Game Development | Mirza Rameez

Project Overview

I developed a modernized Space Invaders-inspired game using Python and Pygame, significantly aided by Generative AI. This shooter features fluid player controls, progressively harder enemies, dynamic particle effects, and customizable difficulty scaling. The game includes a fully functional menu system with settings, persistent high scores, and an immersive audio experience with volume control.

My design focused on delivering a compelling arcade experience, featuring intuitive controls, robust visual feedback systems, and smooth performance. This was achieved through comprehensive object-oriented design and effective collaboration with AI tools. The project demonstrates my ability to apply core game development principles to modern interface design and gameplay mechanisms.

Key Features

Progressive Difficulty System

Adaptive enemy scaling
Balanced challenge curve
Speed-based progression
Engagement-focused tuning

Dynamic Particle Effects

Physics-based explosions
Independent particle attributes
Efficient resource management
Visual feedback system

Complete Game State Management

Clean state transitions
Modular architecture design
Menu-gameplay separation
Intuitive navigation system

Persistent High Score System

JSON-based data storage
Cross-session persistence
Robust error handling
Achievement tracking system

Technical Implementation

Architecture & Code

The game leverages an object-oriented architecture with encapsulated behaviors for entities like the player, enemies, and particles. Vector-based particle physics drive realistic explosion effects, while adaptive enemy scaling ensures a progressively challenging experience. Game state management separates menu and gameplay logic for seamless transitions.


class Player(pygame.sprite.Sprite):
    def __init__(self):
        super().__init__()
        self.image = player_img
        self.rect = self.image.get_rect(center=(SCREEN_WIDTH//2, SCREEN_HEIGHT-50))
        self.speed = 8
        self.health = 100
        self.max_health = 100

    def update(self):
        keys = pygame.key.get_pressed()
        if keys[pygame.K_LEFT] and self.rect.left > 0:
            self.rect.x -= self.speed
        if keys[pygame.K_RIGHT] and self.rect.right < SCREEN_WIDTH:
            self.rect.x += self.speed

    def draw_health_bar(self, surface):
        bar_length = 100
        bar_height = 10
        fill = (self.health / self.max_health) * bar_length
        outline_rect = pygame.Rect(self.rect.x, self.rect.y - 20, bar_length, bar_height)
        fill_rect = pygame.Rect(self.rect.x, self.rect.y - 20, fill, bar_height)
        pygame.draw.rect(surface, RED, fill_rect)
        pygame.draw.rect(surface, WHITE, outline_rect, 2)

Object-Oriented Design: Encapsulated behaviors in classes.
Particle Physics: Vector-based, time-driven effects.
Difficulty Scaling: Speed increments for adaptive challenge.
State Management: Clean separation of menu and gameplay.
High Score Persistence: JSON storage with error handling.

Learning Outcomes

This project enhanced my skills in game development and AI-assisted design, yielding valuable insights:

Game Loop Architecture

Mastered time-based updates and state management for consistent gameplay across frame rates.

Particle System Implementation

Learned to create efficient, physics-based particle effects with randomized properties.

Progressive Difficulty Design

Gained expertise in balancing difficulty through programmatic scaling for player engagement.

UI/UX Design for Games

Developed intuitive interfaces and immediate feedback systems for enhanced player experience.

Generative AI Game Development