Cactus Robotics
Laser Battles
Each Droiko features a low power laser pointer combined with an infrared marker, used as the main weapon in drone combats. The laser pointer helps you aim while the infrared marker creates a large beam to hit other Droikos.
It also features several infrared detectors in order to automatically detect when it has been hit by another Droiko.
Droiko also features simulated proximity weapons, this means it can emit a short range radio-frequency signal that "hits" nearby Droikos.
Depending on the battle mode you are playing, Droiko will react in a different way once it is hit. For example: it can simulate damages, make control harder, count points or fall down to the ground while turning, just like real helicopters.
Checkpoints are optional for drone combats, but they surely add variety and fun to the battles. They can be used to define repair zones or a hard to reach area where you get upgraded weapons, just to list a few examples. Checkpoints can also be used as laser targets, enabling single player battle training.
Drone Racing
Create you own racing track and race your friends to win the fastest Droiko racing pilot title, or practice by yourself to improve your flying. You can select from different racing rules, and even play "Mario Kart" style drone races enabling Droiko weapons.
Don't be afraid to play indoor racing, any room is suitable, because Droiko propellers are totally safe, it will survive crashes and you won't break anything.
Checkpoints are optional for drone racing, but highly recommended. You can use them to define the control points of your racing track, and they will automatically time your laps, check that no player is skipping any control point and announce the winner. If you want they can also be used to pick up weapons mid race, just like Mario Kart. Checkpoints are also very useful when playing single player races versus the timer.
More Drone Gaming
Apart from drone racing and drone battles, you will be able to play many other games and challenges with Droiko, both single player and multiplayer.
Although some games are playable without Checkpoints, this is the part where they stand out the most, enabling endless gaming possibilities.
Some examples of games that can be played without Checkpoints include: Chasing, Survival and Altitude Challenge.
In Chasing game a Droiko has to fly away from another Droiko following him, automatically detecting when they are close enough or not.
In Survival game one or several Droikos have to stay up in the air the longest time possible, while hard piloting conditions are simulated, for example changing wind or inverted controls.
The Altitude Challenge is an outdoor hard to win challenge, the App will tell you a pattern of altitudes (1-3-5-1 meters for example) and you must try to visually fly Droiko to those altitudes in the shortest time possible.
Checkpoints enable much more complex games, like for example Capture the Flag, Base Defend, Rescue Challenge or Sumo Fight.
In Capture the Flag, two or more Droikos have to capture a central Checkpoint and go back to their base, while avoiding the enemy weapons.
In Base Defend, a Droiko has to defend its Checkpoint defined base from one or more enemy Droikos that try to destroy it.
Rescue Challenge is a simulated rescue mission. You will have to fly several trips from a mountain (defined by a Checkpoint) to a hospital (defined by another Checkpoint) in order to rescue all the people in danger, in the shortest time.
Sumo Fight is a simple battle variation game, where you have to take down your enemy without leaving a defined small area, simulating a sumo ring.
You can also customize each game rules and create your own. We will keep developing new games and try to implement the new ideas backers come up with.
Phil Malone
kwikius
Felix Rusu
Owen Trueblood