QBasic Gorillas (Repeeled): A Modern Web Recreation of the 1991 Classic

QBasic Gorillas (Repeeled) is a modern web-based recreation of the 1991 IBM QBasic classic, designed to simulate the experience of launching exploding bananas at an opponent while accounting for wind and gravity. The project serves as a practical application of AI-assisted development tools to recreate retro gaming mechanics in a browser environment.

Core Gameplay and Mechanics

The game maintains the fundamental loop of the original 1991 title, focusing on projectile physics and turn-based strategy. Players must manage several key variables to successfully hit their opponent:

• Trajectory Control: Players set the angle and power of their throw, either via numerical input or by dragging back from their gorilla character.
• Environmental Factors: The game incorporates gravity and wind, which fluctuate and require players to adjust their aim and power accordingly.
• Controls: Movement is handled via arrow keys for nudging, and the Enter key is used to execute the throw.

Technical Implementation and AI Assistance

This version of Gorillas was developed using AI-assisted programming techniques. The use of Large Language Models (LLMs) in the creation of this project has sparked discussion among the developer community regarding the balance between human specification and AI generation. While some users view the project as a valuable way to practice new tools, others argue that the reliance on AI-generated code reduces the need for traditional programming skills.

Community Feedback and Areas for Improvement

Users interacting with the web version have identified several technical areas for optimization to improve the user experience and gameplay accuracy:

UI and Visual Clarity

Feedback suggests that the placement of wind and round text can overlap with building graphics. Specifically, gray buildings can make the text nearly impossible to read. Additionally, some users found the pseudo-CRT scanline filter to be too grainy, suggesting a more refined WebGL CRT shader for a more authentic retro look.

Physics and Input Accuracy

Critical feedback was provided regarding the visual representation of power:

The arrow length does not represent power accurately, There's a minimum arrow length even when power is nearly 0, which means when the arrow is twice as long, the power is actually almost 50 times higher! It should be directly proportional.

Suggestions for improvement include implementing a fixed-length dotted line for direction and a separate power bar that is not anchored to the player position to ensure the visual cues match the physics engine.

Camera and Control Feel

The camera follow system has been described as too tightly coupled to the banana's movement, which can create a jarring visual experience. Developers are encouraged to implement a "grace window" to smooth the camera transition during the projectile's flight.