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Edge - Physics-Based Clicker Game Documentation

Overview

“Edge” is a minimalist physics-based clicker game that demonstrates gravity simulation and user interaction through a simple yet engaging mechanic. Players click to propel a red marker upward within a vertically-oriented container, fighting against constant gravitational pull. The game features smooth animations, realistic physics, and a clean visual design reminiscent of mobile gaming aesthetics.

Technical Architecture

Core Technologies

File Structure

edge/
└── index.html    # Complete physics-based clicker game

Physics Engine Implementation

Gravity Simulation System

let velocity = 0;                           // Current vertical velocity

function updateMarker() {
    // Apply constant gravitational acceleration
    velocity -= 5;                          // Gravity constant (downward force)
    
    // Update marker position based on velocity
    const currentBottom = parseFloat(getComputedStyle(marker).bottom);
    const newPosition = Math.max(currentBottom + velocity, 0);
    marker.style.bottom = newPosition + 'px';
    
    // Boundary collision detection
    const containerHeight = parseFloat(getComputedStyle(document.getElementById('game-container')).height);
    const markerHeight = parseFloat(getComputedStyle(marker).height);
    
    if (parseFloat(getComputedStyle(marker).bottom) + markerHeight >= containerHeight) {
        velocity = 0;                       // Stop movement at top boundary
        marker.style.bottom = containerHeight - markerHeight + 'px';
    }
    
    requestAnimationFrame(updateMarker);    // 60fps update loop
}

Click Interaction Mechanics

document.addEventListener('click', () => {
    // Instantaneous upward impulse
    velocity = +1000;                       // Large positive velocity burst
    marker.style.transition = 'bottom 1s ease-in-out';  // Smooth animation override
});

Physics Constants and Behavior

Visual Design System

Container and Layout

body {
    margin: 0;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    height: 100vh;
    background-color: #f0f0f0;              /* Light neutral background */
}

#game-container {
    position: relative;
    width: 200px;
    height: 400px;
    background: linear-gradient(to bottom, 
        #d3d3d3 0px,                        /* Gray top section */
        #6fd409 50px,                       /* Green target zone */
        #d3d3d3 100px                       /* Gray bottom section */
    );
    border: 5px solid black;
    border-radius: 50px;                    /* Rounded mobile-like appearance */
    overflow: hidden;                       /* Clean edge clipping */
}

Marker Design and Animation

#marker {
    position: absolute;
    bottom: 0;                              /* Starts at bottom */
    width: 100%;                            /* Full width indicator */
    height: 5px;                            /* Thin horizontal line */
    background-color: red;                  /* High contrast color */
    transition: bottom 5s ease-in-out;      /* Smooth movement transition */
}

Color Scheme and Visual Hierarchy

Game Mechanics and Objectives

Core Gameplay Loop

  1. Initial State: Red marker starts at bottom of container
  2. User Input: Click anywhere to apply upward impulse
  3. Physics Response: Marker accelerates upward with initial velocity
  4. Gravity Effect: Constant downward force gradually slows upward movement
  5. Peak Reached: Marker reaches maximum height and begins falling
  6. Descent: Gravity pulls marker back down toward bottom
  7. Repeat: Player can click again to restart cycle

Implicit Objectives

Skill Development Elements

  1. Timing Precision: Optimal click timing for sustained height
  2. Force Management: Understanding impulse vs gravity balance
  3. Visual Tracking: Following marker movement and predicting trajectory
  4. Pattern Recognition: Developing consistent clicking strategies

Animation and Performance Systems

RequestAnimationFrame Implementation

function updateMarker() {
    // Physics calculations
    velocity -= 5;
    marker.style.bottom = Math.max(parseFloat(getComputedStyle(marker).bottom) + velocity, 0) + 'px';
    
    // Boundary checking
    // ... collision detection code ...
    
    requestAnimationFrame(updateMarker);    // Schedule next frame
}

// Initialize continuous animation loop
updateMarker();

Performance Optimizations

Frame Rate and Responsiveness

User Interaction Design

Input System

// Global click listener for anywhere interaction
document.addEventListener('click', () => {
    velocity = +1000;                       // Consistent impulse force
    marker.style.transition = 'bottom 1s ease-in-out';  // Override animation
});

Interaction Characteristics

Accessibility Considerations

Mathematical Analysis

Physics Equations

// Kinematic equations implemented in game:
// velocity(t+1) = velocity(t) + acceleration
// position(t+1) = position(t) + velocity(t+1)

// Where:
// acceleration = -5 (gravity constant)
// velocity += 1000 (click impulse)
// position = marker.style.bottom value

Movement Calculations

Trajectory Analysis

// Theoretical maximum height per click:
// Initial velocity: 1000 units
// Gravity: -5 units per frame
// Time to peak: 1000/5 = 200 frames
// Maximum height: (1000 * 200) - (5 * 200^2 / 2) = 100,000 units

Browser Compatibility

Web Standards Compliance

Performance Across Devices

Code Structure and Organization

Modular Design Elements

// Physics system
let velocity = 0;                           // State variable
function updateMarker() { /* ... */ }       // Physics loop

// Input handling
document.addEventListener('click', () => {  // Interaction system
    /* ... impulse application ... */
});

// Initialization
updateMarker();                             // Start game loop

Separation of Concerns

Future Enhancement Opportunities

Gameplay Features

  1. Scoring System: Points for time spent in green zone
  2. Multiple Markers: Control several markers simultaneously
  3. Obstacles: Add barriers or moving elements
  4. Power-ups: Temporary physics modifications
  5. Levels: Progressive difficulty with different containers

Physics Enhancements

  1. Variable Gravity: Adjustable gravitational force
  2. Air Resistance: Velocity-dependent drag forces
  3. Bounce Mechanics: Elastic collisions with boundaries
  4. Multiple Forces: Wind, magnetism, or other influences
  5. Realistic Physics: More complex motion equations

Visual Improvements

  1. Particle Effects: Trail effects behind marker movement
  2. Background Animation: Moving elements or patterns
  3. Color Themes: Multiple visual styles or color schemes
  4. Marker Customization: Different shapes, colors, or designs
  5. Visual Feedback: Screen shake, glow effects, or other responses

Social Features

  1. High Scores: Local or online leaderboards
  2. Challenge Modes: Time-based or accuracy challenges
  3. Multiplayer: Simultaneous marker control
  4. Achievements: Unlockable goals and badges
  5. Sharing: Screenshot or video sharing capabilities

Educational Applications

Physics Education

  1. Gravity Demonstration: Visual representation of gravitational force
  2. Velocity Concepts: Understanding acceleration and deceleration
  3. Force and Motion: Newton’s laws in interactive form
  4. Trajectory Prediction: Learning to anticipate object paths
  5. Energy Conservation: Kinetic and potential energy concepts

Programming Education

  1. Animation Loops: RequestAnimationFrame implementation
  2. Event Handling: User input processing
  3. DOM Manipulation: Dynamic style updates
  4. Physics Simulation: Mathematical modeling in code
  5. Game Development: Basic game mechanics and structure

Code Quality Assessment

Strengths

Areas for Enhancement

Conclusion

Edge successfully demonstrates fundamental physics concepts through an engaging, minimalist interactive experience. The application combines smooth animations, responsive controls, and realistic physics simulation to create an intuitive understanding of gravity and motion.

Technical Rating: 8.3/10

The application serves as both an entertaining interactive experience and an effective educational tool for understanding basic physics principles through hands-on experimentation.