Show HN: A small browser game (PC only) built with Phaser 3 (opens in new tab)

(cubic-zombies.pages.dev)

9 pointsjose-cl6mo ago5 comments

Hi HN! This is my first game — something I’ve always wanted to do.

It’s a small browser game built with Phaser 3, React, and the phaser template (https://github.com/phaserjs/template-react-ts/).

I made it in 2 days (like 8 hours in total real time) using gemini-cli. About 90% of the code was generated with AI, but I learned a lot by making fine tweaks.

It only works on PC since it’s a typical WASD + R (reload) shooter.

I’d love feedback on: - Gameplay (is it fun, too hard?) - Ideas for new features

Thanks in advance!

ps: I used cubes as a prototype, but now I kind of like them. Should I keep them or implement proper sprites?

5 comments

mdaniel6mo ago

Up to ~you~ gemini, but a loading screen would make it seem less like it was stuck

A tutorial is always welcome when one is dropped site-unseen into a game. I didn't understand what you meant by the WASD part since I could shoot the green squares just fine using only my mouse and thought the exercise was to pick the highest priority green. But then I thought "well, ok, so what does the WASD mentioned do?" and then I got the run-around part with them converging upon me

It wasn't clear what the rifle (or actually subsequent weapons) do differently, but I don't offhand know how to cover that 'here is what is new' behavior since I'm not a game maker

jose-clOP6mo ago

Hi mdaniel! Thanks a lot for your feedback. The last thing I added were the audio assets (music, shooting, reloading), and the game ended up quite heavy — so yes, it definitely needs an initial loading bar. On another note, I wrote "WASD" + "R" assuming I’d be sharing the game with people who usually play, so sorry about that. The idea behind the different weapons is: pistol → accurate but a bit slow and with short range, rifle → accurate and long-range, machine gun → low accuracy and medium range. Were you able to see that there are several types of zombies? Thanks again for your comments. José.-

mdaniel6mo ago

Apologies, I knew what WASD was in the context of gaming, I just didn't follow what behavior they influenced in the game since I was playing it with a drink in my hand at first and it seemed fine :-)

I don't recall the shapes changing, but I also gave up after acquiring the rifle because I am not the target audience for this style of game. Balatro, M:TG, Slay the Spire, Factorio, and any of the Zachtronics games are for me

I do think the game was well executed, and I hope you and Gemini are proud of shipping it, and I also hope lots of people get enjoyment from playing it!

BSVogler6mo ago

On Safari it is just a black screen.

Gameplay wise this is super basic and has been done endless times before. It looks like a "hello world" of games, so maybe focus on bringing either quality or novelty.

countfeng6mo ago

I can only play up to level 5.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse

Show HN: A small browser game (PC only) built with Phaser 3 (opens in new tab)

(cubic-zombies.pages.dev)

9 pointsjose-cl6mo ago5 comments

Hi HN! This is my first game — something I’ve always wanted to do.

It’s a small browser game built with Phaser 3, React, and the phaser template (https://github.com/phaserjs/template-react-ts/).

I made it in 2 days (like 8 hours in total real time) using gemini-cli. About 90% of the code was generated with AI, but I learned a lot by making fine tweaks.

It only works on PC since it’s a typical WASD + R (reload) shooter.

I’d love feedback on: - Gameplay (is it fun, too hard?) - Ideas for new features

Thanks in advance!

ps: I used cubes as a prototype, but now I kind of like them. Should I keep them or implement proper sprites?

5 comments

mdaniel6mo ago

Up to ~you~ gemini, but a loading screen would make it seem less like it was stuck

It wasn't clear what the rifle (or actually subsequent weapons) do differently, but I don't offhand know how to cover that 'here is what is new' behavior since I'm not a game maker

jose-clOP6mo ago

mdaniel6mo ago

Apologies, I knew what WASD was in the context of gaming, I just didn't follow what behavior they influenced in the game since I was playing it with a drink in my hand at first and it seemed fine :-)

I do think the game was well executed, and I hope you and Gemini are proud of shipping it, and I also hope lots of people get enjoyment from playing it!

BSVogler6mo ago

On Safari it is just a black screen.

Gameplay wise this is super basic and has been done endless times before. It looks like a "hello world" of games, so maybe focus on bringing either quality or novelty.

countfeng6mo ago

I can only play up to level 5.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse