The Bowling Game is an engaging, physics-based digital bowling experience built using the p5.js and Matter.js libraries. Designed for both desktop and mobile devices, the game simulates a classic ten-pin bowling alley with a wooden lane, a bowling ball, and ten pins arranged in a triangular formation. The objective is to knock down as many pins as possible across ten frames, with a unique twist: knocking down 5 or more pins in a single roll counts as a strike, causing all pins to fall and awarding maximum points for that roll.

The game features a realistic physics engine that governs the ball's movement and pin collisions, creating dynamic and unpredictable outcomes. Players control the ball by dragging it horizontally across the bottom of the lane to set its starting position and release it to roll toward the pins. The game calculates scores based on standard bowling rules, with special handling for strikes (including the 5+ pin rule) and spares, and displays the current score and frame on a single line for a clean interface. The game ends after ten frames, showing the final score.

Key features include:

• Responsive Design: Adapts to any screen size, ensuring a consistent experience on desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
• Simplified Scoring Display: Shows the current score and frame on one line, keeping the focus on gameplay.
• Custom Strike Rule: Knocking down 5 or more pins results in all pins falling, counted as a strike for maximum points.
• Touch and Mouse Controls: Supports both mouse and touch inputs for intuitive interaction.
• Visual Appeal: A wooden lane texture and red pins enhance the aesthetic, with a black ball for contrast.

The game is ideal for casual players seeking a fun, interactive bowling experience with a forgiving strike mechanic that makes achieving high scores more accessible.

User Guide

Objective

Score as many points as possible by knocking down pins across ten frames. A frame allows up to two rolls unless a strike (all 10 pins or 5+ pins knocked down) is achieved. The game ends after the tenth frame, displaying your final score.

How to Play

1. Start the Game:
   • Open the game in a web browser on your desktop or mobile device.
   • The game automatically adjusts to your screen size, displaying a wooden bowling lane, a black ball at the bottom, and ten red pins at the top.
2. Controls:
   • Mouse (Desktop):
     • Click and Hold: Click on the ball (black circle at the bottom of the lane) to grab it.
     • Drag: Move the mouse left or right to position the ball within the lane boundaries.
     • Release: Release the mouse button to roll the ball toward the pins.
   • Touch (Mobile):
     • Tap and Hold: Tap on the ball to grab it.
     • Drag: Slide your finger left or right to position the ball.
     • Release: Lift your finger to roll the ball.
   • The ball’s horizontal position when released affects its trajectory, allowing you to aim for different parts of the pin formation.
3. Gameplay Mechanics:
   • Rolling the Ball: After releasing the ball, it rolls up the lane with a trajectory based on its starting position. The physics engine simulates realistic collisions with the pins.
   • Strike Rule: If 5 or more pins are knocked down (tilted significantly), all 10 pins will visually fall, and the roll is scored as a strike (10 points plus bonuses from the next two rolls).
   • Scoring:
     • Strike: 10 points plus the sum of your next two rolls.
     • Spare: Knocking down all 10 pins in two rolls scores 10 points plus the next roll’s points.
     • Open Frame: Points equal the number of pins knocked down in two rolls.
   • Frames: Each frame allows up to two rolls unless a strike is scored. After a strike or two rolls, the pins and ball reset for the next frame.
   • Game Over: After the tenth frame, the game displays "Game Over" and your final score.
4. Interface:
   • Score and Frame Display: Located at the top-left corner, showing "Score: [number] Frame: [number]" on a single line.
   • Game Over Screen: Displays "Game Over" and the final score in the center of the screen when the game ends.
5. Tips for Success:
   • Aim Strategically: Position the ball to hit the pins at an angle, ideally targeting the center or slightly off-center to maximize pin collisions.
   • Use the Strike Rule: Since 5+ pins down counts as a strike, aim to hit at least half the pins to trigger this bonus.
   • Experiment with Positioning: Dragging the ball farther left or right can create spin, affecting pin knockdown patterns.
6. Troubleshooting:
   • Ball Stuck?: If the ball doesn’t reach the pins within 20 seconds, it resets automatically, scoring zero for that roll.
   • Not Responding?: Ensure your browser supports JavaScript and p5.js. Try refreshing the page or using a different browser.

Enjoy bowling and aim for a perfect 300!

About N8Soft

N8Soft is a passion-driven initiative by Nathan Smith Manley, a Michigan-based indie game developer on the autism spectrum, creating sensory-friendly, ad-free browser games designed with autism and ADHD in mind. Using AI tools like Grok and GPT, Nathan crafts original interactive fiction, puzzle adventures, and accessible games that prioritize calm, clear, and engaging gameplay, free of ads, loot boxes, or sensory overload. Hosted on itch.io, titles like Castle Adventure (interactive fiction RPG, May 19, 2025), Spin & Solve (puzzle game, May 14, 2025), Operator (memory-based keypad game, May 22, 2025), Coloring Book (calming coloring experience, May 24, 2025), and Sequel (tile-swapping puzzle, May 25, 2025) are built from concept to polish by Nathan, ensuring smooth play on any device—mobile, tablet, or desktop. N8Soft leverages AI to promote digital equity, empowering creators with disabilities to craft unique, meaningful experiences. Sustained through a patron-supported model, N8Soft relies on community support (Bitcoin: 34NzYz615995sPyuxYpXF2c34HqNb4RGZf) to cover hosting and tools, keeping games free. Join the movement by playing, sharing, or donating at n8soft.itch.io, and help Nathan continue building simple, inclusive, and joyful games for everyone.