Console Conqueror Documentation

Overview

Console Conqueror is a multiplayer card game with client-server architecture. Players connect to a server, join or create game rooms, configure cards with various abilities, and engage in turn-based combat using different strategies.

Architecture

The system follows a client-server architecture with the following key components:

1. Server Side

   • Server.java - Main server that listens for connections and manages game rooms
   • ClientHandler.java - Handles individual client connections
   • GameRoom.java - Represents a game room where players interact

2. Client Side

   • Client.java - Connects to the server and manages communication
   • GUI Components:
     • InitFrame.java - Initial screen
     • LobbyFrame.java - Room selection/creation
     • GameFrame.java - Main game interface

3. Game Logic

   • Cards system (Card.java, TypeOfCard.java, Weapon.java)
   • Command pattern implementation for game actions
   • Strategy pattern for attack strategies

How to Play

Starting the Game

1. Start the server by running Server.java
2. Start the client by running Client.java
3. Enter your username in the initial screen
4. Choose to create a new room or join an existing one

Game Flow

1. The host can start the game with the /start command
2. Players configure their cards (4 cards per player)
3. Turn-based gameplay begins, with players taking actions using commands
4. Players can attack opponents, recharge weapons, or use special abilities

Commands

Command	Description
/start	Start the game (host only)
/attack <target> <cardName> <weapon> [strategy]	Attack another player
/rechargeWeapons	Refill all weapons for use
/endTurn	End your current turn
/skipturn	Skip your turn
/surrender	Give up and exit the game
/draw	Request a draw
/say <message>	Send a message to all players
/exit	Leave the game room

Card System

Each card has:

• A type (FIRE, WATER, AIR, etc.)
• A name
• An image
• 5 weapons with different attack values
• Life points (starting at 100)

Attack Strategies

The game implements several attack strategies:

• RandomDuplex - Doubles a random attack value
• RandomCombination - Combines with a random card for maximum effect
• BestCombination - Uses best values from all cards
• Average - Uses average values from all cards
• Optimal - Uses maximum values for each type

Networking

The game uses Java socket programming for network communication:

• Server listens on port 8060
• Messages are passed as plain text
• Chat messages and commands are distinguished by format

Configuration

Card weapons are configured with random values between ranges defined in config.txt:

• minValue - Minimum attack value
• maxValue - Maximum attack value

User Interface

The game offers a graphical user interface with:

• Chat system for communication
• Card display area
• Command input area
• Status displays showing player statistics

Command Pattern Implementation

Game actions use the Command pattern:

• CommandManager - Manages available commands
• Command interface - Base for all commands
• Specific command implementations (Attack, Surrender, etc.)

Future Enhancements

Potential areas for improvement:

• Enhanced card visualization
• More complex strategies
• Improved game balance
• Additional card types and weapons
• Rankings and persistent statistics

Development Environment

• Java 22
• Maven for dependency management
• Swing for GUI components

Project Structure

The project follows a package structure with:

• org.abno - Base package
• org.abno.logic - Game logic
• org.abno.gui - User interface components
• org.abno.socket - Networking code