Project Overview

The Pong Game is a classic 2D arcade game where two paddles and a ball are used in a virtual table-tennis match. The main objective is to prevent the ball from crossing your paddle’s boundary while trying to score points by making the ball pass the opponent’s paddle.

This project demonstrates real-time animations, collision detection, keyboard/mouse event handling, and multiplayer game logic, making it an excellent final-year Computer Science project.

Key Features

1. Game Modes

   • Single Player: Player vs. Computer (AI-controlled paddle).

   • Two Player Mode: Local multiplayer on the same device.

   • Online Multiplayer (Optional): Real-time gameplay between two remote users using websockets.

2. Gameplay Mechanics

   • Ball moves across the screen with consistent speed and angle.

   • Paddle controlled by keyboard/mouse/touch (depending on device).

   • Collision detection with paddles and walls.

   • Ball speed increases slightly after every successful hit for added difficulty.

   • Points scored when ball crosses the opponent’s boundary.

3. Scoring System

   • Each round continues until one player misses the ball.

   • Scoreboard displayed at the top of the screen.

   • Game ends when a player reaches a predefined score (e.g., 10 points).

4. Difficulty Levels

   • Easy: Slower ball speed, AI reacts slowly.

   • Medium: Faster ball, moderate AI reaction.

   • Hard: High-speed ball, AI reacts instantly.

5. Leaderboard & Player Stats (Optional)

   • Tracks total wins, losses, and highest scores.

   • Global leaderboard for online multiplayer mode.

6. Responsive UI

   • Minimalist retro design with pixel-style graphics.

   • Works on desktop and mobile (touch control for paddles).

Technology Stack

• Frontend: HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, JavaScript (for rendering ball movement, paddle control, and collision detection).

• Backend:

  • Node.js (with Socket.IO) / PHP / Java (Spring Boot) for handling multiplayer sessions, storing scores, and syncing game states.

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

• Game Logic: Implemented in JavaScript for smooth animations and physics.

How It Works

1. Player selects game mode (single player / two player / online multiplayer).

2. Ball is placed in the center and starts moving in a random direction.

3. Players control paddles using:

   • Keyboard keys (↑ ↓ / W S) on desktop.

   • Mouse drag or touch on mobile.

4. Collision detection ensures:

   • Ball bounces off walls.

   • Ball changes direction when it hits paddle.

5. If the ball crosses a paddle → opponent gets a point.

6. Game continues until one player reaches the winning score.

7. Score updates → Winner announced.

Enhancements (Optional)

• Power-Ups: Random bonuses (e.g., larger paddle, slower ball).

• AI Improvements: Smarter computer opponent using predictive ball tracking.

• Custom Themes: Retro black & white, neon, or modern arcade style.

• Sound Effects & Background Music: Classic arcade sounds for hits, misses, and wins.

• Mobile App Version: Convert into a hybrid app using Cordova/React Native with the same backend.