## **Chain Reaction - Game Design Document**

### **Core Concept**

Players click once to create a static explosion that destroys floating circles. The goal is to clear the screen with one strategic click, triggering chain reactions of destruction.

### **Gameplay Mechanics**

**Primary Mechanic**:

- Click anywhere to create explosion at position
- Explosions destroy circles within radius
- Destroyed circles trigger secondary explosions (chain reaction)
- Game ends when all circles are destroyed or time expires

**Circle Properties**:

- Random radii (10-50px)
- Random alpha transparency (0.3-1.0)
- Random colors (pastel palette)
- Physics: Smooth movement, collision detection

**Explosion Mechanics**:

- Static explosion at click position
- Explosion radius = 100px (tunable)
- Chain reaction: Destroyed circles explode after 0.1s delay
- Secondary explosions have 50% smaller radius

### **Core Loop**

**30-second gameplay cycle**:

- Start with 20-30 circles
- Player clicks strategically to create chain reactions
- Game ends when all circles destroyed OR time runs out (30 seconds)
- Win condition: Clear screen before time expires

### **Scoring System**

- Points = circles destroyed × multiplier
- Multiplier increases with consecutive chain reactions (1x, 2x, 4x, 8x...)
- Bonus points for clearing all circles in single click

### **Visual Design**

**Art Style**: Minimalist circles with:

- Pastel color palette (blues, purples, pinks)
- Alpha transparency (0.3-1.0)
- Smooth movement animations
- Particle effects on destruction

**UI Elements**:

- Score display
- Timer countdown
- "Chain Reaction" indicator
- Restart button

### **Technical Requirements**

**Spatial Partitioning**: Grid-based system for efficient collision detection
**Performance**: Handle 500+ circles with 60fps target
**Physics**: Smooth movement, realistic collision response

### **Game States**

1. **Menu**: Start screen, instructions, high score
2. **Playing**: Main gameplay loop
3. **GameOver**: Score display, restart option

### **Implementation Roadmap**

1. Basic window + circle generation (5min)
2. Click detection + explosion mechanics (10min)
3. Chain reaction logic + destruction system (15min)
4. Scoring + game states (10min)
5. Polish + optimization (20min)

### **Optional Enhancements**

- Power-ups (larger explosions, slower circles)
- Different circle types (fast/slow, larger/smaller)
- Time pressure mechanic
- High score system with local persistence