• Reagan Zhang, Edward Wang, John Chen, Yilin Liu - Gameplay Design and Testing

The Strategic Snake Game is a modernized version of the classic Snake game that introduces unique mechanics to enhance gameplay. Players must navigate their snake to collect apples while avoiding collisions with enemy snakes, which actively introduce strategic elements and dynamic challenges.

The project was designed to modernize a classic favorite and offer a deeper, more engaging experience that challenges players' reflexes, planning, and adaptability.

This game is perfect for anyone looking for a fun and strategic gaming experience or a showcase of advanced gameplay design and software architecture.

1. Features
2. Installation Instructions
3. Usage Guide
4. License
5. Feedback
6. Contributions

• Enemy Snakes:
  Enemy snakes actively challenge players by moving unpredictably, chasing apples, or targeting the player directly.

• RandomSnake: Moves randomly for unpredictability.

• AppleChasingSnake: Competes with the player for apples.

• PlayerChasingSnake: Strategically tracks the player to increase tension.

• Custom Apples:
  Different apple types with unique effects:

• Green Apple: Standard point increase.

• Red Apple: Temporarily speeds up movement.

• Purple Apple: Spawns a temporary shield.

• Dynamic Gameplay:
  The combination of random spawns and unique challenges ensures every game session is unique.

• Leaderboard:
  Tracks scores across sessions, motivating players to compete with others or themselves.

• Java Development Kit (JDK) (version 17 or above)
• IntelliJ IDEA (Community or Ultimate Edition)

1. Download and install IntelliJ IDEA:

• From IntelliJ IDEA Downloads.
• Ensure the Java Development Kit (JDK) is also installed. You can download it from Oracle's JDK Download.

2. Clone this repository:

   [git clone https://github.com/your-repo-name/snake-game.git](https://github.com/rainsong13/Snake_Group53.git)

3. Open the Project in IntelliJ IDEA

• Open IntelliJ IDEA and select "Open or Import" from the welcome screen.
• Navigate to the project folder and select it.

4. Configure the JDK for the Project

• In IntelliJ, go to File > Project Structure > SDKs.
• Add the JDK you installed earlier.

5. Run the Game

• Locate the main method in the Main.java file.
• Right-click and choose "Run" to start the game.

• Issue: Missing JDK setup.
  Fix: Ensure JDK is installed and properly configured in IntelliJ (see step 4).
• Issue: Project doesn't build.
  Fix: Rebuild the project using Build > Rebuild Project in IntelliJ.

1. Run the main method in Main.java using IntelliJ.
2. Use the arrow keys to control your snake.

• Collect apples to score points.
• Avoid collisions with enemy snakes or the board edges.

• Green Apples are safe and standard.
• Enemy Snakes follow distinct strategies. Watch their movement patterns.

This project is licensed under the MIT License.

We value your feedback to improve the game!

• Submit feedback via this Google Form
• Alternatively, create an issue on our GitHub repository: Issue Tracker.

• Be constructive and detailed.
• Allow 1-2 business days for a response.

1. Fork the repository.
2. Create a new branch for your feature or bug fix:

   git checkout -b feature-name

3. Make changes and test thoroughly.
4. Submit a pull request with detailed descriptions of your changes.

• Ensure your code follows Java's best practices.
• Test all changes locally before submitting.
• Contributions will be reviewed within 2-3 business days.