Catlitaire is my experimental foray into building a casual 2D puzzle game entirely in SwiftUI - an unconventional choice, to say the least. I initially thought that for a simple solitaire‑style card game, SwiftUI might be perfectly adequate. In practice, it turned out to be equal parts fascinating and absurd.
The framework’s declarative nature works beautifully for static layouts, but once I began tackling animation, state synchronisation, and drag‑and‑drop gestures, it quickly showed its limits.
Native drag handling in SwiftUI simply isn’t fit for purpose in a game context, so I redesigned the interaction model entirely around tap‑to‑move mechanics. It was a compromise, but a surprisingly satisfying one - and a good reminder that sometimes the most valuable part of an experiment isn’t the outcome, but what you learn while wrestling with the framework.
About the game
Embark on a uniquely playful Solitaire journey where every move is accompanied by a charming feline twist! Meet Heisenberg the Cat - Your Solitaire Companion: Say hello to Heisenberg, the delightful cat who adds a touch of whimsy to your Solitaire games. As you progress, Heisenberg might offer a helpful hint or, in his playful nature, decide to swipe a card, making each game session both fun and challenging.
Version History
1.0.0
- Interactive Feline Fun: Tap on Heisenberg to receive hints that can help you conquer tricky moves or experience his playful heists by stealing a card.
- Joyful Meows: Celebrate each successful move as Heisenberg meows in delight when you place a card into the foundation.
- Dynamic Gameplay: Enjoy a unique blend of assistance and surprise challenges, keeping your Solitaire sessions fresh and engaging.
- Stolen Cards Returned: Any cards Heisenberg steals are returned to the waste pile once it’s depleted, giving you another chance to strategise.
- Adorable Animations: Watch Heisenberg come to life with charming animations that enhance your Solitaire experience.
- Relaxing Themes: Immerse yourself in soothing backgrounds and elegant card designs, perfect for unwinding after a long day.
