System Requirements Document (SRD)

Project Name: lunar-muze

1. Introduction

The lunar-muze project is a puzzle game inspired by the popular mechanics of Candy Crush Saga but with a unique twist. The goal is to retain the core gameplay experience of match-3 puzzles while incorporating distinct visual and functional variations that make the game feel fresh, engaging, and enjoyable for players. This document outlines the system requirements for the development of lunar-muze, ensuring a balance between familiarity and innovation.

The game is targeted primarily at the Indian market (IN), with a focus on creating a culturally resonant and universally appealing design.

2. System Overview

lunar-muze is a mobile-first puzzle game designed to captivate players with its addictive gameplay and unique aesthetic. The game will feature:

• A match-3 core mechanic with innovative power-ups and combos.
• A visually distinct theme that blends space exploration with vibrant, playful elements.
• A progression system that includes story-driven levels and special challenges.
• Multiplayer and social features to enhance engagement and competition.

The system will be developed for both Android and iOS platforms, with potential expansion to web-based gameplay.

3. Functional Requirements

Core Gameplay

• As a Player, I should be able to match 3 or more similar elements to score points.
• As a Player, I should be able to use unique power-ups that are visually and functionally distinct.
• As a Player, I should experience dynamic level designs with increasing difficulty.

Visual and Thematic Enhancements

• As a Player, I should feel immersed in a space-themed environment with vibrant and playful visuals.
• As a Player, I should see animations and effects that enhance the gameplay experience.

Progression and Challenges

• As a Player, I should be able to progress through story-driven levels with unique objectives.
• As a Player, I should encounter special challenges that offer rewards and variety.

Social and Multiplayer Features

• As a Player, I should be able to compete with friends on leaderboards.
• As a Player, I should be able to send and receive in-game gifts or lives.

4. User Personas

1. Casual Player

• Description: Enjoys light, relaxing gameplay during breaks or leisure time.
• Goals: Wants a fun and visually appealing experience without steep learning curves.

2. Competitive Player

• Description: Seeks to achieve high scores and dominate leaderboards.
• Goals: Wants challenging levels, multiplayer features, and competitive rewards.

3. Explorer Player

• Description: Loves discovering new mechanics, themes, and storylines.
• Goals: Wants unique levels, engaging narratives, and innovative gameplay elements.

5. Visuals Colors and Theme

The lunar-muze color palette is inspired by the vastness of space and the vibrancy of playful elements.

• Background: #0D1B2A (Deep Space Blue)
• Surface: #1B263B (Midnight Navy)
• Text: #E0E1DD (Soft Lunar White)
• Accent: #FF6F61 (Cosmic Coral)
• Muted Tones: #415A77 (Nebula Gray)

These colors will create a visually striking yet calming environment, perfect for a puzzle game.

6. Signature Design Concept

The lunar-muze homepage will feature an interactive galaxy map.

Concept Details:

• Visuals: The homepage will resemble a starry night sky, with constellations representing different game levels or features.
• Interaction: Players can tap on stars to zoom into specific levels or features, with smooth transitions and animations.
• Animations: Stars will twinkle subtly, and constellations will connect dynamically as players interact.
• Micro-interactions: Hovering over stars will display tooltips with level names or descriptions.
• Theme Integration: The map will include playful elements like floating candies, gems, or space-themed icons to tie into the gameplay.

This design will make the game instantly memorable and provide an immersive first impression.

7. Non-Functional Requirements

• The game should load within 3 seconds on modern smartphones.
• The UI/UX should be optimized for both Android and iOS devices.
• The game should support offline play for single-player levels.
• The multiplayer features should have minimal latency (<100ms).
• The system should handle up to 1 million concurrent users.

8. Tech Stack

Frontend

• React Native for mobile app development.

Backend

• Python with FastAPI for server-side logic.

Database

• MySQL for structured data (e.g., user profiles, leaderboards).
• MongoDB for unstructured data (e.g., game states, analytics).

AI Models

• GPT 5.4 for personalized in-game tips and hints.
• Google Nano Banana for generating space-themed visuals.

Orchestration

• Docker for local development.
• Kubernetes for server-side orchestration.

9. Assumptions and Constraints

• The game will primarily target the Indian market but should appeal to a global audience.
• The initial release will focus on mobile platforms, with web support planned for future updates.
• The game will be free-to-play with optional in-app purchases.
• Development will adhere to a 6-month timeline.

10. Glossary

• Match-3: A gameplay mechanic where players align three or more identical elements to score points.
• Power-ups: Special items or abilities that enhance gameplay.
• Leaderboards: A ranking system displaying top players.
• Constellations: Groups of stars representing game levels or features.