1. Sorting Balloons

2. Developers

   1. Benjamin Zlatin (bzlatin@udel.edu)
   2. Maliq Adewale (maliqade@udel.edu)
   3. Nazmul Hossain (nazmul@udel.edu)

3. Game Description

   1. Sorting Balloons is a fun, interactive game that teaches players how sorting algorithms work—without feeling like a lesson. Instead of reading textbook definitions, players sort colorful balloons using real techniques like Bubble Sort, Merge Sort, and QuickSort. Through quick challenges and playful mechanics, they experience each algorithm’s strengths and quirks firsthand. The game blends strategy and speed, helping players develop a natural understanding of computer science concepts in a way that’s intuitive and engaging. Whether you're a student or just curious about how computers think, Sorting Balloons makes learning algorithms actually enjoyable.

4. Basic Instructions

   1. To play Sorting Balloons, your goal is to sort all the balloons from smallest to largest. In most levels—like Bubble Sort, Insertion Sort, and Selection Sort—you’ll use the left and right arrow keys to interact. Press the left arrow to swap the balloons if the one on the left is bigger, or the right arrow to skip if they’re in the correct order. For the Merge Sort level, press the arrow key that points to the smaller of the two highlighted balloons, or to the side that still has unmerged balloons left. Be careful—making a mistake costs you a life!

5. Screenshot

   1. 📸 Screenshots

Main Menu

Clean and accessible starting screen where players begin their sorting journey.

Level Selection - Bubble Sort

Players choose from various sorting algorithms like Bubble Sort, Insertion Sort, and Merge Sort.

In-Game - Bubble Sort

Compare adjacent balloons and swap them in the correct order to progress through the level.

In-Game - Merge Sort

Use arrow keys to pick the smaller balloon during the merge process and complete the sort.

6. 🎬 Gameplay Video

   1. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FKrcZOH9yhztx-WGI52t-sx2RZ5RecjX/view?usp=sharing

7. Education Game Design Document

   1. View the Game Design Document (EGDD)

8. Credits and Acknowledgements

   1. ChatGPT (used for images & certain code aspects)
   2. Bloons Tower Defense (used as inspiration for aesthetic purposes)
   3. Background music made by Ben Zlatin

9. Links

   1. https://bzlatin.github.io/Sorting-Balloons/
   2. https://www.canva.com/design/DAGoF623MkM/Qu1E7t548UincPnfS6LElQ/view?utm_content=DAGoF623MkM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hcd783551b6#1