create-particle-effect

name	create-particle-effect
description	Creates reusable particle and impact-feedback effects for 3D Space Rocks with performance-aware defaults and gameplay event integration.

Skill: Create Particle Effect

Use this skill to add or tune a reusable visual effect such as explosions, thruster trails, or impact flashes.

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Process

Step 1: Define Effect Intent and Trigger

Document what gameplay event starts the effect and what player feedback it should provide.

• Define trigger event and expected lifetime.
• Define acceptable performance budget (particle count and update cost).
• Define fallback behavior when reduced-motion mode is active.

Step 2: Build Effect Module

Create a reusable effect function or class with explicit setup and teardown.

export interface EffectHandle {
  start(): void;
  stop(): void;
  dispose(): void;
}

Use centralized constants for emission rate, color ramps, and lifetime.

Step 3: Integrate with Event Bus

Subscribe to gameplay events and trigger effects without embedding gameplay logic.

• Keep effects event-driven and loosely coupled.
• Avoid directly mutating gameplay state from VFX code.
• Ensure effect cleanup on state transitions and scene disposal.

Step 4: Validate Visual Timing and Cost

Verify the effect appears within immediate-feedback expectations and does not degrade FPS.

• Check timing against user feedback expectations.
• Profile worst-case scenarios with multiple concurrent effects.
• Tune for readability under varied background lighting.

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Reference

See docs/PRD.md for the full specification:

• Section 5.4 - Immediate feedback and game-feel practices.
• Section 8.1 (P-06, P-08) - Thruster and invulnerability effects.
• Section 8.2 (A-10) - Explosion requirements.
• Section 8.5 (C-05) - Camera shake context.