How to detect and remove matching candies in a mobile game?
In the fascinating world of mobile game development, optimizing performance and ensuring smooth gameplay is crucial. One of the most essential mechanics in a Candy Crush-like game is to detect and remove matching candies. This process may sound simple, but it involves a detailed approach to programming to ensure that mobile resources are not saturated and that the game is engaging for users. Let's break down how to accomplish this efficiently.
What is the first thing we need to implement?
The game requires an efficient method for detecting matching candies in rows and columns. This process starts with the creation of a private method that evaluates whether there are matches to remove, returning a boolean value. Here vectors are used to define addresses and search those paths for matches:
private bool ClearMatch(Vector2[] directions){ List<GameObject> matchingCandies = new List<GameObject>(); foreach (Vector2 direction in directions) { matchingCandies.AddRange(FindMatch(direction)); } if (matchingCandies.Count >= boardManager.minCandiesToMatch) { foreach (GameObject candy in matchingCandies) { candy.GetComponent<SpriteRenderer>().sprite = null; } return true; } return false;}
How to optimize resources on mobile devices?
A key consideration in mobile gaming is the efficient use of resources to avoid heating up the device or draining the battery quickly. Instead of destroying and reinstantiating candies, it is advisable to simply override their visual component, making "invisible" candies scroll without the need to recreate elements:
- Mobile Optimization: it is suggested to override visual components of candies instead of destroying them.
- Resource Light: Leverage existing visual components for other operations.
How to find all possible matches?
A method is needed that scans all addresses for matches, making sure that safety conditions are maintained:
public void FindAllMatches(){ if (GetComponent<SpriteRenderer>().sprite == null) return;
bool horizontalMatch = ClearMatch(new Vector2[] { Vector2.left, Vector2.right }); bool verticalMatch = ClearMatch(new Vector2[] { Vector2.up, Vector2.down });
if (horizontalMatch || verticalMatch) { GetComponent<SpriteRenderer>().sprite = null; } }}
Where and when should the match method be called?
The logic of the game implies that the match method should be invoked when the user interacts with the candy. This is generally handled in the onMouseDown
event, which responds to candy selection and movement:
- Implementation: Call
FindAllMatches()
for both the initially selected candy and the one receiving the movement.
What common errors can we find?
We may forget to invoke the find match method, which would prevent alignments from being detected and removed. It is crucial to make sure that the method is called in the right place in the code to maintain the expected functionality. Also, not forgetting to return the expected boolean value can cause errors.
Technical conclusions and next steps
Through an efficient and optimized implementation, matches can be correctly detected in a Candy Dash-like mobile game. This approach not only improves game performance, but also ensures a positive user experience. In future enhancements, consideration should be given to implement the candy cascade to complement this removal and further optimize the gameplay.
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