Deep Space Checkers (Vs AI Now)

UPDATE: You can now play Vs AI in AI Mode.

How to Play the Checkers Game

Objective

The goal is to capture all of your opponent’s pieces or block them so they can’t move. The game is played on an 8x8 board with 32 dark squares, using 12 pieces per player.

Setup

Board: An 8x8 grid with alternating light and dark squares. Only the 32 dark squares are used.

Pieces:

Red pieces start on the bottom (rows 0-2, dark squares).

Black pieces start on the top (rows 5-7, dark squares).

Turn: Red goes first.

Controls

Move a Piece: Click and drag a piece to a new square. Release to confirm the move.

Volume: Adjust the slider to control background music volume.

Restart: Click the “Restart” button to reset the game to the starting position.

Rules

Movement:

Regular pieces move diagonally forward one square (Red moves up, Black moves down).

Kings (promoted pieces) can move diagonally in any direction (forward or backward).

Capturing:

If an opponent’s piece is diagonally adjacent and the next square beyond it is empty, you can jump over it to capture. The captured piece is removed.

Kings can capture in any diagonal direction.

Captures play a distinct sound effect.

Kinging:

When a regular piece reaches the opponent’s back row (Red to row 7, Black to row 0), it becomes a king. Kings are visually distinguished (e.g., lighter color).

Turns:

Players alternate turns. Red moves first, then Black. The game enforces this—you can only move your own color’s pieces on your turn.

Winning:

The game ends when one player captures all the opponent’s pieces or the opponent can’t make any legal moves. (Note: The current version doesn’t auto-detect a win, so players decide this manually.)

Audio

Sound Effects: A “move” sound plays for regular moves, and a “capture” sound plays for jumps.

Music: Background tracks play continuously, cycling through the playlist. Adjust volume with the slider.

Playing with Two People Taking Turns

This is the standard way to play on a single device:

Setup:

Start the game in Unity. The board loads with Red and Black pieces in position, music playing, and Red’s turn active.

Player Roles:

Player 1: Controls Red pieces.

Player 2: Controls Black pieces.

Taking Turns:

Player 1 (Red): On their turn, click and drag a Red piece to move or capture. Release to confirm. The turn automatically switches to Black after a valid move.

Player 2 (Black): On their turn, click and drag a Black piece. The turn switches back to Red after a valid move.

Repeat, alternating turns, until one player wins or you agree to restart.

Restarting:

Either player can click the “Restart” button at any time to reset the game. Red starts again.

Tips:

Sit or stand near the device, passing control of the mouse/pointer between turns.

Watch the Console or listen for turn cues (e.g., sound effects) to confirm whose turn it is.

Playing with Two Groups Collaborating

This adapts the game for two teams, where group members discuss and decide moves together:

Setup:

Same as above—start the game in Unity.

Group Roles:

Group 1: Controls Red pieces. All members collaborate on Red’s moves.

Group 2: Controls Black pieces. All members collaborate on Black’s moves.

Taking Turns:

Group 1 (Red):

When it’s Red’s turn, the group discusses which piece to move and where (e.g., “Let’s capture with the piece at (3, 1)”).

One member acts as the “mover,” clicking and dragging the chosen Red piece. The turn switches to Black after a valid move.

Group 2 (Black):

When it’s Black’s turn, the group discusses their strategy (e.g., “Should we king this piece or block them?”).

Their designated mover clicks and drags a Black piece. The turn switches back to Red.

Alternate turns, with each group planning their next move while the other plays.

Restarting:

Any group member can suggest restarting. One person clicks the “Restart” button, resetting the game for a fresh start.

Collaboration Tips:

Gather around the screen or project it for visibility.

Use a timer (e.g., 1-2 minutes per turn) if groups take too long deciding.

Encourage debate: “Should we capture now or build a trap?” This makes it social and strategic.

Assign roles (e.g., one person moves, another tracks captures) if the group is large.

Additional Notes

Single Device: Since this is a Unity game on one screen, players or groups share the mouse/pointer. For a physical feel, imagine passing a controller back and forth.

Winning: Without an auto-win detection, players/groups agree when the game ends (e.g., “You’ve got no moves left—I win!”).

Atmosphere: Music and SFX enhance the experience—adjust volume as a group if it’s too loud or quiet.