Brain Invaders

Inspiration

We were inspired to make this game by the arcade classic, Space Invaders.

What it does

It is a cognitive training game designed to help users improve impulse control, response inhibition, and timing-based decision-making, all key challenges for individuals with ADHD, ASD, and other behavioral regulation difficulties.

How we built it

We built the game using Phaser.js for fast, responsive gameplay and a clean retro aesthetic. Our backend logic tracks player behavior in real time. Their reaction times, premature actions, missed windows, accuracy, score, and difficulty progression. All results are summarized at the end of each round with charts and insights, giving players actionable feedback on their cognitive performance.

Challenges we ran into

Implementing stacking power-ups and debuffs in a way that remained balanced. Building a timing-window mechanic that felt fair but still punished impulsive actions. Debugging Phaser physics issues, especially around velocity resets and collision handling. Designing UI that remained readable and accessible, including adding background contrast for text.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Creating a game that is not only fun but also tied to real cognitive-training principles. Successfully implementing adaptive difficulty that responds to player behavior. Building a clean analytics dashboard showing reaction times, accuracy, impulse counts, and difficulty progression. Turning a classic arcade format into something scientifically meaningful.

What we learned

How to build more complex Phaser scenes, transitions, and timing mechanics. How to design around accessibility and neurodivergent-friendly UI principles. The importance of clean state management when stacking buffs, debuffs, and progression. How to translate cognitive-science concepts (like response inhibition) into actionable gameplay mechanics.