QUBE - A 3D Connect-4 Game

QUBE is an immersive, 3D strategy game that reimagines the classic four-in-a-row concept within a 4x4x4 cube. Challenge an AI opponent in a sleek, neon-drenched environment. Victory requires thinking in three dimensions to outmaneuver the computer and be the first to align four pieces.

Requirements

• Windows
• Linux
• macOS
• (Doesn't work on touch devices)

Features

• Fully Interactive 3D Board: Rotate and inspect the 4x4x4 cube from any angle.
• Challenging AI: Play against a computer opponent with three distinct difficulty levels:
  • Easy: A great starting point for new players.
  • Medium: The AI will actively block your wins and set up its own simple threats.
  • Hard: The AI thinks ahead, prioritizes board control, and sets up complex, multi-directional threats.
• Series Play: Engage in a "Best of 5" or "Best of 10" series to prove your strategic superiority over multiple rounds.
• Stunning Visuals: A minimalist neon aesthetic with dynamic lighting and reflective pieces, powered by Three.js.
• Ambient Music: A looping electronic soundtrack to enhance focus, with an easy-to-use toggle button.
• Intuitive Controls: Simple and responsive controls make gameplay fluid and engaging.

How to Play

The goal is to be the first player to place four of your pieces in a straight line. This line can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal on any plane within the 3D cube.

Controls

1. Rotate View: Click and drag the mouse to rotate the QUBE and see all possible angles.
2. Select a Column: Hover the mouse over the board. The column underneath your cursor will be highlighted.
3. Choose Vertical Position: Left-click on a highlighted column. A preview of your piece will appear at the lowest available spot. Continue to left-click (or press the Spacebar) to cycle the preview to higher available spots in that same column.
4. Place Your Piece: Once the preview is where you want to place your piece, press the Enter key.
5. Cancel a Move: If you have selected a column but want to choose a different one, simply right-click or press the Escape key to cancel your selection.

Game Flow

1. Game Setup: When you first load the game, a setup menu will appear.
   • Select Difficulty: Choose between Easy, Medium, and Hard.
   • Select Series: Choose to play a "Best of 5" or "Best of 10" match.
   • Click "Start Game" to begin.
2. Playing a Round: Players take turns placing pieces. The player is Red, and the AI is Cyan.
3. End of Round: When a player or the AI wins a round, a "Next Round" button will appear. Click it to reset the board and continue the series.
4. End of Series: Once a player or the AI has won the required number of rounds to claim the series, the setup menu will reappear, allowing you to start a new series with new settings. The scores are reset.
5. Reset: At any time, you can click the reset button (⟳) to abandon the current series and return to the setup menu.

Technologies Used

• HTML5
• CSS3
• JavaScript (ES6 Modules)