HueDash: From Family Board Game to Browser-Based Fun

How a physical game of colored cones and frantic races with my son inspired my latest web game.

The Analog Inspiration

Some of the best ideas for digital games come from the physical world. For me, the inspiration for HueDash came directly from my family's game shelf. My son and I often play a wonderful little board game called "Color Race." The concept is simple and brilliant: you have a set of colored cones, a 3x3 plastic board, and a deck of cards, each showing a unique color pattern. We flip a card and then race each other to see who can replicate the pattern on their board first. It is pure, chaotic, and incredibly fun.

During one of our spirited races, the developer in me started thinking. This experience, this mix of pattern recognition and speed, was perfect for a digital adaptation. I wanted to create an online version for others to enjoy, but the idea was also deeply personal. I imagined a future where my son might be grown and living far away, and we could still connect over the internet and play a game that meant so much to our family. That personal motivation was the real catalyst to start building.

Building the Digital Board

The first goal was to get a functional, single-player version out into the world. I knew that trying to implement complex multiplayer support from day one would be a classic solo-dev trap. Following the philosophy of "done is better than perfect," I focused on faithfully recreating the core experience of the board game in the browser. I built the 3x3 grid, the color palette, and the system for generating random patterns.

But simply creating a replica was not enough. The beauty of digital games is the ability to add new layers and challenges that would be impossible in the physical world. This is where I started to add my own personal twists, transforming the game from a simple copy into something uniquely its own.

Adding a LazyDevLabs Twist

I wanted to offer different ways to play, catering to different skills. This led to the creation of the game's core modes:

Normal Mode: This is the most faithful adaptation of the board game. You see the pattern, you replicate it as fast as you can. It is a pure test of speed and accuracy.
Memory Mode: This mode adds a cognitive challenge. The pattern is shown for only a few seconds before it disappears. You have to hold the pattern in your memory as you replicate it. To make it more engaging, I added a risk-reward mechanic. You can choose to "peek" at the pattern again, but doing so results in a time deduction from your final score. It creates a fun tension between memory and speed.
Hard Mode: This was designed for maximum replayability. In this mode, the sequence of colors you need to tap is randomized for every single game. You cannot rely on muscle memory. You have to actively read the new sequence each round, making it a true test of focus and adaptability.

Each of these modes offers a unique challenge, and they represent the kind of personal twists I love adding to the games I create. It was important to me to get this first version out so people could start playing and providing feedback.

A Game with a Future

Getting the first version of HueDash live was an important milestone. The dream of adding multiplayer support is still very much alive, a future goal that keeps me motivated so that one day, my son and I can play it together no matter where we are.

For now, I am thrilled to share this digital version of a family favorite with all of you. It is a game born from a love of simple, engaging fun, and I hope it brings a little bit of that same joy to your day.

Ready to test your speed and memory? You can play the latest version of HueDash right here!

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