MIT Scratch Project Instructions
Maze Escape Game

Project Requirements

Sprites Needed

Variables Needed

0 = Player does not have the key
1 = Player has the key

Step 1: Create the Maze Background

Create a maze using one of the following options:

• The Scratch backdrop editor
• A maze wall sprite
• A custom maze image

Use one solid wall color so collision detection is easier.

Walls = black
Path = white
Exit = green
Door = brown

Step 2: Program Player Movement

Select the Player sprite and add this starter code:

when green flag clicked
go to x: -200 y: 150
set hasKey to 0
set level to 1

Create movement using the arrow keys:

when green flag clicked
forever
    if key right arrow pressed
        change x by 3
        if touching color black
            change x by -3
        end
    end

    if key left arrow pressed
        change x by -3
        if touching color black
            change x by 3
        end
    end

    if key up arrow pressed
        change y by 3
        if touching color black
            change y by -3
        end
    end

    if key down arrow pressed
        change y by -3
        if touching color black
            change y by 3
        end
    end
end

How the Movement Works

The player moves first. Then Scratch checks if the player is touching a wall. If the player touches a wall, the movement is undone.

change x by 3
if touching wall
    change x by -3

Step 3: Add Wall Collision Detection

Use a wall color that is easy to detect. For example, if your maze walls are black, use the Scratch block:

if touching color black

Step 4: Create the Countdown Timer

Create a variable called timer.

Add this code to the Stage:

when green flag clicked
set timer to 60
forever
    wait 1 seconds
    change timer by -1
    if timer = 0
        broadcast Game Over
    end
end

Game Over Code

Add this code to the Stage:

when I receive Game Over
say Game Over! for 2 seconds
stop all

You may also create a Game Over backdrop and switch to it.

Step 5: Add the Key

Select the Key sprite. Place it somewhere inside the maze.

when green flag clicked
show
go to x: 100 y: 80

When the player touches the key:

when green flag clicked
forever
    if touching Player
        set hasKey to 1
        hide
    end
end

The key disappears when collected. The variable hasKey changes from 0 to 1.

Step 6: Add the Locked Door

Select the Door sprite. Place it in front of the exit or in a hallway.

when green flag clicked
show
go to x: 180 y: -100

Door behavior:

when green flag clicked
forever
    if touching Player
        if hasKey = 1
            hide
        else
            say You need the key! for 1 seconds
        end
    end
end

If the player has the key, the door opens. If the player does not have the key, the door stays locked.

Step 7: Add Enemy Patrols

Create an Enemy sprite and place the enemy inside the maze.

Example enemy movement:

when green flag clicked
go to x: -50 y: 50
forever
    glide 2 seconds to x: 50 y: 50
    glide 2 seconds to x: -50 y: 50
end

This creates a simple side-to-side patrol.

Enemy Touching Player

Add this code to the Enemy sprite:

when green flag clicked
forever
    if touching Player
        broadcast Game Over
    end
end

Step 8: Create the Exit

Create an Exit sprite or use a green area on the maze.

when green flag clicked
show
go to x: 220 y: -150

Win condition:

when green flag clicked
forever
    if touching Player
        if hasKey = 1
            broadcast Next Level
        else
            say Find the key first! for 1 seconds
        end
    end
end

Step 9: Add Multiple Levels

Create at least two maze backdrops:

Level 1
Level 2
Win Screen
Game Over Screen

On the Stage:

when green flag clicked
set level to 1
switch backdrop to Level 1

When the player reaches the exit:

when I receive Next Level
change level by 1

if level = 2
    switch backdrop to Level 2
    set hasKey to 0
    set timer to 60
    broadcast Reset Level
else
    switch backdrop to Win Screen
    say You Win! for 2 seconds
    stop all
end

Step 10: Reset Sprites for Each Level

Player Reset

when I receive Reset Level
go to x: -200 y: 150

Key Reset

when I receive Reset Level
show
go to x: 100 y: 80

Door Reset

when I receive Reset Level
show
go to x: 180 y: -100

Enemy Reset

when I receive Reset Level
go to x: -50 y: 50

For Level 2, you may choose different positions.

when I receive Reset Level
if level = 1
    go to x: -50 y: 50
end

if level = 2
    go to x: 80 y: -40
end

Step 11: Add Win and Lose Conditions

Lose Conditions

The player loses if:

1. The timer reaches zero.
2. The player touches an enemy.

broadcast Game Over

Win Condition

The player wins if:

1. The player collects the key.
2. The player unlocks the door.
3. The player reaches the exit.
4. The player completes all levels.

broadcast You Win

Example:

when I receive You Win
switch backdrop to Win Screen
say You escaped the maze! for 2 seconds
stop all

Required Student Checklist

• ☐ A maze with walls
• ☐ A player controlled by arrow keys
• ☐ Wall collision detection
• ☐ A countdown timer
• ☐ A key that can be collected
• ☐ A locked door
• ☐ A door that opens only after the key is collected
• ☐ At least one enemy patrol
• ☐ A lose condition when touching an enemy
• ☐ A lose condition when the timer reaches zero
• ☐ A win condition
• ☐ At least two levels
• ☐ A Game Over screen or message
• ☐ A You Win screen or message

Optional Extra Challenges

1. Add background music.
2. Add sound effects for collecting the key.
3. Add a sound effect when hitting an enemy.
4. Add more enemies.
5. Add more levels.
6. Add different keys for different doors.
7. Add a lives system.
8. Add a high score system.
9. Add moving walls.
10. Add a secret shortcut.

Grading Rubric

Submission Requirements

Submit the following:

1. Scratch project link or .sb3 file
2. Screenshot of your game
3. Short explanation of how your game works
4. Video demonstration showing:
   • Player movement
   • Wall collision
   • Key collection
   • Door opening
   • Enemy patrol
   • Timer
   • Win or lose condition