Shagai Project

Mongolian Traditional Shagai Fortune Telling Game

Shagai Fortune Teller

This C# Windows Forms application simulates the traditional Mongolian game of Shagai, a form of fortune-telling using sheep astragalus bones. The game involves throwing four "shagai" and interpreting the results based on the combinations of their faces. This digital version provides a user-friendly way to experience this cultural practice.

Features

• Random Shagai Throws: The application uses a random number generator to simulate the throwing of four shagai, each with four possible faces: Horse, Sheep, Camel, and Goat.

  • Implementation: Shagai.cs, lines within the button1_Click event handler, specifically where shagaiFace.Next(0, 4) is used.

• Visual Representation: The results of the throws are displayed visually using picture boxes, each showing an image corresponding to the shagai face.

  • Implementation: Shagai.cs, lines within LoadShagaiImages() where the dictionary shagaiImages is filled, and lines within button1_Click where pictureBox1.Image = shagaiImages[results[0]]; etc. are used.

• Interpretation Dictionary: The application uses a dictionary to store and retrieve interpretations based on the combination of shagai faces. This provides meaningful feedback to the user.

  • Implementation: Shagai.cs, lines within button1_Click where interpretations.ContainsKey(key) and MessageBox.Show($"{interpretations[key]}") are used.

• Sound Effects: A sound effect is played when the button is clicked, enhancing the user experience.

  • Implementation: Shagai.cs, lines within button1_Click where the SoundPlayer class is used.

• Attempt Counter: The application restricts the number of attempts to three, adding a game-like element.

  • Implementation: Shagai.cs, lines within button1_Click where the attempts variable is decremented, and the UpdateAttemptsLabel() method is called.

• Win Conditions: The game includes two win conditions. All four shagai are different, or all four shagai are horses.

  • Implementation: Shagai.cs, lines within button1_Click where the results are checked using .Distinct().Count() == 4 and .All(r => r == ShagaiFace.Horse).

• Manu Strips: The Manu Strip provides quick navigation and includes three main options:

     **Exit:** Closes the application.
        * Implementation: exToolStripMenuItem_Click method handles the exit functionality using: Application.Exit();
     **Shagai Game:** Displays an introduction to Shagai fortune telling, including its cultural and historical significance.
        * Implementation: shagaiGameToolStripMenuItem_Click method creates an introductionText string and shows it using:
           MessageBox.Show(introductionText, "Introduction of Shagai Fortune Telling Game"); 
     **Rules:** Displays the game rules and guides the player through gameplay mechanics.
     * Implementation: ruleToolStripMenuItem_Click method creates a rulesText string and shows it using: MessageBox.Show(rulesText, "Game Rules");
  

How to Run

1. Prerequisites:
   • Visual Studio (or a compatible C# IDE)
   • The sound file "click-soundeffect.wav" must be in the correct path or added to the resource files.
2. Clone the Repository: Clone this repository to your local machine.
3. Open the Solution: Open the ShagaiProject.sln file in Visual Studio.
4. Build and Run: Build the solution and run the application.
5. Play the Game: Click the "Throw" button to simulate the shagai throws and receive an interpretation.

Notes

• The images for the shagai faces are included in the project's resources.
• The sound file path is currently hardcoded. For easier deployment, the sound file should be added to the project's resources.
• The PictureBox SizeMode is recommended to be set to Zoom, for better image display.
• The application uses MessageBoxes to display information, for a better experience, Labels within the form could be used.

Future Improvements

• Add a "Restart" button.
• Improve the UI with a more visually appealing design.
• Add more interpretations and winning combinations.
• Implement a score-tracking system.
• Allow the user to change the sound volume.
• Add more sounds.