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Three.js game prompt

Plan for Developing a 3D Tower Defense Game with Three.js

1. Introduction

This document outlines a comprehensive plan for developing a 3D tower defense game inspired by "Rogue Defense: Hybrid Tower TD." The game will be built using web technologies, primarily HTML5 and Three.js, to create an engaging and visually rich experience that runs directly in the browser. The game will feature a single, powerful defender at the bottom of the screen, fending off waves of geometric enemies approaching from the top. The gameplay will incorporate roguelike elements such as permanent upgrades and procedurally generated enemy waves, providing a high degree of replayability.

2. Core Gameplay Mechanics

The core gameplay revolves around a central defender, which the player controls and upgrades. Unlike traditional tower defense games where players place multiple towers, this game focuses on enhancing a single, powerful unit. The key mechanics are detailed in the table below:

Mechanic Description
Single Defender The player controls a single, stationary defender at the bottom of the screen. This defender can be rotated to aim at enemies.
Weapon System The defender can equip multiple weapons, such as lasers, mortars, and pulse beams. Each weapon has a unique attack pattern and can be upgraded.
Enemy Waves Enemies, represented by geometric shapes, will spawn in waves from the top of the screen and move towards the defender. The waves will be procedurally generated to ensure variety.
Upgrade System After clearing a wave, the player can choose from a selection of upgrades for the defender and its weapons. This allows for strategic customization during each playthrough.
Resource Management Defeated enemies drop resources that can be used for in-game upgrades and contribute to a permanent progression system.
Roguelike Elements The game will feature permadeath, where a single loss requires the player to restart. However, a meta-progression system will allow for permanent upgrades that carry over between runs.

3. Technical Stack

The game will be developed using modern web technologies to ensure cross-platform compatibility and a smooth user experience. The primary technologies to be used are:

  • HTML5: For the basic structure of the game's web page.
  • CSS3: For styling the user interface and other HTML elements.
  • JavaScript (ES6+): As the primary programming language for the game logic.
  • Three.js: A powerful 3D graphics library for creating and rendering the game's 3D environment, objects, and visual effects.

4. Game Development Plan

The development process will be broken down into the following phases:

Phase 1: Project Setup and Basic Scene

  1. Initialize Project: Set up the project structure with index.html, a css folder for styles, and a js folder for the game's source code.
  2. Integrate Three.js: Include the Three.js library in the project.
  3. Create Basic Scene: Create a basic Three.js scene with a camera, renderer, and a simple background.

Phase 2: Defender and Enemy Implementation

  1. Create Defender: Model a simple geometric shape for the defender and place it at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Implement Defender Controls: Add controls to allow the player to rotate the defender to aim at enemies.
  3. Create Enemies: Create a system for spawning geometric enemies (e.g., cubes, spheres) that move from the top to the bottom of the screen.

Phase 3: Weapon and Projectile System

  1. Implement Projectiles: Create a projectile system that allows the defender to shoot at enemies.
  2. Develop Weapon Types: Implement different weapon types (e.g., laser, mortar) with unique projectile behaviors and visual effects.
  3. Collision Detection: Implement collision detection between projectiles and enemies.

Phase 4: Gameplay Loop and UI

  1. Wave System: Develop a wave management system that spawns progressively difficult waves of enemies.
  2. Health and Score: Implement a health system for the defender and a scoring system for the player.
  3. User Interface (UI): Create a simple UI to display the player's health, score, and current weapon.

Phase 5: Upgrade and Progression System

  1. Upgrade System: Implement an upgrade system that allows the player to enhance the defender and its weapons between waves.
  2. Meta-Progression: Design and implement a permanent progression system that allows players to unlock new weapons and abilities between games.

5. Visual and Audio Design

The game will adopt a cyberpunk aesthetic, characterized by dark backgrounds, neon colors, and glowing visual effects.

  • Visuals: The defender, enemies, and projectiles will be simple geometric shapes with emissive materials to create a glowing effect. Particle effects will be used for explosions and projectile trails.
  • Audio: A synthwave soundtrack will be used to create an immersive, futuristic atmosphere. Sound effects will be added for weapon fire, enemy destruction, and UI interactions.

6. Key Features for a Prototype

To create a playable prototype, the following features are essential:

  • A functional defender that can aim and shoot.
  • At least one enemy type that moves towards the defender.
  • A basic wave system.
  • A simple health and scoring system.
  • At least one weapon type with corresponding projectiles.
  • Basic visual and audio effects to establish the game's aesthetic.
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