#715 - “A City of Puzzles”

[markhr]

After failing to make any progress yesterday, I picked it up again this morning and solved in about 10 minutes. Weird. It probably is a week 2, though the key step is hard to spot. I might have solved without Matt's hint, but kind of doubtful.

[Joe]

After failing to make any progress yesterday, I picked it up again this morning and solved in about 10 minutes. Weird. It probably is a week 2, though the key step is hard to spot. I might have solved without Matt's hint, but kind of doubtful.

I feel the same way, though I needed both Matt's hint and a friendly nudge. It is either a week 2 or a week 7.

[benchen71]

I think I've made it to the tractor beam, thanks to the additional hint and a helpful nudge. I was definitely led astray by what can only be described as a hell of a red herring!

[EmilyW]

Beamed up with the hint. I had a couple initial guesses after reading the prompt, which normally doesn't help me because I spend time trying to make my guess work. This time one of my guesses turned out to be the answer, and I don't think I would have gotten it without having that idea in my head.

[Psumcoleman]

I have almost no leads let alone ideas even after reading the clue. Well, one thing that’s almost definitely a rabbit hole. Nudges appreciated.

[jhseeman]

Beamed up....waiting for confirmation, but it's a solid answer. - Confirmed beamed up

Thanks for the great hint Meg

[burak]

I don't know if I'll solve this puzzle by the deadline, but my US geography is surely gonna improve a lot so that's a plus?

[sheeparenotgreen]

Totally stuck. Stupid ego is not letting me look at the hint. I do agree my knowledge of geography is also getting a lot better!

[MikeyG]

Beamed up....waiting for confirmation, but it's a solid answer.

Thanks for the great hint Meg

While I'm beamed up, I'd love to hear the hint afterward!

[MajordomoTom]

I'm still quite stuck.

There are two obvious guesses.

Decisions, decisions.

[burghman]

Hate to throw out the “could really use a nudge” random request, but I think it’s time. I’ve spent more time looking at this one than any other MGWCC puzzle - with weeks 3+, I’m smart enough to know that I’m not always smart enough and will throw in the towel if nothing jumps out. But a week 2?!?!?! I can’t completely throw in the towel on a week 2, but nothing is presenting itself. I humbly request a kind soul to provide a little nudge. I’ve already looked at Matt’s hint and that didn’t shed any light for me, and I fear it may have done more harm than good. Happy to share things that I’ve “discovered” and failed at. Thanks!

ETA - got a few nudges I’m working with today. Thanks to those that responded.

[ky-mike]

Submitted. Waiting on a board update.

Not my first guess, or second or third (based on the meta description), but a solid fourth of my pre-solve list of possible answers.

Edit: On the board.

[benchen71]

By the way, for those of you who are interested, I've created a response to this puzzle (which I've entitled "A puzzle of cities") which will be the MOAT puzzle coming out on the 22nd of February. You know how a meta mechanic occurs to you while you are trying to solve a meta puzzle? Well, that happened and I can't wait for you all to see it!

[ricky]

I need a nudge! I have absolutely no idea what's going on with this puzzle. I have two solid guesses for answers, but no backsolving route presents itself. In response to the inevitable "what do you have so far" question, I finished the puzzle and... that's all I've got.

[cbarbee002]

Yeah, what many before have said. Nudge! Although I do have “pre-solve” list of potentials, and really hoping for a particular one.

[burghman]

Thanks to a late night nudge from rogerf4 and an overnight nudge from Schmeel, I’ve reached the promised land. Not yet on the leaderboard (no refresh from Matt since 1AM-ish), but it’s a no-doubter when the mechanism rears its head.

[MarkWoychick]

I’ve found a lot of dead ends but still lost and in need of a nudge.

Edit: thanks to a nudge from @Schmeel, I have found and submitted an answer. Will update when I know more.

Two more weeks of increasing difficulty this month?! I think I’m in over my head.

Edit 2: Confirmed! Number 138 this week and 134 last week, so not too different. Of course without the nudge, I would be what? Infinity?

[boharr]

Beamed up yesterday...with help.

[cisalope]

I'm totally lost with this one, and would love a nudge. How is this a Week 2?

[woozy]

I'm totally lost with this one, and would love a nudge. How is this a Week 2?

It's not. Even when get the mechanism, it isn't.

PMing you a nudge right now.