Hi everyone,

I hope you all are well. Today I will share how we developed an AI game called 4-connect game.

In our 5th semester, we dove into the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence by developing a game as part of our AI course. This challenge would test our understanding, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Our chosen project was the classic 4-Connect game, a simple yet strategic game that proved the perfect playground for exploring AI algorithms.

What is the 4-Connect Game?

For those unfamiliar with the 4-Connect game, it's a classic two-player game played on an 8x8 grid. The objective is straightforward: the first player to align four of their tokens in a row, column, or diagonal wins the game. It’s a test of strategy and foresight, where every move counts. While the rules are simple, the gameplay can become intensely competitive, making it an ideal candidate for AI integration.

The Journey of Development

Our project team consisted of three dedicated members, and we divided the work strategically to make the development process as efficient as possible. We decided to break down the game into three parts, with each team member taking responsibility for different aspects of the project.

Front-End Development

As a team member with a knack for front-end design, I took charge of this area. My task was to bring the game to life visually—creating the 8x8 grid, ensuring smooth user interactions, and making the overall gameplay experience enjoyable. Designing the user interface was both fun and challenging, but it was rewarding to see our ideas take shape.

Human vs. Human Gameplay

The first version of our game was a simple human vs. human setup. This was a straightforward task, requiring us to implement the basic mechanics of the game. Players could take turns placing their tokens on the grid, and the game would check for a winner after each move. It was exciting to see this version come together, and we celebrated our progress, thinking the hard part was behind us. Little did we know, the real challenge was just around the corner.

The AI Integration: A Battle with Algorithms

With the human vs. human version complete, it was time to integrate AI into our game—a step that turned out to be far more complex than we anticipated. We chose to implement the Minimax algorithm, a popular AI strategy used in game development to simulate intelligent decision-making.

Just wanted to show the length XD:)

The Minimax Algorithm

Minimax is a powerful algorithm that evaluates the possible moves in a game and chooses the best one based on maximizing the player's advantage while minimizing the opponent's. It was perfect for our 4-Connect game, but applying it was no easy feat. We had to carefully code the logic for every possible scenario—row wins, column wins, diagonal wins, and even draw conditions.

The never ending Algorithm;)

As we began coding the AI, the difficulty level spiked. It was a battle of logic and precision, where even a small error could cause the AI to behave unexpectedly. The most challenging part was ensuring that the AI was unbeatable, a true test of our understanding of the algorithm. We wrote functions to evaluate the board, calculate scores, and determine the best possible move for the AI. Each function had to be meticulously tested to ensure the AI always made the optimal choice.

Libraries and Tools

To support our development, we imported several libraries, including NumPy for numerical operations, Math for complex calculations, and Sys for system-specific parameters. These tools were essential in optimizing our code and ensuring the game ran smoothly.

Victory and Reflection

The best part? Our game worked perfectly on the first try, and we got full marks on our project 15 out of 15. The AI was invincible, always outsmarting the human player—just as we intended. It was a moment of triumph for our team, as we had successfully integrated a complex AI algorithm into our game without any major hiccups. The project turned out to be one of the smoothest we had worked on during our final semester, and it gave us a deep sense of satisfaction.

AI WINS!

Looking Ahead: The FYP Challenge

However, as the excitement of completing the 4-Connect game began to fade, we were quickly reminded of the looming challenge ahead—our Final Year Project (FYP). While the 4-Connect game was a rewarding experience, we knew that our FYP would be a whole new level of difficulty. The tension of what’s to come already lingers, but the success of this project has given us the confidence to tackle whatever comes our way.

In conclusion, developing the 4-Connect game was not just an assignment; it was a journey that solidified our understanding of AI and its practical applications. It taught us the importance of teamwork, the power of algorithms, and the joy of seeing your hard work come to life. Now, as we prepare to face our next challenge, we carry with us the lessons learned and the memories made during this incredible experience.