The game is not as complicated as you might think. The only thing you need to do is avoid the alpha (white) particles as much as possible to survive longer and achieve a high score. Other mechanics, such as C (green) and H (blue), exist to help eliminate alphas and increase your chances of survival. At the end of the game, several different judgements are recorded, including your score, survival time, the maximum number of alpha particles on the screen simultaneously, and the maximum chain length of C / H .
The true intrigue of this game lies in devising methods to achieve various Marks (achievements) within such mechanics. Each achievement may require vastly different approaches, and some even demand strategic thinking. For instance: To attain the “Get a max-level H” achievement, you must rapidly touch the same H particle within a short timeframe to increase its level count. However, for the “C-Chain length >= 48” achievement, you must continuously interact with C particles while simultaneously avoiding alphas (which lead to game over) and H particles (which break the chain).
As one of the scoring criteria, the “maximum number of alpha particles simultaneously on the screen” is used. Personally, players often want to capture the moment when they break a record and the screen is filled with alphas. Therefore, the action of capturing occurs when the alpha count changes. However, upon closer examination, this indeed appears to be a bug. It would be more reasonable for the capture action to trigger only when the current count exceeds the lowest historical value for the “maximum number of alpha particles simultaneously on the screen.”
This game offers various control options, and the way different devices handle movement can vary significantly. However, I anticipate that players will likely choose one method they are familiar with for playing. Since this game may require precise control, using the WASD keys on the keyboard for control can indeed be challenging. The most recommended way to play is using the mouse in conjunction with the Shift key. Additionally, on the Options page (Variables), you can adjust the control sensitivity.
The name of this game, “Chain Reaction,” embodies two aspects. First, it involves alpha particles colliding with each other to create new alpha particles. However, in reality, new particles are generated only with a certain probability, intentionally set by the game design. If alpha particles were to grow too rapidly, players would experience an instant game over without much action. The second aspect revolves around the “C and H chains”. Besides serving as a scoring criterion, creating chains of C and H particles naturally occurs if you aim for a high score within the current game mechanics.
Sorry to hear this game has caused you any confusion. I hope you can find enjoyment again in the game by approaching it from a different perspective.