About Matrix Neon

Built by Joe Najeme, Undergraduate in Computer Science and Certified AWS Solutions Architect Associate and tuned for modern browsers, Matrix Neon blends rapid memory, number sense, and word craft into one clean, neon-lit experience.

Fast • Fair • Replayable

What is Matrix Neon?

Matrix Neon is a high-tempo memory and word strategy game played on glowing 6×6 grids. You face an AI opponent—the Matrix—that never tires. In Numbers Mode (Levels 1–5) you reveal tiles, bank value, and dodge penalties. In Word Mode (Levels 6–9) you trace straight-line words through hidden letters, banking as you go. The rules are simple; the decisions are rich. Short sessions, crisp feedback, and a fair scoring model make it approachable for new players and endlessly replayable for experts.

The game is handcrafted by Joe Najeme. Hosting runs on Hostinger with an edge-cached CDN for global speed. The code emphasizes accessibility, reduced-motion support, and light-weight assets so it loads fast on mobile and desktop. Multiplayer and monthly awards keep the challenge fresh and social.

Numbers • Words • Strategy

Numbers Mode (Lv 1–5)

Memorize the board, flip wisely, and bank high values while avoiding penalties. Smart peeks and timing are everything.

Word Mode (Lv 6–9)

Spell straight-line words through hidden letters. Cross visible greys. When a word completes, it banks automatically.

Fair Scoring & Speed

Lightweight code, instant feedback, and a fair AI. Hostinger + CDN deliver fast loads and stable sessions worldwide.

Word Mode: deep dive

Valid shape: words must be straight lines (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal).
Click behavior: click only hidden letters—crossing grey/visible tiles is allowed and still counts.
Banking: when a valid word completes, it banks immediately and those tiles grey out.
Rollback: cancel an attempt, press Finished early, or time out: in-progress points roll back and those attempt tiles grey out.

Tip: build words that share letters so banking one reveals paths for the next. Cross visible greys to stretch across the board without paying extra clicks.

Performance, Multiplayer & Standards

Matrix Neon runs on Hostinger and a global CDN so pages and assets are served close to players. The client is vanilla JS with careful DOM work, so interaction remains crisp even on modest phones. Multiplayer is session-based, with fair turn order, clear time limits, and server-side integrity checks. Accessibility matters: focus states, labels, and reduced-motion modes are part of the baseline. Your session data is minimal and used only to run the game and maintain fair leaderboards.

FAQ

Is Matrix Neon free?

Yes. You can play the full experience without paying. Optional tournaments and future cosmetic items will never affect gameplay or fairness.

How do penalties and scoring work?

In Numbers Mode, single digits subtract 50, 10–29 subtract 30, 30–39 subtract 20, and 40+ adds the face value. In Word Mode, valid words bank immediately: players gain points per letter and the Matrix scores more per letter, creating a tactical race.

What’s the tech stack?

Vanilla JS for interaction, CSS for animation, inline SVG for art, hosted on Hostinger and accelerated by a CDN. This keeps the footprint small and performance high.

Does the game respect reduced-motion settings?

Yes. If your OS requests reduced motion, Matrix Neon disables decorative animations while keeping essential feedback animations subtle and brief.

Is multiplayer fair?

Turn order is announced, timers are consistent, and the AI’s picks follow deterministic rules. Score integrity is checked server-side for leaderboards and awards.

Ready to play?

Start a session, learn the board, and try to outscore the Matrix. Your best run might be minutes away.

Launch the game →