Mental Judo: A Cryptic Blog (11)

Ten of this puzzle's answers relate to a specific year—can you figure out which? (Highlight the spoilered text at the end of this post to see the answer!) This puzzle is another ancient request via my stream, this time by Liari , prolific British-style cryptic setter (who recently debuted in the Times, congrats!). She left the year up to me, so I hope she approves! Once again, skaldskaparmal helped me out with a test solve—thank you, friend! Finally, I just want to take this opportunity to pad this blog post so the spoilered answer text doesn't show up in the preview. Welp, that should do it. Thanks for solving! [ solve online ] [ pdf ] [ .ipuz ] SOLUTION: (highlight to reveal) The word BLOG(S) was coined… 11 countries officially adopted the EURO… FUTURAMA and SPONGEBOB premiered… NAPSTER launched… SPLENDA was introduced… The DREAMCAST came out… BABY ONE MORE TIME debuted… OCTOBER SKY premiered… The first book of A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS was published… …and it all hap...

Ten of this puzzle's answers relate to a specific year—can you figure out which? (Highlight the spoilered text at the end of this post to see the answer!) This puzzle was requested via my stream some time ago (he said purposefully vaguely) by juff (who also runs the variety cryptic outlet The Gnomon ), but they left choosing the specific year up to Ruby, a fab streamer who plays a lot of point-and-click adventure games. So thanks to those two for being the impetus for this puzzle! Another big thanks to skaldskaparmal (an amazing puzzle maker ) who provided excellent feedback, some of which I politely declined to implement (so if there's anything annoying in here, skald already told me about it and you can revel in your correctness together). Finally, I think it's funny that I've only posted one puzzle here this year, and it's a Cryptic of the Year. That's all. Thanks for solving! [ solve online ] [ pdf ] [ .ipuz ] SOLUTION: (highligh...

Herzwesten and I are back with another text adventure–style cryptic, so  blow the dust out of your data ports and jack in—it's time to hack the cryptic! Like our  previous puzzles  in this genre, there are a few small cryptic grids plus a mini meta puzzle. Unlike the previous puzzles, the descriptive text that appears when you enter a correct answer is just for fun and immersion—you won't need it to solve the final puzzle. Thanks to akatookey and skaldskaparmal for their invaluable test solves!  [ solve online ]

This puzzle was requested via my stream (a long, long time ago) by the fabulous akaamrit, who has no doubt forgotten by now that she ever redeemed it! This puzzle relates to a specific someone—can you use the nine themed answers to guess who? This puzzle has been in my queue for some time, and for whatever reason proved very difficult to finish cluing. But I got by with a little help from my friends, and the puzzle is much better for it! Many thanks to Dob, Gwen, jmsr, juff, Liam, momes, and Paula for their help with cluing, and juff and Liam for the test solve!  [ solve online ] [ jpuz ]

A little over a week ago, I attended the first annual Midwest Crossword Tournament (aka  Midwest Gridfest ) in Chicago. It was my first time in Chicago, and first time meeting a bunch of amazing crossword friends in person. Hope to see you (and many more) next year! I'm posting because I brought a puzzle to the tournament to share, as is custom. It's a cryptic activity placemat, featuring a maze that's also a cryptic crossword (a format I'd like to explore further in the future). Given the nature of the puzzle, I have it available only in pdf. Please enjoy, (and solve in crayon if possible, just for fun). Special thanks to Kelsey for the amazing design work, Dob for logistical support, and juff and skald for the test solves! [ pdf ]

You know Dob; you've seen his fantastic stream with Momes , you've solved one of his many great cryptic or noncryptic puzzles —maybe even one we've made together ! Well, he had a great idea for a collab, so we're back with another!  Here's what Dob has to say: When Joe first begged me to make a Guess Who with him back in the late 90s, I was hesitant. Like, really hesitant. For a long time. Why, you ask? You know the old saying "never do a cryptic collab with your heroes"? That. However, in a shocking turn of events, it was a joy from start to finish. I genuinely love this puzzle and its subject and hope you enjoy solving it. Are you also a fan of [redacted]? If so, I'd love to know your favorite [redacted] or [redacted] of theirs. Thanks Joe for this opportunity. < 3 This puzzle relates to a specific someone—can you use the nine themed answers to figure out who before the grid spells out their name in the circled squares? Many thanks to our test so...