EmptyEpsilon is a free and open-source spaceship bridge simulator designed for collaborative gameplay. It features a minimalist, vector-based aesthetic and focuses on providing a framework for users to create their own custom ships, roles, and gameplay mechanics. The simulator uses a client-server architecture, allowing multiple players to connect and operate different stations on the bridge. While it comes with a basic starter ship and some pre-built functionality, EmptyEpsilon is primarily intended as a platform for users to build upon and tailor to their own specific needs and preferences, using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
A developer has created Minesweeper Pro, a free, real-time multiplayer version of the classic Minesweeper game. Players can compete against others online in various game modes, including a cooperative mode where they work together to clear a shared board. The game features a clean and modern interface, global leaderboards, and customizable difficulty settings. It's accessible through any web browser without requiring downloads or logins, making it easy to jump into a quick game.
Hacker News users discussed the technical implementation of the multiplayer Minesweeper game, praising the use of Elixir and Phoenix LiveView. Some expressed interest in the difficulty scaling for multiple players and how simultaneous clicks are handled. Several commenters shared their nostalgic fondness for Minesweeper and welcomed the multiplayer twist. One commenter pointed out the lack of a visible player count or indication of others' actions, suggesting improvements to enhance the multiplayer experience. Another requested a "no-guessing" mode, a popular variant of the classic game. Overall, the reception was positive, with users intrigued by the project and offering constructive feedback.
Bubbles is a simple, yet addictive web game built entirely with vanilla JavaScript, requiring no external libraries or frameworks. The goal is to click and pop rising bubbles before they reach the top of the screen. Each popped bubble awards points based on its size, with smaller bubbles giving more points. The game features increasing difficulty as the bubbles rise faster over time. It's a lightweight, browser-based experience designed for quick bursts of fun.
Hacker News users generally praised the game's simplicity and clean implementation, using vanilla JavaScript without frameworks. Several commenters appreciated the satisfying gameplay and the nostalgic feel, reminiscent of early web games. Some suggested potential improvements, like adding sound effects, different bubble sizes, or a score counter. A few users delved into technical aspects, discussing the collision detection algorithm and potential performance optimizations. One commenter even shared a modified version with added features. The overall sentiment was positive, with many finding the game a fun and well-executed example of simple web development.
CEO Simulator: Startup Edition is a browser-based simulation game where players take on the role of a startup CEO. You manage resources like cash, morale, and ideas, making decisions across departments such as marketing, engineering, and sales. The goal is to navigate the challenges of running a startup, balancing competing priorities and striving for a successful exit, either through acquisition or an IPO. The game features randomized events that force quick thinking and strategic adaptation, offering a simplified but engaging experience of the pressures and triumphs of the startup world.
HN commenters generally found the CEO Simulator simplistic but fun for a short time. Several pointed out the unrealistic aspects of the game, like instantly hiring hundreds of engineers and the limited scope of decisions. Some suggested improvements, including more complex financial modeling, competitive dynamics, and varied employee personalities. A common sentiment was that the game captured the "feeling" of being overwhelmed as a CEO, even if the mechanics were shallow. A few users compared it favorably to other similar games and praised its clean UI. There was also a brief discussion about the challenges of representing startup life accurately in a game format.
Bearings Only is a browser-based submarine combat game focusing on sonar and deduction. Players listen for enemy submarines using a hydrophone, plotting their movements on a grid based on bearing and changes in sound. The game emphasizes strategic thinking and careful analysis over fast-paced action, challenging players to outwit their opponents through cunning and calculated positioning rather than direct confrontation. It features minimalist graphics and a focus on immersive audio.
HN commenters generally praised the game's simple yet engaging gameplay, clean UI, and overall polish. Several appreciated the strategic depth despite the minimalist presentation, with one noting it felt like a more accessible version of Cold Waters. Others suggested potential improvements, such as adding sound effects, varying submarine types, and incorporating a tutorial or clearer instructions. Some discussed the realism of certain mechanics, like the sonar detection model, while others simply enjoyed the nostalgic vibes reminiscent of classic browser games. A few users also encountered minor bugs, including difficulty selecting targets on certain browsers.
Summary of Comments ( 11 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43424970
Several commenters on Hacker News expressed excitement about EmptyEpsilon, praising its impressive visuals and potential for collaborative gameplay. Some drew comparisons to Artemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator, noting EmptyEpsilon's more modern graphics and user interface. A few users discussed the challenges of running such a simulator smoothly, particularly with larger groups, and questioned the choice of Godot as the engine. There was also interest in the project's open-source nature, with suggestions for potential features and improvements, like adding more realistic ship systems and expanding the scripting capabilities. A recurring theme was the desire for more complex gameplay mechanics beyond simple button-pressing, emphasizing the need for strategic depth to maintain long-term engagement.
The Hacker News post about the EmptyEpsilon spaceship bridge simulator generated a moderate amount of discussion, with a mix of appreciation, suggestions, and personal anecdotes.
Several commenters expressed their excitement and appreciation for the project. One user called it "amazing" and likened it to "Artemis Spaceship Bridge Simulator, but in the browser." Another praised its polish and ease of setup, highlighting the convenience of being able to quickly share a link and start playing. The simplicity and accessibility of the web-based platform were recurring themes in the positive comments.
Some users offered suggestions for improvement and expansion. One suggested integrating voice communication directly within the browser, eliminating the need for external platforms like Discord. Another proposed adding the ability for the captain to draw on the main screen, facilitating better communication and coordination during gameplay. The potential for community-created missions and scenarios was also discussed, with a user suggesting a way to easily share and load custom mission configurations.
A few commenters shared their personal experiences with similar bridge simulator games, recounting enjoyable times spent playing Artemis SBS. These comments added a sense of community and shared enthusiasm for the genre.
A technical discussion arose regarding the use of WebRTC and its implications for latency and scalability. One user questioned the suitability of WebRTC for a real-time game like this, expressing concern about potential lag and performance issues, particularly with a larger number of players. Another user responded, explaining how WebRTC is actually quite efficient for this type of application and highlighting its advantages over traditional server-client models.
While a few commenters deviated slightly to discuss other space-themed games and projects, the majority of the discussion remained focused on EmptyEpsilon. The overall sentiment was positive, with many expressing interest in trying the simulator and contributing to its development.