With the arrival of Commander Vega, an avid gamer, the Nebula Raider is undergoing some required changes. The commander has requested the construction of an onboard arcade to entertain the crew during their long voyages. Your first task is to design and build a PeronsalSpace Invaders game, a beloved classic that will provide hours of fun and

competition.

In this project, you will use an LED matrix to create the game display and push buttons for game controls. The goal is to recreate the iconic Space Invaders gameplay, where the player must shoot down waves of advancing aliens. This project will not only challenge your programming and electronics skills but also bring a piece of gaming history to life on the Nebula Raider.

Components Needed:

Raspberry Pi Pico WH Microcontroller

LED Matrix (8×8)

Push buttons (4)

Resistors

Breadboard

Jumper wires

Instructions:

Set Up the Circuit:

Circuit Diagram

Connect the LED matrix to the Raspberry Pi Pico, ensuring each row and column is properly wired.

Connect four push buttons to the Raspberry Pi Pico to serve as controls (left, right, shoot, and start).

Use resistors to ensure proper current flow and prevent damage to the components.

Write the Code:

Open your coding environment and write the following Python code to create the game logic and display:

from machine import Pin
import utime
 
# Define the GPIO pins connected to the rows and columns of the LED matrix
row_pins = [Pin(i, Pin.OUT) for i in [8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15]]
col_pins = [Pin(i, Pin.OUT) for i in [16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26]]
 
# Function to set all rows and columns to low (turn off all LEDs)
def clear_matrix():
    for x in range(8):
        row_pins[x].off()
        #for i in range(8):
            #col_pins[i].on()
 
# Function to turn on a specific LED at (x, y)
def set_led(x, y, state):
    clear_matrix()  # Clear matrix before setting new state
   
    row_pins[y].on()
    for i in range(8):
        col_pins[i].on()
    for i in range(8):
        if i == x:
            col_pins[i].off()
        else:
            col_pins[i].on()
 
 
# Buttons setup
button_left = Pin(2, Pin.IN, Pin.PULL_DOWN)
button_right = Pin(3, Pin.IN, Pin.PULL_DOWN)
button_shoot = Pin(4, Pin.IN, Pin.PULL_DOWN)
button_start = Pin(5, Pin.IN, Pin.PULL_DOWN)
 
# Game variables
player_pos = 3
bullets = []
invaders = [[1 for _ in range(8)] for _ in range(3)]
 
# Function to draw the current game state
def draw():
    clear_matrix()
    for i in range(8):
        if i == player_pos:
            set_led(i, 7, True)
    for bullet in bullets:
        set_led(bullet[0], bullet[1], True)
    for y, row in enumerate(invaders):
        for x, invader in enumerate(row):
            if invader:
                set_led(x, y, True)
 
# Function to update the game state
def update():
    global player_pos, bullets, invaders
    if button_left.value():
        player_pos = max(0, player_pos - 1)
    if button_right.value():
        player_pos = min(7, player_pos + 1)
    new_bullets = []
    for bullet in bullets:
        bullet[1] -= 1
        if bullet[1] >= 0:
            new_bullets.append(bullet)
    bullets[:] = new_bullets
    for y, row in enumerate(invaders):
        for x, invader in enumerate(row):
            if invader and [x, y] in bullets:
                row[x] = 0
                bullets.remove([x, y])
 
# Function to handle shooting
def shoot():
    if button_shoot.value():
        bullets.append([player_pos, 6])
 
# Main game loop
while True:
    if button_start.value():
        while True:
            update()
            draw()
            shoot()
            utime.sleep(0.1)

Test the Game:

Upload the code to the Raspberry Pi Pico and run it.

Use the buttons to move the player left and right and shoot the invaders.

Ensure the LED matrix displays the game correctly and that the game logic functions as intended.

Learning Outcomes:

Programming: Gain experience in writing game logic and controlling an LED matrix.

Circuit Design: Learn how to set up and connect electronic components for a functional game.

Problem Solving: Develop skills in debugging and optimizing code for smooth gameplay.

By completing this project, you will create a fun and engaging Space Invaders game that the entire crew of the Nebula Raider can enjoy. Commander Vega will be thrilled with your contribution to the ship’s new arcade, bringing both entertainment and a sense of camaraderie to the crew during their cosmic adventures.

Day 10: Personalspace Invaders

Circuit Diagram