Uncle Chuck has always wanted to know how to determine the shortest path between two squares on a grid with obstacles on some of the grid squares. After considerable thought, much trial and error, and burning the midnight oil, Uncle Chuck finally figured out a shortest path algorithm. Most likely, he reinvented the wheel, so to speak, but he did figure it out all by himself --- a feat that greatly pleased Uncle Chuck.
Having his very own shortest path algorithm, Uncle Chuck wanted to test it thoroughly and to demonstrate it to his wife, his children, his friends, neighbors, and maybe the mail carrier. To do so, Uncle Chuck needed to code a graphics program that would test and demonstrate his algorithm. But why start coding from scratch?
Why not recycle his Sokoban java applet code?
Why not indeed... so, Uncle Chuck decided to merge his shortest path algorithm with his Sokoban java applet code to produce a test and demonstration program.
Then another idea popped into Uncle Chuck's head: Why not make this test and demonstration program a cat and mouse chase game?
Sounded to Uncle Chuck like a great idea. (Note: All of Uncle Chuck's ideas initially sound great to him.)
And it was done --- with haste and care --- as envisioned. The end product (initially version 1.1) was Uncle Chuck's CAT-N-MOUSE Chase, a java applet, published April 2003 via the World Wide Web. Version 1.2, more mature and with 333 chase areas, replaced Version 1.1 in June 2003.
How to play version 1: Click on the game's HELP button to display instructions.
A special feature of the applet is handicapping the CAT. You, the player, can handicap Uncle Chuck's CAT to closely match your ability to maneuver the MOUSE (the gray ball). The CAT's mousing ability is based on its speed (moves per second) and its smartness. For a given chase, the player may assign to the CAT one of the following nine mousing abilities (from "GOOD -" to "BEST +") :
If you can operate the MOUSE to out maneuver the "BEST +" CAT, Uncle Chuck would like to shake your hand!
Uncle Chuck's long-time handball buddy (Jim L.) suggested several additional features to version 1, which lead to version 2.
Version 2.0 of Uncle Chuck's CAT-N-MOUSE Chase was released on January 6, 2004. It is more game-like in that it is a game of nine levels and the play is scored. Each level is somewhat more difficult than the previous level due to an automatic increase in the CAT's speed and/or its mousing ability. In each chase area the CAT eventually catches the MOUSE. The more the CAT has to move to catch the MOUSE, the higher your score. The chase area for each level is randomly chosen by the computer; there are 271 chase areas.
How to play version 2: Click on the game's HELP button to display instructions.
Uncle Chuck hopes that you like his two versions of CAT-N-MOUSE Chase. Version 1 and version 2 are freeware applets released by Uncle Chuck. Letting the CAT chase you could be that entertaining break you need from all your worries and responsibilities. It works for Uncle Chuck!
Your comments, suggestions, and questions are appreciated.