So the rules are similar to most match-3 games with small differences (and while they don't seem really fair, they make sense):
1 - if you make a
horizontal line of 4 items of the same kind you get a
vertical item, if you destroy it as a result of any other operation - it will destroy a hole vertical line on the field. This can get a good hit on the locked element in that level, but it's usually hard to position it.
2 - same for
vertical line - it will result in a
horizontal item which will destroy a whole horizontal line. It's extremely unlikely this one will help you in that level, as the moment they're made they are usually lower than the locked elements and thus won't hit them.
3 - now a good trick is you can "merge" horizontal/vertical items in any combination - this will result in destroying both vertical and horizontal lines. Note that the items merged may be of different kind, they just need to be nearby. This can work, but it's still hard to aim.
4 - if you make a T-shaped thing out of 5 or more items of the same kind you get a "bomb". Bomb if dropped will destroy a 3x3 area around it.
5 - you get the same bomb if you make a Г-shaped construction of 5 or more items.
6 - (now this is what you aim for) if you merge a bomb with vertical or horizontal item - it will destroy 3 rows and 3 columns around it.
6a - (I've forgotten to draw it) if you merge 2 bombs, you just get a very big explosion (I don't remember the size).
7 - and for the sake of completion, if you merge 5 items of the same kind in a row you get a star. It won't work in this level, but greatly helps with "ice breaking" and "propagation" tasks in other levels. Star can be merged with any other item, destroying each and every item of this kind on the field. It also has some weird effect when merging with other special items (horizontal-vertical-bomb-star) but I didn't find it too useful and don't remember what exactly it does in those situations.
![vintage-retro-papier-hintergrund_cc0_by_Andrea_Stockel[c2b261e].jpg](https://attachments.f95zone.to/2022/09/thumb/2079485_vintage-retro-papier-hintergrund_cc0_by_Andrea_Stockelc2b261e.jpg "vintage-retro-papier-hintergrund_cc0_by_Andrea_Stockel[c2b261e].jpg")
So, what you want in that level, make as many bombs and vertical/horizontal items as you can and hope they'll eventually get together so that you can make a massive 3x3 cross to hopefully hit the locked elements. They also help greatly with clearing up the map if it gets cramped.
Edit: And yes, in that stupid level it's very random, you just need to restart multiple times until you get lucky enough. Do not use any "paid bonuses" until you released both locked elements, it'll just be a waste.
).
![vintage-retro-papier-hintergrund_cc0_by_Andrea_Stockel[c2b261e].jpg](https://attachments.f95zone.to/2022/09/2079485_vintage-retro-papier-hintergrund_cc0_by_Andrea_Stockelc2b261e.jpg "vintage-retro-papier-hintergrund_cc0_by_Andrea_Stockel[c2b261e].jpg")
