Pigeoncraft

Welcome to Pigeoncraft, a modern JavaScript/Web reimplementation of the classic Java game (originally known as Minicraft).

About The Project

This repository is dedicated to bringing the original, pixel-perfect Java game experience directly to your web browser. No complex dependencies, no Java installations—just pure, lightweight browser execution. While almost all core mechanics are fully playable, please note that this is an ongoing port and you may encounter minor inconsistencies compared to the original Java release.

Key Features

• Native Canvas Rendering Engine: A fully rewritten pixel-perfect renderer for HTML5 Canvas.
• Mob & Combat Parity: Features Slimes, Zombies, and Skeletons, along with the newest additions like Sheep, Chickens, and Pigeons.
• Full Building & Crafting System: Craft and place Wood Planks, Wood Walls, Doors, Torches (with flickering effects), Ovens, Anvils, and more.
• Underground World & Lighting System: Explore the deep caves with a fully functional, real-time radial lighting system.

Contributing

This project is largely complete, but you might still find some bugs or missing details. If you'd like to help improve the port or fix an inconsistency, feel free to open an Issue or submit a Pull Request. Contributions are always welcome!

Screenshots

The Classic Menu

The nostalgic title screen, fully reimagined for the web with a pixel-perfect retro interface.

A Vast World to Explore

Gather resources, craft tools, and survive against the creatures that lurk in the dark.

Dynamic Interactions

Fluid mechanics, including swimming, stamina management, and dynamic environments.

Controls

• Movement: W A S D or Arrow Keys
• Attack / Use Item: Space or V
• Interact (Doors, Chests, etc.): F
• Inventory: E or X
• Crafting: C
• Map: M

Getting Started

To run the game locally:

1. Install dependencies using pnpm (or npm/yarn):

   pnpm install

2. Start the development server:

   pnpm dev

3. Open your browser at the local address provided by Vite (usually http://localhost:5173).

Repository Structure

• src/ & public/: The main JavaScript source code and assets for the web reimplementation. All game logic (entities, maps, rendering, and UI) lives here.

Technologies Used

• Vanilla JavaScript (ESModules)
• HTML5 Canvas API
• Vite (Build Tooling)

Credits & Origin

Pigeoncraft is a direct web port of Minicraft, a 2D top-down action game originally created by Markus Persson ("Notch") in 48 hours as part of the Ludum Dare 22 game jam competition (December 2011).

The Porting Process

This port was built by cookieukw. The goal was to translate the original Java application into a modern web format without losing the charm or mechanics of the original engine.

The porting process involved:

• Carefully reading and understanding the original Java source code.
• Translating the Java logic into strict TypeScript, maintaining the original object-oriented structure where it made sense.
• Replacing Java's Graphics and BufferStrategy with the HTML5 Canvas API, ensuring the Bitmap manipulations and pixel array operations matched the Java AWT performance.
• Updating the build system to use Vite for fast, modern web development.
• Adding a few custom additions (like Pigeons instead of default passive mobs, hence the name!).

License

This project is released into the Public Domain under the Unlicense. You are free to copy, modify, publish, use, compile, sell, or distribute this software for any purpose. See the LICENSE file for more details.

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This project is a tribute and code reimplementation aimed at game preservation, educational purposes, and the modernization of classic pixel-art engines.