A revolutionary dice-matching puzzle game that combines Tetris-style falling pieces with strategic number matching mechanics. Built for Reddit using Phaser.js and the Devvit platform, Dicetrix offers a unique twist on classic puzzle gaming with procedurally generated multi-die pieces, cascade chain reactions, and special dice mechanics.
Dicetrix is an innovative gravity-based puzzle game where procedurally generated multi-die pieces fall down an 8×16 grid. Unlike traditional Tetris where you match shapes, Dicetrix challenges you to create matches by connecting 3 or more adjacent dice with the same number. When matches are cleared, remaining dice fall to create cascade chain reactions that can lead to massive scoring combos.
🎲 Procedural Multi-Die Pieces: Instead of fixed Tetris shapes, pieces are dynamically generated containing 1-16 dice with various face counts (d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20), creating endless variety and strategic depth.
🔮 Special Dice Mechanics:
- Black Dice (Hard/Expert modes): Wild cards that match with any adjacent number and trigger area conversion effects
- Booster Dice: Glowing dice that provide visual assistance for strategic placement
- Uniform Rule (Zen mode): All dice in a piece share the same face count for simplified gameplay
⚡ Advanced Cascade System: Cleared dice cause remaining dice to fall and potentially form new matches automatically, creating satisfying chain reactions with increasing score multipliers.
🎵 Dynamic Audio-Visual Experience: Mode-specific music compositions, comprehensive sound effects, particle systems, and visual effects that respond to gameplay events.
🏆 Five Distinct Difficulty Modes: Each mode features unique constraints, dice types, fall speeds, and special mechanics, offering experiences from relaxed zen gameplay to lightning-fast expert challenges.
- Multi-Die Pieces: Procedurally generated pieces containing 1-16 dice fall down the grid
- Number Matching: Connect 3+ adjacent dice with the same number (horizontal/vertical only)
- Cascade System: Cleared dice cause remaining dice to fall, creating chain reactions
- Scoring: Points based on match size, dice values, and cascade multipliers
- Five Difficulty Modes: Each with unique constraints, dice types, and mechanics
- Complete Scene System: Splash screen, main menu, settings, game, game over, leaderboard, and how-to-play scenes
- Five Difficulty Modes: Easy, Medium, Hard, Expert, and Zen with distinct configurations
- Advanced Audio System: Mode-specific music, sound effects library, and comprehensive audio controls
- Visual Effects: Particle systems, dice glow effects, match explosions, and cascade animations
- Settings Management: Centralized settings with audio controls and persistent storage
- Game Controls: Keyboard (WASD/arrows), mobile touch controls, and pause functionality
- Score Submission UI: Interface for submitting scores with optional Reddit posting
- Leaderboard System: Difficulty-specific rankings with Redis storage and reset scheduling
- 🎲 Multi-Die Pieces Fall: Procedurally generated pieces containing 1-16 dice fall down an 8×16 grid
- 🎯 Create Matches: Connect 3+ adjacent dice with the same number (horizontal/vertical only)
- 💥 Trigger Cascades: Cleared dice cause remaining dice to fall, potentially creating chain reactions
- 🏆 Score Points: Earn points based on match size, dice values, and cascade multipliers
Piece System:
- Multi-die pieces with various shapes and sizes
- Pieces can be rotated and moved horizontally
- Pieces lock when they hit the bottom or other dice
Matching System:
- Connect 3+ adjacent dice with the same number
- Only horizontal and vertical connections count
- Matched dice disappear with visual effects
Cascade System:
- Remaining dice fall to fill gaps after matches
- New matches can form automatically during cascades
- Chain reactions increase score multipliers
Each mode offers distinct challenges and mechanics:
- 🟢 Easy: 3×3×5 pieces, d4/d6/d8 dice, 1000ms fall speed, 50% booster glow
- 🟡 Medium: 4×4×8 pieces, d6/d8/d10/d12 dice, 800ms fall speed, 35% booster glow
- 🔴 Hard: 5×5×10 pieces, d8/d10/d12/d20 + Black Dice, 600ms fall speed, 25% booster glow
- 🟠 Expert: 5×5×16 pieces, d10/d12/d20 + Black Dice, 400ms fall speed, 15% booster glow
- 🟣 Zen: 3×3×5 pieces, d4/d6/d8 dice (uniform rule), 1200ms fall speed, no cascades
- Black Dice (Hard & Expert): Wild cards that match with any adjacent number
- Booster Effects: Glowing dice provide visual assistance for strategic placement
- Uniform Rule (Zen): All dice in a piece have the same face count
- Dynamic Audio: Mode-specific music and comprehensive sound effects library
- Particle Effects: Match explosions, cascade effects, and special dice auras
- Visual Polish: Enhanced dice rendering with glow effects and animations
- Mobile-First Design: Responsive UI with touch controls and performance optimization
- Score Submission: Interface for submitting scores with optional Reddit posting
- Leaderboard System: Difficulty-specific rankings stored in Redis
- Community Features: Post creation and subreddit integration through Devvit platform
Step 1: Launch the Game
- Run
npm run devin your terminal - Open the provided Reddit playtest URL in your browser
- Experience the animated splash screen with falling dice
- Press any key or tap the screen to continue to the main menu
Step 2: Navigate the Main Menu
- Select Difficulty: Use the dropdown to choose Easy, Medium, Hard, Expert, or Zen mode
- Enable Audio: Click the 🔇/🔊 button to activate game audio (required for music and sound effects)
- Access Settings: Click "SETTINGS" to configure music and sound effect volumes independently
- Learn the Game: Click "HOW TO PLAY" for an interactive 4-page tutorial
- View Rankings: Click "LEADERBOARD" to see community scores organized by difficulty
Desktop Controls:
- Movement: Arrow keys or WASD to move pieces left/right/down
- Rotation: Up arrow or Q key to rotate pieces clockwise
- Hard Drop: Spacebar to instantly drop pieces to the bottom
- Pause: Escape key to access pause menu with settings and restart options
Mobile Controls:
- On-Screen Buttons: Responsive touch controls for movement and rotation
- Touch Grid: Tap any grid position to move the active piece horizontally to that column
- Gesture Support: Intuitive touch gestures for piece manipulation
Step 1: Understanding Pieces
- Multi-die pieces containing 1-16 dice fall from the top of the 8×16 grid
- Each die shows a number (1 to the die's face count: d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, or d20)
- Pieces can be moved horizontally and rotated while falling
- Pieces lock in place when they hit the bottom or collide with other dice
Step 2: Creating Matches
- Connect 3 or more adjacent dice with the same number (horizontal/vertical connections only)
- Matched dice disappear with visual particle effects and sound feedback
- Larger matches (4+, 5+, 6+ dice) provide exponentially higher scores
- Different match sizes trigger distinct sound effects for audio feedback
Step 3: Triggering Cascades
- After matches are cleared, remaining dice fall down to fill gaps
- Falling dice can automatically form new matches without player input
- Each cascade level increases your score multiplier (2x, 3x, 4x, etc.)
- Chain reactions can continue indefinitely, creating massive scoring opportunities
Step 4: Strategic Placement
- Plan your initial matches to set up potential cascade chains
- Look for opportunities to create multiple matches simultaneously
- Use the "next piece" preview to plan several moves ahead
- Position pieces to maximize cascade potential rather than just immediate matches
🟢 Easy Mode (Perfect for Learning)
- Piece Size: 3×3×5 (width × height × max dice)
- Dice Types: d4, d6, d8 (simpler numbers)
- Fall Speed: 1000ms (slow, plenty of thinking time)
- Booster Glow: 50% (frequent visual assistance)
- Best For: New players learning the mechanics
🟡 Medium Mode (Balanced Experience)
- Piece Size: 4×4×8 (moderate complexity)
- Dice Types: d6, d8, d10, d12 (varied numbers)
- Fall Speed: 800ms (moderate pace)
- Booster Glow: 35% (regular visual assistance)
- Best For: Players comfortable with basic mechanics
🔴 Hard Mode (Advanced Challenge)
- Piece Size: 5×5×10 (larger, more complex pieces)
- Dice Types: d8, d10, d12, d20 + Black Dice (wild cards)
- Fall Speed: 600ms (fast-paced)
- Booster Glow: 25% (limited assistance)
- Special Feature: Black dice match with any adjacent number
- Best For: Experienced players seeking challenge
🟠 Expert Mode (Maximum Difficulty)
- Piece Size: 5×5×16 (largest possible pieces)
- Dice Types: d10, d12, d20 + Black Dice (highest numbers + wilds)
- Fall Speed: 400ms (very fast)
- Booster Glow: 15% (minimal assistance)
- Special Feature: Black dice with area conversion effects
- Best For: Master players wanting ultimate challenge
🟣 Zen Mode (Relaxed Strategy)
- Piece Size: 3×3×5 (simple pieces)
- Dice Types: d4, d6, d8 with Uniform Rule (all dice in a piece have same face count)
- Fall Speed: 1200ms (very slow)
- Special Feature: No cascades (matches don't trigger chain reactions)
- Best For: Strategic planning without time pressure
Black Dice (Hard & Expert Modes)
- Wild Matching: Black dice match with any adjacent number
- Visual Identification: Distinctive black color with special particle auras
- Area Conversion: When cleared, convert surrounding dice to d20 dice (Expert mode)
- Strategic Value: Use to complete difficult matches or bridge number gaps
Booster Dice (All Modes)
- Visual Glow: Dice with glowing particle effects around them
- Strategic Assistance: Help identify optimal placement positions
- Frequency: Varies by difficulty (50% Easy → 15% Expert)
- Purpose: Provide visual guidance for strategic piece placement
Uniform Rule (Zen Mode Only)
- Consistent Pieces: All dice in a single piece have the same face count
- Simplified Strategy: Easier to predict and plan matches
- Reduced Complexity: Focus on positioning rather than number variety
Scoring Formula:
- Base Points: Match size × dice numbers × cascade multiplier × difficulty multiplier
- Cascade Bonus: Each cascade level increases multiplier (2x, 3x, 4x, etc.)
- Size Bonus: Larger matches provide exponential point increases
- Difficulty Bonus: Higher difficulties provide score multipliers
Victory Conditions:
- Primary Goal: Achieve the highest possible score before game over
- Game Over: Occurs when a new piece cannot spawn due to grid collision at the top
- High Score: Submit your score to compete on difficulty-specific leaderboards
- Community Competition: Compare your performance with other Reddit players
Pro Tips for High Scores:
- Plan Cascades: Set up initial matches that will trigger chain reactions
- Larger Matches: Prioritize 4+ dice matches over multiple 3-dice matches
- Combo Chains: Maintain cascade multipliers as long as possible
- Grid Management: Keep the top of the grid clear to avoid early game over
- Special Dice: Use Black dice strategically to complete difficult matches
- Complete Scene System: Boot, Preloader, Splash, StartMenu, Settings, Game, GameOver, Leaderboard, HowToPlay
- Phaser.js Integration: 2D graphics with WebGL rendering and responsive scaling
- State Management: Centralized settings management with persistent storage
- Performance Optimization: Object pooling, particle systems, and mobile-first design
- Dynamic Music: Mode-specific background music with seamless transitions
- Sound Effects Library: Comprehensive audio feedback for all game actions
- Audio Controls: Independent music and sound effect volume controls
- Browser Compatibility: Proper audio context handling for autoplay policies
- Particle Systems: Match explosions, cascade effects, and special dice auras
- Dice Rendering: Enhanced dice with glow effects, shadows, and animations
- UI Polish: Responsive layouts, visual feedback, and smooth transitions
- Mobile Support: Touch controls and responsive design for all screen sizes
- Devvit Platform: Built on Reddit's developer platform for seamless integration
- Score Submission: Interface for submitting scores with optional Reddit posting
- Leaderboard System: Redis-based storage with difficulty-specific rankings
- Post Creation: Automated post creation for app installation and score sharing
# Install dependencies
npm install
# Start development server
npm run devOpen the provided Reddit playtest URL → Experience the splash screen → Press any key to continue
- Difficulty Dropdown: Choose Easy, Medium, Hard, Expert, or Zen mode
- SETTINGS: Configure audio (music + sound effects)
- HOW TO PLAY: Interactive tutorial system
- LEADERBOARD: Community rankings by difficulty
- Audio Button: Click 🔇/🔊 to enable game audio
- Keyboard: WASD/Arrow keys (move), Space (hard drop), ↑/Q (rotate), Esc (pause)
- Mobile: Responsive on-screen buttons
- Touch: Tap grid positions to move pieces horizontally
- Multi-Die Pieces: Procedurally generated pieces fall down the grid
- Create Matches: Connect 3+ adjacent dice with same numbers
- Trigger Cascades: Cleared dice cause chain reactions with multipliers
- Strategic Placement: Plan matches for maximum cascade potential
- Goal: Maximize score through matches and cascade chains
- Game Over: When pieces can't spawn (grid collision at top)
- Community: Submit scores and compete on difficulty-specific leaderboards
- Phaser.js Framework: 2D game engine with WebGL rendering and responsive scaling
- Scene Management: Complete scene system with proper state transitions
- Coordinate System: Grid-to-screen coordinate conversion for precise positioning
- Performance Optimization: Object pooling, particle management, and mobile optimization
- Base Formula: Points based on match size, dice values, cascade multipliers, and difficulty multipliers
- Cascade Chains: Automatic chain reactions with increasing multipliers
- Special Dice: Black dice with wild matching capabilities (Hard/Expert modes)
- Booster Effects: Visual glow assistance with difficulty-scaled frequencies
- Settings System: Centralized settings management with persistent storage
- Leaderboard Storage: Redis-based storage with difficulty-specific rankings
- Score Tracking: Comprehensive score breakdown and submission system
# Install dependencies
npm install
# Start development server with live reloading
npm run dev
# Build for production
npm run build
# Deploy to Reddit
npm run deploy- Devvit Playtest: Automatic test subreddit creation for Reddit integration testing
- Cross-Platform: Test on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices
- Audio System: Verify music and sound effects across different browsers
- Performance: Monitor particle effects and frame rate on various devices
The following features are planned for future development:
- Individual Die Physics: Advanced collision system where dice can fragment independently from pieces
- Area Conversion Effects: Black dice converting surrounding areas to d20 dice when cleared
- Enhanced Cascade System: More complex chain reaction mechanics
- Live Leaderboard Widgets: Real-time subreddit widgets displaying current rankings
- Automated Reset Notifications: Community posts announcing leaderboard resets
- Achievement System: Reddit notifications for reaching milestones
- Community Tournaments: Scheduled competitive events with special rewards
- Real-time Multiplayer: Head-to-head competitive gameplay
- Custom Game Modes: User-created difficulty configurations
- Replay System: Record and share gameplay sessions
- Statistics Dashboard: Detailed player analytics and progress tracking
Dicetrix combines classic puzzle mechanics with modern web technology to create an engaging social gaming experience on Reddit. With five difficulty modes, comprehensive audio-visual systems, and community leaderboards, it offers hours of strategic puzzle gameplay.
Ready to play? Run npm run dev and start your puzzle gaming journey!