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Python 3 - Game of Pong Challenge

111 - Score Multiplier and Bonus Points

Introduction

In this assignment, we'll introduce a score multiplier feature. If a player hits the ball multiple times without missing, their score will increase faster. This concept is similar to a combo multiplier in many games, encouraging players to keep the ball in play to maximize their score.

Task

  1. Multiplier Logic:
    • Create a multiplier variable starting at 1.
    • Every time the ball hits the paddle without the player missing, increase the multiplier by 0.5 (up to a maximum of 3x).
    • When the player misses, reset the multiplier to 1.
  2. Update Score Function:
    • Modify the update_score() function to display the current multiplier alongside the score.
Example Code Snippet:
# Initialize the multiplier
multiplier = 1.0

# Update the score function to include the multiplier
def update_score():
    pen.clear()
    pen.write(f"Score: {score} Levens: {lives} Multiplier: {multiplier}x", align="center", font=("Courier", 24, "normal"))

# Update multiplier in the game loop
if hit_paddle:
    multiplier = min(multiplier + 0.5, 3)
    score += int(1 * multiplier)
else:
    multiplier = 1

Deliverable

A screenshot showing the score, lives, and current multiplier on the screen.

12 - OOP with Turtle

Introduction

To enhance your Python skills, we'll refactor our Pong game using Object-Oriented Programming (OOP). This will help in managing complex codebases and introduce new concepts like classes, objects, methods, and encapsulation.

Task

  1. Create a Paddle Class:
    • Convert the existing paddle code into a Paddle class with attributes for position and size.
    • Include methods for moving up and down and initializing the paddle.
  2. Create a Ball Class:
    • Convert the ball code into a Ball class with attributes for position and velocity.
    • Include methods to move the ball and check for collisions.
Example Code Snippet:
class Paddle:
    def __init__(self, x, y):
        self.paddle = turtle.Turtle()
        self.paddle.shape("square")
        self.paddle.color("white")
        self.paddle.shapesize(stretch_wid=6, stretch_len=1)
        self.paddle.penup()
        self.paddle.goto(x, y)
    
    def move_up(self):
        y = self.paddle.ycor()
        if y < 250:
            y += 20
        self.paddle.sety(y)

    def move_down(self):
        y = self.paddle.ycor()
        if y > -240:
            y -= 20
        self.paddle.sety(y)

# Similar refactoring would be done for the Ball class

Deliverable

A .py file containing the refactored code using classes.

132 - Handling Game State and Pausing

Introduction

Managing game state is crucial in game development. In this assignment, you'll implement a pause functionality, allowing players to pause and resume the game.

Task

  1. Game State Variable:
    • Introduce a game_state variable that can be either "playing" or "paused".
  2. Pause and Resume Functions:
    • Create functions to pause and resume the game. When paused, the game loop should not update the ball or paddle positions.
    • Bind a keyboard key (e.g., "p") to toggle between "playing" and "paused".
Example Code Snippet:
game_state = "playing"

def toggle_pause():
    global game_state
    if game_state == "playing":
        game_state = "paused"
    else:
        game_state = "playing"

wn.listen()
wn.onkeypress(toggle_pause, "p")

while True:
    if game_state == "playing":
        # Game logic updates
        wn.update()
    else:
        # Game is paused; do not update game logic
        pass

Deliverable

A .py file with the pause functionality implemented. Include a comment explaining how the pause feature is beneficial in games.

143 - Power-Ups and Advanced Features

Introduction

Adding power-ups can make games more engaging. In this assignment, you'll introduce a new feature: power-ups that appear randomly and affect the game when collected.

Task

  1. Power-Up Implementation:
    • Create a new turtle object representing a power-up. Randomly place it on the screen every 20 seconds.
    • If the ball hits the power-up, apply a random effect such as increasing the paddle size, slowing down the ball, or adding an extra life.
  2. Effect Duration:
    • Ensure that power-up effects last only for a certain period (e.g., 10 seconds), after which the game returns to normal.
Example Code Snippet
import random

def spawn_power_up():
    power_up = turtle.Turtle()
    power_up.shape("circle")
    power_up.color("blue")
    power_up.penup()
    x = random.randint(-350, 350)
    y = random.randint(-250, 250)
    power_up.goto(x, y)
    return power_up

def apply_power_up(effect):
    global paddle, ball
    if effect == "increase_paddle":
        paddle.shapesize(stretch_wid=8)
        # Reset after 10 seconds
        wn.ontimer(lambda: paddle.shapesize(stretch_wid=6), 10000)
    elif effect == "slow_ball":
        ball.dx *= 0.5
        ball.dy *= 0.5
        wn.ontimer(lambda: reset_ball_speed(), 10000)

# Example effect application in the game loop
if ball.distance(power_up) < 20:
    apply_power_up(random.choice(["increase_paddle", "slow_ball"]))

Deliverable

A .py file with the power-up feature implemented. Include comments explaining each power-up and its impact on the game.

15

4 - Collision Detection and Physics

Introduction

Improving collision detection can make a game feel more realistic. In this assignment, we'll refine the collision detection to account for the ball's velocity and angle, providing a more physics-based gameplay experience.

Task

  1. Advanced Collision Detection:
    • Adjust the ball’s direction based on where it hits the paddle (top, middle, or bottom). If it hits the top, it should bounce off at a sharper angle; if it hits the middle, it should bounce back more vertically.
  2. Implement Angled Bounces:
    • Modify the game so that when the ball hits the paddle near its edges, it alters its dx and dy to create an angled bounce.
Example Code Snippet
def check_collision():
    global ball, paddle
    if ball.distance(paddle) < 50 and ball.xcor() < -340:
        # Calculate where the ball hit the paddle
        hit_pos = ball.ycor() - paddle.ycor()
        ball.dy = hit_pos * 0.05
        ball.dx *= -1

Deliverable

A .py file with advanced collision detection and physics implemented. Include a brief explanation of how physics enhances gameplay realism.

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