1. Level-based progression with different objectives (clear X gems, reach Y score, etc.) 2. Special power-ups: - Match 4 in a row/column: Creates a line-clearing gem - Match 5 in L-shape: Creates an area-effect gem - Match 5 in a row/column: Creates a same-color clearing gem 3. Obstacles like frozen gems, locked gems, and magical barriers 4. Special "exam" levels that test particular skills 5. Daily challenges for extra rewards 6. Achievement system tied to the magical academy (earning badges, ranks, etc.) 7. Simple tutorial system introducing mechanics gradually # Step 5: Describe the user interface and player interactions UI components: - Main game grid (centered) - Score display (top) - Moves/time remaining (top) - Level objectives (top or side) - Menu button for settings/pause (corner) - Power-up inventory (bottom or side) - Level progress indicator (bottom) Player interactions: - Swap adjacent gems by clicking/tapping one and then an adjacent one - Alternatively, click/tap and drag from one gem to an adjacent one - Click/tap special gems to activate their powers - Click menu buttons for navigation Visual feedback: - Gems glow when selected - Matching gems animate and disappear with particle effects - New gems fall with a slight bounce effect - Special gems have distinct appearances and activation animations - Level completion shows celebration animations # Step 6: Suggest appropriate technologies For a browser-based match-3 game, these technologies would be appropriate: Frontend: - HTML5 Canvas for rendering - JavaScript for game logic - Phaser.js or PixiJS as game frameworks (both have good support for grid-based games) - Web Audio API for sound effects - CSS for UI styling outside the game canvas Backend (if needed for saving progress): - Node.js server - Simple database (MongoDB or even localStorage for a purely frontend solution) - RESTful API for saving/loading game state I'll recommend Phaser 3 as the primary framework since it has excellent support for: 1. Sprite management 2. Input handling 3. Animation systems 4. Sound management 5. Scene management # Step 7: Provide basic code structure I'll use JavaScript with Phaser 3 for this implementation. The key game elements to implement would be: - Game board management - Gem swapping logic - Match detection - Gravity/falling mechanics - Special gem creation and activation - Level objectives and progress tracking I'll sketch out pseudo-code for the core match detection and board management systems. </design_process> # Crystal Spellcaster: Magic Match Academy ## Concept Crystal Spellcaster is a magical match-3 puzzle game where players take on the role of a student at the prestigious Crystalline Academy of Magical Arts. By matching magical gems, players cast spells, overcome obstacles, and advance through increasingly challenging magical exams to become a master spellcaster. ## Genre Casual Puzzle / Match-3 ## Core Mechanics - Match three or more identical gems by swapping adjacent gems to cast spells and clear the board - Create special power gems by matching 4+ gems in specific patterns - Overcome magical obstacles like frozen gems, enchanted barriers, and cursed tiles - Complete level objectives within a limited number of moves or time constraints - Trigger cascading combos for bonus points and magical effects ## Story/Setting You are a promising young mage enrolled at the Crystalline Academy, where magical power is harnessed through colorful gems representing the elements. Each level represents a magical challenge or exam set by your professors. As you progress through the academy's curriculum, you'll unlock new spells (power-ups), face increasingly complex magical challenges, and ultimately work to earn your Archmage diploma.