MazeMaker 1.0!

Instructions

• About the program: MazeMaker 1.0 is a Java applet I've written which creates random Mazes and allows you to try to solve them. If you've ever wondered what is was like for Sarah in the movie Labyrinth, this will help you find out! :-)
• Starting the applet: First, you need to be running a browser that supports Java programs, such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. If you don't have such a browser, you won't see anything between the horizontal lines above.
• Using the keyboard: You can use the keyboard in addition to clicking in the applet's rectangle to do things. Note that with some browsers you may need to click on the applet at least once (to give it focus) before any key presses will register.
• Creating mazes: If the applet loaded, you should see a random Maze above. To have the computer create a new Maze, just mouse click on the applet, or press [enter]. You start at the top, and want to work your way to the bottom.
• Changing the size: The default Maze is 16x16 passages. To make a harder Maze with one additional row and column, press the '.' key. To make an easier Maze with one fewer, press the ',' key. To make a much harder Maze five rows and columns larger, press the '>' key. To make a much easier Maze five smaller, press the '<' key. MazeMaker can create Mazes from 1x1 to 79x79 passages.
• Entering 3D mode: Press [space] to see a first person 3D perspective view from inside the Maze. If you press [space] again, you'll toggle back to the above Maze map view, where a red dot will be drawn at your current location. Note you have to enter 3D mode once in a new Maze before the above Maze view will show your position.
• Moving in 3D mode: Press '8' to move forward. Press '4' to rotate left 90 degrees in place, and press '6' to rotate right 90 degrees. Press '2' (or '5') to back up. You probably want to use the numeric keypad. You can also move and rotate using the mouse in this mode. Click on the applet, and if you clicked closest to the top edge you'll move forward, the left and right edges you'll rotate, and the bottom edge you'll back up.
• Moving in map mode: When you're looking at the dot indicating your position in the above Maze view, press '8' to move up, '4' to move left, '6' to move right, and '2' (or '5') to move down. Clicking the mouse on the applet will move you in the direction toward the edge you clicked closest to.
• If you get totally lost: Press [delete] to teleport yourself back to the start of the Maze. Remember the program displays on the screen the direction you're facing in 3D mode, where north means up. You'll know when you've found the exit (or come back to the entrance) because the program will say so and you'll see a black opening before you. Enjoy!

Links

• MazeMaker source code: This program was written using Microsoft Visual J++ version 1.0.
• MazeMaker in JavaScript: Maze creation implemented in JavaScript, where you can create Mazes and solve them manually or have the computer display the solution for you.
• ExcelMaze: Maze creation implemented in Excel macros, where you can view and solve Mazes from above or from a first person 3D perspective view.
• Daedalus: MazeMaker is basically a simplified online version of some of the features in Daedalus, a much more extensive Maze creation and solving program.

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