HELIX²

HELIX²

Enemies evolve. Adapt or die.

A PICO-8 space shooter demonstrating genetic algorithms in real-time gameplay. Enemies don't follow predetermined scripts, they evolve through selection, crossover, and mutation.Each wave represents a new generation. Ships that successfully damage the player contribute their traits to offspring, while ineffective behaviors are naturally selected against. Speed, aggression, accuracy, and tactical patterns all adapt based on performance against the player.

Genetic Algorithm Features:

• Population-based enemy generation with fitness evaluation

• Roulette wheel selection for parent assignment

• Single-point crossover with configurable probability

• Per-gene mutation across 9 behavioral parameters

• Elitism to preserve high-performing individuals

• Dynamic population scaling as waves progress

Real-Time Evolution Feedback:

• Dominant Trait Indicator — The HUD displays the current dominant trait: s (speed), a (accuracy), or x (aggression), color-coded for quick recognition

• Enemy Color Coding — Fast enemies glow cyan, aggressive enemies glow red, and elite performers have a yellow outline

• Floating Fitness Values — When you destroy an enemy, their fitness score floats up briefly, showing how effective they were against you

• Generation Counter — Track how many generations the population has evolved

Gameplay Features:

• Endless wave-based survival with increasing difficulty

• Boss Waves every 5th wave with tougher encounters

• Procedurally generated biomes and environmental variety

• Wave-scaled enemy count and population diversity

HELIX² serves as a practical demonstration of evolutionary computation within the constraints of the PICO-8 fantasy console . The implementation prioritizes readability and educational value while maintaining engaging gameplay.

The source code is open for study, modification, and extension.

Made with PICO-8 | Released under CC BY-NC 4.0

Marco Mollinetti, 2026