cmd-spaceship

cmd-spaceship is a retro-inspired command-line multiplayer shooter built with modern C++ and Winsock2.
Originally based on a parallel processing coursework project (2015, Multimedia University), it has since been rewritten from scratch with contemporary coding practices and improved networking support, such as pooling implementation.

✨ Features

• Modern C++ Rewrite : Clean, maintainable codebase using RAII and STL instead of raw pthreads.
• Client–Server Architecture : Powered by Winsock2 with separate server and client builds.
• Cross-Platform Heritage : The original Linux pthreads version has been ported and modernized for Windows.
• LiteWeight : Runs directly in the command prompt for a nostalgic ASCII-game experience.
• Mini Game Loop : Contains win-lose and scoring, and game is resettable.

Project Structure

cmd-spaceship/
├── CMakeLists.txt         # CMake build configuration
├── generate.bat           # Generate solution
├── README.md              # This file
├── src/                   # Source code
└── generated-vs/          # Generated Visual Studio solution

Project Setup

Step 1: Generate Solution

Execute the generator script. This will install dependencies and generate the Visual Studio solution:

/generate.bat

The solution will be generated in

/generated-vs/

Step 2: Build Solutions

Open the generated solution located at:

/generated-vs/cmd-spaceship.sln

⚠️ Ensure the start-up project is cmd-spaceship-client or cmd-spaceship-server during build or debug.

Step 3: Runs Executables

1. Start the server executable.
2. Run client executables to connect and play.

⚠️ If you launching from Visual Studio, kindly detach, reselect start up project, and relaunch.

Running Project

Game Controls

• A / D → Move left / right
• W → Shoot
• R → Restart after a spaceship is destroyed

📚 References

• Winsock2 Server Example
• Winsock2 Client Example