Shoot Stickman

🏹 Shoot Stickman: Ballistic Trajectories and Ethics

Shoot Stickman is a puzzle game that masquerades as a shooter. It belongs to the archery physics genre (akin to Bowmasters or Apple Shooter). The player is stationary; the only variables are angle and power (draw strength). The goal is to eliminate enemies while navigating complex level geometries that include walls, moving platforms, and innocent bystanders. It is a game of indirect fire and calculation.

In 2026, the game is noted for its hitbox precision. Headshots kill instantly, while limb shots might require a follow-up. This forces players to weigh the risk of a difficult headshot against the safety of a center-mass body shot.

🧠 Cognitive & Physics Skills

Solving the levels requires intuitive calculus:

• Parabolic Visualization: The arrow follows a gravity arc ($$y = -gx^2$$). Players must visualize this curve before releasing the string. Adjusting the aim to shoot over a wall and drop the arrow onto a target is a high-level spatial task.
• Inhibition (Friendly Fire): Levels often place a civilian next to the enemy. A slight deviation kills the civilian (Game Over). This high-stakes constraint trains fine motor precision and focus.
• Ricochet Logic: Arrows bounce off metal surfaces. Calculating the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection allows players to kill enemies hiding behind invincible cover.

🎮 Mechanics & Systems

The engine is simple but unforgiving:

• Draw Strength: The mouse drag distance determines velocity. A full draw creates a flat trajectory (good for accuracy). A weak draw creates a high loop (good for lobbing).
• Body Part Damage:
  • Head: 100% Damage (Instant Kill).
  • Torso: 50% Damage (Requires 2 shots).
  • Limbs: 25% Damage (Inefficient).
• Turn-Based (Often): In some modes, the enemy shoots back if you miss. This adds a "Kill or Be Killed" pressure to every shot.

🏆 Marksmanship Strategy

1. Triangulation Shots

If you miss a shot, don't just drag randomly for the next one. Use the previous arrow (which often stays in the wall) as a visual reference point. "I was a bit high, so I need to lower my angle by 5 degrees." Iterate towards success.

2. Use High Power

Unless lobbing over a wall, always use maximum power. High-velocity arrows drop less over distance, making the trajectory straighter and easier to predict than a slow, looping arrow.

🛡️ Technical Specifications

Clean vector graphics:

• Visuals: Minimalist stick figure art puts the focus entirely on the gameplay physics.
• Input: Drag-and-release mechanic optimized for mouse and touchscreens alike.

❓ FAQ