Pong Clone

Author: Daniel Torres

Assignment Due Date: 2024-10-12, 11:59 PM

Overview

This project is a clone of the classic Pong game, created as part of an assignment. The game is developed using C++, SDL2, OpenGL, and GLSL shaders, and it features textured sprites, player-vs-player or player-vs-AI modes, and multiple fireballs for added complexity.

Features

• Player vs. Player Mode: Players can control their paddles using W and S keys for Player 1 and arrow keys for Player 2.
• Player vs. AI Mode: Switch to AI control for Player 2 by pressing the T key.
• Multiple Fireballs: Up to 3 fireballs can be activated, controlled by pressing keys 1, 2, or 3 during gameplay.
• Pause and Start: Game starts when the Space key is pressed and pauses when it is not.
• Score Cap: The first player to reach a score of 5 wins the game.
• Textured Sprites and Animation: Uses custom textures for paddles, fireballs, and the background, with rotation and collision detection for fireballs.

Controls

Key	Function
W, S	Move Player 1’s paddle up and down
Up, Down	Move Player 2’s paddle up and down
Space	Start the game
T	Toggle between AI and Player 2 control
1, 2, 3	Activate 1, 2, or 3 fireballs, respectively
Q	Quit the game

Game Logic

• Fireballs: Each fireball has its own speed and can collide with the paddles or the top/bottom of the screen, reflecting direction upon collision.
• Collision Detection: Fireballs and paddles use axis-aligned bounding box (AABB) collision detection to ensure accurate interactions.
• AI Movement: If AI mode is active, Player 2’s paddle moves automatically up and down at a fixed speed.

How to Run

1. Compile the Game: Ensure you have installed SDL2, OpenGL, and GLSL libraries. Compile the project using a C++ compiler. If using a Makefile, ensure you link the necessary libraries.

2. Run the Game: After compiling, run the executable. The game window will open with the paddle controls and gameplay rules as outlined above.

3. Texture Files: Ensure the following texture files are in the same directory as the executable:

   • Magic_sphere.png
   • Attack_2.png
   • fireball_transparent.png
   • pixelArena.png
   • paddle_1.png
   • font1.png

Technical Details

• Libraries Used:

  • SDL2 for window management and input handling.
  • OpenGL for rendering and transformations.
  • GLSL for custom shaders.
  • STB Image for texture loading.

• Collision Handling: Paddle and fireball collisions are calculated using box-to-box collision detection. The fireball changes direction when it hits a paddle or the top/bottom boundary.

• Textures and Sprites: The game uses a custom shader to handle textured sprites. Each fireball and paddle is rendered using texture atlases.

Notes to the Grader

• After a player wins, there is an implemented delay of 5 seconds on line 797, which can be changed for testing purposes
• The game is currently set to end when either player scores 5 points, this value can be changed by altering the value of the variable CAP on line 111

Acknowledgments

This project was completed without collaborating with anyone else, in conformance with the NYU School of Engineering Policies and Procedures on Academic Misconduct.