From e320c65618d88c64c04c99b870f065fa5e607949 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Anders Lehmann Pier Date: Fri, 13 Jun 2025 09:51:31 +0200 Subject: [PATCH] Add comprehensive user guide for Neural Nexus players --- documentation/user-guide.md | 293 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 293 insertions(+) create mode 100644 documentation/user-guide.md diff --git a/documentation/user-guide.md b/documentation/user-guide.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..150a78c --- /dev/null +++ b/documentation/user-guide.md @@ -0,0 +1,293 @@ +# User Guide - Neural Nexus + +## Welcome! 👋 + +This guide will help you get the most out of Neural Nexus. No technical knowledge required - we'll walk you through everything step by step. + +## Table of Contents + +1. [What is Neural Nexus?](#what-is-neural-nexus) +2. [Getting Started](#getting-started) +3. [Basic Features](#basic-features) +4. [Game Mechanics](#game-mechanics) +5. [Tips & Tricks](#tips--tricks) +6. [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting) +7. [Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions) + +## What is Neural Nexus? + +Neural Nexus is a brain-training puzzle game that challenges you to connect glowing nodes in specific patterns, inspired by how neural networks work in artificial intelligence. + +### Why Play Neural Nexus? + +✨ **Exercise Your Brain:** Improve pattern recognition and logical thinking +🎯 **Stay Focused:** Perfect for quick mental breaks or extended gaming sessions +🚀 **Feel Accomplished:** Progressive difficulty that builds your confidence +💡 **Easy to Learn:** Simple click-and-drag mechanics anyone can master + +### Who Is It For? + +- ✅ **Puzzle Lovers**: Perfect for fans of Sudoku, crosswords, and brain teasers +- ✅ **Casual Gamers**: Great for quick 5-minute sessions or longer play +- ✅ **Students & Professionals**: Excellent mental exercise during breaks +- ✅ **Anyone 13+**: Suitable for teens through seniors + +## Getting Started + +### Step 1: Access Neural Nexus + +**On Your Computer:** +1. Open your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge) +2. Navigate to: https://andersPier.github.io/neural-nexus-game/ +3. Bookmark it for easy access later! + +**On Your Phone or Tablet:** +1. Open your mobile browser +2. Visit: https://andersPier.github.io/neural-nexus-game/ +3. Tap "Add to Home Screen" for app-like access +4. The game works great in full-screen mode! + +### Step 2: First Time Playing + +When you first open Neural Nexus, you'll see: + +1. **The Game Title** - "NEURAL NEXUS" at the top +2. **Your Stats** - Level, Score, and Time remaining +3. **The Game Area** - Where all the action happens +4. **Welcome Instructions** - Click "START NEURAL LINK" to begin! + +### Step 3: Controls Overview + +**On Computer:** +- **Mouse Click & Drag** - Connect nodes by clicking one node and dragging to another +- **Mouse Move** - See connection preview as you drag + +**On Mobile:** +- **Tap & Drag** - Touch one node and drag your finger to another node +- **Pinch to Zoom** - Zoom in/out if needed (on some devices) + +## Basic Features + +### 🎯 **Core Gameplay** + +**What it does:** Connect nodes to match the target pattern shown as dotted lines + +**How to play:** +1. Look at the dotted white lines - these show which nodes need to be connected +2. Click (or tap) on any node +3. Drag to another node to create a glowing connection +4. Repeat until all dotted lines are recreated with solid connections +5. Complete the pattern before time runs out! + +**Example:** If you see a dotted line between a green node and blue node, drag from the green node to the blue node to create that connection. + +### 📊 **Scoring System** + +**What it does:** Tracks your progress and performance + +**How scoring works:** +- **Base Points:** 100 points per level completed +- **Time Bonus:** 10 points for each second remaining when you finish +- **Level Multiplier:** Higher levels give more points +- **Perfect Completion:** Bonus points for completing without mistakes + +**When you'd use this:** Track your improvement over time and challenge yourself to beat your high score! + +### ⏰ **Timer Challenge** + +**What it does:** Each level has a time limit that creates urgency and excitement + +**How it works:** +- Start with 60 seconds for early levels +- Time decreases slightly as levels get harder +- Complete the pattern before time runs out +- Faster completion = higher score! + +**Strategy tip:** Don't panic! Take a moment to study the pattern before making connections. + +## Game Mechanics + +### Node Types + +🟢 **Source Nodes (Green):** Starting points - these often begin patterns +🔵 **Normal Nodes (Blue):** Standard connection points +🟠 **Target Nodes (Orange):** End points - these often complete patterns + +### Connection Rules + +✅ **Valid Connections:** +- Any node can connect to any other node +- Connections are bidirectional (work both ways) +- You can have multiple connections per node + +❌ **Invalid Connections:** +- Cannot connect a node to itself +- Cannot create duplicate connections between the same two nodes + +### Level Progression + +**Level 1-5:** Learn the basics with simple patterns +**Level 6-15:** Increased complexity with more nodes +**Level 16-25:** Advanced patterns requiring strategy +**Level 26+:** Master-level challenges for experts + +Each level introduces new elements gradually, so you'll never feel overwhelmed! + +## Tips & Tricks + +### 💡 Strategy Tips + +1. **Study First, Connect Second** + - Take 5-10 seconds to examine the dotted pattern + - Plan your connection order mentally + - Look for obvious connections first (isolated nodes, clear pairs) + +2. **Work Outside-In** + - Start with nodes on the edges of the pattern + - Connect obvious pairs first + - Save complex central connections for last + +3. **Use Color Coding** + - Green source nodes often start chains + - Orange target nodes often end chains + - Blue nodes are usually connectors in the middle + +### 🌟 Performance Tips + +1. **Time Management** + - Don't rush - mistakes waste more time than careful planning + - If stuck, take a deep breath and look for simpler connections + - Remember: you get bonus points for leftover time + +2. **Pattern Recognition** + - Look for symmetrical patterns + - Identify chain sequences (A→B→C→D) + - Notice hub nodes that connect to many others + +3. **Accuracy Over Speed** + - It's better to be accurate than fast + - One careful connection is worth three hasty mistakes + - Build confidence with correct connections + +### 📱 Mobile-Specific Tips + +- **Larger Touch Targets:** Use the tip of your finger, not the side +- **Steady Movements:** Smooth drags work better than jerky motions +- **Landscape Mode:** Try rotating your device for easier reaching +- **Zoom if Needed:** Use pinch gestures if nodes are too small + +## Troubleshooting + +### Common Issues and Solutions + +#### "I can't make connections" +**Try this:** +1. Make sure you're starting the drag on a node (colored circle) +2. Drag all the way to the target node before releasing +3. Check that you're not trying to connect a node to itself +4. Ensure you're not creating a duplicate connection + +#### "The game is running slowly" +**Solutions:** +- Close other browser tabs to free up memory +- Try refreshing the page (F5 or Ctrl+R) +- Close unnecessary programs on your device +- Make sure your device isn't overheating + +#### "Touch controls aren't working on mobile" +**Check these:** +- Try using just one finger +- Make sure your screen is clean +- Restart the browser app +- Try in landscape mode +- Ensure you're touching directly on the nodes + +#### "I can't see the dotted pattern clearly" +**Possible fixes:** +- Adjust your screen brightness +- Try a different viewing angle +- Look for very faint white dotted lines +- The pattern might be simple - check for direct node-to-node connections + +## Frequently Asked Questions + +### Gameplay Questions + +**Q: How do I know which nodes to connect?** +A: Look for the faint dotted white lines connecting nodes - these show you exactly which connections to make. Your job is to recreate these dotted lines with solid, glowing connections. + +**Q: Can I undo a connection?** +A: Currently, you cannot undo individual connections. If you make a mistake, you'll need to complete the level or let the timer run out to start over. + +**Q: What happens when I complete a level?** +A: You'll see a "Neural Network Complete!" message, your score will increase, and you'll automatically advance to the next level with a new pattern to solve. + +**Q: Is there a maximum level?** +A: The game generates increasingly complex levels automatically, so there's always a new challenge waiting! + +### Technical Questions + +**Q: What devices does Neural Nexus work on?** +A: Neural Nexus works on: +- Desktop computers (Windows, Mac, Linux) +- Smartphones (iPhone, Android) +- Tablets (iPad, Android tablets) +- Any device with a modern web browser + +**Q: Do I need to download anything?** +A: No! Neural Nexus runs entirely in your web browser. No downloads, installations, or accounts required. + +**Q: Does the game save my progress?** +A: Your current session progress is maintained while playing, but progress doesn't persist between browser sessions yet. We're working on adding save functionality! + +**Q: Can I play offline?** +A: You need an internet connection to load the game initially, but once loaded, it should work without internet for your current session. + +### Performance Questions + +**Q: Why is the game running slowly?** +A: Neural Nexus is optimized for performance, but if you experience slowdown: +- Close other browser tabs +- Make sure your device has sufficient battery +- Try using a different browser +- Restart your browser if the issue persists + +**Q: The connections don't seem responsive** +A: This usually indicates: +- Your device may be running low on memory +- Try refreshing the page +- On mobile, ensure you're touching directly on the nodes +- Check that no other apps are using significant resources + +--- + +## Quick Reference Card + +Print this section and keep it handy! + +### Essential Controls +- **Connect Nodes:** Click/tap and drag between nodes +- **View Pattern:** Look for dotted white lines +- **Restart:** Refresh page or wait for timer to end + +### Winning Strategy +1. Study the dotted pattern first +2. Plan your connection sequence +3. Start with obvious connections +4. Work systematically, don't rush +5. Complete pattern before time runs out + +### When You're Stuck +- Take a deep breath and study the pattern again +- Look for isolated nodes that only connect to one other +- Start with the simplest connections first +- Remember: the dotted lines show you exactly what to do + +--- + +**Remember:** Neural Nexus is designed to be challenging but fair. Every puzzle has a solution, and with practice, you'll develop the pattern recognition skills to solve even the most complex networks! + +**Have fun connecting!** 🧠✨ + +**Last Updated:** June 2025 +**Version:** 1.0 \ No newline at end of file