breakout | gml

	Type	Desc
motion_set(direction, speed)	function	sets speed and direction variables of an instance in one line
instance_place(x, y, object)	function	exactly like place_meeting except this function returns the 'specific instance identifier' which means we can do stuff with the instance we have collided with.
point_direction(originX, originY, targetX, targetY)	function	returns the direction from one point (x1,y1) to another point (x2, y2). Helpful for setting course for a specific direction. We will use it in this example for a 'controlled bounce' (as opposed to a 'natural bounce').

Sprite	Images
sprBall
sprBrick
sprPaddle
sprTargetBlock

Set the mask and origin of ball for spot on bouncing:

Next, set the origin of paddle for controlled bouncing a short distance below the middle-centre of the paddle surface:

The reason for this is explained in this diagram:

Object	Sprite	Properties
objBall	sprBall	Visible
objBrick	sprBrick	Visible
objPaddle	sprPaddle	Visible
objTargetBlock	sprTargetBlock	Visible

objPaddle Step

switch (keyboard_key) {
  case vk_left: x = x - 7; break;
  case vk_right: x = x + 7; break;
}

objBall Create

randomize();
motion_set(irandom_range(225,305),7)

objBall Step

if place_meeting(x + hspeed, y + vspeed, all){
  //after we bounce, if there is a target block,
  //we will have to remove the target block:
  targetBlock = instance_place(x + hspeed, y + vspeed, objTargetBlock);
  //for the paddle (only)...:
  if place_meeting(x + hspeed, y + vspeed, objPaddle){
    //...give the user some control as to where they are aiming,
    //which means an 'unnatural' bounce:
    direction = point_direction(objPaddle.x, objPaddle.y, x, y)
  }
  else{
    //...otherwise use a regular (natural) bounce:
    move_bounce_all(true);
  }
  if (targetBlock != noone) {    
    with (targetBlock) {
      instance_destroy();
    }
  }
}

1. Adjust speed of paddle, ball, and layout of level, to make game more playable
2. Make ball speed up +1 with every touch
3. Come back and improve this game with score, lives and end-game once you develop more skill in GMS2