Space Hunter

Space Hunter is a vibrant 2D browser game where players launch projectiles with a slingshot to knock down all aliens on the level. Every shot counts: attempts are limited, and the difficulty increases with each new stage.

The game combines intuitive, physics-driven mechanics with an atmospheric sci-fi setting. Set on a mysterious planet, players must rely not only on accuracy but also on the ability to calculate trajectories, anticipate object behavior, and use the environment to their advantage.

The mission is simple yet demanding: eliminate all humanoid enemies with as few shots as possible.

Development goals

Our team set out to create a universal time-killer that launches instantly, works on any device, and engages players from the very first shot. The gameplay is easy to pick up but offers depth for those striving for mastery - suitable for both kids and adults.

Space Hunter serves as a clear example of our approach to interactive HTML5 game development:

• clean architecture,
• refined physics,
• responsive design across devices.

The project has already become the foundation for a scalable gaming ecosystem, where we can add new levels, introduce different projectile types, and integrate mechanics into messengers - including a future Telegram bot with play-to-earn support.

Platforms:

• Modern web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
• Mobile and desktop devices (no installation required)
• Future integration: Telegram bot with play-to-earn mechanics

Game Concept

The 2D gameplay revolves around a slingshot mechanic, where the player pulls back, aims, and launches a projectile at hostile aliens. Thanks to integrated physics, the projectile’s flight reacts realistically to angle, force, and collisions.

The main challenge is to defeat all enemies with limited attempts - balancing freedom of action with tactical planning. Players must aim precisely, account for rebounds, and creatively use environmental elements.

The gameplay draws inspiration from familiar slingshot-based arcades but adds a sci-fi twist with more complex interactions.

Setting & Atmosphere

The action unfolds on a mysterious planet deep in space. The visual design is minimalist but consistent: platforms, enemies, and backgrounds are styled in a futuristic manner, creating an atmosphere of isolation and technological threat.

Enemies are humanoid aliens, statically positioned on platforms of varying shapes and heights. They don’t move, but the level design itself becomes the challenge: terrain and structure placement force the player to find optimal trajectories and leverage physics.

Demo Levels

The first version includes three handcrafted demo levels, each introducing unique mechanics and layouts:

• Sun Slice – introductory level with basic mechanics and minimal resistance.
• Double Slice – features multiple targets and complex platform structures requiring precise shots.
• Apocalypses – a dense, atmospheric final level with layered objectives and unexpected interactions.

Each level was designed manually, balancing pacing, difficulty, and interaction - in line with high-quality HTML5 games optimized for instant play and device adaptability.

Technological implementation

Technology stack

Space Hunter is designed using a modern front-end stack, making it easy to maintain, scale, and deploy cross-platform:

• HTML / CSS / JavaScript / TypeScript - the basis of the structure and logic of the project. TypeScript provides strong typing and increases code clarity.
• HTML5 Canvas - is responsible for drawing visual objects: shells, platforms, aliens, as well as all animations.
• Phaser is a lightweight and flexible game engine, ideal for 2D browser games. It supports scene management, physics, collisions, and rendering.

The technical stack was chosen with the expectation of fast game loading, stable operation in the browser, and ease of support in the long term.

Cross-platform support

The game was developed from the beginning as a cross-platform solution - it works flawlessly in any modern browser and adapts to the screen size:

• Mobile devices: touch interface, UI scaling, and correct operation of slingshot mechanics when touching are provided.
• Desktop: mouse and keyboard support, fast loading, responsive interface.
• Full-screen mode: The game easily switches to full-screen on any device without losing graphics quality or responsiveness.

The implementation is based on minimizing resource consumption and optimizing for weak devices. This allows you to use the game as a time killer even on old smartphones and tablets.

Development Process

The creation of Space Hunter went through several carefully planned stages - from concept to technical implementation and testing. Each step was designed to deliver a stable, visually appealing, and engaging game suitable for scaling in a short time frame.

Stage 1 – Idea & Concept

Development began with searching for both visual and gameplay references. The team drew inspiration from classic slingshot arcades, sci-fi aesthetics, and browser mini-games.

At the same time, the core mechanics were designed:

• how the slingshot would function,
• how the projectile behaves when pulled and released,
• what targets (enemies, platforms) should be included,
• how to balance physics with gameplay enjoyment.

Stage 2 – Technology Selection

Next, the technical stack was chosen. After analyzing requirements, the decision was made in favor of:

• Phaser – as the game engine with physics and scene support,
• HTML5 Canvas – for 2D graphics rendering in the browser.

Both tools ensured high performance, flexibility, and compatibility across all devices without installation.

Stage 3 – Asset Production

Once the engine and base architecture were in place, the team moved on to visual content:

• selecting sci-fi assets fitting the mysterious planet setting,
• designing simple but expressive aliens and platforms,
• creating minimalist, intuitive UI designs.

It was important to strike a balance between abstraction (for ease of perception) and recognizability of objects.

Stage 4 – Core Mechanics Implementation

This stage formed the heart of the project, including:

• projectile physics: direction, force, bounces, collisions,
• hit logic and alien “knockout” system,
• level system: level selection, win/lose conditions,
• remaining attempts counter and game-over logic.

At this stage, the game acquired its gameplay skeleton and started feeling like a complete product.

Stage 5 – Final Assembly & Testing

After integrating all mechanics, the project entered the polishing phase:

• checking collisions and object behavior in different scenarios;
• UI configuration: level selection, restart buttons, return to menu;
• adaptation to different screens, checking touch and mouse events;
• final polishing of the interface and visual design.

Target audience

Space Hunter was designed from the very beginning as a massive browser-based online game with no age or technical restrictions. It can be played by:

• children - thanks to intuitive mechanics, the absence of complex rules and expressive graphics;
• teenagers - who are interested in mini-challenges and physical games;
• adults - as an easy way to distract and relax during the day.

Anyone with a browser can play. The game does not require installation, starts instantly, and is adapted to any device: smartphones, tablets, laptops, PCs.

Usage scenarios

Space Hunter is great for short gaming sessions, making it ideal in the following situations:

• during breaks at work or study;
• on the road or while waiting (for example, in a queue or in transport);
• as a mini time killer before bed or between tasks.

In the future, the project may be integrated into Telegram , which will open up new usage scenarios:

• launch through a bot;
• accrual of awards and bonuses;
• implementation of play-to-earn elements;
• participation in mini-tournaments or in-game challenges.

Thus, the game fits organically into the everyday digital experience of any user - from a schoolchild to an office worker.

Future Roadmap

Planned Features

Space Hunter is conceived as a scalable project, and its current version is only the first iteration. The development team has already planned to expand the game's content and features:

• new levels with more complex geometry, as well as new types of aliens with unique properties and behavior;
• interactive objects: moving platforms, reactive elements, destructive structures, springs, explosive modules;
• physical effects: enhanced bounces, time slowing down, magnetic fields - all this will add depth to the gameplay;
• variety of shells: for example, shells with area of effect, homing, ricochet or teleportation capabilities;
• boosters and amplifiers that provide extra attempts, trajectory correction, time slowing, and other effects;
• a points system and leaderboards to track progress, compete with friends and strive for records;
• Timed mode and blitz levels - fast sessions with a time limit in seconds, where the score is not only based on shots, but also on reaction speed;
• Customization: the ability to choose skins for shells and interface design, which increases engagement and creates space for personalization.

The game transforms from a simple arcade into a flexible platform where you can try different play styles, improve, and share your results.

Monetization opportunities

The project also provides flexible monetization scenarios that do not interfere with the gameplay:

• integration with Telegram and implementation of play-to-earn mechanics - for example, for completing challenges, the player can receive points, in-game currencies or NFT rewards;
• cosmetic improvements - purchasing or unlocking skins, designs, animations;
• additional levels or themed campaigns available by subscription or donation;
• built-in advertising, unobtrusively integrated into the menu or when restarting levels (without interrupting gameplay).

Thus, the game has the potential to become both an entertainment product and a monetized gaming platform with elements of community and competition.

Conclusions

Space Hunter is a clear example of how even simple game mechanics (slingshot + projectile) can, with competent implementation, turn into a full-fledged, exciting, and technologically advanced browser arcade.

The project was created from scratch based on HTML5 Canvas and the Phaser game engine, using an OOP approach and adapting to any device. Already at the stage of the first version, the game demonstrates:

• stable physics and controls;
• visual integrity and stylistic completeness;
• flexible architecture that allows you to scale the project both in terms of content and distribution channels.

In the future, Space Hunter may grow into a gaming platform with a developed level system, customization, monetization, and even integration with Telegram and Play-to-Earn mechanics.

Currently, the project is already working as a time killer and a demonstration of gaming capabilities, and in the future, it may take its niche among the new generation of browser sci-fi arcades.

More Projects from Arionis

If you liked the concept of Space Hunter, explore our other gaming and interactive solutions for web and mobile.

Our portfolio features projects that combine interactive mechanics, refined visuals, and thoughtful UX - from HTML5 mini-games to full-scale game solutions with animation, physics, and custom design.

You can also learn more about our end-to-end browser game development - from idea to launch across platforms.