Lemmings Overview
Lemmings is a puzzle game where the player must guide a procession of creatures to safety. These lemmings move on their own, walking directly into environmental dangers unless given specific instructions. Success is measured by the percentage of the group that reaches the level's exit, a requirement that changes from stage to stage.
Management of the continuous stream from the entrance is a central challenge, requiring the player to balance timing and crowd control. The solution for each stage involves assigning a limited set of skills from a toolbar, such as creating staircases, digging through obstacles, or changing a lemming's direction. The correct application of these abilities to individual lemmings at precise moments is necessary to navigate the terrain.
The game's 120 levels are organized into four categories that represent a clear difficulty progression, from fair introductory puzzles to challenging scenarios demanding intricate planning. Level designs incorporate various hazards and interactive elements, while the available skills and their quantities are restricted to enforce efficiency. A self-destruct function allows the player to reset a level, and performance is often graded on both the number saved and the speed of completion.