In this latest Flash exercise, the goal was create some kind of variant to the classic game Pong. The core mechanics have to remain: the player controls a paddle that is moved along a vertical axis to deflect some number of projectiles (balls) rather than allowing them to pass by and reach the edge of the playing field. That’s simple. Everyone knows it and it’s not hard to implement. The question, then, is how to mix that formula up, add to it, and create something that feels moderately original and, if all goes well, is enjoyable. I decided to through some type of polarity at the problem, introducing the “light balls” and the “dark balls.” Then, rather than have a score counter that essentially puts the player against himself, I decided to add some kind of progress bar that showed how well the player was performing and allows the player to actually reach a measurable goal that the application can interpret as a win. So, that’s where this light/shadow idea came from. I spiced it up with a bit of exposition about a boy getting lost and trying to find his way home. That, plus some subtle background music, really changed up the feel and emotion supported by the game. All-in-all, I really like how it came out, and I enjoyed putting it together. Enjoy.