Shell Game

The Shell Game recreates the classic street game where players must track a hidden object under shuffling shells. This project focuses on creating smooth animations, implementing game logic with configurable difficulty, and providing an engaging user experience.

This advanced project demonstrates:

• Advanced Animation Systems: Smooth shell shuffling with realistic movement
• Game State Management: Tracking object location through complex shuffles
• Configurable Difficulty: Adjustable game parameters for various skill levels
• User Experience Design: Intuitive controls and engaging gameplay
• Performance Optimization: Smooth animations without performance degradation

Key Features to Implement:

Game Setup and Configuration

• Shell Selection: Choose number of shells (typically 3, but configurable)
• Difficulty Settings:
  • Shuffle speed (slow to fast)
  • Number of shuffle moves
  • Animation smoothness controls
• Game Initialization: Random ball placement under shells

Animation System

• Smooth Shell Movement: Realistic shuffling animations
• Configurable Speed: Adjustable animation timing
• Visual Feedback: Clear shell lifting and lowering
• Synchronized Animations: Multiple shells moving simultaneously
• Physics-Based Movement: Natural-looking shell trajectories

Game Mechanics

• Object Tracking: Internal tracking of ball location during shuffles
• Shuffle Algorithm: Randomized but fair shuffle patterns
• Win/Loss Detection: Accurate determination of player success
• Multiple Rounds: Continuous gameplay with increasing difficulty

User Interface

• Interactive Shells: Click-to-select shell interface
• Game Controls:
  • Start/restart game buttons
  • Difficulty adjustment controls
  • Score display and tracking
• Visual Feedback: Clear indication of selected shells and results

Scoring System

• Performance Tracking: Win/loss statistics
• Streak Counting: Consecutive correct guesses
• Difficulty Scaling: Automatic or manual difficulty increases
• High Score Persistence: Local storage of best performances

Advanced Features (Bonus)

• Multiple Game Modes:
  • Classic 3-shell game
  • Extended shell variants (4, 5, or more shells)
  • Speed challenge modes
• Enhanced Animations:
  • Particle effects for wins/losses
  • Shell bouncing and physics
  • Smooth camera following during shuffles
• Sound Integration: Audio feedback for moves and results

Technical Challenges:

• Creating smooth, realistic animation systems
• Implementing accurate object tracking through complex shuffle sequences
• Designing fair but challenging shuffle algorithms
• Optimizing animation performance for smooth gameplay
• Building intuitive user interfaces for touch and mouse interaction

Animation Requirements:

• Smooth shell movement with proper easing
• Coordinated multi-shell animations
• Performance optimization for real-time animation
• Configurable animation speeds and styles

Game Logic Considerations:

• Fair shuffle algorithms that provide appropriate challenge
• Accurate tracking of ball position through all movements
• Balanced difficulty progression systems
• Engaging but not frustrating gameplay mechanics

Learning Outcomes:

• Advanced CSS/JavaScript animation techniques
• Game state management and logic implementation
• User interface design for interactive applications
• Performance optimization for animation-heavy applications
• Algorithm design for fair game mechanics

User Experience Goals:

• Intuitive gameplay that's easy to learn
• Smooth, engaging animations that enhance the experience
• Appropriate challenge levels for different skill levels
• Clear visual feedback throughout the game

This project combines animation programming, game development, and user experience design, making it perfect for developers who want to create engaging interactive applications with sophisticated visual elements.