Collision Detector is a Python-based utility designed to test and visualize a pixel-perfect collision detection system in a retro-style debug environment.
Originally built as a learning tool for comprehensive gamepad input management, this prototype lets users interact with dynamic tetromino-shaped objects in a minimalist 2D sandbox to fine-tune collision accuracy and control logic.
Built with Python and Pygame, the tool combines shape rendering, joystick input, delta time smoothing and real-time overlays. It operates across five distinct speed modes—normal, slow, fast, pixel-per-pixel and block-per-block. Each mode introduces its own quirks and behavior, requiring specific logic adjustments and careful implementation to ensure accurate collisions and stable motion.
The user controls falling or moving tetrominoes using a game controller. These geometric shapes collide with a static obstacle in a pixel-perfect environment, allowing users to inspect collision boundaries visually (the obstacle turns orange when collision occurs) or to monitor player and obstacle x and y coordinates.
The system also handles:
- 5 different speeds: normal, slow, fast, pixel-per-pixel, block-per-block
- rotation and movement logic
- consistent physics via delta time smoothing
Designed as a visual debugging tool, the prototype isolates edge cases and micro-collisions in fast-paced environments like arcade gameplay, platformers or puzzles.
- Python – core logic and control flow
- Pygame – video game library for Python
- VS Code – development environment
- Pixel-perfect collision detection system with live visual feedback
- Tetromino shapes with dynamic movement and rotation
- Comprehensive gamepad input management with single-frame detection
- Handles five speed modes: normal, slow, fast, pixel-per-pixel, block-per-block
- Real-time overlays: hitboxes, outlines and collisions
- Delta time smoothing for stable and precise motion
- Modular codebase ready for extension and experimentation
Application, screenshots and demo video are all original works and protected.
See LICENSE for details regarding code and media usage rights.