Tanks

game play
GIF
game play

Inspiration

The inspiration for this game came from a love for classic arcade-style games and a desire to add a modern twist with physics-based mechanics. I wanted to create a dynamic environment where strategy and skill go hand-in-hand, and players are constantly challenged to adapt. The concept of incorporating unique gate interactions—like mirroring, powering up, and refracting missiles—was inspired by puzzle elements in games, which add an extra layer of complexity and excitement. I envisioned a game that combines fast-paced action with thought-provoking mechanics, offering a fresh and engaging experience.

What it does

The game is an action-packed tank battle experience where the player controls a tank, navigating through levels while engaging in combat with enemy tanks. Players fire missiles at enemies while dodging incoming fire. Unique gates are scattered throughout the levels, adding a layer of strategy and complexity by altering missile behavior. These gates can:

Mirror missiles, changing their trajectory.
Power up missiles, increasing their effectiveness by multiplying the number of missiles fired.
Refract missiles, creating unpredictable paths.

The combination of combat and puzzle-like gate interactions makes the gameplay dynamic and engaging.

How we built it

The game was built using a combination of tools and technologies:

Phaser: For game development, including physics, animations, and collisions.
TypeScript: To ensure strong typing and maintainable, bug-resistant code.
React: For creating and managing the user interface.
Aseprite: To design pixel art assets, including tanks, gates, and environmental elements. Amazon Q: To assist in implementing features, reviewing, and refactoring which helped reduce the development time and improve the overall quality of the project.
AWS EC2 Instance: The game was deployed on an AWS EC2 instance to host it on a reliable server, ensuring scalability, low latency, and global accessibility for players.

By combining these tools, we created a cohesive development workflow that allowed us to deliver a polished and enjoyable gaming experience.

Challenges we ran into

Developing the game presented several challenges:

Balancing Gameplay Mechanics: Ensuring the gates enhanced gameplay without making it overly complex required extensive testing and adjustments.
Physics and Collision Handling: Fine-tuning missile behavior and collisions to feel realistic yet fun was a meticulous process.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Successfully integrating unique gate mechanics that add depth and strategy to the game.
Creating a smooth and engaging gameplay experience through careful balancing and playtesting.

What we learned

This project provided valuable insights into:

Game Development: Using Phaser and TypeScript to implement complex mechanics and ensure maintainable code.
UI Integration: Leveraging React to create an intuitive and polished interface for the game.
Pixel Art Design: Developing creative skills to align assets that align with the game’s theme.
Problem Solving: Addressing technical and gameplay challenges to create a balanced, fun experience.

What's next for Tanks

The game has strong potential for future updates and features. Some ideas include:

New Gate Types: Introducing additional gate mechanics to expand gameplay possibilities.
Power-Ups and Upgrades: Allowing players to customize and enhance their tanks.
Expanded Levels: Creating more levels with diverse themes and challenges.

With these ideas, the game can continue evolving into a more expansive and exciting experience for players.