🎮 Introduction
As a child, few games captured imagination like Prince of Persia. From precise jumps to daring sword fights and timed traps, it wasn’t just a game—it was an adventure. Today, we’ll walk through building a simple 2D platformer inspired by Prince of Persia using Python, Pygame, and Amazon Q CLI, all developed natively on Linux.
But this isn't just about writing code. It’s about turning nostalgia into a working project using AI-assisted development.
🧒 A Personal Note: Where It All Began
When I was a kid, I used to watch my mother play games on her Nokia 310. The game “Snake” fascinated me.
How did it move? How did it know when to turn or end?
Back then, I didn’t have the answers. But today, I do—thanks to tools like Amazon Q CLI, which lets me build games by simply describing what I want to create.
Now, I’ve taken it a step further and started building my own version of Prince of Persia, with all the fun and challenge of the classic.
⚙️ Development Environment Setup (Linux)
✅ Tools Required
- Amazon Q CLI – AI code generation tool from AWS
- Python 3.8+ – Core programming language
- Pygame – Game development library for Python
- Linux OS – Ubuntu/Debian-based preferred
📦 Step-by-Step Setup on Linux
1. Install System Dependencies
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y python3 python3-pip python3-venv git
2. Install Pygame
pip3 install pygame
🤖 Install Amazon Q CLI on Linux
Download and install the .deb package:
wget https://desktop-release.q.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/latest/amazon-q.deb
sudo dpkg -i amazon-q.deb
sudo apt-get install -f
Verify installation and start:
q --version
q chat
🧠 Prompt-Driven Game Creation Using Amazon Q
With Amazon Q CLI, you don't need to write everything manually. You can describe your idea and let the tool generate functional code.
🧱 Step-by-Step Game Prompts
1. 🧍 Character Movement & Gravity
Prompt:
Create a Pygame-based platformer with a main character that can run left/right, jump with gravity, and collide with platforms.
Result:
- Player movement with physics
- Platform collision detection
- Gravity and jumping
2. 🏰 Level Design
Prompt:
Add basic level design with platforms at varying heights and a floor. Include a simple background.
Result:
- Static level with platforms
- Decorative background
- Expandable layout for more levels
3. ⚔️ Traps & Obstacles
Prompt:
Add spike traps that reset the player's position if touched.
Result:
- Hazard detection logic
- Player reset or health mechanic
4. 🎯 Goal or Exit Door
Prompt:
Add a door at the end of the level. When the player reaches it, show “You Win” and end the game.
Result:
- Goal object
- Victory screen
5. 🎵 Sound and Polish
Prompt:
Add background music and jumping sound effects.
Result:
- Integrated audio playback
- Enhanced game feel
🧩 Feature Summary
| Feature | Implemented via Amazon Q |
|---|---|
| Player controls | ✅ |
| Platform collisions | ✅ |
| Traps and obstacles | ✅ |
| Win condition | ✅ |
| Audio & UI | ✅ |
👑 Why This Project Matters
This wasn’t just about building a game. It was about realizing a dream from childhood—understanding and building what once felt like magic.
With Amazon Q CLI, I could rapidly turn my thoughts into code, iterate on ideas, and focus on creativity instead of boilerplate.
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