MathCS.org - Java: Breakout

Breakout

This is a simple game illustrating Object-Oriented programming, creating simple graphics and using sounds, and working withg threads. The game consists of the following classes:

Game.java: The main class
Controller.java: class to handle key events
Status.java: class to update the status line
Arena.java: class to contain the drawing area. This is where most of the action takes place. Includes the thread to run in the background.
Brick.java: Class to represent a single "Brick" and how it is drawn.

ping.wav: A 'ping' for hitting a wall
pong.wav: A 'pong' for hitting the paddle or a brickk
music.wav: background music

Put all classes into one folder, compile, and run the 'Game'

When everything works, answer the following questions:

Explain which keys are used to control the program
Explain how the bricks are drawn
Change the color of the 'simple' bricks
Change the colors of the 'special' bricks
Change the arrangements of the bricks
Explain what determines the speed of the ball
Change the program so that hitting '>' will speed up the ball more than it currently does.
Add a 'pass-through' brick that disappears when hit but does not reflect the ball, i.e. the ball passes through the brick
Add code to show a dialog when the game is finished, i.e. all bricks are gone.
Add different 'levels' so that when one level is complete, another level appears (perhaps with faster ball and/or smaller panel).