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Writer's pictureRafi Saar

RealMaze AR: The Freeze Feature That Lets You Play Anywhere

Updated: Nov 13





When I first set out to design RealMaze AR, my new fun and challenging AR game for iPhone and iPad, my goal was to create a game that players could enjoy absolutely anywhere—whether that’s in a small room, a crowded park, or even a forest. One of the major challenges with augmented reality games, though, is physical space. As the mazes get larger and more complex, finding enough open space without real-world obstacles becomes almost impossible. So, from the start, I knew I had to invent a method that would let players navigate RealMaze AR’s mazes without limitations, no matter their surroundings.


The Freeze Feature: Navigating Around Real-World Obstacles


The solution? I created a feature that allows players to “freeze” the maze in place at any moment. When you hit an obstacle—whether it’s a table, a tree, or even just the edge of your living room—you can simply freeze the maze, move yourself around the obstacle, and then unfreeze to keep playing from exactly where you left off in the maze. This simple yet powerful feature means that your progress inside the maze is uninterrupted even as you adjust your physical position. It was designed to give players complete freedom, allowing them to sidestep any real-world obstacles and continue solving the maze without a hitch.


How It Works


Imagine you’re walking through a virtual maze projected through your phone. Suddenly, a wall or some other physical barrier appears directly in your path. Instead of abandoning your current position in the maze or needing to start over, you can simply:


1. Freeze the maze.

2. Physically move to a new position where you have a clearer path.

3. Unfreeze the maze to pick up exactly where you left off in your virtual space.


Even in small rooms, this feature is a game-changer. You can theoretically play RealMaze AR within the confines of a single room by turning around when you hit the end of a space, freezing, and continuing the maze as if you’re in an open area. I did it myself all the time when testing RealMaze AR during its development. While it may take a bit of practice, the process becomes instinctive, and you’ll find yourself navigating through tight spaces with ease.


Game Strategy: Embracing the Freeze


Part of the excitement in RealMaze AR is making freezing an intuitive part of gameplay. But the key here is that the game clock doesn’t stop when you freeze. This adds an extra strategic layer to the game—figuring out how to optimize your moves and minimize freeze time becomes part of your path to mastery. Although it might take a few tries to fully understand, mastering the freeze maneuver will significantly speed up your time and help you conquer larger mazes more efficiently.


Designing the Freeze Feature


Out of all the features in RealMaze AR, building the freeze mechanism was one of the most challenging yet rewarding parts of development. I tested this feature in countless scenarios—indoors, outdoors, and in various real-world environments—ensuring that players would truly have the freedom to enjoy RealMaze AR wherever they choose. It wasn’t just about solving an AR puzzle; it was about creating something practical that made the game adaptable to any location, big or small.


Play Anywhere, But Stay Safe


The beauty of RealMaze AR is that you can play it almost anywhere: from your living room to a busy mall or a quiet forest trail. However, it’s important to remember to play safely. The freeze feature can help you navigate around most obstacles, but it’s not a safeguard against real-world hazards like busy streets. Always stay aware of your surroundings and avoid playing near dangerous areas.


Conclusion: The Freedom to Explore


The freeze feature in RealMaze AR was designed to give players total freedom, allowing you to take the game anywhere and play it in ways that no other AR experience offers. Whether you’re sidestepping furniture, walking around trees, or dodging passersby, you can count on the freeze feature to keep your maze adventure moving.


So, go ahead—take RealMaze AR out into the world, explore new places, and discover the thrill of solving mazes anywhere your feet can take you! Happy maze-solving!


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