This is a submission for the Alibaba Cloud Challenge: Build a Web Game.


🚀 What I Built

RoboRush is a fast-paced, robot-themed browser arcade game where players navigate a robot through a futuristic maze, collect energy orbs, and avoid rotating hazards - all while racing against the clock.

The game features an AI Assist Mode, Speed Boost, Overdrive Combo Mode, global Leaderboards, and full Offline Play support.

Players can experience smooth gameplay across desktop and mobile, with intuitive controls and dynamic strategy through special abilities.

Built with Next.js, Phaser.js, TailwindCSS, TypeScript, MySQL, and MappifySQL (ORM)


🎮 Demo

Live Game: Play RoboRush

GitHub Source: View RoboRush Repository

📷 Screenshots

RoboRush Gameplay
Desktop
Mobile
Leaderboard

📽️ Gameplay Videos

🖥️ Desktop Gameplay

📱 Mobile Gameplay

☁️ Alibaba Cloud Services Implementation

While I fully planned to deploy RoboRush using Alibaba Cloud services, I encountered verification challenges and could not complete the deployment before the submission deadline.

Here’s a full breakdown of my planned Alibaba Cloud integration:

Elastic Compute Service (ECS)

Why use it?

ECS would host the Dockerized Next.js app inside a scalable, secure containerized environment.

Integration Plan:

  • Package RoboRush using Docker.
  • Deploy the container to an ECS instance.
  • Enable auto-scaling and backup scheduling for server robustness.

ApsaraDB for RDS (MySQL)

Why use it?

ApsaraDB would provide high-availability, secure, and maintenance-free management of player data (scores, names, attempts).

Integration Plan:

  • Store leaderboard scores, player attempts, and historical game data.
  • Optimize query performance for leaderboard fetching.

Object Storage Service (OSS)

Why use it?

OSS would serve static game assets (sprites, background music, sounds) globally with efficient delivery.

Integration Plan:

  • Upload assets like robot images, orbs, sounds, and icons.
  • Reference OSS URLs inside RoboRush frontend instead of bundling heavy files.

Content Delivery Network (CDN)

Why use it?

CDN would cache and deliver static assets closer to players worldwide, improving game loading speeds and reducing latency.

Integration Plan:

  • Distribute OSS-hosted assets globally.
  • Ensure quick loading of game assets on both mobile and desktop players.

⚠️ Verification Challenges

I am currently based in the UK. Due to recent changes, the UK has moved to fully digital immigration permits.

I attempted to upload PDF-based digital documentation alongside my passport during the Alibaba Cloud verification process, but my request was repeatedly rejected.

Despite contacting Alibaba Cloud Support for assistance, the issue was not resolved in time for deployment.

However, RoboRush remains fully cloud-ready, container-ready, and designed to scale on Alibaba Cloud services.

I look forward to completing full deployment once my verification is successfully completed!


🎮 Game Development Highlights

  • 🤖 AI Assist Mode:

    Automatically navigate and collect orbs for 10 seconds. While active, orb collection awards 50 points instead of 100 - balancing gameplay.

  • ⚡Speed Boost Mode:

    Temporarily increases movement speed. Boosted orb collection awards 70 points per orb.

  • 🔥Overdrive Mode (Boost + AI Assist):

    Combining Boost and AI Assist reduces orb collection points to 35, maintaining fair challenge and strategic depth.

  • 📱Mobile and Desktop Responsive Controls:

    Keyboard controls on desktop (WASD or Arrow Keys), virtual joystick on mobile - all tuned for a smooth, satisfying experience.

  • 🎵 Dynamic Soundtrack:

    A custom soundtrack that adapts to gameplay, enhancing the immersive experience. background music and sound effects are included for every action.

  • 📦Offline Play and PWA support:

    Full PWA support lets players install RoboRush on devices and play without internet access.

  • 🚀 Docker-Ready Architecture:

    RoboRush is fully containerized for deployment across any cloud service (Alibaba ECS).

  • 🏆 Global Leaderboards:

    Players can compete for high scores and track their performance against others worldwide.

  • 🎯 Sync Across Devices:

    Players can sync their progress and scores across devices with their name, ensuring a seamless experience.


If you enjoyed this project, please consider giving it a star on GitHub! and comment below with your thoughts.

This project was built with ❤️ and inspired by Alibaba Cloud.