Project Overview

The Connect Four Game is a web-based two-player strategy game where players alternately drop colored discs into a vertical grid. The goal is to form a line of four discs in a row — horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The system can support local play, AI-based single-player mode, or real-time multiplayer mode over the internet. This project demonstrates game logic implementation, UI design, and backend state management.

Key Features

1. User Authentication (Optional)

   • Players can register/login to track wins and losses.

   • Guest mode for instant play without registration.

2. Game Modes

   • Local Two-Player Mode: Two players play on the same device.

   • Single-Player Mode (AI): Play against computer with difficulty levels.

   • Multiplayer Mode: Real-time play with friends or random opponents using WebSockets.

3. Game Board

   • 7x6 vertical grid where discs are dropped into columns.

   • Interactive animations for disc dropping.

   • Color-coded discs (e.g., red vs yellow).

4. Win & Draw Detection

   • Automatic detection of four consecutive discs (row, column, diagonal).

   • Draw detection when the board is full with no winner.

5. Leaderboard & Player Stats

   • Stores wins, losses, and draws.

   • Global leaderboard for competitive play.

6. Responsive UI

   • Mobile-friendly design using Bootstrap.

   • Smooth animations for disc drops and winning sequences.

Technology Stack

• Frontend: HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, JavaScript (animations and board logic).

• Backend:

  • Node.js (Socket.io): Real-time multiplayer support.

  • Or PHP/Java: Session-based game management.

• Database: MySQL / MongoDB (for user accounts, leaderboard, and game history).

• AI Algorithm (Optional):

  • Minimax algorithm with Alpha-Beta pruning for computer opponent.

How It Works

1. Player logs in or selects guest mode.

2. Chooses game mode: Local, AI, or Online Multiplayer.

3. In each turn, a player selects a column → disc falls to the lowest available cell.

4. Backend/game logic checks for:

   • Win Condition: 4 consecutive discs.

   • Draw Condition: Full board with no winner.

5. Game result displayed → leaderboard updates if applicable.