Of course, modern video games are impressive, but of course you don’t need a 4K monitor or high-speed internet connection to have fun.For a perfect example, take a look This unique one-dimensional racing game is created by [mircemk]. This variant [Gerardo Barbarov Rostan]The Open LED Race project has been scaled down so it can be easily transported, but at least for now, you still need to plug it into an external power source.
The game is very simple. By quickly pressing the respective buttons, players can drive their virtual vehicles on a linear “track” composed of 60 WS2812 RGB LEDs. In the most basic terms, the faster they press the button, the faster the red or green LED that represents their car will move.
But in practice, things become more interesting by adding simulated gravity to the “hills” that racers will encounter. The car also has a bit of inertia and will coast even if you don’t press the button. There is even an optional engine sound, although like the visual performance of a car, a certain degree of imagination is required to achieve the desired effect.
The hardware requirements of the game are extremely low, and it can be easily adapted to the hardware in the parts box. In addition to the WS2812 LED strip, all you really need is a microcontroller and two buttons.here [mircemk] Arduino Nano is being used, but you can put almost any MCU into use. To make this version as portable as possible, the buttons are directly built into the PVC board shell, but putting them in some wired remote controls will make the game more comfortable.
Over the years, we have introduced several projects aimed at turning humble RGB LED strings into interactive video games. As long as you have an open heart, you will find a whole world hidden under some flickering lights.