Q: Why did you use an RGB matrix?
A: An RGB matrix allows the programming of different colors, from red to green to blue to any combination of the three. In order to make this a two player game, two different colors are needed to differentiate the players' pieces.
Q: Why did you use blue and green for the two players, as opposed to the original red and yellow?
A: There is some hardware problem with the red lights in the matrix that makes them flicker, vary in intensity, and occasionally not turn on when they are supposed to. Because yellow in RGB is a mix of red and green, both red and yellow needed to be avoided so the coloring of the pieces could be more consistent. However, blue and green sometimes have a similar issue where a row might not work in one of the colors when it is plugged in. This can be fixed by unplugging the battery and then reconnecting. Unfortunately, using blue and green, while it improves efficiency, makes it more difficult to differentiate between the colors, especially in photographs.
Q: Why did you only use one joystick?
A: With the way the driver works, there were only enough free pins to attach one joystick. Also, the game was designed to be handheld and passed between two players.
Q: Is there a way to make the game one player?
A: As of right now, the game is only two player. However, with alterations to the code including implementation of an AI for the user to play against, a one player version of this game is possible.
Q: Why is the board 8x8, as opposed to the original 5x7?
A: This is because of the hardware that was available on Amazon. If a 5x7 RGB LED matrix was available, the group would have purchased that one. If given much more time, an LED matrix of the appropriate size could have been handmade. However, that would have required a lot more soldering and a more complicated program so it could not have been accomplished within the allotted quarter.
Have an unanswered question? Email one of the group members!
