NYT Strands-like Game

Overview

This project is a clone of the NYT Strands game, where players connect letters on a grid to form words based on a given category hint. The game features a spanagram, which is a word that spans from one edge of the grid to the other and represents the puzzle's category. The objective is to find all the words and the spanagram.

Game Rules and Mechanics

Objective

Connect letters on a grid to form words that belong to a specific category. The spanagram serves as the category hint. The goal is to find all the words, including the spanagram.

Game Setup

1. Grid Layout: The game is played on a rectangular grid filled with letters.
2. Category Hint: The spanagram itself serves as the category hint. For example, if the spanagram is "ANIMALS," all words in the grid will be types of animals.
3. Letters: Each cell in the grid contains a single letter.
4. Spanagram: One word spans from one edge of the grid to the other and represents the category of the puzzle.

Basic Rules

1. Forming Words: Connect adjacent letters (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) to form words that fit the category hinted by the spanagram.
2. Use All Letters: All letters in the grid must be used to form valid words.
3. Non-overlapping Words: Words cannot overlap; each letter can only be part of one word.
4. Spanagram: Identify the spanagram that spans from one edge of the grid to the other, representing the puzzle's category.

Hint System

1. Incorrect Words: Players can guess words that may not fit the category.
2. Hint Unlocking: For every three incorrect but real words guessed, a hint is unlocked.
3. Hints Provided: Each hint highlights all the letters of one word in the grid.

Point System

1. Speed: Points are awarded based on how quickly words are found.
2. Hints Used: Fewer hints used result in more points.
3. Incorrect Words: Fewer incorrect guesses result in more points.
4. Consecutive Correct Words: Finding multiple correct words consecutively grants bonus points.

Example Puzzle Setup

• Grid Size: 7x7
• Spanagram (Category): "ANIMALS" (spans from the left edge to the right edge of the grid)
• Other Words: "CAT," "DOG," "BEAR," "LION," "FROG," "MOUSE"

Development Steps

1. Design the Grid and UI

• Create a responsive grid layout that adapts to different screen sizes.
• Design intuitive UI elements for selecting and connecting letters, displaying hints, showing found words, and tracking incorrect guesses.

2. Implement Game Logic

• Implement the logic for connecting letters diagonally, vertically, or horizontally to form words.
• Ensure that words formed fit the category or are real words for the hint system.
• Detect the spanagram spanning from one edge to the other.

3. Develop Hint System

• Track the number of incorrect but real word guesses.
• Unlock and display a hint after every three incorrect guesses by highlighting one word's letters.
• Provide visual feedback for the hinted word, such as changing the letter color or background.

4. Set Up Category and Word Database

• Develop a database of categories and associated words, including spanagrams.
• Ensure each puzzle has a unique set of words that fit the category and includes the spanagram.

5. Implement User Interaction

• Implement controls for mobile and browser versions to connect letters diagonally, vertically, or horizontally.
• Provide feedback for valid and invalid word formations.
• Include undo options and hint unlocking features to enhance user experience.

6. Create Point System

• Implement a timer to track the speed of finding words.
• Track hints used and incorrect guesses.
• Award points for speed, fewer hints used, fewer incorrect guesses, and consecutive correct words.

7. Testing and Optimization

• Test the game on various devices to ensure smooth performance and responsiveness.
• Gather user feedback to refine gameplay mechanics and difficulty levels.

Tools and Technologies

• Game Engine: Unity (with WebGL for browser and Android support) or Phaser for browser games.
• Programming Languages: C# for Unity, JavaScript for Phaser.
• Design Tools: Adobe XD, Figma, or Sketch for UI/UX design.
• Version Control: GitHub or GitLab for code management and collaboration.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Please read the CONTRIBUTING guidelines before submitting a pull request.

Acknowledgements

• Inspiration from the NYT Strands game.
• OpenAI for assistance in planning the project.

Contact

For any inquiries, please contact [[email protected]].