Concept
For my final project, I want to create football inspired reaction game in which the player plays the role of a goalkeeper. The idea is to replicate penalty shootouts, where split second decisions determine whether you save the ball or let it hit the net.
The project draws inspiration from classic arcade games like Whack-a-Mole, where players must react in time to hit the mole. It’s also inspired by the Strike-A-Light reaction game, which emphasizes quick reflexes and precise button presses, and the Interactive T-Wall, which uses a grid-based system to create engaging gameplay. These games inspired me to create something that combines physical action with real-time feedback while adding a personal twist to the football theme.
This project is personal because it combines my passion for football with the technical skills I’ve been learning. By adapting the ideas behind arcade games and combining them with the theme of football, I was able to create something exciting and interactive. The result is a challenging and fun game, capturing the essence of football while incorporating creative design and technical elements.
How It Works
In Goal Rush, the physical setup consists of six buttons arranged in a semi-circle, similar to how a ball might travel to different parts of a goalpost during a penalty kick. Above each button is an LED that lights up to signal where the ball is “shot.” The player, acting as the goalkeeper, must press the corresponding button to make the save. If they react quickly enough and press the right button, the Arduino sends a signal to the p5.js display, where the digital goalkeeper dives to block the ball. The ball goes into the net if the player misses or presses the wrong button.
The p5.js display mirrors the physical setup with a goalpost and a goalkeeper. It shows the outcome of each attempt, whether the shot was saved or scored. The game keeps track of the player’s score, rewarding saves and displaying a missed goal animation for failed attempts. The game starts off at a steady speed but becomes faster as it progresses, challenging the player’s reflexes and ability to stay focused.
The objective is to save as many goals as possible before the timer runs out. The combination of tactile button presses and real-time visual feedback creates an experience that captures the tension and excitement of a penalty shootout.