# Space Game — Project Overview

## Concept

A 2D pixel-art top-down space shooter inspired by **Subspace Continuum**, built for **Steam Deck and PC**. Two alien races fight for control of a galaxy. Fast matchmaking like Rocket League — quick in, quick out.

## Core Loop

1. Launch → Main Menu
2. Enter callsign → click CASUAL
3. World loads → pick your race (both offered every match) → pick your ship
4. Fight in a 25v25 battle
5. Return to main menu

## Game Modes

| Mode | Size | Status |
|------|------|--------|
| Casual | 25v25 (bots fill to 7v7 minimum) | In progress |
| Ranked | 5v5, competitive MMR | Disabled — coming later |

## Current Game Flow (as built)

```
Main Menu
  └─ CASUAL ──► World loads immediately (game active)
                  └─ TeamSelect overlay appears
                       ├─ Pick race  (both offered every match)
                       └─ Pick ship  (4 available, sprites shown)
                            └─ Player spawns centred, invincible briefly
                                 └─ ESC / Start ──► Pause menu overlay
                                      ├─ RESUME
                                      ├─ SETTINGS (stub)
                                      ├─ SELECT TEAM (stub)
                                      ├─ QUIT TO MENU
                                      └─ QUIT TO DESKTOP
```

## Races

2 playable races (a third, Apex Dynamics, was cut to simplify the art pipeline) — see `racesclasses.md`. Each race has 5 ship classes:

| Class | Role |
|-------|------|
| Interceptor | Fast, agile generalist |
| Bomber | Area damage, slow |
| Support | Heal/rally; allies can attach |
| Stealth | Assassin, hit-and-run |
| Heavy | Tank, massive firepower |

Races are visually distinct — critical for reading a 25v25 battlefield at a glance.

## Match Setup

- Both races are fielded every match (order they're presented in is randomized)
- Player picks which of the 2 they fight for, then picks their ship
- Bot fill ensures a minimum of **7v7** in casual; no bots added beyond that

## Design Philosophy

- Maps inspired by CSGO — tight, intentional, not the sprawling Subspace Trench Wars layout
- 10 maps at launch (small for ranked, medium/large for casual)
- All art: pixel art
- Platform primary: Steam Deck (1280×800, controller-first)