Node Network

Write tiny assembly into a grid of CPUs that hand values to their neighbors, turning the input stream into the target without deadlocking.

How to play

Each editable node runs a few lines of a small assembly language and can read or write its up/down/left/right ports. Move the input stream across the grid, transforming it so the output matches the target. Two nodes that each wait on the other will deadlock and glow red.

• Instructions include mov, add, sub, set, neg, nop and conditional jumps with labels
• Reading or writing a port blocks until the neighboring node is ready
• Run to test; solve in as few cycles as possible for a higher score

Controls

• Desktop: type code into each node's text box, pick a level from the dropdown, then press Run
• Phone & tablet: works, but an external keyboard is strongly recommended for writing the code

Game modes

• Daily: one shared puzzle seeded from today's date
• Practice: cycle through fresh randomized inputs with the New button

Tips & strategy

• Pipeline the work — let each node do one small step so values keep flowing and nothing stalls
• If you deadlock, find the two red nodes both waiting to read or write and break the cycle

What you'll learn

Node Network is a parallel-programming puzzle about message passing and avoiding deadlock across a mesh of processors.

• Skills: parallel and concurrent programming, message passing, deadlock avoidance
• Best for: roughly grades 9–12 (ages 14+)
• For parents & teachers: concurrency and deadlock, hands-on.

About Node Network

Node Network is a parallel-programming puzzle about message passing and avoiding deadlock across a mesh of processors. It is an original, free browser game built in-house for PlayPendium.

A free, original browser game on PlayPendium — no download, no install. Browse all games →