Candy Crush-Inspired Game

Overview

This project is a simplified version of the popular game Candy Crush, implemented in C++. The game involves matching candies of the same color to score points and collect stars. The game offers two modes: a timed mode and a move-based mode. The player can swap adjacent candies to create matches of three or more, and the game provides hints if the player is stuck.

Features

• Two Game Modes:

  • Timer Mode: The player has a limited time to make as many matches as possible.
  • Move Mode: The player has a limited number of moves to achieve the goal of collecting stars.

• Dynamic Grid Initialization: The game grid is dynamically initialized with random candy colors, ensuring no initial matches.

• Match Detection: The game automatically detects and removes matches of three or more candies of the same color.

• Star Collection: The game includes stars that can be collected by matching candies in their vicinity.

• Hints: If the player is stuck, the game provides hints on possible moves.

• Interactive Menu: The game features an interactive menu for starting the game, viewing instructions, and exiting.

How to Play

1. Start the Game: Choose the "Start" option from the main menu.
2. Select Mode: Choose between Timer Mode or Move Mode.
3. Swap Candies: Enter the coordinates of the two candies you want to swap. The candies must be adjacent.
4. Create Matches: Swap candies to create matches of three or more of the same color to score points and collect stars.
5. Use Hints: If you're stuck, the game will provide hints after a certain period of inactivity.
6. Win the Game: Collect all stars to win the game.

Code Structure

The project is organized into several files:

• linkedlistmatrix.h and linkedlistmatrix.cpp: These files define a 2D linked list structure used to represent the game grid. The Matrix class represents a node in the grid, and the LinkedList2D class manages the grid.

• candyCrash.h and candyCrash.cpp: These files contain the main game logic. The Node class represents a candy in the grid, and the Grid class manages the game state, including grid initialization, match detection, and user interaction.

• candyCrashMain.cpp: This file contains the main function, which handles the game loop and user input.

Compilation and Execution

To compile and run the game, use the following commands:

g++ -o candyCrash candyCrashMain.cpp candyCrash.cpp linkedlistmatrix.cpp
./candyCrash

Dependencies

• C++ Standard Library: The game uses standard C++ libraries for input/output, threading, and random number generation.
• Multi-threading: The game uses threads to manage the countdown timer and hint system.

Future Improvements

• Enhanced Graphics: Implement a graphical user interface (GUI) for a more engaging user experience.
• More Levels: Add multiple levels with increasing difficulty.
• Power-ups: Introduce power-ups that can be used to clear large sections of the grid.

License

This project is open-source and available under the MIT License. Feel free to modify and distribute it as per the license terms.

Author

This project was developed as a part of a programming exercise. Contributions and feedback are welcome!