2D Shoot 'em Up R-Type-Style Game with physical spaceship configuration (MonoGame)

[Mephisztoe]

In games like R-Type, players are typically challenged with defeating a boss enemy at the end of each level. To prepare for this, the spaceship must be equipped with the most powerful weapons available. To achieve this, players navigate horizontally through the level, battling waves of enemies and collecting power-ups as they appear.

Now, imagine a spaceship right in front of you on your desk, accompanied by a few carefully crafted 3D-printed power-ups, each embedded with NFC tags. The idea is that the levels are designed to be conquered most effectively with a carefully selected combination of power-ups. To configure your ship, you place it on your LEGO Toy Pad and physically add these components.

As you do, you'll see your spaceship appear on screen, updating in real-time based on your choices.

The excitement escalates when power-ups get destroyed during gameplay. But perhaps you’ve managed to collect a few extra chances—whether stars, pills, or other items—that allow you to physically replace the lost power-up in the heat of the game.

Since the game tracks the components, it knows what's permissible and what isn't. But be warned: swapping out physical components mid-game can be risky. You'll need to decide whether it's worth the gamble.

Having a second player at your side, responsible for managing your equipment, might not be such a bad idea... just a thought.