smehta23 / blokus

This is a Java version of the game, Blokus.

Blokus

This is a Java version of the game, Blokus.

ABOUT BLOKUS Blokus is a 4-player strategy game (thought it sometimes can be played with fewer players). Each player has 21 pieces of a certain color and can place them on a 20 x 20 grid: the caveat, however, is that each player can only place his/her pieces diagonal to those of their color already on the board, or in other words, no two pieces can share a common edge, but only corners. The winner is the player who has placed the most of his/her pieces on the board.

CONCEPTS USED The four concepts implemented in this game were 2D Arrays, Collections, File I/O, and Testable component. In particular, a 2D array of Color objects modelled the Blokus board, a 20x20 grid. Collections were used for storing each player's pieces, as well as the piece and board history, so that UNDO operations could be performed, as well as previews. Moreover, File I/O was used by saving each of the board's 400 Color objects in binary, the piece names of the pieces of each player, as well as the current player's color, turn number, and game status--encoded in binary or hex. By loading the txt file, one can resume a game (although UNDO operations will only begin from that point forward). Finally, all methods pertaining to the 2D array of color objects, Player objects, and (partially) Piece objects were testable without the use of GUI operations. Therefore, JUnit tests have been implemented across three categories: (1) checking the validity of a piece's placement, (2) next turn/undo operations, and (3) actually moving the piece to the board/on the board. The methods primarily tested are those in State.java.

GAME INSTRUCTIONS Click on a piece below to select it; then place it on the board by simply clicking where on the board you wish to place the piece. You can move the piece around on the board after having placed it by dragging your mouse. In case you wish to use a different piece instead click on that particular piece and follow the same process. Once you have finalized your move, click "Next Turn". In case you wish to rotate the piece you have selected, click "Rotate", and you will be able to see the piece rotate on the board itself. ("Undo" is meant for undoing finalized moves and not replacing a piece placed on the board with another during the current player's turn, which as mentioned can be done simply by reselecting another piece.)

GAME FEATURES If the piece played is invalid in placement (e.g. it is touching another piece of the same color along its edges/not touching a piece of the same color along its corners, then the system will automatically move for you; it may not be the best move, however. Also, if a player chooses to not play a piece at all during his/her turn, the system will also automatically place a piece on the board. This feature may come in handy towards the end of the game to ensure that all players have maximized their score and no piece that can be played is unplayed. Essentially, as long as the game can continue, it will continue.