Escape from Windows

An interactive puzzle adventure game that recreates a nostalgic Windows XP environment, blending exploration, logic-based challenges, and narrative progression.

Live DemoMake sure you run backend first :)

Overview

Escape from Windows is a browser-based puzzle adventure game built during xhacks 2026. Players explore a simulated Windows XP–style desktop, interact with familiar applications, and solve interconnected puzzles to uncover clues and unlock multiple endings.

The project focuses on creating a playable, immersive experience while supporting complex puzzle logic through a full-stack architecture.

Key Features

  • •Interactive Windows XP–inspired desktop environment
  • •Puzzle-driven gameplay with exploration and narrative elements
  • •Multiple endings based on player choices and progression
  • •Clickable apps, files, and UI elements that act as puzzle components
  • •Replayable structure encouraging experimentation and discovery

Tech Stack

Frontend

React, TypeScript, Vite, Tailwind

Backend

Java, Spring Boot, Python

Database

PostgreSQL

DevOps

Docker, npm + Maven

Testing

Rest APIs, Gemma 3

Challenges & Solutions

Challenge:

Recreating the look and feel of a Windows XP desktop while keeping the interface responsive and playable in a browser

Solution:

Implemented custom UI components and styling to closely mimic desktop interactions while maintaining modern web performance.

Challenge:

Coordinating game state and puzzle logic across multiple services (frontend, Java backend, Python logic)

Solution:

Designed clear REST API boundaries and data contracts, allowing the frontend to remain decoupled from puzzle evaluation and progression logic.

Challenge:

Designing puzzles that are challenging but accessible to a wide range of players

Solution:

Iteratively tested puzzle difficulty and added multiple endings to reward different play styles and exploration paths.

Learning Outcomes

  • ✓Gained experience building an interactive, browser-based game that balances user experience, gameplay logic, and technical constraints.
  • ✓Developed practical skills in full-stack architecture, coordinating a React frontend with Java and Python backends through RESTful APIs.
  • ✓Learned how to design and manage game state and puzzle logic across multiple services while keeping the frontend decoupled and responsive.
  • ✓Improved understanding of UI/UX design for interactive systems, particularly when recreating familiar desktop metaphors in a web environment.
  • ✓Strengthened debugging and deployment skills in multi-service environments using Docker and Docker Compose.