From 634cf9b063b0ceedf62b38b5c899ab7318f3d344 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Luke Parker <10430890+Hona@users.noreply.github.com>
Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2026 11:57:32 +1000
Subject: [PATCH] feat(app): turn the new session pins into a brick breaker
 easter egg (#57593)

---
 .../app/src/new-session/brick-breaker.tsx     | 471 ++++++++++++++++++
 packages/app/src/new-session/pin-board.tsx    | 145 +++++-
 packages/app/src/new-session/pin-sound.ts     |  16 +
 packages/app/src/new-session/view.tsx         |  29 +-
 packages/app/src/new-session/wordmark.css     |  14 +
 packages/app/src/new-session/wordmark.tsx     | 140 +++++-
 6 files changed, 797 insertions(+), 18 deletions(-)
 create mode 100644 packages/app/src/new-session/brick-breaker.tsx

diff --git a/packages/app/src/new-session/brick-breaker.tsx b/packages/app/src/new-session/brick-breaker.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..8ef2c9de02c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/packages/app/src/new-session/brick-breaker.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,471 @@
+import { For, onCleanup, onMount } from "solid-js"
+import type { PinBoardHandle } from "./pin-board"
+import { PinSound } from "./pin-sound"
+import type { LodgerBall } from "./wordmark"
+
+const LIVES = 3
+const ENTER = 0.85
+const EXIT = 1
+
+type Phase = "enter" | "serve" | "play" | "miss" | "exit"
+type Box = { x: number; y: number; w: number; h: number; r: number }
+
+/**
+ * A brick breaker homage. The lodger curls into the ball, the pins are the bricks, and the composer shrinks
+ * into the paddle. Like Arkanoid, the ball waits on the paddle until it is served with a click or Space.
+ */
+export function NewSessionBrickBreaker(props: {
+  panel: HTMLElement
+  board: PinBoardHandle
+  ball: LodgerBall
+  sound: () => boolean
+  onDone: () => void
+}) {
+  let paddle!: HTMLDivElement
+  let hud!: HTMLDivElement
+  let score!: HTMLSpanElement
+  const spares: HTMLSpanElement[] = []
+  const walls: HTMLSpanElement[] = []
+
+  onMount(() =>
+    onCleanup(
+      mountGame({ panel: props.panel, paddle, hud, score, spares, walls }, props.board, props.ball, props.sound, props.onDone),
+    ),
+  )
+
+  return (
+    <>
+      <div
+        ref={paddle}
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        data-slot="brick-breaker-paddle"
+        class="pointer-events-none absolute left-0 top-0 -z-[5] origin-center"
+      />
+      <div
+        ref={hud}
+        aria-hidden="true"
+        data-slot="brick-breaker-hud"
+        class="pointer-events-none absolute inset-0 opacity-0 transition-opacity duration-300"
+      >
+        <span ref={(el) => (walls[0] = el)} class="absolute inset-y-0 left-0 w-px bg-v2-border-border-base" />
+        <span ref={(el) => (walls[1] = el)} class="absolute inset-y-0 left-0 w-px bg-v2-border-border-base" />
+        <span
+          ref={score}
+          class="absolute right-4 top-3 font-mono text-[11px] leading-[16px] tabular-nums text-v2-text-text-faint"
+        />
+        <div class="absolute bottom-4 left-4 flex gap-1.5">
+          <For each={Array.from({ length: LIVES - 1 })}>
+            {(_, i) => (
+              <span
+                ref={(el) => (spares[i()] = el)}
+                class="h-1.5 w-5 rounded-full bg-v2-icon-icon-faint transition-[opacity,transform] duration-300"
+              />
+            )}
+          </For>
+        </div>
+      </div>
+    </>
+  )
+}
+
+function mountGame(
+  parts: {
+    panel: HTMLElement
+    paddle: HTMLDivElement
+    hud: HTMLDivElement
+    score: HTMLSpanElement
+    spares: HTMLSpanElement[]
+    walls: HTMLSpanElement[]
+  },
+  board: PinBoardHandle,
+  ball: LodgerBall,
+  sound: () => boolean,
+  onDone: () => void,
+) {
+  const panel = parts.panel
+  const wrap = panel.querySelector<HTMLElement>('[data-slot="new-session-composer"]')
+  const form = wrap?.querySelector<HTMLElement>('[data-component="composer"]')
+  const tip = panel.querySelector<HTMLElement>('[data-component="new-session-tip"]')
+  const surface = form ? getComputedStyle(form).backgroundColor : ""
+  // The arena is exactly as wide as the wordmark, like Arkanoid's tall, narrow playfield.
+  const view = { left: 0, top: 0, w: 0, h: 0, l: 0, r: 0 }
+  const g = { phase: "enter" as Phase, t0: performance.now() / 1000, last: 0, raf: 0, lives: LIVES, score: 0 }
+  const rally = { combo: 0, hits: 0, base: 0, speed: 0 }
+  const pad = { x: 0, target: 0, v: 0, w: 0, h: 12, y: 0, tilt: 0, kickAt: -1, steer: 1 }
+  const b = { x: 0, y: 0, vx: 0, vy: 0, hitAt: -1, hitAngle: 0, hitAmp: 0, squintUntil: 0, curl: 0.85, landed: false }
+  const keys = { left: false, right: false }
+  const start = { ball: ball.at(), composer: composerBox(), from: composerBox() }
+  // The paddle's drawn shape, so the exit morph starts from wherever the paddle is.
+  const shape: Box = { ...start.composer }
+  const written = { w: -1, h: -1, r: -1, transform: "", score: "" }
+
+  const layout = () => {
+    const r = panel.getBoundingClientRect()
+    view.left = r.left
+    view.top = r.top
+    view.w = r.width
+    view.h = r.height
+    // Walls sit on the wordmark's outer pin edges, using the board's integer pitch and rounded origin, so the
+    // ball can only reach the top by breaking through.
+    const logo = panel.querySelector('[data-slot="wordmark-box"]')?.getBoundingClientRect()
+    const pitch = logo ? Math.max(3, Math.round(logo.width / 78)) : 0
+    const x0 = logo ? Math.round(logo.left - r.left + (logo.width - pitch * 78) / 2) : 0
+    const c = composerBox()
+    view.l = logo ? x0 : Math.max(0, c.x)
+    view.r = logo ? x0 + pitch * 78 : Math.min(view.w, c.x + c.w)
+    parts.walls[0].style.transform = `translateX(${view.l - 1}px)`
+    parts.walls[1].style.transform = `translateX(${view.r}px)`
+    pad.w = Math.max(84, Math.min(136, (view.r - view.l) * 0.15))
+    pad.y = view.h - 64
+    rally.base = Math.max(460, Math.min(760, view.h * 0.7))
+    rally.speed = rally.base * (1 + Math.min(0.55, rally.hits * 0.025))
+  }
+
+  function composerBox(): Box {
+    const p = panel.getBoundingClientRect()
+    const r = form?.getBoundingClientRect()
+    if (!r) return { x: p.width / 2 - 60, y: p.height - 64, w: 120, h: 12, r: 6 }
+    const radius = form ? parseFloat(getComputedStyle(form).borderTopLeftRadius) : 12
+    return { x: r.left - p.left, y: r.top - p.top, w: r.width, h: r.height, r: radius || 12 }
+  }
+
+  const paddleBox = (): Box => ({ x: pad.x - pad.w / 2, y: pad.y, w: pad.w, h: pad.h, r: pad.h / 2 })
+
+  const frame = (ms: number) => {
+    g.raf = 0
+    const now = ms / 1000
+    const dt = Math.min(1 / 30, Math.max(1 / 240, now - g.last))
+    g.last = now
+    const t = now - g.t0
+    movePaddle(dt, now)
+    if (g.phase === "enter") enter(t)
+    if (g.phase === "serve") serve(t)
+    if (g.phase === "play") play(dt, now)
+    if (g.phase === "miss") miss(t)
+    if (g.phase === "exit") return exit(t)
+    pose(now)
+    board.steer(b.x, b.y)
+    g.raf = requestAnimationFrame(frame)
+  }
+
+  const movePaddle = (dt: number, now: number) => {
+    if (g.phase === "enter" || g.phase === "exit") return
+    if (keys.left !== keys.right) pad.target += (keys.right ? 1 : -1) * 1100 * dt
+    pad.target = Math.max(view.l + pad.w / 2 + 4, Math.min(view.r - pad.w / 2 - 4, pad.target))
+    const prev = pad.x
+    pad.x += (pad.target - pad.x) * (1 - Math.exp(-dt * 30))
+    pad.v = (pad.x - prev) / dt
+    pad.tilt += (Math.max(-5, Math.min(5, pad.v / 260)) - pad.tilt) * (1 - Math.exp(-dt * 14))
+    const k = now - pad.kickAt
+    const kick = k < 0.5 ? Math.exp(-k * 12) * Math.sin(k * 34) * 4 : 0
+    draw({ ...paddleBox(), y: pad.y + kick }, pad.tilt)
+  }
+
+  // The composer content fades, then its box springs down and narrows into the paddle while the ball rides on top.
+  const enter = (t: number) => {
+    const u = seg(t, 0.1, ENTER)
+    const e = spring(u)
+    const to = paddleBox()
+    const box = {
+      x: lerp(start.from.x + start.from.w / 2, to.x + to.w / 2, e),
+      y: lerp(start.from.y, to.y, e),
+      w: Math.max(pad.h, lerp(start.from.w, to.w, e)),
+      h: Math.max(4, lerp(start.from.h, to.h, e)),
+      r: lerp(start.from.r, to.r, Math.min(1, u * 1.6)),
+    }
+    draw({ ...box, x: box.x - box.w / 2 }, 0)
+    const k = easeOut(seg(t, 0, 0.38))
+    const r = ball.radius()
+    b.x = lerp(start.ball.x, box.x, k)
+    b.y = lerp(start.ball.y, box.y - r, k) - Math.sin(Math.PI * k) * 28
+    b.curl = lerp(0.85, 1, k)
+    if (k >= 1 && !b.landed) {
+      b.landed = true
+      bump(Math.PI / 2, 0.32)
+      if (sound()) PinSound.paddle(b.x, view.w)
+    }
+    // Once it has shrunk enough to read as a paddle, it takes on the colour of the pins it is about to break.
+    if (t >= 0.3) parts.paddle.style.background = "var(--v2-icon-icon-muted)"
+    if (t >= 0.5) parts.hud.style.opacity = "1"
+    if (t < ENTER) return
+    pad.target = pad.x
+    setPhase("serve")
+    panel.style.cursor = "none"
+  }
+
+  // The ball waits on the paddle like Arkanoid's; after a miss it drops back onto it first.
+  const serve = (t: number) => {
+    const r = ball.radius()
+    const drop = g.lives < LIVES ? seg(t, 0, 0.42) : 1
+    b.x = pad.x
+    b.y = pad.y - r - Math.pow(1 - drop, 2) * 110
+    b.vx = 0
+    b.vy = 0
+    b.curl = 1
+    if (drop >= 1 && !b.landed) {
+      b.landed = true
+      bump(Math.PI / 2, 0.36)
+      if (sound()) PinSound.paddle(b.x, view.w)
+    }
+  }
+
+  const launch = () => {
+    if (g.phase !== "serve" || !b.landed) return
+    // Serve away from the side the paddle is moving toward, up and to the right when still.
+    const lean = Math.abs(pad.v) > 40 ? Math.sign(pad.v) : 1
+    const a = lean * (0.32 + Math.random() * 0.12)
+    b.vx = Math.sin(a) * rally.speed
+    b.vy = -Math.cos(a) * rally.speed
+    rally.combo = 0
+    pad.kickAt = performance.now() / 1000
+    bump(Math.PI / 2, 0.3)
+    if (sound()) PinSound.paddle(b.x, view.w)
+    setPhase("play")
+  }
+
+  const play = (dt: number, now: number) => {
+    const r = ball.radius()
+    // Substeps keep the ball from tunnelling through a pin between frames at high speed.
+    const steps = Math.max(1, Math.ceil((rally.speed * dt) / (r * 0.35)))
+    const sdt = dt / steps
+    for (let i = 0; i < steps; i++) {
+      b.x += b.vx * sdt
+      b.y += b.vy * sdt
+      if (b.x < view.l + r || b.x > view.r - r) {
+        b.x = Math.max(view.l + r, Math.min(view.r - r, b.x))
+        b.vx = b.x <= view.l + r ? Math.abs(b.vx) : -Math.abs(b.vx)
+        bump(0, 0.22)
+        if (sound()) PinSound.bounce(b.x, view.w, 4000)
+      }
+      if (b.y < r) {
+        b.y = r
+        b.vy = Math.abs(b.vy)
+        bump(Math.PI / 2, 0.22)
+        if (sound()) PinSound.bounce(b.x, view.w, 4000)
+      }
+      if (
+        b.vy > 0 &&
+        b.y + r >= pad.y &&
+        b.y - r < pad.y + pad.h &&
+        Math.abs(b.x - pad.x) <= pad.w / 2 + r * 0.6
+      ) {
+        // Classic paddle control: where the ball lands sets its angle, up to 60° from vertical.
+        const off = Math.max(-1, Math.min(1, (b.x - pad.x) / (pad.w / 2)))
+        const a = off * (Math.PI / 3) + Math.max(-0.15, Math.min(0.15, pad.v / 6000))
+        rally.hits++
+        rally.speed = rally.base * (1 + Math.min(0.55, rally.hits * 0.025))
+        rally.combo = 0
+        b.vx = Math.sin(a) * rally.speed
+        b.vy = -Math.cos(a) * rally.speed
+        b.y = pad.y - r
+        pad.kickAt = now
+        bump(Math.PI / 2, 0.34)
+        if (sound()) PinSound.paddle(b.x, view.w)
+      }
+      // Each hit carves a round bite out of the wordmark rather than a single pin.
+      const hit = board.collide(b.x, b.y, r, r * 0.55, b.vx, b.vy)
+      if (hit) {
+        const side = Math.abs(hit.nx) > Math.abs(hit.ny)
+        if (side && b.vx * hit.nx < 0) b.vx = -b.vx
+        if (!side && b.vy * hit.ny < 0) b.vy = -b.vy
+        rally.combo++
+        g.score += hit.count * 10 * Math.min(8, rally.combo)
+        b.squintUntil = now + 0.14
+        bump(side ? 0 : Math.PI / 2, 0.26)
+        if (sound()) PinSound.brick(b.x, view.w, rally.combo)
+        if (!board.left()) return finish("win")
+      }
+      // A nearly flat rally never comes back down, so keep at least a quarter of the speed vertical.
+      const min = rally.speed * 0.25
+      if (Math.abs(b.vy) < min) {
+        b.vy = (b.vy < 0 ? -1 : 1) * min
+        b.vx = Math.sign(b.vx || 1) * Math.sqrt(rally.speed * rally.speed - min * min)
+      }
+      if (b.y - r > view.h) {
+        setPhase("miss")
+        if (sound()) PinSound.sweep({ duration: 0.45, columns: 78, reverse: true })
+        return
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  const miss = (t: number) => {
+    if (t < 0.55) return
+    g.lives--
+    parts.spares.forEach((el, i) => {
+      el.style.opacity = i < g.lives - 1 ? "1" : "0"
+      el.style.transform = i < g.lives - 1 ? "" : "translateY(4px)"
+    })
+    if (!g.lives) return finish("lose")
+    b.landed = false
+    setPhase("serve")
+  }
+
+  const finish = (kind: "win" | "lose" | "quit") => {
+    if (g.phase === "exit") return
+    start.composer = composerBox()
+    start.from = { ...shape }
+    setPhase("exit")
+    panel.style.cursor = ""
+    parts.hud.style.opacity = "0"
+    parts.paddle.style.background = surface
+    board.restore()
+    ball.done()
+    if (sound()) PinSound.sweep({ duration: 0.9, columns: 78, reverse: kind !== "win" })
+  }
+
+  // The paddle grows back into the composer, then the composer content fades in over it.
+  const exit = (t: number) => {
+    const e = easeInOut(seg(t, 0.15, 0.75))
+    const to = start.composer
+    draw(
+      {
+        x: lerp(start.from.x, to.x, e),
+        y: lerp(start.from.y, to.y, e),
+        w: lerp(start.from.w, to.w, e),
+        h: lerp(start.from.h, to.h, e),
+        r: lerp(start.from.r, to.r, e),
+      },
+      pad.tilt * (1 - e),
+    )
+    if (t >= 0.75) {
+      if (wrap) wrap.style.opacity = ""
+      if (tip) tip.style.opacity = ""
+      parts.paddle.style.opacity = "0"
+    }
+    if (t < EXIT) {
+      g.raf = requestAnimationFrame(frame)
+      return
+    }
+    onDone()
+  }
+
+  const setPhase = (phase: Phase) => {
+    g.phase = phase
+    g.t0 = performance.now() / 1000
+  }
+
+  const bump = (angle: number, amp: number) => {
+    b.hitAt = performance.now() / 1000
+    b.hitAngle = angle
+    b.hitAmp = amp
+  }
+
+  const pose = (now: number) => {
+    const t = now - b.hitAt
+    const jiggle = t < 0.45 ? b.hitAmp * Math.exp(-t * 12) * Math.cos(t * 38) : 0
+    const moving = g.phase === "play" || g.phase === "miss"
+    const heading = Math.atan2(b.vy, b.vx)
+    const squash = Math.abs(jiggle) > 0.015
+    ball.place(b.x, b.y, {
+      look: moving ? 1 : 0.8,
+      lookAngle: moving ? heading : -Math.PI / 2,
+      stretch: squash ? -jiggle : moving ? 0.07 : 0,
+      angle: ((squash ? b.hitAngle : heading) * 180) / Math.PI,
+      squint: now < b.squintUntil ? 0.45 : 1,
+      curl: b.curl,
+    })
+    const text = `${g.score}`.padStart(5, "0")
+    if (text !== written.score) {
+      written.score = text
+      parts.score.textContent = text
+    }
+  }
+
+  const draw = (box: Box, tilt: number) => {
+    Object.assign(shape, box)
+    const el = parts.paddle
+    const w = Math.round(box.w * 10) / 10
+    const h = Math.round(box.h * 10) / 10
+    if (w !== written.w) el.style.width = `${(written.w = w)}px`
+    if (h !== written.h) el.style.height = `${(written.h = h)}px`
+    if (box.r !== written.r) el.style.borderRadius = `${(written.r = box.r)}px`
+    const transform = `translate(${box.x.toFixed(1)}px, ${box.y.toFixed(1)}px) rotate(${tilt.toFixed(2)}deg)`
+    if (transform !== written.transform) el.style.transform = written.transform = transform
+  }
+
+  const onMove = (event: PointerEvent) => {
+    pad.target = event.clientX - view.left
+  }
+  const onDown = (event: PointerEvent) => {
+    if (event.button !== 0 || g.phase === "exit") return
+    event.preventDefault()
+    event.stopPropagation()
+    launch()
+  }
+  const onKey = (event: KeyboardEvent) => {
+    if (g.phase === "exit") return
+    const down = event.type === "keydown"
+    if (event.key === "Escape" && down) finish("quit")
+    else if (event.key === "ArrowLeft" || event.key === "a") keys.left = down
+    else if (event.key === "ArrowRight" || event.key === "d") keys.right = down
+    else if ((event.key === " " || event.key === "ArrowUp") && down) launch()
+    else return
+    event.preventDefault()
+    event.stopPropagation()
+  }
+  const onBlur = () => {
+    keys.left = false
+    keys.right = false
+  }
+
+  layout()
+  pad.x = start.composer.x + start.composer.w / 2
+  pad.target = pad.x
+  b.x = start.ball.x
+  b.y = start.ball.y
+  parts.paddle.style.background = surface
+  parts.paddle.style.boxShadow = "var(--v2-elevation-raised)"
+  parts.paddle.style.transition = "opacity 180ms ease-out, background-color 360ms ease-out"
+  // The provider tip sits where the paddle plays, so it steps aside for the game.
+  if (tip) {
+    tip.style.transition = "opacity 200ms ease-out"
+    tip.style.opacity = "0"
+  }
+  draw(start.composer, 0)
+  if (wrap) {
+    if (wrap.contains(document.activeElement) && document.activeElement instanceof HTMLElement)
+      document.activeElement.blur()
+    wrap.style.transition = "opacity 160ms ease-out"
+    wrap.style.opacity = "0"
+    wrap.style.pointerEvents = "none"
+    wrap.inert = true
+  }
+  board.play()
+  const resize = new ResizeObserver(layout)
+  resize.observe(panel)
+  panel.addEventListener("pointermove", onMove, { passive: true })
+  panel.addEventListener("pointerdown", onDown, { capture: true })
+  window.addEventListener("keydown", onKey, { capture: true })
+  window.addEventListener("keyup", onKey, { capture: true })
+  window.addEventListener("blur", onBlur)
+  g.last = performance.now() / 1000 - 1 / 60
+  g.raf = requestAnimationFrame(frame)
+
+  return () => {
+    cancelAnimationFrame(g.raf)
+    resize.disconnect()
+    panel.removeEventListener("pointermove", onMove)
+    panel.removeEventListener("pointerdown", onDown, { capture: true })
+    window.removeEventListener("keydown", onKey, { capture: true })
+    window.removeEventListener("keyup", onKey, { capture: true })
+    window.removeEventListener("blur", onBlur)
+    panel.style.cursor = ""
+    if (tip) {
+      tip.style.opacity = ""
+      tip.style.transition = ""
+    }
+    if (!wrap) return
+    wrap.style.opacity = ""
+    wrap.style.transition = ""
+    wrap.style.pointerEvents = ""
+    wrap.inert = false
+  }
+}
+
+const lerp = (a: number, b: number, t: number) => a + (b - a) * t
+const seg = (t: number, from: number, to: number) => Math.max(0, Math.min(1, (t - from) / (to - from)))
+const easeOut = (t: number) => 1 - Math.pow(1 - t, 3)
+const easeInOut = (t: number) => (t < 0.5 ? 4 * t * t * t : 1 - Math.pow(-2 * t + 2, 3) / 2)
+// An underdamped spring that settles by t = 1, overshooting about 9% on the way.
+const spring = (t: number) => (t >= 1 ? 1 : 1 - Math.exp(-7 * t) * Math.cos(9 * t))
diff --git a/packages/app/src/new-session/pin-board.tsx b/packages/app/src/new-session/pin-board.tsx
index 17ca0a2ffce..ef638e11b02 100644
--- a/packages/app/src/new-session/pin-board.tsx
+++ b/packages/app/src/new-session/pin-board.tsx
@@ -27,9 +27,34 @@ const HOME = 0
 const AIR = 1
 const REST = 2
 const RETURN = 3
+// Knocked out by the brick breaker ball and fallen off the panel; the socket stays empty until the game ends.
+const OUT = 4
 
 export type PinEntrance = "sweep" | "chain"
 
+/** Lets the brick breaker treat the pins as bricks. Coordinates are relative to the new session panel. */
+export type PinBoardHandle = {
+  /**
+   * When the ball touches a pin, knocks out every pin within `blast` of the ball's edge. Returns the average
+   * offset from the touched pins to the ball and how many pins were knocked out.
+   */
+  collide: (
+    x: number,
+    y: number,
+    radius: number,
+    blast: number,
+    vx: number,
+    vy: number,
+  ) => { nx: number; ny: number; count: number } | undefined
+  /** Pins still in their sockets. */
+  left: () => number
+  /** Starts game mode: pins ignore the pointer, follow the ball, and knocked pins fall off the panel. */
+  play: () => void
+  steer: (x: number, y: number) => void
+  /** Ends game mode and flies every pin home. */
+  restore: () => void
+}
+
 const REST_TILT = [0.42, 0.7] as const
 const LIGHT = [0.55 / Math.hypot(0.55, 0.83), -0.83 / Math.hypot(0.55, 0.83)] as const
 const SHADES = 16
@@ -79,12 +104,14 @@ export function NewSessionPinBoard(props: {
   sound: () => boolean
   entrance?: PinEntrance
   closing?: boolean
+  ref?: (board: PinBoardHandle) => void
 }) {
   let back!: HTMLCanvasElement
   let front!: HTMLCanvasElement
 
   onMount(() => {
     const board = mountPinBoard(back, front, props.logo, props.sound, props.entrance)
+    props.ref?.(board.handle)
     createEffect(() => {
       if (props.closing) board.close()
     })
@@ -141,6 +168,7 @@ function mountPinBoard(
     composer: undefined as { left: number; right: number; top: number } | undefined,
     region: { x: 0, y: 0, w: 0, h: 0, full: false },
     frontOn: true,
+    game: false,
   }
   const pointer = { x: 0, y: 0, lx: 0, ly: 0, vx: 0, vy: 0, inside: false, down: false, dragX: 0, dragY: 0 }
   const tilt = { x: REST_TILT[0], y: REST_TILT[1] }
@@ -334,8 +362,10 @@ function mountPinBoard(
 
     const cx = view.x0 + (COLS * view.pitch) / 2
     const cy = view.y0 + (ROWS * view.pitch) / 2
-    const tx = pointer.inside ? lerp(REST_TILT[0], clamp(((cx - pointer.x) / (view.w * 0.5)) * 1.4), 0.6) : REST_TILT[0]
-    const ty = pointer.inside ? lerp(REST_TILT[1], clamp(((cy - pointer.y) / (view.h * 0.5)) * 1.4), 0.6) : REST_TILT[1]
+    // In game mode the board leans only slightly after the ball, so the bricks stay readable.
+    const lean = view.game ? 0.12 : 0.6
+    const tx = pointer.inside ? lerp(REST_TILT[0], clamp(((cx - pointer.x) / (view.w * 0.5)) * 1.4), lean) : REST_TILT[0]
+    const ty = pointer.inside ? lerp(REST_TILT[1], clamp(((cy - pointer.y) / (view.h * 0.5)) * 1.4), lean) : REST_TILT[1]
     const ease = 1 - Math.exp(-dt * 4)
     tilt.x += (tx - tilt.x) * ease
     tilt.y += (ty - tilt.y) * ease
@@ -349,13 +379,15 @@ function mountPinBoard(
 
     const cell = view.pitch
     const counts = { air: 0, loose: 0 }
+    const sink = view.game ? 36 : 55
     view.activity = Math.abs(tx - tilt.x) + Math.abs(ty - tilt.y) + (Math.abs(pointer.vx) + Math.abs(pointer.vy)) / 1000
     for (const p of pins) {
+      if (p.state === OUT) continue
       p.e *= Math.exp(-dt * 1.8)
       if (p.pop && now - p.popAt > 1.5) p.pop = 0
       if (p.state === HOME) {
         const dist = pointer.inside ? Math.hypot(p.hx - pointer.x, p.hy - pointer.y) : Infinity
-        const f = dist < 55 ? 1 - dist / 55 : 0
+        const f = dist < sink ? 1 - dist / sink : 0
         const target = f * f * 0.9
         p.zv += ((target - p.z) * 260 - p.zv * 14) * dt
         p.z = Math.max(-0.8, Math.min(1, p.z + p.zv * dt))
@@ -401,6 +433,10 @@ function mountPinBoard(
       p.rot += p.spin * dt
       if (p.x < cell) Object.assign(p, { x: cell, vx: Math.abs(p.vx) * 0.5 })
       if (p.x > view.w - cell) Object.assign(p, { x: view.w - cell, vx: -Math.abs(p.vx) * 0.5 })
+      if (view.game) {
+        if (p.y > view.h + cell * 4) p.state = OUT
+        continue
+      }
       if (p.vy <= 0 || popOf(p, now) >= 0.1) continue
       const bucket = Math.max(0, Math.min(piles.top.length - 1, Math.floor(p.x / cell)))
       const topSurface = composerSurface() - piles.top[bucket] * cell
@@ -419,15 +455,16 @@ function mountPinBoard(
     }
 
     const idle = now - clock.knocked
-    if (!pointer.down && counts.loose && ((counts.air === 0 && idle > 2) || idle > 6)) reassemble(now)
+    if (!view.game && !pointer.down && counts.loose && ((counts.air === 0 && idle > 2) || idle > 6)) reassemble(now)
     if (view.region.full && pins.every((p) => p.state === HOME)) setRegion(false)
   }
 
   const revealSpan = entrance === "sweep" ? REVEAL : 1.3
+  const resting = (p: Pin) => p.state === HOME || p.state === OUT
   const settled = (now: number) => {
     if (clock.closed) return now - clock.closed >= 1.2 && pins.every((p) => p.state === HOME)
     if (now - clock.born < revealSpan || pointer.down || view.activity > 1e-3) return false
-    return pins.every((p) => p.state === HOME)
+    return pins.every(resting)
   }
 
   const draw = (now: number) => {
@@ -435,7 +472,7 @@ function mountPinBoard(
     back.begin()
     drawBoard(now)
 
-    const loose = pins.filter((p) => p.state !== HOME)
+    const loose = pins.filter((p) => !resting(p))
     const popped = loose.filter((p) => popOf(p, now) > 0.06).sort((a, b) => popOf(a, now) - popOf(b, now))
     const flat = loose.filter((p) => popOf(p, now) <= 0.06)
 
@@ -631,6 +668,7 @@ function mountPinBoard(
     pointer.y = event.clientY - view.top
   }
   const onEnter = (event: PointerEvent) => {
+    if (view.game) return
     const s = stage.getBoundingClientRect()
     view.left = s.left
     view.top = s.top
@@ -641,19 +679,21 @@ function mountPinBoard(
     wake()
   }
   const onMove = (event: PointerEvent) => {
+    if (view.game) return
     toStage(event)
     pointer.inside = true
     wake()
   }
   const onLeave = () => {
-    if (pointer.down) return
+    if (pointer.down || view.game) return
     pointer.inside = false
     wake()
   }
   // Capturing the pointer keeps a long drag alive; without it the browser can start a text
   // selection or native drag mid-gesture and cancel the pointer stream.
   const onDown = (event: PointerEvent) => {
-    if (event.button !== 0 || (event.target instanceof Element && event.target.closest(INTERACTIVE))) return
+    if (view.game || event.button !== 0 || (event.target instanceof Element && event.target.closest(INTERACTIVE)))
+      return
     event.preventDefault()
     stage.setPointerCapture(event.pointerId)
     toStage(event)
@@ -702,7 +742,96 @@ function mountPinBoard(
   // The reveal staggers columns over 0.45 s and each rises over 0.3 s; the sweep spans the same window.
   if (!still && sound()) PinSound.sweep({ duration: entrance === "sweep" ? REVEAL : 0.9, columns: COLS })
 
+  const handle: PinBoardHandle = {
+    collide: (x, y, radius, blast, vx, vy) => {
+      const half = view.size / 2
+      const reach = radius + blast + half
+      const now = performance.now() / 1000
+      const hit = { nx: 0, ny: 0, count: 0 }
+      const struck: Pin[] = []
+      for (const p of pins) {
+        if (p.state !== HOME) continue
+        const dx = x - p.hx
+        const dy = y - p.hy
+        if (Math.abs(dx) > reach || Math.abs(dy) > reach) continue
+        const gap = Math.hypot(dx - Math.max(-half, Math.min(half, dx)), dy - Math.max(-half, Math.min(half, dy)))
+        if (gap > radius + blast) continue
+        struck.push(p)
+        if (gap > radius) continue
+        hit.nx += dx
+        hit.ny += dy
+        hit.count++
+      }
+      if (!hit.count) return
+      hit.nx /= hit.count
+      hit.ny /= hit.count
+      hit.count = struck.length
+      for (const p of struck) {
+        const dx = x - p.hx
+        const dy = y - p.hy
+        const dist = Math.hypot(dx, dy) || 1
+        // Bricks burst away from the ball toward the viewer, then fall off the panel.
+        p.state = AIR
+        p.e = 1
+        p.vx = vx * 0.35 - (dx / dist) * 140 + (Math.random() - 0.5) * 160
+        p.vy = vy * 0.35 - (dy / dist) * 140 - 180 - Math.random() * 180
+        p.spin += (Math.random() - 0.5) * 22
+        p.pop = 0.45 + Math.random() * 0.4
+        p.popAt = now
+      }
+      clock.knocked = now
+      setRegion(true)
+      wake()
+      return hit
+    },
+    left: () => pins.reduce((n, p) => (p.state === HOME ? n + 1 : n), 0),
+    play: () => {
+      const now = performance.now() / 1000
+      view.game = true
+      pointer.down = false
+      pointer.inside = false
+      piles.top.fill(0)
+      piles.floor.fill(0)
+      // Pins still loose from earlier clicks hurry home so the wall is whole when the ball is served.
+      for (const p of pins) {
+        if (p.state === HOME) continue
+        Object.assign(p, { state: RETURN, x0: p.x, y0: p.y, rot0: p.rot, t0: now + (p.c / COLS) * 0.2 })
+        p.duration = 0.35 + Math.random() * 0.1
+        p.lift = 20 + Math.random() * 30
+      }
+      wake()
+    },
+    steer: (x, y) => {
+      pointer.x = x
+      pointer.y = y
+      pointer.inside = true
+      wake()
+    },
+    restore: () => {
+      const now = performance.now() / 1000
+      view.game = false
+      pointer.inside = false
+      clock.knocked = now
+      // Lost bricks fly back up from below the panel, sweeping in column by column.
+      for (const p of pins) {
+        if (p.state === HOME) continue
+        const out = p.state === OUT
+        Object.assign(p, {
+          state: RETURN,
+          x0: out ? p.hx + (Math.random() - 0.5) * view.pitch * 6 : p.x,
+          y0: out ? view.h + view.pitch * 2 : p.y,
+          rot0: out ? (Math.random() - 0.5) * 6 : p.rot,
+          t0: now + 0.15 + (p.c / COLS) * 0.55 + Math.random() * 0.08,
+          duration: 0.55 + Math.random() * 0.2,
+          lift: 20 + Math.random() * 50,
+        })
+      }
+      wake()
+    },
+  }
+
   return {
+    handle,
     close: () => {
       if (clock.closed) return
       const now = performance.now() / 1000
diff --git a/packages/app/src/new-session/pin-sound.ts b/packages/app/src/new-session/pin-sound.ts
index dde8e0cd7dc..3bb39ba5729 100644
--- a/packages/app/src/new-session/pin-sound.ts
+++ b/packages/app/src/new-session/pin-sound.ts
@@ -149,6 +149,22 @@ export const PinSound = {
     pebble(a, a.context.currentTime, { freq: 1100, q: 2.2, gain: 0.14, decay: 0.05, pan: panOf(x, width), thud: 95 })
   },
 
+  /** The brick breaker ball smashing pins: a clack whose ring climbs the scale with each hit before the paddle. */
+  brick(x: number, width: number, combo: number) {
+    const a = audio()
+    if (!a) return
+    const at = a.context.currentTime
+    pebble(a, at, { freq: 1300, q: 2, gain: 0.1, decay: 0.04, pan: panOf(x, width), thud: 110 })
+    pebble(a, at + 0.004, { freq: note(Math.min(14, combo)), q: 16, gain: 0.06, decay: 0.09, pan: panOf(x, width) })
+  },
+
+  /** The brick breaker ball landing on the paddle: a soft, low knock. */
+  paddle(x: number, width: number) {
+    const a = audio()
+    if (!a) return
+    pebble(a, a.context.currentTime, { freq: 520, q: 1.4, gain: 0.12, decay: 0.05, pan: panOf(x, width), thud: 72 })
+  },
+
   /** A loose pin bouncing off the composer or the floor. */
   bounce(x: number, width: number, speed: number) {
     const a = audio()
diff --git a/packages/app/src/new-session/view.tsx b/packages/app/src/new-session/view.tsx
index 99b93874a51..06800a0cc33 100644
--- a/packages/app/src/new-session/view.tsx
+++ b/packages/app/src/new-session/view.tsx
@@ -31,8 +31,9 @@ import { Persistence } from "@/runtime/persistence/schema"
 import { useSettings } from "@/settings/model"
 import type { NewSessionWorkspaceController } from "./workspace/controller"
 import { NewSessionBranch } from "./workspace/selector"
-import { NewSessionPinBoard } from "./pin-board"
-import { NewSessionWordmark } from "./wordmark"
+import { NewSessionBrickBreaker } from "./brick-breaker"
+import { NewSessionPinBoard, type PinBoardHandle } from "./pin-board"
+import { NewSessionWordmark, type LodgerBall } from "./wordmark"
 
 const providerTipDismissalDuration = 30 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 1000
 
@@ -61,11 +62,16 @@ export function NewSessionView(props: {
   const [wordmark, setWordmark] = createStore({
     box: undefined as HTMLDivElement | undefined,
     mode: "flat" as "flat" | "open" | "closing",
+    game: false,
   })
+  // Imperative handles for the brick breaker; they are not reactive state.
+  const handles: { board?: PinBoardHandle; ball?: LodgerBall } = {}
+  let panel!: HTMLDivElement
 
   return (
     <div class="@container relative flex flex-col min-h-0 h-full flex-1">
       <div
+        ref={panel}
         data-component="new-session"
         class="relative isolate flex-1 min-h-0 overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] bg-v2-background-bg-base shadow-[var(--v2-elevation-raised)]"
       >
@@ -81,6 +87,10 @@ export function NewSessionView(props: {
               onOpen={() => setWordmark("mode", "open")}
               onClose={() => setWordmark("mode", "closing")}
               onFlat={() => setWordmark("mode", "flat")}
+              onPlay={(ball) => {
+                handles.ball = ball
+                setWordmark("game", true)
+              }}
             />
             <div class="mt-8 flex flex-col gap-3">
               <div data-slot="new-session-composer">
@@ -119,6 +129,21 @@ export function NewSessionView(props: {
               sound={settings.sounds.interfaceEnabled}
               entrance="chain"
               closing={wordmark.mode === "closing"}
+              ref={(board) => (handles.board = board)}
+            />
+          )}
+        </Show>
+        <Show when={wordmark.game && handles.board && handles.ball && { board: handles.board, ball: handles.ball }}>
+          {(game) => (
+            <NewSessionBrickBreaker
+              panel={panel}
+              board={game().board}
+              ball={game().ball}
+              sound={settings.sounds.interfaceEnabled}
+              onDone={() => {
+                setWordmark("game", false)
+                props.composer.restoreFocus()
+              }}
             />
           )}
         </Show>
diff --git a/packages/app/src/new-session/wordmark.css b/packages/app/src/new-session/wordmark.css
index 3ce133221fb..6a01197f1b7 100644
--- a/packages/app/src/new-session/wordmark.css
+++ b/packages/app/src/new-session/wordmark.css
@@ -27,6 +27,20 @@
   }
 }
 
+/* The composer gives a little under the lodger while it is carried over it, hinting it can be dropped there. */
+[data-component="new-session"] [data-slot="new-session-composer"] {
+  transition: transform 260ms cubic-bezier(0.34, 1.56, 0.64, 1);
+}
+
+[data-component="new-session"] [data-slot="new-session-composer"][data-lodger-over] {
+  transform: translateY(3px) scale(0.985);
+}
+
+[data-component="new-session-wordmark"][data-lifted] {
+  position: relative;
+  z-index: 20;
+}
+
 [data-color-scheme="light"] [data-component="new-session-wordmark"] {
   --icon-weak-base: color-mix(in srgb, var(--icon-base) 30%, transparent);
 }
diff --git a/packages/app/src/new-session/wordmark.tsx b/packages/app/src/new-session/wordmark.tsx
index b6c16f27931..4874e223d9d 100644
--- a/packages/app/src/new-session/wordmark.tsx
+++ b/packages/app/src/new-session/wordmark.tsx
@@ -68,7 +68,21 @@ const POP = 26
 const SLIP = 60
 const HOLE_MAGNET = 24
 
-type Phase = "hidden" | "drag" | "snap" | "show" | "idle" | "hop" | "carry" | "return" | "pack"
+type Phase = "hidden" | "drag" | "snap" | "show" | "idle" | "hop" | "carry" | "return" | "pack" | "game"
+
+/** The lodger curled up as the brick breaker ball. Positions are the ball's centre, relative to the new session panel. */
+export type LodgerBall = {
+  radius: () => number
+  at: () => { x: number; y: number }
+  place: (
+    x: number,
+    y: number,
+    pose: { look: number; lookAngle: number; stretch: number; angle: number; squint: number; curl: number },
+  ) => void
+  blink: () => void
+  /** Uncurls and hops back to its perch beside the pin board. */
+  done: () => void
+}
 
 type LetterPose = {
   x: number
@@ -105,6 +119,7 @@ export function NewSessionWordmark(props: {
   onOpen?: () => void
   onClose?: () => void
   onFlat?: () => void
+  onPlay?: (ball: LodgerBall) => void
 }) {
   // Read once: the lodger stays mounted after handing over to the pin board, and can be dragged back into the hole.
   const lodger = !props.pins
@@ -131,6 +146,7 @@ export function NewSessionWordmark(props: {
             onOpen={() => props.onOpen?.()}
             onClose={() => props.onClose?.()}
             onFlat={() => props.onFlat?.()}
+            onPlay={props.onPlay}
           />
         </Show>
       </div>
@@ -149,6 +165,7 @@ function WordmarkLodger(props: {
   onOpen: () => void
   onClose: () => void
   onFlat: () => void
+  onPlay?: (ball: LodgerBall) => void
 }) {
   let stage!: HTMLDivElement
   let svg!: SVGSVGElement
@@ -171,6 +188,7 @@ function WordmarkLodger(props: {
         props.onOpen,
         props.onClose,
         props.onFlat,
+        props.onPlay,
       ),
     ),
   )
@@ -249,6 +267,7 @@ function mountLodger(
   onOpen: () => void,
   onClose: () => void,
   onFlat: () => void,
+  onPlay?: (ball: LodgerBall) => void,
 ) {
   const still = prefersReducedMotion()
   const poses: LetterPose[] = LETTERS.map(() => ({ x: 0, y: 0, sx: 1, sy: 1, opacity: 1 }))
@@ -279,13 +298,20 @@ function mountLodger(
     pinY: PIN_SLOT.y,
     pinRot: 0,
     pinScale: 1,
+    ball: 0,
+    stretch: 0,
+    angle: 0,
+    dur: 0.34,
+    arc: 10,
   }
   const pointer = { x: HOLE.x, y: HOLE.y, inside: false, downX: HOLE.x, downY: HOLE.y }
   const impacts: { at: number; amp: number }[] = []
   const timers = { raf: 0, blink: 0, last: 0 }
   const panel = parts.box.closest<HTMLElement>('[data-component="new-session"]') ?? document.documentElement
   // The lodger's screen rect, read on resize and pointer entry so pointer moves never force a layout.
-  const rect = { left: 0, top: 0, scale: 1 }
+  const rect = { left: 0, top: 0, scale: 1, px: 0, py: 0 }
+  // The composer, in lodger units while carrying; dropping the lodger on it starts the brick breaker.
+  const drop = { el: undefined as HTMLElement | undefined, l: 0, t: 0, r: 0, b: 0, over: false }
   // Last written DOM values, so frames and pointer moves only touch what changed.
   const written = new Map<string, string>()
   const put = (key: string, write: (value: string) => void, value: string) => {
@@ -298,6 +324,9 @@ function mountLodger(
     rect.left = r.left
     rect.top = r.top
     rect.scale = r.width / W || 1
+    const p = panel.getBoundingClientRect()
+    rect.px = r.left - p.left
+    rect.py = r.top - p.top
   }
 
   // Snaps the flat wordmark stage to the exact integer-pitch footprint and rounded origin used by `NewSessionPinBoard`.
@@ -352,7 +381,7 @@ function mountLodger(
     if (c.phase === "return") returnHome(c.now - c.t0)
     if (c.phase === "pack") pack(c.now - c.t0)
     render()
-    if (c.phase !== "hidden" && c.phase !== "idle") timers.raf = requestAnimationFrame(frame)
+    if (c.phase !== "hidden" && c.phase !== "idle" && c.phase !== "game") timers.raf = requestAnimationFrame(frame)
   }
 
   const dragOut = (dt: number) => {
@@ -430,6 +459,8 @@ function mountLodger(
       neck: 0,
       notch: 0,
       pinOpacity: 0,
+      ball: 0,
+      stretch: 0,
       eyes: c.near * 0.55,
     })
     look()
@@ -542,6 +573,8 @@ function mountLodger(
       neck: 0,
       notch: 0,
       pinOpacity: 0,
+      ball: 0,
+      stretch: 0,
     })
     look()
     render()
@@ -577,17 +610,69 @@ function mountLodger(
     c.pinY = PIN_SLOT.y
     c.pinRot = 0
     c.pinScale = 1 + magnet * 0.25
+    // Over the composer it curls up and peers down at it, and the composer sinks a little under it.
+    drop.over =
+      !!onPlay && !!drop.el && pointer.x > drop.l && pointer.x < drop.r && pointer.y > drop.t && pointer.y < drop.b
+    c.ball += ((drop.over ? 0.85 : 0) - c.ball) * (1 - Math.exp(-dt * 14))
+    if (!drop.over) return
+    c.lookX = 0
+    c.lookY = 0.6
+    c.squint = 0.8
+    c.rot *= 0.4
+  }
+
+  const play = () => {
+    drop.over = false
+    render()
+    if (!onPlay) return
+    Object.assign(c, { phase: "game", rot: 0, crouch: 0, wide: 1, squint: 1 })
+    placeGrip("none")
+    measure()
+    onPlay(ball)
+  }
+
+  const ball: LodgerBall = {
+    radius: () => 5 * rect.scale,
+    at: () => ({ x: rect.px + c.x * rect.scale, y: rect.py + (c.y - 5) * rect.scale }),
+    place: (x, y, pose) => {
+      c.now = performance.now() / 1000
+      c.x = (x - rect.px) / rect.scale
+      c.y = (y - rect.py) / rect.scale + 5
+      c.lookX = Math.cos(pose.lookAngle) * pose.look
+      c.lookY = Math.sin(pose.lookAngle) * pose.look * 0.6
+      c.stretch = pose.stretch
+      c.angle = pose.angle
+      c.squint = pose.squint
+      c.ball = pose.curl
+      render()
+    },
+    blink: () => blinkOnce(),
+    done: () => {
+      measure()
+      Object.assign(c, {
+        phase: "return",
+        fromX: c.x,
+        fromY: c.y,
+        t0: performance.now() / 1000,
+        stretch: 0,
+        squint: 1,
+        dur: 0.7,
+        arc: 36,
+      })
+      wake()
+    },
   }
 
   const returnHome = (t: number) => {
-    const u = seg(t, 0, 0.34)
+    const u = seg(t, 0, c.dur)
     c.x = lerp(c.fromX, HOME, easeOut(u))
-    c.y = lerp(c.fromY, GROUND, u) - Math.sin(Math.PI * u) * 10
+    c.y = lerp(c.fromY, GROUND, u) - Math.sin(Math.PI * u) * c.arc
     c.rot = lerp(c.rot, 0, u)
     c.crouch = 0
     c.wide = 1
     c.pinOpacity = 0
-    if (t < 0.34) return
+    c.ball = Math.min(c.ball, 1 - easeInOut(u))
+    if (t < c.dur) return
     tap(0.25)
     settleIdle()
   }
@@ -773,8 +858,34 @@ function mountLodger(
     const opacity = (el: SVGElement) => (value: string) => {
       el.style.opacity = value
     }
-    put("critter", attr(parts.critter, "transform"), `translate(${c.x} ${c.y}) rotate(${c.rot} 0 -5) scale(${sx} ${sy})`)
+    // Stretching along an angle and rotating back keeps the eyes upright while the ball squashes on impact.
+    const stretch = c.stretch
+      ? ` rotate(${c.angle} 0 -5) scale(${1 + c.stretch} ${1 - c.stretch * 0.8}) rotate(${-c.angle} 0 -5)`
+      : ""
+    put(
+      "critter",
+      attr(parts.critter, "transform"),
+      `translate(${c.x} ${c.y})${stretch} rotate(${c.rot} 0 -5) scale(${sx} ${sy})`,
+    )
     put("body", opacity(parts.body), `${c.body}`)
+    put(
+      "curl",
+      (value) => {
+        const width = 12 - 2 * Number(value)
+        parts.body.setAttribute("x", `${-width / 2}`)
+        parts.body.setAttribute("width", `${width}`)
+        parts.body.setAttribute("rx", `${1.5 + 3.5 * Number(value)}`)
+      },
+      `${Math.round(c.ball * 100) / 100}`,
+    )
+    if (drop.el)
+      put("drop", (value) => drop.el?.toggleAttribute("data-lodger-over", value === "1"), drop.over ? "1" : "0")
+    // Carried, returning, or in play, the lodger crosses the composer, so it is lifted above it.
+    put(
+      "lifted",
+      (value) => parts.box.parentElement?.toggleAttribute("data-lifted", value === "1"),
+      c.phase === "carry" || c.phase === "return" || c.phase === "game" ? "1" : "0",
+    )
     put("eyes", opacity(parts.eyes), `${c.eyes}`)
     put(
       "look",
@@ -847,6 +958,17 @@ function mountLodger(
     event.stopPropagation()
     parts.grip.setPointerCapture(event.pointerId)
     measure()
+    if (c.phase === "idle") {
+      drop.el = panel.querySelector<HTMLElement>('[data-slot="new-session-composer"]') ?? undefined
+      const r = drop.el?.querySelector('[data-component="composer"]')?.getBoundingClientRect()
+      if (r) {
+        const p = panel.getBoundingClientRect()
+        drop.l = (r.left - p.left - rect.px) / rect.scale
+        drop.r = (r.right - p.left - rect.px) / rect.scale
+        drop.t = (r.top - p.top - rect.py) / rect.scale
+        drop.b = (r.bottom - p.top - rect.py) / rect.scale
+      }
+    }
     toUnits(event)
     Object.assign(pointer, { downX: pointer.x, downY: pointer.y })
     c.phase = c.phase === "hidden" ? "drag" : "carry"
@@ -868,6 +990,8 @@ function mountLodger(
       wake()
       return
     }
+    if (drop.over && !still) return play()
+    drop.over = false
     const dropX = HOME + (pointer.x - pointer.downX)
     const dropY = GROUND + (pointer.y - pointer.downY) - 5
     if (
@@ -877,7 +1001,7 @@ function mountLodger(
     )
       return startPack()
     if (still) return settleIdle()
-    Object.assign(c, { phase: "return", fromX: c.x, fromY: c.y, t0: performance.now() / 1000 })
+    Object.assign(c, { phase: "return", fromX: c.x, fromY: c.y, t0: performance.now() / 1000, dur: 0.34, arc: 10 })
     wake()
   }