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Battle Drones - a vibe coded RTS with audio-based multiplayer

This is a vibe-coded Command & Conquer style Real Time Strategy game called Battle Drones. The game can be played on mobile and desktop browsers and supports multiplayer between devices with microphones in range of each other. The game features multiple play modes, several maps (including a random map generator) and has been through numerous iterations to improve gameplay.

The game was initially created to recapture the magic of the 1995 Commander & Conquer game and has evolved significantly over multiple versions. The game includes features such as varied terrain, new unit types, building mechanics, adaptive music, unit voices, and an announcer. The game also includes new modes such as Last Stand survival waves and an 8-mission Ops campaign.

The game's progression includes heroes, an after-action report with awards, a career, 7 mutators, and a Daily Op.

Written by urgent.news from Simon Willison's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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How I built this

  • Battle Drones is a Command & Conquer style RTS game with flying and ground-based drones.
  • Claude AI instructed to make game a lot more fun, resulting in significant improvements.
  • Latest version (v7) features 3D models, new visual polish, and additional infantry units.

v1: the initial prototype

  • Battle Drones RTS game initially built in TypeScript with mobile gameplay.
  • Claude's feedback led to significant improvements in second version.
  • Final v7 version features robot infantry and Condor troop aircraft.

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