Snap the Dot

Introduction

Snap the dot is a game of skill where the player has to press A exactly when the dot reaches the center of the screen.

This tutorial shows how to use the game engine.

Make a sprite variable

Create a new variable called sprite. Drag a ||variables:set sprite to|| into the ||basic:on start|| on the workspace.

let sprite = 0

Create a sprite

Pull out a ||game:create sprite|| block and put it in ||variables:set sprite to|| replacing the 0. A sprite is a single pixel that can move on the screen. It has an x and y position along with a direction of motion.

let sprite = game.createSprite(2, 2)

Move the dot

The sprite starts in the center facing right. Put a ||game:move|| block into the ||basic:forever|| to make it move. Notice how it moves to the right but does not bounce back.

let sprite = game.createSprite(2, 2)
basic.forever(function () {
    sprite.move(1)
})

Bounce

Grab a ||game:if on edge, bounce|| block to make the sprite bounce on the side of the screen. Also, add a ||basic:pause|| block to slow down the sprite.

let sprite = game.createSprite(2, 2)
basic.forever(function () {
    sprite.move(1)
    sprite.ifOnEdgeBounce()
    basic.pause(100)
})

Test and download

Use the simulator to find the best speed. If you have a micro:bit, press |Download| to try it out on the device.

Button handling

When A is pressed, we test if the sprite is in the center or not.

Use a ||input:on button pressed|| block to handle the A button. Put in a ||logic:if|| block and test if ||game:x|| is equal to 2.

let sprite = game.createSprite(2, 2)
input.onButtonPressed(Button.A, function () {
    if (sprite.get(LedSpriteProperty.X) == 2) {
    } else {
    }
})
basic.forever(function () {
    sprite.move(1)
    basic.pause(100)
    sprite.ifOnEdgeBounce()
})

Score and game over

Finally, pull out an ||game:add score|| and a ||game:game over|| block to handle both success (sprite in the center) and failure (sprite not in the center).

let sprite = game.createSprite(2, 2)
input.onButtonPressed(Button.A, function () {
    if (sprite.get(LedSpriteProperty.X) == 2) {
        game.addScore(1)
    } else {
        game.gameOver()
    }
})
basic.forever(function () {
    sprite.move(1)
    basic.pause(100)
    sprite.ifOnEdgeBounce()
})

Test and download

Your game is ready! If you have a micro:bit, press |Download| to try it out on the device.