Turn-Based Tactics Game Development Guide (Improved!)

Project Overview

This document outlines the development process for a turn-based tactical game designed for both desktop and mobile platforms. The game features grid-based movement, multiple unit types, varied terrain effects, and different mission objectives, all built using Godot 4 while adhering to the Single Responsibility Principle (SRP).

Core Game Vision

Our game aims to provide engaging tactical gameplay in short, focused sessions. The core design prioritizes:
- Quick missions (10-30 minutes)
- Clear, deterministic rules that could be adapted to tabletop play
- Modular design allowing for complete asset replacement
- Focused single-player experience with potential for expansion

Architecture Philosophy

We approach development with a “clean core, clear extensions” philosophy. All systems are built with well-defined interfaces and modular components, allowing for future expansion without requiring refactoring of existing code. This architecture supports:
- Theme switching for different visual styles
- Campaign and quick battle modes
- Potential network play
- Localization support
- Modding capabilities

Development Methodology

Maintaining Single Responsibility

Each component in our system must have exactly one reason to change. When documenting any new system, we must:

1. Define its purpose in a single sentence
2. List its specific responsibilities
3. Document its dependencies
4. Identify what it explicitly should not do
5. Define its extension points for future features

Component Documentation Template

For each new system, document:

Component Name:
Single Responsibility: [One sentence description]
Primary Functions:
- [List of specific tasks this component handles]
Dependencies:
- [List of other systems this component requires]
Non-Responsibilities:
- [List of related tasks this component explicitly does not handle]
Extension Points:
- [List of interfaces or hooks for future features]
Emitted Signals:
- [List of signals this component broadcasts]

Essential Development Phases

Phase 1: Core Game Foundation

Project Setup

• Initialize Godot 4 project
• Create project structure:

  /assets
  /core
    /models
    /repositories
    /services
  /infrastructure
    /config
    /input
    /ai
  /presentation
    /ui
    /views
  /state
    /managers

• Establish basic constants
• Create initial configuration files
• Implement resource manager interface for future theme support

Basic Grid System

• Create 8x8 grid
• Implement terrain types
• Build terrain repository
• Implement terrain generation
• Create visual representation using resource manager

Position and Movement Foundation

• Implement Position class
• Create Manhattan distance calculations
• Build movement cost system
• Implement pathfinding
• Create highlighting system

Phase 2: Game Rules Layer

Basic Unit Implementation

• Create Unit class with serializable state
• Implement UnitStats using configuration files
• Build UnitRepository
• Create deterministic unit behavior system
• Implement standardized dice-based calculations

Unit Actions and States

• Create AP system
• Implement movement validation
• Build unit selection
• Create turn system
• Implement state tracking
• Design event system for state changes

Phase 3: User Interface Layer

Core UI Framework

• Implement string manager for future localization
• Create theme-aware UI components
• Build adaptable layout system
• Create UI state manager
• Implement UI event system

Game Interface Elements

• Create turn information display
• Build unit info panel
• Implement team roster
• Create combat log
• Add terrain info
• Design mobile-friendly controls

Phase 4: Mission System Layer

Mission Framework

• Create data-driven mission system
• Implement victory condition framework
• Build state tracking
• Create mission loading system
• Design mission results handling

Basic Mission Types

• Implement elimination missions
• Create objective-based missions
• Build timed missions
• Add scoring system
• Create mission validation system

Extension Points (Non-Essential Features)

Theme System Integration

• IThemeManager interface
• Asset naming conventions
• Resource loading system
• Theme configuration format
• Asset requirement documentation

Campaign System Framework

• IMissionProvider interface
• SaveGameData structure
• DialogueSystem interface
• StoryPresentation interface
• CampaignProgress tracking

Quick Battle System Design

• MapGenerator interface
• ArmyComposition structure
• ScenarioGenerator interface
• BalanceValidation system
• QuickBattleConfiguration format

Network System Architecture

• EventManager interface
• StateSerializer system
• NetworkController interface
• SynchronizationManager design
• ReplaySystem interface

Implementation Guidelines

Code Organization

• Each class should be in its own file
• File names should match class names
• Use clear, descriptive names
• Group related files in appropriate directories
• Maintain clear separation between core and extension systems

Interface Design

• Create interfaces for all major systems
• Design extension points into core systems
• Use dependency injection
• Implement event-based communication
• Create clear boundaries between systems

Resource Management

• Use resource manager for all asset loading
• Implement consistent naming schemes
• Create clear asset documentation
• Design flexible configuration system
• Support runtime resource switching

Testing Considerations

• Each component should be testable in isolation
• Dependencies should be injectable
• State should be observable
• Core systems must be fully tested
• Extension points need interface validation

Development Process

For Each New Feature

1. Document the feature’s requirements
2. Identify affected components
3. Update component documentation
4. Define necessary interfaces
5. Implement core functionality
6. Create extension points
7. Verify SRP compliance
8. Test functionality
9. Update project documentation

When Requesting Assistance

Provide:
1. Current phase and step
2. Specific file or feature needed
3. Required functionality
4. Dependencies and interactions
5. Resource requirements
6. Relevant extension points

Quality Checklist

Before implementing any component, verify:
- [ ] Single responsibility is clearly defined
- [ ] Dependencies are minimized
- [ ] Interface is clearly documented
- [ ] Signals are properly defined
- [ ] Extension points are identified
- [ ] Testing strategy is considered

Before considering a component complete, verify:
- [ ] Responsibility remains singular
- [ ] Dependencies are properly injected
- [ ] Signals are properly emitted
- [ ] Documentation is complete
- [ ] Extension points are implemented
- [ ] Tests are implemented
- [ ] No feature creep has occurred