Smoke And Mirrors

Description

This project started from my passion to create a life-size interactive experience inspired by the board game Khet and styled with Tron-like aesthetics. It involves six modules, three per team, that when activated shoot lasers across the floor. When a laser is correctly aimed at another module, it either activates that module (if on the same team) or deactivates it (if on the opposing team). The lasers are guided by the player turning the steering wheel on the module.

When all modules are activated for a team, they can use any of their modules to aim for the Finish Gate at the front of the room and win the game! There is also a screen, using my RGB LED Wall, showing a dashboard of the module status for each team.

Complete Rules of the Game

THE GOAL

Be the first team to activate the Finish Gate at the front of the room by guiding your modules' lasers in sequence, module to module, until the beam reaches the gate.

THE RULES

Each team has three players, each standing next to their own module. Please do not stand on, sit on, or lean on the modules.
You control your laser by turning the wheel on top of your module. Use both hands for stable control — put the beer down!
The Game Status Screen at the front indicates which modules are engaged and ready to play.

EACH ROUND

The game starts with a Roll of the Die to determine which team goes first (Red or Green).
The starting team's first module is automatically engaged — that player takes the first turn and chooses one action.
Next, the opposing team's rear module engages, and their first player takes a turn.
Play alternates until one team activates the Finish Gate — its lasers and LEDs will flare to life, the victory tune will play, and the team wins!

PLAYER ACTIONS

If your module is currently ENGAGED, choose one of the following:

Engage the next module on your team with your laser.
Disengage one module on the opposing team with your laser.
Move your team's puck to block the other team.

MODULE STATES

IDLE — No lights, no sound.
SEARCHING — The sensors are looking for a laser from another module.
COUNTDOWN — The module has detected a laser. The LEDs light up in sequence and a countdown sound plays. Hold your laser in one place until the countdown completes, then turn your laser away immediately to avoid friendly fire.
ENGAGED — The module is fully on, LEDs turn red, and the laser sound plays. This module is now in play and ready for your action.

Materials & Components