Concept
Space Explorer is a multi-phase space exploration game in which the player must travel to three increasingly distant planets to save a dying colony. Each planet requires preparation, launch, flight, landing, and a unique surface mission — creating a complete gameplay loop across all three levels.

Game Phases
1. Title Screen
Animated starfield background, story introduction, and mission briefing displayed on launch.

2. Preparation / Hangar
The player manages two systems before each launch. First, permanent upgrades (Shield, Engine, Weapon) can be purchased with crystals earned during missions. Second, a supply distribution system lets the player allocate a limited budget of supply points between Fuel, Shields, and Ammunition — choices that directly affect the next mission. The player cannot launch until all supply points are distributed.

3. Launch Sequence
A manual ignition sequence requiring the player to activate the left engine (Key 1), right engine (Key 2), and main thruster (Key 3) in order, followed by liftoff (Enter). A checklist tracks progress and particle effects visualise each engine firing.

4. Flight Phase
The spaceship flies through an asteroid field. The player steers left and right to avoid three sizes of rotating asteroids. A distance bar shows progress toward the planet. Flight duration increases with each level (8s / 14s / 20s).

5. Landing Phase
A physics-based mini-game: the rocket falls under gravity and the player must rotate it with A/D and fire thrusters with Space to land safely on a small pad. Landing speed must be below 2.5 — too fast means a crash. The spawn position is random, making each attempt different.

6. Mission Phase (Top-Down)
Each planet has a unique objective:

Level 1 — Desert Planet: Collect 5 energy crystals scattered across the map, then reach the glowing evacuation point
Level 2 — Ice Planet: Navigate to 3 frozen stations and press E to reactivate them while defending against Ice Crawlers
Level 3 — Moon: Defeat the Kern-Wächter boss, which has 3 increasingly aggressive attack phases

7. Victory / Level Complete Screens

After each mission a summary screen shows points and crystals earned. After Level 3, a final victory screen with a fireworks particle animation is displayed.

Key Features

7 distinct game states forming a complete narrative loop
3 fully unique planets with different visuals, enemies, and objectives
Physics-based landing with rotation, thrust, and gravity simulation
Manual launch sequence as an interactive checklist
Supply management system with limited budget allocation per level
Permanent upgrade system (3 upgrades × 3 levels each)
Boss enemy with 3 phases and escalating attack patterns
Animated particle system used for stars, engine exhaust, explosions, and fireworks
Pulsing energy core sprite that changes colour based on remaining health
Mission intro text displayed for the first 3 seconds of each level
Proximity-triggered UI hints ("NIMM MICH", "[E] AKTIVIEREN")
Full sound set with 10 sounds covering all game events
Screen flash effects for damage, overheat, and boss phase transitions