New crystal levels change the approach to the core gameplay mechanic of tile acquisition. Now, depending on the map, a tile can also be acquired by passing a path through a crystal pillar. Such a pass grants one additional tile, indicated by a special animation. Additionally, new sounds have been recorded that indicate the fill level of the crystal pillar. These sounds create a unique combo effect, which can also earn an achievement. When you fill the crystal pillar, you receive six additional tiles, making it definitely worth the effort.
Multiplying the multiplier
To add depth and allow for strategies for more experienced players, each pass through the crystal pillar increases the score multiplier by 10%. For additional clarification, the multiplier increase works differently than with metal tiles—metal tiles increase the multiplier by 10, 25, and 50 percentage points, respectively. The crystal pillar increases the multiplier by 10%, which means that starting with a multiplier of x1.00, passing through the pillar raises it to x1.10, passing again to x1.21, and again to x1.33. Another example: with a multiplier at x5.50, passing through the crystal pillar increases the multiplier to x6.05.
Advanced strategies
Thanks to the option of multiplying the multiplier (however that sounds), a new strategy has emerged for more advanced players. Now, scores on crystal maps can literally skyrocket and exceed 300,000! Players will be able to balance between two extremes: acquiring additional tiles from crystal pillars and closing them, and building long paths that pass through the crystal pillars to create gigantic multipliers. The maps are designed to allow such a balance without excessively complicating the game. Adapting to the new strategies may take a few games, but once mastered, it becomes incredibly satisfying. I am incredibly curious to see what scores you will be able to achieve on the new maps.