• The basic building block of matter as a game token.atom image by Oleg Verbitsky from Fotolia.com
  
  There are many free puzzlers, most of which can be played directly on your browser, inspired by the basic building blocks of matter: atoms. Whether you're smashing atoms in AtomZ or putting them together in WAtomic, there's plenty of fun to be had in the realm beyond what even the most powerful microscopes can see.
  
  

Atom Blaster

• Atom Blaster is a free Flash game available for children to play on AOL games. Children are given a board full of items and only a few seconds to reorient the atoms so that the upcoming neutron blast will set off a chain reaction that clears the board.
  
  

WAtomic

• WAtomic is a free and open source Windows version of the Linux game KAtomic. The goal of the game is to move atoms around a game board in such a way that they will combine to create a molecule. Though the game may start with simple, three-atom molecules like water, as players proceed through the game, they are give much more difficult molecules to try to build. The molecules used in the game are real molecules, and besides giving the players its name, players can also click a button to learn some details about the composition, traits, and uses of the chemical. Players are scored based on how many moves it takes them to construct the required molecule. The best times are recorded for a best-of list so players can later try to beat their own records and those of their family and friends.
  
  

Atomz

• The goal of Atomz, created by Neenja Games, is simple. You must split an atom in such a way that it generates a chain reaction of the required force among the other atoms of the stage. Saying is easier than doing, however, as even the smallest mistake in timing or positioning can turn an unstoppable reaction into a fizzling nothing--and the atoms on the board are constantly moving and spinning.
  
  

AtomZ 2

• AtomZ 2, a sequel to Atomz, takes the formula and expands upon it. Individual atoms now vary in size and shape, making larger atoms more potent for creating more chain reactions, but also making smaller atoms more difficult to set off. It also comes with some enhanced visual effects as split atoms explode in a rainbow of bright colors and successful chain reactions take on the appearance of a fireworks finale that provides a nice reward for a reaction well done.