Retro Typer
A 2D side-scrolling Minecraft-inspired world where the player controls Steve (or Alex) who explores, mines, builds, and fights cute mobs — but every action is triggered by typing simple words, letters
About this project
### Proposed Game Title: RetroTyper – Typing Adventure in Retro World
Target Audience:
Toddlers (4–6 years) and Lower Primary School students (6–9 years).
The game must feel extremely rewarding, non-frustrating, and visually delightful.
Core Concept
A 2D side-scrolling Minecraft-inspired world where the player controls Steve (or Alex) who explores, mines, builds, and fights cute mobs — but every action is triggered by typing simple words, letters, or short phrases.
Typing = Movement & Action. Wrong or slow typing simply slows you down or pauses the action (never “game over”).
Visual Style
Bright, chunky 2D pixel-art Minecraft aesthetic (similar to Minecraft 2D fan games or Terraria)
Big, rounded fonts
Pastel-friendly color palette with high contrast for young eyes
Cute versions of creepers, zombies, pigs, etc. (no scary explosions)
### Progression & Typing Curriculum
The game follows a proven typing-tutor framework that combines elements from:
TypingClub / Typing.com (hand position + progressive lessons)
Dance Mat Typing by BBC (fun animal guides + 4 stages)
ZType / TypeRider (typing-to-action gameplay)
Divided into 4 Worlds (like BBC Dance Mat Typing stages), each introducing new keys.
| World (Stage) | Theme / Biome | New Keys Introduced | Example Words / Phrases | Goal | |---------------|------------------------|---------------------------|---------------------------------------------|------| | World 1 | Overworld Meadow | Home row: a s d f g h j k l ; | “grass”, “sun”, “pig”, “cow”, “dig” | Basic movement & mining | | World 2 | Forest & Village | Top row: q w e r t y u i o p | “tree”, “wood”, “house”, “apple” | Jumping & building | | World 3 | Underground Caves | Bottom row: z x c v b n m , . ? | “diamond”, “lava”, “mine”, “torch” | Faster digging, combat | | World 4 | Nether & End | Numbers 1–0 & symbols ! @ # $ % | “portal”, “nether”, “dragon”, “fly” | Boss typing challenges |
Each world has 8–12 short levels (2–4 minutes each).
### Built-in Tutorial System (Guided & Non-Intrusive)
A friendly NPC guide: “Typo the Parrot” (a colorful parrot wearing a little graduation cap)
At the start of every new key group:
Shows a giant keyboard on screen with Minecraft-style hands (blocky Steve hands)
Highlights the new key in bright green
Typo the Parrot says (voice + text): “Press the G key with your left finger, like this!” (animation shows finger pressing)
Player repeats the key 3 times while a cute animation happens (e.g., Steve punches a tree)
Immediate positive feedback with particles, coins, and cheerful sound
### Core Gameplay Loop
Steve stands still until the player starts typing the prompted word that appears above an object or enemy.
As you type correctly:
Letters appear in green and fill up → Steve walks/runs toward the target
When the word is complete → action triggers (block breaks, sword swings, bridge builds, etc.)
Partial typing still gives slow movement (so kids never feel completely stuck).
Accuracy & speed give bonus diamonds (currency).
Examples of prompts (age-appropriate):
“dirt” → break dirt block
“jump” → Steve jumps over a gap
“pig” → pet/feed the pig (collect bacon or hearts)
“creeper” → friendly creeper dances instead of exploding when typed fast
“build” → places a block to make a bridge
“hi” / “bye” → villagers wave and give gifts
### Gamification & Reward Systems (Highly Important for Young Kids)
Instant feedback: sparkles, satisfying Minecraft “pop” sounds, coins flying
Diamond currency → spend in “Creative Shop” to customize Steve’s skin, hats, pets, house
Pet system: type well → baby animals follow you (turtle, fox, axolotl)
Achievement badges shaped like golden tools
Daily login bonus & very gentle daily challenges (“Type 20 words today!”)
“Free Build” creative world unlocked after each stage — type anything and instantly place blocks (pure fun, no pressure)
### Difficulty & Frustration Prevention
No lives or health that can reach zero
Auto-hint after 8 seconds of inactivity (Typo the Parrot slowly types one letter at a time)
Adjustable typing speed requirement (3 difficulty modes: Snail, Rabbit, Cheetah)
Option to switch to “single letter mode” at any time for absolute beginners
All text is spoken aloud (text-to-speech) for pre-readers
### Technical Specs Summary
Platform: Web browser first (HTML5), then iOS/Android apps
Resolution: 1080p with UI scaling for tablets
Controls: Keyboard only (touch keyboard on mobile)
Offline play + cloud save
Parental dashboard: track accuracy, WPM, time spent, keys mastered
Languages: English first, easy localization (just change word list)
### Sample Level Flow (World 1 – Level 3)
Steve stands in front of grass → prompt “grass”
Child types g-r-a-s-s → grass block breaks, diamonds pop out
Next, a pig walks by → prompt “pig” → child types → pig turns into rideable mount for 10 seconds
Small gap appears → prompt “jump” → Steve jumps across
Chest at the end → prompt “open” → chest opens, rewards skin hat
Typo the Parrot congratulates and shows accuracy stars (★★★★☆)
This combination of proven typing pedagogy (progressive key introduction + finger positioning) wrapped in a joyful, pressure-free Minecraft world creates a game that toddlers and early primary kids will beg to play — and actually learn touch-typing along the way.