Shifumi Master

Shifumi Master is a 2016 mobile proof of concept for a puzzle game inspired by the immediacy of 2048 and the charm of other casual mobile puzzlers. Instead of simply merging numbers, you create elemental chains across a 4x4 grid by linking Water, Wood, and Fire in the correct logical order.

Set in a mystical temple inspired by medieval China, the game casts you as a martial arts student attempting to open the legendary Shifumi Temple. Each successful chain strengthens your starting tile, evolves it to a higher level, and pushes you closer to the ultimate goal: creating a level 6 Shifumi and proving yourself worthy of the title of Shifumi Master.

This prototype focuses on the core idea: a simple touch-based puzzle mechanic with more structure than a classic merge game. You drag across matching tile levels to form chains of at least 3 elements, score points, evolve your pieces, and keep the board alive as long as possible. When no more valid chains remain, the run is over.

Features of this proof of concept:

• Element-based puzzle gameplay inspired by 2048-style design
• A unique chain system using Water > Fire > Wood > Water logic
• Tile evolution and score chasing
• A colorful, cute, manga-inspired mobile game concept
• An early prototype originally designed in 2016 for smartphones and tablets