Simon Says - Real-Time Multiplayer Game

A real-time multiplayer implementation of the classic Simon Says memory game built with ColdFusion WebSockets. Two players compete head-to-head in this beautifully designed web-based version where timing, memory, and quick reflexes determine the winner.

🎮 Game Overview

Simon Says is a memory game where players must repeat increasingly complex sequences of colored button presses. In this multiplayer version:

• 2 Player Maximum: Each game channel supports exactly 2 active players
• Turn-Based Gameplay: Players alternate turns, with each turn adding a new color to the sequence
• Real-Time Synchronization: All game state is synchronized in real-time using WebSockets
• Score Tracking: Win/loss records are maintained throughout the session
• Audio Feedback: Each color button has its own distinctive sound

🚀 Quick Start

Prerequisites: CommandBox and modern web browser

1. Clone this repository
2. Install dependencies:

   box install

3. Start server:

   box server start

4. Play at http://localhost:{port}/

🎯 How to Play

Starting a Game

1. Navigate to the home page and click "Play a Game"
2. Enter your username and create/join a game channel
3. Wait for a second player to join the same channel
4. Game starts automatically when both players are connected

Gameplay Rules

1. Watch the Sequence: The game begins with a random colored button lighting up
2. Repeat the Pattern: Click the buttons in the exact same order
3. Add Your Move: After successfully repeating the sequence, add one new color
4. Pass the Turn: Your opponent must now repeat your extended sequence
5. Continue Growing: The sequence gets longer with each successful turn
6. Make No Mistakes: First player to make an error loses the round

Game Controls

• Colored Buttons: Click to select colors (Green, Red, Yellow, Blue)
• Restart Button: Appears for the winner to start a new round
• Channel Management: Each game session is isolated to its subchannel

🏗️ Technical Architecture

WebSocket Implementation

// Channel Configuration (Application.cfc)
this.wschannels = [
    { name:"game", cfclistener:"GameListener" }
];

Key Components

Component	Purpose
Application.cfc	WebSocket channel configuration and app lifecycle
GameListener.cfc	Server-side WebSocket message handling and game logic
index.cfm	Landing page with navigation
play.cfm	Main game interface
subscriptions.cfm	Active game monitoring for admins
assets/js/game.js	Client-side game logic and UI management
assets/css/ui.css	Game styling and responsive design

Game State Management

• Channel-Based Isolation: Each game uses a unique channel (game.{channel-name})
• Real-Time Synchronization: All player actions broadcast to channel subscribers
• Automatic Cleanup: Handles player disconnection gracefully
• Spectator Support: Console can monitor games without participating

🔧 Advanced Features

Channel Monitoring

Access http://localhost:{port}/subscriptions/ to view:

• Active game channels
• Connected players per channel
• Real-time subscription data

Console Integration

The included console application allows:

• Game Monitoring: Watch live games without participating
• Debug Information: View WebSocket message traffic
• Channel Inspection: Monitor multiple channels simultaneously

To monitor a specific game:

1. Open the console at /console/
2. Subscribe to channel: game.{channel-name}
3. Leave username blank for spectator mode

🏆 Credits

This project was inspired by a presentation I saw ages ago at cf.objective by Mark Mandel. If I remember correctly, the original concept included physical controls alongside a web interface, demonstrating the power of real-time web technologies. After seeing this, I thought, what a great idea to try and mimic using WebSockets in ColdFusion.

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Ready to test your memory? Challenge a friend and see who has the better recall in this fast-paced game of Simon Says! 🧠⚡