Escape Ball

CONTROLS: - Desktop: - Arrow Keys: Move the ball (↑ Up, ↓ Down, ← Left, → Right) - Vim Keys (Alternative): h (left), j (down), k (up), l (right) - I Key: Show/hide instructions - Mobile/Tablet: Not available (keyboard required) BASIC MECHANICS: 1. Starting the Game: The game begins automatically with Level 1. You start at position (1, 1) in a small maze with your ball already in the playing field. 2. Movement and Physics: - Your ball uses realistic physics with momentum and friction - Press and hold arrow keys to apply force to the ball in that direction - The ball will continue rolling due to momentum even after you release the key - Friction gradually slows the ball down (95% velocity retained per frame) - Movement feels weighty and requires anticipation of the ball's momentum 3. Maze Navigation: - Navigate through the 3D maze made of brick walls - The maze is procedurally generated, so each level is unique - Walls block your path; find openings and corridors to progress - The exit is always located at the bottom-right corner of the maze: position (mazeDimension, mazeDimension - 2) 4. Camera System: - The camera follows your ball smoothly as you move - The camera maintains a top-down view at an angle for optimal visibility - Light follows the camera to provide consistent illumination - This creates an immersive 3D experience as you explore the maze 5. Level Progression: - Complete a level by reaching the exit position - When you reach the exit, the maze dimension increases by 2 - Larger mazes are more complex and challenging - Level number is displayed in the top-left corner - The game continues indefinitely with increasing difficulty 6. Victory Condition: - Reach the exit coordinates: (mazeDimension, mazeDimension - 2) - The game checks your position each frame - When you reach the exit, the screen fades out and a new larger maze loads STRATEGIC TIPS: - Momentum Management: Understand that your ball has momentum. Apply force in advance of where you want to go, as the ball will continue moving after you release keys. - Controlled Movement: Use short taps rather than holding keys for too long. This gives you more precise control over the ball's position. - Corner Navigation: When turning corners, start applying force in the new direction before you reach the corner to account for momentum. - Speed Control: Don't move too fast. Slow, controlled movement makes it easier to navigate narrow passages and avoid walls. - Wall Awareness: Pay attention to where walls are located. Use the 3D perspective to judge distances and plan your route. - Exit Location: Remember the exit is always at (mazeDimension, mazeDimension - 2) - bottom-right area. Plan your route toward this general area. - Momentum Stopping: To stop or slow down quickly, apply force in the opposite direction of your current movement. - Pattern Recognition: While mazes are procedurally generated, practice recognizing common maze patterns like dead ends and corridors. - Patient Navigation: Take your time. Rushing leads to losing control and hitting walls, which slows you down. - Path Planning: Before moving, mentally map out potential paths. Look for corridors that lead in the direction of the exit. ADVANCED TECHNIQUES: - Smooth Turns: Learn to combine horizontal and vertical forces to create smooth diagonal movements, especially useful in open areas. - Wall Bouncing: In tight spaces, you can use walls to redirect your momentum. Angle your approach to bounce off walls effectively. - Momentum Conservation: Build up speed in open areas, then use that momentum to navigate longer corridors more efficiently. - Force Timing: Time your key presses to match the ball's rotation and position for optimal control. - Exit Approach: When near the exit, use very gentle movements to precisely position yourself. Large movements can overshoot. - Camera Utilization: Use the camera's perspective to judge when you're close to walls and can safely navigate tight spaces. - Friction Understanding: Since friction reduces velocity by 5% each frame, plan movements accounting for this gradual slowdown. - Multi-Step Navigation: Break complex paths into segments. Move in stages rather than trying to traverse the entire maze in one movement. WINNING AND PROGRESSION: - Level Completion: Reach the exit coordinates to complete each level and progress to the next. - Infinite Challenge: The game continues indefinitely with progressively larger and more complex mazes. There's no final level. - Difficulty Scaling: Each level adds 2 to the maze dimension, meaning: - Level 1: 11x11 maze - Level 2: 13x13 maze - Level 3: 15x15 maze - And so on... - Personal Best: Challenge yourself to see how many levels you can complete or how far you can progress. - Mastery Challenge: Advanced players can aim to complete levels faster or with fewer movements as a personal challenge. Enjoy navigating the 3D mazes of Escape Ball, and see how many levels you can master!