Inspiration
Making learning fun. Simdex: CodeForge is a futuristic terminal-style skill gauntlet where players engage in logic, reflex, memory, and coding challenges—all built in the browser with gamepad support, sound design, and retro neon aesthetics. Inspired by vintage hacking terminals, cyberpunk arenas, and memory training apps, we set out to create a gameified cognitive battleground—part arcade, part coding dojo.
What it does
SimDex: CodeForge Trials is a browser-based skill arena that tests your reflexes, logic, memory, and coding ability through interactive mini-games. Players enter a terminal-style interface and select one of four quadrants—Logic Core, Reflex Arc, Memory Banks, or Code Mill—each offering a unique challenge. It tracks your ELO rating, level, shards, and progress. You can: Earn rewards Face time-based trials Unlock harder challenges Compete against AI feedback systems like EchoPrime, who reacts to your gameplay All of this runs natively in the browser, with gamepad support, glitch FX, audio feedback, and persistent progress saved locally. It’s like Duolingo meets Hades meets a hacker terminal—a cognitive battleground where every input counts.
How I built it
The UI uses TailwindCSS, custom pixel fonts, and dynamic grid layouts. Game logic and state management were built entirely in vanilla JavaScript with support for Gamepad API. Sound design is powered by Howler.js, with visual feedback mimicking CRT glitch effects. We use localStorage for persistent progression and modular modes (Training, Timed Events, Data Packs). The loading screen includes a cinematic typing animation, and EchoPrime (AI nemesis) uses probabilistic narrative triggers.
Challenges I ran into
Ensuring smooth performance and responsiveness with all the UI and audio animations. Integrating gamepad controls for a browser-first app and managing dynamic button state logic.
Accomplishments that I'm proud of
Building an accessible yet arcade-like UI using no external game engine. No external engine, just raw code Seamlessly integrated gamepad gameplay in a web-first design Building an environment that’s both nostalgic and forward-thinking
What I learned
Deep dives into browser input handling, audio timing, and pixel-perfect UI design How to design engaging UX without overwhelming the player The power of aesthetic cohesion—glitch FX, sounds, and fonts all matter
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