How To Create 2048 Puzzle Game in MIT App Inventor 2 | App Inventor Game

Summary

In this tutorial, viewers learn how to create a 2048 puzzle game using MIT App Inventor. The process includes setting up the game screen, adding components like buttons, a timer, and a notifier, and importing a special extension for the puzzle layout. Key instructions cover setting up the game grid, handling user interactions, and implementing logic for restarting and displaying game-over messages. The video also demonstrates the game mechanics, such as combining tiles and managing moves. By the end, users will be able to create their own 2048 game, complete with features for restarting and displaying win/loss notifications.

Takeaways

• 😀 The tutorial teaches how to create a 2048 puzzle game using MIT App Inventor.
• 😀 To start, create a new project in MIT App Inventor and set up a basic screen layout using vertical arrangement.
• 😀 A restart button is added to the interface, allowing users to restart the game after completion or game over.
• 😀 The puzzle game view extension must be imported to simplify the grid and puzzle mechanics.
• 😀 The game layout consists of a 4x4 grid, and the tile movement is controlled by swipe actions in four directions.
• 😀 A Notifier component is used to show messages when the game is won or lost.
• 😀 A timer component is added to monitor the game's status every second, such as checking for win or game-over conditions.
• 😀 Game logic includes merging tiles when the same number is moved together, and players aim to reach the number 2048.
• 😀 The app should display a message like 'You Win' when the game is successfully completed.
• 😀 The restart functionality is implemented by resetting the puzzle view and enabling the timer again when the game is restarted.
• 😀 The game ends when there are no more moves left, prompting the user with a 'Game Over' message and allowing a reset.

Q & A

What is the first step in creating the 2048 puzzle game in MIT App Inventor?

The first step is to open the MIT App Inventor website and start a new project. The project name is suggested as 'game two zero four eight percent'.

How do you set up the screen layout for the game?

You need to drag and drop a Vertical Arrangement component from the Layout section. Set its width and height properties to 'fill parent'.

What customization is done to the 'Restart' button?

The 'Restart' button text is changed to 'Restart Game', the font size is adjusted to around 20, and the font color and background are customized with white text color.

What components are needed to set up notifications and timers in the game?

A Notifier component and a Timer component are required. The Notifier will display messages when the game is completed, and the Timer will help check the game state every second.

How do you import the Puzzle Game extension?

To import the Puzzle Game extension, you need to go to the Extensions section, download the puzzle game extension, then import it into your project using the 'Import Extension' option.

How do you configure the puzzle layout in the blocks section?

In the Blocks section, you need to call the 'Puzzle View' method to create the game layout inside the Vertical Arrangement. Set the X and Y values to 4 for a 4x4 grid.

What happens when the game is completed?

When the puzzle is completed, the game triggers a message dialog using the Notifier, showing a message like 'You Win' and offering a restart option.

How is the game reset when the 'Restart' button is pressed?

When the 'Restart' button is clicked, it triggers the 'Restart Game' method in the Puzzle View and re-enables the timer to continue the game cycle.

Why is the Timer component used in the game?

The Timer component is used to periodically check if the game is over. If the game is over, it triggers the display of a 'Game Over' message and stops the timer to prevent further checks until the game is restarted.

What is the gameplay mechanism of the 2048 puzzle game in the app?

The player moves numbers in four directions (left, right, up, and down) to match tiles with the same number. When two matching tiles meet, they combine into one. The goal is to create the number 2048.