automatically is a subtle AI problem.
• There is a standard format for sokoban positions.
  • # denotes a wall in the maze
  • . is used for a goal and
  • $ is used for a crate.
  • @ is the man.
  • + is used for the man on a goal.
  • * is a crate that is stacked on a goal.

  Here's a position (created by Noether):

    ####
    #  #
  ###  ###
  #  .*  #
  # #**# #
  #   *@ #
  ##   ###
   #$# #
   #   #
   #####  
  

• Creating Sokoban positions is a mixture of art and science. Why not have a go?