This is a submission for the June Solstice Game Jam

What I Built

Turing's Enigma: The Solstice Protocol (TikTikBoom) is a cyber-retro, pixel-powered architectural platformer and computer science puzzle-hacking game I built natively with React and the Phaser 3 Arcade Physics Engine.

Tasked with saving core system tapes from corruption, I designed a gameplay system where players journey deep into a simulated computing core at Bletchley Park. To progress, you must dynamically alternate your project's binary data states, intercept rogue runtime glitches, and override terminal arrays by solving logical computer science riddles.

My goal was to design an interactive experience that relates heavily to the Solstice timeline by directly celebrating the birthday of computing pioneer Alan Turing (born June 23rd). Rather than making a static quiz app, I integrated historical cryptographic components directly into an active, retro gameplay engine.

Live Game Link: https://tik-tik-boom-kappa.vercel.app/

Video Demo

Check out my video demonstration showcasing the system sequence, binary state-switching, and dynamic stage deconstruction loop in action:

https://youtu.be/YuTa3hB_7EU

Code

How I Built It

I leveraged a hybrid configuration of modern web tech and hardware-accelerated graphics to assemble the engine:

• React Wrapper Shell: I used React to manage the responsive layout viewport containment, game jam thematic branding, dynamic metadata panels, and interactive instructions.
• Phaser 3 Physics Framework: I utilized Phaser to drive the 2D gameplay engine loops, platform collisions, player vector tracking, weapon projectiles, and sprite animations.
• Dynamic Geometry Pipeline (buildLevelMap): Instead of using standard static level switching, I built a pipeline that completely wipes the canvas physics groups and procedurally constructs unique floor structures, target positions, variable enemy speeds, and distinct environmental colors across 8 progressive sectors.
• Bi-Tier Operational Loop: I structured each level to follow a rigorous logic gate workflow. You first provide an answer to a Training Matrix conceptual problem (Arrays, Search Algorithms, Sorts, Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues, Binary Trees, and the Halting Problem). Correctly solving it releases binary color-coded glitch anomalies. Once purged, you return right back to the terminal mainframe to crack the Mission Matrix override and advance.
• State Isolation Overhaul: I implemented safe-frame transaction locks (this.transitioning) and automated tactical instructional labels (this.phaseAlert). This allowed me to solve the critical UX blindspot of players getting disoriented during map transitions, cleanly guiding them when to fight anomalies and when to log back into the mainframe terminal.

Prize Category

I am officially submitting my game to the following category:

• Best Ode to Alan Turing: The entire core narrative, timeline, mechanics, and architecture of my project serve as a tribute to Turing’s profound legacy. Players interface directly with a simulated Turing Bombe device, manage binary tape states, and run through a progression of fundamental algorithmic breakthroughs that he pioneered—culminating in breaking code blocks tied directly to the Turing Test and The Halting Problem.

Thanks

A huge thank you to the DEV team and the organizers of the June Solstice Game Jam!