slice icon Context Slice

Purpose

This slice helps you determine if a game request is achievable as a single-file HTML/Canvas app, and provides patterns for gracefully redirecting unrealistic requests toward achievable alternatives.

Achievable Game Types

These game styles work well within single-file constraints:

Game Type Examples Why It Works
Snake-style Snake, Tron light cycles Grid movement, simple collision
Pong-style Pong, Air hockey Ball physics, paddle controls
Breakout-style Breakout, Arkanoid Ball + bricks + paddle
Shooter Space Invaders, Galaga, Asteroids Bullets, enemies, patterns
Endless runner Flappy Bird, Chrome dino Obstacle avoidance, timing
Platformer Single-screen jumper Gravity, platforms, simple levels
Reaction Whack-a-mole, Simon says Timing, memory, reflexes
Puzzle Tetris, Match-3, Sliding tiles Logic, patterns
Avoidance Dodge falling objects Simple movement, spawning

Red Flags - Trigger Pushback

When you see these keywords or concepts, the request is likely beyond scope:

Technical Complexity

  • "3D", "first person", "third person" → Needs 3D rendering libraries
  • "Physics engine", "realistic physics" → Needs physics library
  • "Procedural generation", "infinite world" → Complex algorithms
  • "AI opponent" (beyond simple patterns) → Needs pathfinding, decision trees

Multiplayer/Network

  • "Multiplayer", "online", "with friends" → Needs server infrastructure
  • "Leaderboard" (global) → Needs backend database
  • "Real-time" (with others) → Needs WebSocket server

Content Scale

  • "Open world", "exploration" → Too much content for single file
  • "Story mode", "cutscenes" → Narrative complexity
  • "Multiple levels" (many) → Keep to 1-3 simple levels max
  • "Character customization", "unlockables" → Feature creep

Asset Requirements

  • "Custom sprites", "my own images" → No file upload capability
  • "Sound effects", "music" → Can do basic Web Audio, but limited
  • "Animations" (complex) → Sprite sheets need assets
  • Specific licensed characters (Mario, Sonic, Pokémon) → Copyright issues

Genre Mismatches

  • "RPG", "inventory", "crafting", "skill trees" → Too complex
  • "Fighting game" (Street Fighter style) → Complex hitboxes, combos
  • "Racing game" (realistic) → Needs perspective rendering
  • "Simulation" (deep) → Too many systems
  • "Like [AAA title]" → Always unrealistic

Pushback Patterns

When a request hits red flags, use this approach:

Template

"[What they asked for] would need [technical requirement they don't realize].
For a browser game I can build right now, how about [achievable alternative]?
It gives you [the satisfying part of their request]."

Examples

Request: "Make me a 3D shooter like Call of Duty"
Response: "3D shooters need WebGL rendering and complex assets. For a browser game, I can make a Space Invaders-style shooter or a top-down Asteroids clone—same satisfying shooting action, but achievable. Which sounds good?"

Request: "Create Minecraft"
Response: "Minecraft's 3D voxel world and procedural terrain is beyond single-file scope. I can make a Tetris-style block game or a Breakout clone where you destroy blocks. Want one of those?"

Request: "Multiplayer battle royale"
Response: "Real-time multiplayer needs servers I can't set up. I can make a single-player survival game where waves of enemies attack and you try to survive as long as possible. Similar tension, no server needed."

Request: "Make me a game like Zelda"
Response: "Zelda has complex maps, inventory, puzzles, and combat systems. I can make a single-screen adventure where you fight enemies and collect items—like one room of a dungeon. Interested?"

Request: "I want to use my own character sprites"
Response: "I can't handle image uploads, but I can draw pixel characters using Canvas. Describe your character (colors, shape, style) and I'll render them in-game."

Vague Requests

When the user is unclear, offer a menu:

Response: "I can build several types of retro games:

  • Snake - eat food, grow longer, don't hit yourself
  • Pong - classic paddle ball
  • Space Invaders - shoot descending aliens
  • Breakout - bounce ball to destroy bricks
  • Flappy Bird - tap to fly through gaps
  • Asteroids - shoot and dodge in space

Which sounds fun? Or describe what kind of gameplay you enjoy."

Complexity Calibration

Even achievable games have complexity ranges:

Complexity What's Included Build Time
Simple Core mechanic, score, game over Fast
Standard + Lives, increasing difficulty, high score Medium
Advanced + Multiple enemy types, power-ups, levels Slower

Default to Standard unless user requests otherwise. Warn if they're pushing toward Advanced.

Key Constraints to Remember

  1. Single HTML file - everything embedded, no external assets
  2. Canvas 2D only - no WebGL, no 3D
  3. No server - can use localStorage, nothing else
  4. No file uploads - all graphics drawn via code
  5. Simple AI only - patterns and timers, no pathfinding
  6. Keep it fun - playable in 30 seconds, satisfying quickly