Project Overview

The Multiplayer Space Invaders project is a modern web-based clone of the classic Space Invaders arcade game but enhanced with real-time multiplayer functionality. Instead of a single player fighting waves of alien ships, this version allows multiple players to join the same game room, cooperate, or compete to achieve the highest score while defending Earth.

This project tests skills in real-time synchronization, multiplayer networking, game physics, and interactive front-end design—making it perfect for a final-year Computer Science project.

Key Features

1. Core Gameplay

   • Players control spaceships at the bottom of the screen.

   • Shoot lasers to destroy waves of descending alien invaders.

   • Aliens get faster with each wave, increasing difficulty.

   • Shields or barriers provide temporary protection.

2. Multiplayer Functionality

   • Co-op Mode: Players work together to clear alien waves.

   • Competitive Mode: Each player’s score is tracked separately—highest scorer wins.

   • Real-Time Updates: All player actions (movement, shooting, alien positions) sync live using WebSockets.

3. Player Controls

   • Move left/right using arrow keys or on-screen buttons.

   • Shoot using spacebar / tap button.

   • Power-ups (double shots, rapid fire, shield boost).

4. Scoring System

   • Points awarded for destroying aliens (different aliens = different points).

   • Bonus points for clearing a wave quickly.

   • Leaderboard for multiplayer sessions.

5. Game Rooms & Matchmaking

   • Players can create/join game rooms.

   • Lobby system to wait for other players.

   • Room owner can start the match.

6. Visuals & Effects

   • Smooth alien movement with CSS/JS animations or Canvas API.

   • Explosions & particle effects when aliens/ships are destroyed.

   • Background space theme with sound effects (laser shots, explosions, background music).

7. User Accounts & Progress

   • Login/signup system.

   • Player statistics (total games played, win rate, high scores).

   • Unlock new spaceship skins with achievements.

Technology Stack

• Frontend: HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, JavaScript (Canvas API / Phaser.js for gameplay).

• Backend: Node.js (with Socket.io for real-time multiplayer) / PHP / Java (for server-side game logic).

• Database: MySQL / MongoDB (store user accounts, scores, game stats).

How It Works

1. Player Login & Matchmaking

   • Players register/login and either create or join a game room.

2. Game Start

   • Aliens begin descending in waves.

   • Players move and shoot in real-time.

3. Multiplayer Synchronization

   • All actions (movement, shots, alien destruction) sync instantly across clients.

   • Backend ensures fairness by managing alien spawning and collisions.

4. Winning & Scoring

   • Game continues until all players lose their lives or waves are cleared.

   • Scores calculated and leaderboard updated.

Enhancements (Optional)

• Boss Battles: Every 5th wave spawns a powerful alien boss.

• PvP Mode: Players can shoot each other’s ships.

• Cross-Platform Support: Playable on mobile, tablets, and desktops.

• AI Bots: Fill empty slots if not enough players join.

• Spectator Mode: Others can watch ongoing battles.