Breakout

CONTROLS: - Desktop: - Left Arrow / A: Move paddle left - Right Arrow / D: Move paddle right - Space / Enter: Launch ball (starts game or launches ball after losing a life) - Up Arrow: Next level (in menu) - Down Arrow: Previous level (in menu) - Escape: Abandon current game (returns to menu) - Mobile/Tablet: - Touch and drag: Move paddle to ball position - Touch game area: Start game BASIC MECHANICS: 1. Starting the Game: Press Space or Enter to begin. The ball will countdown "ready... set.. go!" before launching automatically. 2. Paddle Control: - Use left/right arrow keys (or A/D) to move your paddle horizontally - Keep the paddle positioned to deflect the ball upward - The paddle is positioned at the bottom of the screen - On mobile, drag your finger to move the paddle 3. Ball Physics: - The ball moves continuously once launched - It bounces off walls (left, right, top) and the paddle - It bounces off bricks, destroying them on contact - If the ball goes below the paddle, you lose a life - Ball angle changes based on where it hits the paddle (hitting paddle edges creates sharper angles) 4. Brick Destruction: - Each brick breaks in one hit - Bricks are arranged in rows at the top of the screen - Different levels have different brick patterns - Higher rows (closer to top) are worth more points - Scoring: Each row is worth (row position) × 5 points 5. Lives System: - Start with 3 lives (displayed as paddle icons) - Maximum of 5 lives - Lose a life when the ball falls below the paddle - Gain an extra life when you complete a level (up to maximum of 5) - Game over when all lives are lost 6. Ball Launch: - After losing a life, the ball resets on top of the paddle - A countdown ("ready... set.. go!") appears before automatic launch - Press Space/Enter to launch immediately, bypassing the countdown - You can reposition the paddle while the countdown is active 7. Level Progression: - Clear all bricks in a level to advance - Completing a level gives you a bonus life - Ball resets and launches for the next level - Multiple levels with different brick layouts - Use Up/Down arrows in the menu to select different levels 8. Scoring: - Points are awarded when bricks are destroyed - Points = (Row position from top) × 5 - Higher rows = more points - Your high score is saved and displayed 9. Ball Speed: - Ball speed increases slightly each time it hits a brick - Speed increase is gradual (decay curve) so the game doesn't become impossible - Maximum speed is 1.5× the initial speed - Faster balls require quicker reactions 10. Game Over: - Occurs when you lose all your lives - Your score is saved if it's a new high score - Returns to the menu where you can start a new game 11. Level Selection: - In the menu, use Up/Down arrows to navigate between levels - Click the level navigation arrows to change levels - Each level has a unique brick arrangement STRATEGIC TIPS: - Paddle Positioning: Position your paddle to control the ball's angle. Hitting the ball with paddle edges creates sharper angles. - Ball Control: Try to keep the ball near the top where the bricks are. This prevents long ball travel time and reduces the chance of missing. - Corner Angles: Use paddle edges to create sharp angles that help you hit bricks in corners or reach difficult spots. - Predict Ball Path: Watch the ball's trajectory and move your paddle to intercept it. Anticipate where the ball will be. - Clear Rows Strategically: Sometimes it's better to clear entire rows to create open spaces, making it easier to keep the ball in play. - Speed Management: As the ball speeds up, position yourself early. Don't wait until the last moment to move the paddle. - Preserve Lives: When the ball is moving slowly, take time to aim for specific bricks. When it's fast, focus on keeping it alive. - Upper Rows: Try to clear the top rows early when the ball is slower, as they're worth more points and harder to reach later. - Pattern Recognition: Learn common brick patterns in each level to predict optimal clearing strategies. - Life Conservation: Don't take unnecessary risks. If the ball is heading for a difficult angle, focus on survival over scoring. ADVANCED TECHNIQUES: - Angle Manipulation: Master hitting the ball at different paddle positions to control angles precisely. - Multi-Brick Hits: Aim the ball so it can hit multiple bricks in one trajectory, maximizing efficiency. - Side Wall Bounces: Use side walls to create bank shots that hit bricks from unexpected angles. - Paddle Edge Control: Practice using the very edges of the paddle for maximum angle control. - Speed Adaptation: Learn to adjust your reaction time as the ball speeds up throughout the level. - Pattern Optimization: Study brick layouts to find the most efficient clearing paths. - Risk Assessment: Balance aggressive scoring attempts with conservative play to preserve lives. - Corner Breaking: Use angled shots to break bricks in corners that are difficult to reach directly. WINNING AND SCORING: - Level Completion: Clear all bricks to win the level and gain a bonus life. - High Score: Beat your previous high score by earning more points. High scores are saved between sessions. - Score Maximization: Focus on breaking bricks in higher rows (worth more points) when possible. - Multi-Level Mastery: Progress through multiple levels to achieve higher cumulative scores. - Life Bonus: Gain extra lives by completing levels, allowing you to survive longer and score more. - Perfect Games: Challenge yourself to complete levels without losing lives for maximum score potential. Enjoy the classic arcade action of Breakout, and master the art of precision paddle control!