eceg431/09/Snake

Snake Game - Project 09

A classic Snake implementation in Jack for the nand2tetris course. Snake grows when eating food, speed increases with score, and game ends on collision.

How to Run

# Compile Jack code to VM files
./nand2tetris/tools/JackCompiler.sh projects/09/Snake

# Run VM Emulator (GUI will open)
./nand2tetris/tools/VMEmulator.sh

In VM Emulator: Load Program → Select Snake folder → Run

Controls

• Arrow Keys - Move snake (up, down, left, right)
• Space - Pause/resume
• Q - Quit game
• R - Restart after game over

Game Files

Main.jack - Program entry point, creates and runs game

Point.jack - Simple x,y coordinate class for positions

Random.jack - Linear Congruential Generator for food placement

Food.jack - Food management and rendering

• Spawns at random grid-aligned positions
• Draws as outlined box for visibility
• Collision detection with snake head

Snake.jack - Snake body, movement, and collision logic

• Array-based body with head/tail management
• Growth mechanics when eating food
• Wall and self-collision detection

SnakeGame.jack - Main game loop and state management

• Input processing and game state
• Score tracking and UI display
• Game over and restart handling

Game Mechanics

• Movement: 8×8 pixel grid-based motion
• Growth: Snake extends when eating food
• Scoring: +10 points per food, speed increases
• Collision: Game ends on wall hit or self-collision
• Restart: Play multiple rounds without program restart

Technical Notes

• Memory management: All classes properly dispose resources
• Efficient rendering: Only redraws changed areas (head/tail)
• Grid alignment: Snake and food use 8×8 pixel squares
• Clean architecture: Modular design with separate responsibilities

Project 09 Requirements Met:

• Interactive program with user input
• Graphical display and animation
• Modular design with focused classes
• Programming complexity and challenge