Eco Truck Tutorial

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a Recycling Truck

Game in Scratch

Introduction

In this game, players control a truck to collect bananas (or recyclable items) falling from the sky.

The player earns points by collecting items, while missing items or hitting obstacles may result

in penalties. This fun game also teaches kids the importance of recycling!

Step 1: Plan Your Game

Before starting, outline the main components:

1. Objective: Control the truck to collect bananas (or items) and earn points within a time

limit.

2. Key Features:

○ Moving truck controlled by arrow keys.

○ Falling bananas or items.

○ Score counter.

○ A timer for gameplay duration.

○ End screen with a final score and motivational recycling message.

3. Sprites and Backdrops:

○ Sprites: Truck, bananas, bonus items, hazards.

○ Backdrop: A road or cityscape.

Step 2: Set Up the Game

1. Create the Stage and Backdrops

● Go to the Backdrops tab.

● Create a background for the game, such as a road or recycling area.

● Add a Game Over backdrop to display the final score and message.

2. Add Sprites

● Truck:

○ Upload or draw a truck sprite.

○ Adjust its size to fit the road.

● Bananas/Items:

○ Add a banana sprite for the collectible items.

○ Duplicate it for bonus items (like golden bananas) or hazards (like trash).

● Start Button:

○ Create a "Start Game" button to initiate gameplay.

Step 3: Code the Truck

Movement

Make the truck move up and down with arrow keys:

when green flag clicked

go to x: (start x position) y: (start y position)

forever

if <key [up arrow] pressed?> then

change y by (5)

end

if <key [down arrow] pressed?> then

change y by (-5)

end

end

Step 4: Code the Falling Bananas

1. Create Bananas as Clones

● Add code for bananas to fall from random positions and be deleted when collected or

missed:

when green flag clicked

hide

forever

wait (pick random 1 to 2) seconds

create clone of [myself v]

end

when I start as a clone

show

go to x: (pick random -240 to 240) y: (180)

repeat until <y position < -180>

change y by (-5) // Falling speed

wait (0.05) seconds

end

delete this clone

2. Collect Bananas

● Detect when the truck touches a banana:

scratch

CopyEdit

when I start as a clone

forever

if <touching [Truck v]?> then

change [score v] by (1)

play sound [Collect v]

delete this clone

end

end

Step 5: Add Scoring and Timer

Score Counter

● Create a variable called score and update it when bananas are collected:

scratch

CopyEdit

when green flag clicked

set [score v] to (0)

Timer

● Add a timer to limit gameplay:

scratch

CopyEdit

when green flag clicked

set [time v] to (60) // Time limit

repeat until <(time) = (0)>

wait (1) second

change [time v] by (-1)

end

broadcast [ENDGAME]

Step 6: Add Endgame Logic

When the timer runs out, show the final score and switch to the Game Over screen:

scratch

CopyEdit

when I receive [ENDGAME]

switch backdrop to [Game Over]

say [Your score: (score)] for (3) seconds

stop [all v]

Step 7: Add Bonus Items and Hazards

● Bonus Items:

○ Add golden bananas worth extra points.

scratch

CopyEdit

if <touching [Truck v]?> then

change [score v] by (5) // Bonus points

play sound [Bonus v]

delete this clone

end

● Hazards:

○ Add items like trash that subtract points or end the game:

scratch

CopyEdit

if <touching [Truck v]?> then

change [score v] by (-1)

play sound [Penalty v]

delete this clone

end

Step 8: Add Sounds and Effects

● Add background music:

scratch

CopyEdit

when green flag clicked

play sound [BackgroundMusic v] until done

● Add effects for bananas and the truck:

scratch

CopyEdit

change [ghost v] effect by (10) // Fading effect

Step 9: Create a Start Screen

● Add a "Start Game" button:

scratch

CopyEdit

when this sprite clicked

broadcast [STARTGAME]

● Add code to hide the button and start the game:

scratch

CopyEdit

when I receive [STARTGAME]

hide

broadcast [STARTGAME]

Step 10: Publish and Share

1. Test the game thoroughly to ensure all features work smoothly.

2. Add instructions for players:

○ Use the Notes and Credits section to explain controls and the objective.

3. Publish the game on Scratch by clicking Share.

4. Add a catchy title and thumbnail for your project.

Optional Features to Enhance the Game

1. Levels:

○ Increase difficulty by spawning bananas faster or adding more hazards.

2. Achievements:

○ Display milestones like "10 Bananas Collected!".

3. Educational Messages:

○ Flash recycling tips or fun facts between levels.

Conclusion

This step-by-step guide takes you through planning, building, and refining a fun and educational

game in Scratch. By following these steps, you’ll have a polished recycling-themed truck game

that’s perfect for sharing with friends, family, or the Scratch community.