Puzzles Pick of the Week - Killer Sudoku

Following on from last week’s Puzzles Pick of the Week where we took a closer look at Lextimate, this week we’re turning our attention to Killer Sudoku – a clever twist on the classic Sudoku format that blends logical thinking with light arithmetic. Already a familiar name in print, Killer Sudoku is now making a strong impression in the digital space thanks to its satisfying challenge and sleek interactivity.

We caught up with Head of Puzzles Peter Stirling to find out what makes Killer Sudoku so addictive, who it appeals to, and why the digital version is striking a chord with puzzle fans old and new.

For those unfamiliar with Killer Sudoku, can you tell us a bit more about it?

Sure. Killer Sudoku is a variant of traditional Sudoku that originated in Japan and has been around for quite a while. Like the original, it builds on the classic logic-based puzzle but adds a unique twist.

What sets Killer Sudoku apart is that, in addition to the usual logic required, it involves a layer of mental arithmetic. To solve the puzzle, players need to perform calculations within outlined “cages” that indicate the sum of the numbers in those cells. This adds an extra level of challenge and complexity.

It’s been popular in print for around 15 years and has gradually grown in visibility – it now features in quite a few newspapers. So it’s great that we now have our own interactive digital version available.

It’s known to be quite an addictive game – what do you think makes Killer Sudoku so compelling?

Much like traditional Sudoku, it’s very engaging. Once you grasp the additional element that sets Killer Sudoku apart – which can sound intimidating at first, especially with a name like “Killer” – it actually becomes quite approachable.

That extra layer isn’t necessarily more difficult; it’s just a different way of thinking. Instead of purely relying on logic, you also work with sums and mental arithmetic within groups of cells, which adds a fresh twist.

This slight variation makes the solving process feel new and interesting. And because of that, it can be even more satisfying when you complete a puzzle.

What kind of puzzler does Killer Sudoku typically attract?

It tends to appeal to people who already enjoy Sudoku but are looking for something a little different. It can feel like the next step up, though it’s not necessarily more difficult. In fact, some Killer Sudoku puzzles can actually be easier because you’re given additional information to help you solve them

It’s ideal for someone who enjoys the logical reasoning of traditional Sudoku but also has a knack for numbers and mental arithmetic. The combination of logic and light calculation adds an extra layer of challenge that many puzzle enthusiasts find rewarding.

What platform would you say Killer Sudoku is best suited for – print or digital? You’ve mentioned it’s available on both.

It’s been very popular in print for many years, but I think it’s one of those puzzles that’s actually enhanced in the digital space. You don’t have to worry about sharpening a pencil or whether your pen has ink – you can just tap away on your phone or device.

One great digital feature is the pencil mode, which lets you note down multiple possible numbers in a square as you work things out. That functionality makes the solving process cleaner and more flexible.

Overall, I’d say it works even better digitally than in print.

Is it possible to create a customised version of Killer Sudoku?

That’s a bit trickier. We haven’t really seen many customised versions so far. However, in theory, you could experiment with different grid sizes – much like how standard Sudoku comes in variations beyond the usual 9×9.

You could create a larger version that offers more complexity and depth, or a smaller one for quicker, more compact puzzles. So yes, size variation is one potential way to customise the experience.

While Killer Sudoku is already a well-known game, how has your version been received so far? Have you had any feedback?

Yes, in all the testing and play sessions we’ve done, the feedback has been really positive. People have found it genuinely compelling. As I mentioned earlier, it actually works even better in a digital format.

We’ve had great comments on how slick the experience feels and how smooth and intuitive the user interface is. Overall, the response to the digital version has been very encouraging.

Enquire about PA Media’s suite of digital puzzles today.