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Gameplay Guide

The Interface

Backcast uses a modified version of the Marimo notebook interface. If you've used Jupyter or Python notebooks before, you'll feel right at home. If not, don't panic—it's just text and code.

The Cell

The game is divided into "Cells". - Markdown Cells: contain instructions, story elements, and hints. - Code Cells: contain the Python code that controls your drones.

To execute a cell, press Shift + Enter.

Drone Control API

Your primary tool is the Drone class. You will instantiate this in every level.

from backcast.drone import Drone

# Initialize the drone swarm
swarm = Drone()

# Basic movement
swarm.move_forward(steps=1)
swarm.turn_left()

Sensors

Drones can scan their surroundings to detect walls, resources, or enemies.

if swarm.scan("forward") == "WALL":
    swarm.turn_right()

The "Glitch"

The world of Backcast is unstable. You will encounter "Glitches"—areas where reality is corrupted. To fix a Glitch, you must: 1. Analyze the corrupted code block provided. 2. Debug the logic error (e.g., infinite loops, off-by-one errors). 3. Run the corrected code to stabilize the area.

Fixing Glitches

Advanced Tactics

Loops & Logic

You aren't limited to simple commands. Use Python's full power.

# Clear a corridor
for _ in range(10):
    if swarm.scan("forward") == "CLEAR":
        swarm.move_forward()
    else:
        break

The Time Paradox

(Unlocked in Chapter 3) You can rewrite variables from previous cells to change the outcome of future events. This is the core of the Backcast Protocol.