Single Number(Mac, 1995)

Single Number (1995) – A Charming Early Logic Puzzle for Classic Macintosh

When we think of vintage Macintosh gaming, our minds usually go to black-and-white adventures, quirky shareware, and experimental puzzle titles that thrived during the early- to mid–1990s. Today, we’re looking at a perfect example of that era’s creativity: Single Number, a 1995 Macintosh logic puzzle game created by Yoshimitsu Katai.

Released during a golden age of classic Mac shareware, Single Number delivers a minimalist but engaging numerical puzzle experience. Though simple in appearance, the game reflects the era’s fascination with brain teasers—think along the lines of early Sudoku-like formats and Japanese number logic puzzles that were rising in popularity.

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Gameplay & Features

At its core, Single Number presents the player with a number grid and a set of digits (1–9) to choose from. Using logic and deduction, players fill in the missing values to complete the puzzle.

The interface is unmistakably Macintosh mid-90s: pixelated brick backgrounds, pastel-colored buttons, and crisp black-and-white numerals that feel right at home on System 7 and early Power Macintosh machines. The controls are simple—select a number, click a cell, and work your way toward a complete board.

While not flashy, the game’s charm lies in its no-nonsense presentation and focus on pure, brain-engaging gameplay. This was typical of the era’s indie Mac developers, who leaned heavily on clever puzzle mechanics rather than graphical flair.

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Developer Notes

The game is credited to Yoshimitsu Katai, a lesser-known developer who produced a small but memorable collection of puzzle titles for classic Macintosh users. Many of these games circulated through shareware collections, bulletin boards, and early CD-ROM software compilations, making them hidden gems for collectors today.

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Technical Details

1. Title: Single Number

2. Developer: Yoshimitsu Katai

3. Platform: Classic Macintosh (System 7 era, Mac OS compatible)

4. Release Year: 1995

5. Genre: Logic / Puzzle

The game runs smoothly on vintage hardware and also works well in Macintosh emulators such as Basilisk II and SheepShaver, making it accessible for modern retro enthusiasts.

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Why It’s Worth Revisiting Today

Single Number embodies everything we love about vintage Macintosh gaming:

1. clean and quirky design

2. quick-to-learn logic gameplay

3. relaxing but mentally stimulating puzzles

4. the unmistakable charm of independent 90s Mac software

Whether you’re a collector, a puzzle fan, or someone who simply appreciates the unique creativity of early Macintosh developers, Single Number is a delightful addition to any retro gaming library.