NAIJA AREA CHAOS — VERSION 9

WHAT'S NEW
- Arena selector now follows the supplied “arena update.pdf” roster: 10 S-tier, 10 A-tier, 10 B-tier, and 10 secret unlockable arenas.
- Arena list has tier filters and descriptive labels. The project still contains only nine original arena backgrounds; the other entries reuse those backgrounds until unique art is added.
- Secret arenas unlock together for 1,000 in-game coins on that browser/device.
- Added an Online Rivals lobby with usernames, online-player directory, username search, challenge invites, accept/decline, and a Socket.IO relay for remote fight inputs, health, and positions.
- Added a Node.js multiplayer server (server.js) and package.json. Two rounds, the 73-fighter roster, campaign, and signature energy are retained.

RUN ONLINE MULTIPLAYER LOCALLY
1. Install Node.js 18 or newer.
2. Open a terminal in this folder (the folder containing server.js and index.html).
3. Run: npm install
4. Run: npm start
5. Open http://localhost:3000 in two browser windows/devices.
6. In both, choose PLAY ONLINE, enter different usernames, and connect to http://localhost:3000.
7. Search the online list, challenge the other player, and accept on the other device.

HOST ONLINE FOR OTHER PLAYERS
- Deploy this folder to a Node.js host that supports persistent WebSocket/Socket.IO connections and set PORT as required by the provider.
- Use HTTPS/WSS in production and enter the deployed server URL in the Online Rivals screen.
- If the game frontend is hosted separately, set ALLOWED_ORIGIN to its exact origin (for example https://game.example.com) on the server.
- A static-only cPanel hosting plan cannot run server.js. It needs Node.js app support or a separate Node.js server. Uploading the HTML files alone does not create an online player directory.

CONTROLS
Desktop: arrows move/jump/crouch; A high punch; S low punch; D low kick; F high kick; Shift block; G signature special.
Mobile: use on-screen controls. Landscape orientation gives more room.

IMPORTANT LIMITATIONS
- Multiplayer is a beta relay using the existing fighting engine's move/life/position messages. Test latency, reconnection, and round transitions on the actual hosting provider before a public launch; this build has not had full two-device browser gameplay QA.
- Only nine arena backgrounds are currently supplied. All 40 official roster names are selectable after unlocking secrets, but additional unique arena artwork still needs to be created.
- Online usernames are temporary lobby names, not secured accounts. There is no password, account recovery, persistent profile, anti-cheat, matchmaking rating, or moderation system yet. Do not use sensitive personal information as a username.
- Coins and campaign progress are stored in localStorage per browser/device.
- Check rights/permissions for any real-person likenesses and names before public/commercial release.
