Inspiration

I wanted to create a game that was more than just a simple quiz. I was inspired to build a high-pressure, competitive experience that tests both knowledge and speed under a ticking clock, making every choice feel critical .

What it does

Keyboard Smasher is a 2-player terminal quiz where players face 25 brutal questions per game. With only 30 seconds to answer each, wrong moves break hearts—literally. Players must survive three levels of difficulty while discovering hidden easter eggs to restore their lives.

How I built it

The game was built entirely in Python. I used the time module to create a real-time countdown and a random function to shuffle the 75-question database. ANSI escape codes were used for color-coded feedback, and a complex while loop handles the multiplayer turn-switching.

Challenges I ran into

The biggest hurdle was building a functional timer and an anti-cheat system without using sources. Ensuring the game could track two different players' lives and easter egg limits simultaneously required very precise logic and state management.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

I am proud of successfully implementing a massive 75-question bank and a balanced life-restoration system. The custom "Cheat Detection" for the easter eggs adds a layer of surprise that makes the game feel polished and professional.

What I learned

During this project, I mastered Python's control flow and input handling. I learned how to create an immersive user experience within a text-only terminal by using colors and clear, personality-driven messaging.

What's next for Keyboard Smasher: The Game

The next step is to add a "Skull Round" with 5-second timers and a global high-score database. We also plan to expand the question bank to 150 questions and add a "Steal" feature for multiplayer mode.

Built With

  • phython
Share this project:

Updates