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diff --git a/js/world/maps.js b/js/world/maps.js
index 9f70a9a..79e8d99 100644
--- a/js/world/maps.js
+++ b/js/world/maps.js
@@ -1,271 +1,233 @@
 /**
- * maps.js - Tile-based world map definitions
+ * maps.js - PNG-based world maps with wall coordinate arrays
  *
- * Tile types:
- * 0 = floor
- * 1 = wall
- * 2 = grass
- * 3 = workshop table
- * 4 = puzzle door locked
- * 5 = puzzle door open
- * 6 = NPC spot
- * 7 = path
- * 8 = water
- * 9 = terminal
+ * Each map has a pre-rendered PNG background image and defines:
+ * - walls: coordinate-based collision data { row: [col1, col2, ...] }
+ * - npcs, interactions, exits as position-based objects
+ *
+ * Map images are drawn at 3x scale (16px native → 48px on screen)
  */
 
-// Helper to fill a rectangular area with a tile type
-function fillRect(tiles, x, y, w, h, tileType) {
-    for (let row = y; row < y + h; row++) {
-        for (let col = x; col < x + w; col++) {
-            if (row >= 0 && row < tiles.length && col >= 0 && col < tiles[0].length) {
-                tiles[row][col] = tileType;
-            }
-        }
-    }
-}
-
-// Helper to place a horizontal line
-function hline(tiles, x, y, length, tileType) {
-    for (let i = 0; i < length; i++) {
-        if (y >= 0 && y < tiles.length && x + i >= 0 && x + i < tiles[0].length) {
-            tiles[y][x + i] = tileType;
-        }
-    }
-}
-
-// Helper to place a vertical line
-function vline(tiles, x, y, length, tileType) {
-    for (let i = 0; i < length; i++) {
-        if (x >= 0 && x < tiles[0].length && y + i >= 0 && y + i < tiles.length) {
-            tiles[y + i][x] = tileType;
-        }
-    }
-}
+// ==================== Map definitions ====================
 
 /**
- * MAP 1: CIRCUIT LAB (20×15)
- * Indoor tech lab with workstations, terminals, and a puzzle door
+ * MAP: LAB (10×12 tiles — lab.png is 160×192)
+ * Pokemon professor's lab interior
  */
-function createLabMap() {
-    const width = 20;
-    const height = 15;
+const labMap = {
+    id: 'lab',
+    name: 'Circuit Lab',
+    image: 'map:lab',
+    widthTiles: 10,
+    heightTiles: 12,
+    spawn: { x: 4, y: 10 },
 
-    // Start with all floor
-    const tiles = Array(height).fill(null).map(() => Array(width).fill(0));
+    // Walls: { row: [col, col, ...] }
+    // Row 0-1: top shelves/machines
+    walls: {
+        0: [0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9],
+        1: [0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9],
+        2: [0, 1, 2, 7, 8, 9],
+        3: [0, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9],
+        4: [0, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9],
+        5: [0, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9],
+        6: [0, 9],
+        7: [0, 9],
+        8: [0, 1, 2, 7, 8, 9],
+        9: [0, 1, 8, 9],
+        10: [0, 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9],
+        11: [0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9]
+    },
 
-    // Border walls
-    for (let i = 0; i < width; i++) {
-        tiles[0][i] = 1;           // top
-        tiles[height - 1][i] = 1;  // bottom
-    }
-    for (let i = 0; i < height; i++) {
-        tiles[i][0] = 1;           // left
-        tiles[i][width - 1] = 1;   // right
-    }
+    exits: [
+        // Exit at bottom center — door to town
+        { x: 4, y: 11, targetMap: 'town', targetX: 12, targetY: 10 },
+        { x: 5, y: 11, targetMap: 'town', targetX: 12, targetY: 10 }
+    ],
 
-    // Internal wall structure - create lab rooms
-    // Vertical divider wall down the middle area
-    vline(tiles, 13, 1, 10, 1);
+    npcs: [
+        {
+            id: 'professor',
+            x: 4, y: 3,
+            facing: 'down',
+            dialog: [
+                'Welcome to the Circuit Lab!',
+                'I\'m the Professor. We study logic gates here.',
+                'Use the workshop tables to design circuits.',
+                'Press TAB to open the Workshop anytime!'
+            ]
+        }
+    ],
 
-    // Horizontal divider
-    hline(tiles, 1, 7, 12, 1);
-
-    // Workshop area - left side with tables
-    tiles[4][3] = 3;   // workshop table 1
-    tiles[4][5] = 3;   // workshop table 2
-    tiles[4][7] = 3;   // workshop table 3
-    tiles[6][3] = 3;   // workshop table 4
-    tiles[6][5] = 3;   // workshop table 5
-
-    // Terminal near workshop area
-    tiles[5][10] = 9;  // terminal
-
-    // Professor NPC spot at top
-    tiles[2][10] = 6;  // NPC spawn location
-
-    // Puzzle door leading to back room (top-right area)
-    tiles[2][16] = 4;  // locked puzzle door
-
-    // Door opening in the internal wall for navigation
-    tiles[7][7] = 0;   // create passage
-
-    // Exit point at bottom (to town)
-    tiles[13][10] = 0; // clear exit path
-
-    return {
-        id: 'lab',
-        name: 'Circuit Lab',
-        width: width,
-        height: height,
-        tiles: tiles,
-        spawn: { x: 10, y: 12 },
-
-        exits: [
-            { x: 10, y: 13, targetMap: 'town', targetX: 15, targetY: 1 }
-        ],
-
-        npcs: [
-            {
-                id: 'professor',
-                type: 0,
-                x: 10,
-                y: 2,
-                facing: 'down',
-                dialog: [
-                    'Welcome to the Circuit Lab!',
-                    'I\'m the Professor. We study logic gates here.',
-                    'Try using the workshop tables to design circuits.',
-                    'Once you\'ve created some components, you can use them to solve puzzles.'
-                ]
-            }
-        ],
-
-        interactions: [
-            { x: 3, y: 4, type: 'workshop', action: 'openWorkshop', label: 'Workshop Table' },
-            { x: 5, y: 4, type: 'workshop', action: 'openWorkshop', label: 'Workshop Table' },
-            { x: 7, y: 4, type: 'workshop', action: 'openWorkshop', label: 'Workshop Table' },
-            { x: 10, y: 5, type: 'terminal', action: 'openTerminal', label: 'Terminal' },
-            { x: 16, y: 2, type: 'puzzle_door', puzzleId: 'lab_door_1', requiredOutputs: [1, 0, 1, 1], label: 'Locked Door' }
-        ]
-    };
-}
-
-/**
- * MAP 2: NEON TOWN (30×20)
- * Outdoor town with buildings, NPCs, water feature, and puzzle areas
- */
-function createTownMap() {
-    const width = 30;
-    const height = 20;
-
-    // Start with grass
-    const tiles = Array(height).fill(null).map(() => Array(width).fill(2));
-
-    // Add some paths (lighter grass/paths)
-    hline(tiles, 0, 10, width, 7);  // horizontal path
-    vline(tiles, 15, 0, height, 7); // vertical path
-
-    // Water feature on the left (pond)
-    fillRect(tiles, 2, 5, 5, 6, 8);
-
-    // Lab entrance at top
-    tiles[0][15] = 0;  // entrance floor
-    tiles[1][15] = 6;  // NPC spawn for entrance
-
-    // Building 1 (top-left) - House structure
-    fillRect(tiles, 5, 2, 7, 5, 1);  // walls
-    fillRect(tiles, 6, 3, 5, 3, 0);  // interior floor
-    tiles[4][8] = 0;   // door to building 1
-
-    // Building 2 (top-right) - Shop
-    fillRect(tiles, 20, 2, 7, 5, 1);  // walls
-    fillRect(tiles, 21, 3, 5, 3, 0);  // interior floor
-    tiles[4][23] = 0;   // door to building 2
-
-    // Building 3 (bottom-left) - Guard post
-    fillRect(tiles, 5, 14, 7, 5, 1);  // walls
-    fillRect(tiles, 6, 15, 5, 3, 0);  // interior floor
-    tiles[13][8] = 0;   // door to guard post
-
-    // Building 4 (bottom-right) - Town Hall
-    fillRect(tiles, 20, 14, 7, 5, 1);  // walls
-    fillRect(tiles, 21, 15, 5, 3, 0);  // interior floor
-    tiles[13][23] = 0;   // door to town hall
-
-    // Merchant NPC in center town square
-    tiles[10][15] = 6;  // NPC spawn
-
-    // Guard NPC at guard post entrance
-    tiles[13][8] = 6;   // NPC spawn (overlays door, but NPC takes priority)
-
-    // Puzzle door to eastern area (locked)
-    tiles[10][28] = 4;  // locked puzzle door
-
-    return {
-        id: 'town',
-        name: 'Neon Town',
-        width: width,
-        height: height,
-        tiles: tiles,
-        spawn: { x: 15, y: 2 },
-
-        exits: [
-            { x: 15, y: 0, targetMap: 'lab', targetX: 10, targetY: 13 }
-        ],
-
-        npcs: [
-            {
-                id: 'merchant',
-                type: 0,
-                x: 15,
-                y: 10,
-                facing: 'down',
-                dialog: [
-                    'Welcome to Neon Town!',
-                    'I trade in rare logic components.',
-                    'Show me what circuits you\'ve designed, and maybe we can make a deal.',
-                    'Some items are only available if you\'ve solved certain puzzles.'
-                ]
-            },
-            {
-                id: 'guard',
-                type: 0,
-                x: 8,
-                y: 13,
-                facing: 'right',
-                dialog: [
-                    'I guard the eastern territories.',
-                    'You need to solve the puzzle at the gate before you can pass.',
-                    'Bring me a component that produces the right output pattern!'
-                ]
-            }
-        ],
-
-        interactions: [
-            { x: 8, y: 4, type: 'door', action: 'openBuilding', label: 'House', buildingId: 'house_1' },
-            { x: 23, y: 4, type: 'door', action: 'openBuilding', label: 'Shop', buildingId: 'shop_1' },
-            { x: 8, y: 13, type: 'door', action: 'openBuilding', label: 'Guard Post', buildingId: 'guardpost_1' },
-            { x: 23, y: 13, type: 'door', action: 'openBuilding', label: 'Town Hall', buildingId: 'townhall_1' },
-            { x: 28, y: 10, type: 'puzzle_door', puzzleId: 'town_gate_1', requiredOutputs: [0, 1, 1, 0], label: 'Locked Gate' }
-        ]
-    };
-}
-
-// Map registry
-const maps = {
-    lab: createLabMap(),
-    town: createTownMap()
+    interactions: [
+        // Workshop tables (the big table in the middle of lab)
+        { x: 3, y: 5, type: 'workshop', label: 'Workshop Table' },
+        { x: 4, y: 5, type: 'workshop', label: 'Workshop Table' },
+        { x: 5, y: 5, type: 'workshop', label: 'Workshop Table' },
+        { x: 6, y: 5, type: 'workshop', label: 'Workshop Table' },
+        // Machine/bookshelf
+        { x: 8, y: 2, type: 'terminal', label: 'Terminal',
+          dialog: ['Circuit analysis terminal.', 'Connect components to solve puzzles.'] },
+        // Puzzle door in top-right area
+        { x: 8, y: 3, type: 'puzzle_door', puzzleId: 'lab_door_1',
+          requiredOutputs: [1, 0, 1, 1], label: 'Locked Door' }
+    ]
 };
 
 /**
- * Get a complete map by ID
+ * MAP: TOWN (20×18 tiles — pallet-town.png is 320×288)
+ * Pokemon-style starting town with houses and paths
  */
+const townMap = {
+    id: 'town',
+    name: 'Neon Town',
+    image: 'map:pallet-town',
+    widthTiles: 20,
+    heightTiles: 18,
+    spawn: { x: 9, y: 9 },
+
+    // Walls based on pallet-town visual layout
+    // Trees around border, houses, fences, water
+    walls: (() => {
+        const w = {};
+        // Helper to add walls
+        function addWall(row, cols) {
+            if (!w[row]) w[row] = [];
+            w[row].push(...cols);
+        }
+        function addRange(row, from, to) {
+            const cols = [];
+            for (let c = from; c <= to; c++) cols.push(c);
+            addWall(row, cols);
+        }
+        function addRect(rowStart, rowEnd, colStart, colEnd) {
+            for (let r = rowStart; r <= rowEnd; r++) addRange(r, colStart, colEnd);
+        }
+
+        // Top border (trees/fence) — rows 0-1
+        addRange(0, 0, 19);
+        addRange(1, 0, 19);
+
+        // Left border trees
+        for (let r = 2; r <= 17; r++) addWall(r, [0, 1]);
+
+        // Right border trees
+        for (let r = 2; r <= 17; r++) addWall(r, [18, 19]);
+
+        // Bottom border
+        addRange(17, 0, 19);
+
+        // House 1 (top-left area) — roughly rows 3-6, cols 3-7
+        addRect(3, 5, 3, 7);
+
+        // House 2 (top-right area) — rows 3-6, cols 12-16
+        addRect(3, 5, 12, 16);
+
+        // Fence segments
+        addRange(7, 2, 7);
+        addRange(7, 12, 17);
+
+        // Water/pond (bottom-left)
+        addRect(13, 15, 2, 5);
+
+        // Some trees/obstacles in bottom area
+        addWall(16, [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]);
+        addWall(16, [12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17]);
+
+        return w;
+    })(),
+
+    exits: [
+        // North exit — goes to lab
+        { x: 12, y: 9, targetMap: 'lab', targetX: 4, targetY: 10 },
+        // Route 1 south (future)
+        // { x: 9, y: 17, targetMap: 'route1', targetX: 10, targetY: 0 }
+    ],
+
+    npcs: [
+        {
+            id: 'merchant',
+            x: 9, y: 11,
+            facing: 'down',
+            dialog: [
+                'Welcome to Neon Town!',
+                'I trade in rare logic components.',
+                'Craft some circuits in the Lab workshop!',
+                'Some doors need special output patterns to open.'
+            ]
+        },
+        {
+            id: 'guide',
+            x: 14, y: 9,
+            facing: 'left',
+            dialog: [
+                'The Circuit Lab is just up ahead.',
+                'Professor Oak.. I mean, the Professor can teach you about logic gates!',
+                'Press TAB anytime to open your Workshop.'
+            ]
+        }
+    ],
+
+    interactions: [
+        // House 1 door
+        { x: 5, y: 6, type: 'door', label: 'House',
+          dialog: ['The door is locked.', 'Nobody seems to be home.'] },
+        // House 2 door
+        { x: 14, y: 6, type: 'door', label: 'House',
+          dialog: ['This is the component shop.', 'Coming soon!'] },
+        // Sign
+        { x: 10, y: 8, type: 'sign', label: 'Sign',
+          dialog: ['Welcome to Neon Town!', 'Circuit Lab ↑'] }
+    ]
+};
+
+
+// ==================== Map registry ====================
+
+const maps = {
+    lab: labMap,
+    town: townMap
+};
+
+// ==================== Public API ====================
+
 export function getMap(id) {
     return maps[id] || null;
 }
 
 /**
- * Get tile type at position
+ * Check if a tile position is a wall
  */
-export function getTile(mapId, x, y) {
+export function isWall(mapId, x, y) {
     const map = maps[mapId];
-    if (!map) return null;
-    if (x < 0 || x >= map.width || y < 0 || y >= map.height) return null;
-    return map.tiles[y][x];
+    if (!map) return true;
+    // Out of bounds = wall
+    if (x < 0 || x >= map.widthTiles || y < 0 || y >= map.heightTiles) return true;
+    const row = map.walls[y];
+    if (!row) return false;
+    return row.includes(x);
 }
 
 /**
- * Get interaction at position (if any)
+ * Check if a tile is walkable (not a wall and no NPC blocking)
+ */
+export function isWalkable(mapId, x, y) {
+    if (isWall(mapId, x, y)) return false;
+    if (getNPC(mapId, x, y)) return false;
+    return true;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Get interaction at position
  */
 export function getInteraction(mapId, x, y) {
     const map = maps[mapId];
     if (!map) return null;
-    return map.interactions.find(inter => inter.x === x && inter.y === y) || null;
+    return map.interactions.find(i => i.x === x && i.y === y) || null;
 }
 
 /**
- * Get NPC at position (if any)
+ * Get NPC at position
  */
 export function getNPC(mapId, x, y) {
     const map = maps[mapId];
@@ -274,32 +236,17 @@ export function getNPC(mapId, x, y) {
 }
 
 /**
- * Get exit at position (if any)
+ * Get exit at position
  */
 export function getExit(mapId, x, y) {
     const map = maps[mapId];
     if (!map) return null;
-    return map.exits.find(exit => exit.x === x && exit.y === y) || null;
+    return map.exits.find(e => e.x === x && e.y === y) || null;
 }
 
-/**
- * Check if a tile is walkable
- * Walls (1), water (8), workshop tables (3), terminals (9), locked puzzle doors (4), and NPCs are not walkable
- */
-export function isWalkable(mapId, x, y) {
-    const tile = getTile(mapId, x, y);
-
-    // Out of bounds
-    if (tile === null) return false;
-
-    // Non-walkable tiles
-    const nonWalkable = [1, 3, 4, 8, 9];
-    if (nonWalkable.includes(tile)) return false;
-
-    // Check for NPC
-    if (getNPC(mapId, x, y)) return false;
-
-    return true;
+// No longer needed but keep for compat — returns null always
+export function getTile(mapId, x, y) {
+    return isWall(mapId, x, y) ? 1 : 0;
 }
 
 export { maps };
diff --git a/js/world/sprites.js b/js/world/sprites.js
index 9d9d701..f7ff5f7 100644
--- a/js/world/sprites.js
+++ b/js/world/sprites.js
@@ -1,694 +1,238 @@
-// Cyberpunk pixel-art sprite system
-// All sprites drawn on canvas, no image assets
-// 16x16 tile size with 3x scaling for screen rendering
+// sprites.js - PNG image-based sprite system
+// Uses pre-rendered assets from assets/ directory
+// 16px native tile size, 3x scale for screen rendering
 
-export const TILE_SIZE = 16;
+export const TILE = 16;
 export const SCALE = 3;
+export const TILE_PX = TILE * SCALE; // 48px on screen
 
-// Color palette
-const COLORS = {
-  // Neon palette
-  neonGreen: '#00e599',
-  neonPink: '#ff44aa',
-  neonPurple: '#9900ff',
-  neonCyan: '#44ddff',
-  neonOrange: '#ff8844',
+// Also export as TILE_SIZE for backward compat
+export const TILE_SIZE = TILE;
 
-  // Dark palette
-  black: '#0a0e27',
-  darkGray: '#1a1f3a',
-  gray: '#3a3f5a',
-  lightGray: '#5a5f7a',
+// ==================== Image cache ====================
 
-  // Skin tones & details
-  skinLight: '#d4a574',
-  skinMid: '#c89860',
-  skinDark: '#a0704c',
+const imageCache = {};
+let assetsLoaded = false;
+let onAssetsReady = null;
 
-  // Material colors
-  metalDark: '#2a2f4a',
-  metalLight: '#4a4f6a',
-  copper: '#b87333',
-  blue: '#4488dd',
-  red: '#ee4444',
-  green: '#44aa44',
-  white: '#ffffff',
-};
+function loadImage(key, src) {
+    return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
+        if (imageCache[key]) { resolve(imageCache[key]); return; }
+        const img = new Image();
+        img.onload = () => { imageCache[key] = img; resolve(img); };
+        img.onerror = () => { console.warn(`[sprites] failed to load: ${src}`); resolve(null); };
+        img.src = src;
+    });
+}
 
-/**
- * Helper function to draw a single scaled pixel
- * @param {CanvasRenderingContext2D} ctx
- * @param {number} baseX - Base X position (in pixels on screen)
- * @param {number} baseY - Base Y position (in pixels on screen)
- * @param {number} px - Pixel X offset (0-15 within tile)
- * @param {number} py - Pixel Y offset (0-15 within tile)
- * @param {string} color - Color hex code
- */
-function pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, px, py, color) {
-  ctx.fillStyle = color;
-  ctx.fillRect(baseX + px * SCALE, baseY + py * SCALE, SCALE, SCALE);
+export function getImage(key) {
+    return imageCache[key] || null;
 }
 
 /**
- * Draw a filled rectangle in tile space
+ * Preload all game assets. Returns a promise that resolves when done.
  */
-function rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, x, y, w, h, color) {
-  ctx.fillStyle = color;
-  ctx.fillRect(baseX + x * SCALE, baseY + y * SCALE, w * SCALE, h * SCALE);
+export async function preloadAssets() {
+    if (assetsLoaded) return;
+
+    const loads = [];
+
+    // Map backgrounds
+    loads.push(loadImage('map:lab', 'assets/map/lab.png'));
+    loads.push(loadImage('map:pallet-town', 'assets/map/pallet-town.png'));
+    loads.push(loadImage('map:house-a-1f', 'assets/map/house-a-1f.png'));
+    loads.push(loadImage('map:route-1', 'assets/map/route-1.png'));
+
+    // Character sprites (32x32 each)
+    const dirs = ['front', 'back', 'left', 'right'];
+    const frames = ['still', 'walk-1', 'walk-2'];
+    for (const dir of dirs) {
+        for (const frame of frames) {
+            const key = `char:${dir}-${frame}`;
+            loads.push(loadImage(key, `assets/character/${dir}-${frame}.png`));
+        }
+    }
+
+    // NPC sprites (16x16 each)
+    const npcDirs = ['down', 'up', 'left', 'right'];
+    for (const d of npcDirs) {
+        loads.push(loadImage(`npc:a-${d}`, `assets/npcs/a-${d}.png`));
+    }
+
+    await Promise.all(loads);
+    assetsLoaded = true;
+    console.log('[sprites] all assets loaded');
+}
+
+// ==================== Direction mapping ====================
+
+// Map game direction to character sprite prefix
+const DIR_TO_SPRITE = {
+    down: 'front',
+    up: 'back',
+    left: 'left',
+    right: 'right'
+};
+
+// Map game direction to NPC sprite suffix
+const DIR_TO_NPC = {
+    down: 'down',
+    up: 'up',
+    left: 'left',
+    right: 'right'
+};
+
+// ==================== Drawing functions ====================
+
+/**
+ * Draw a map background image
+ * @param {CanvasRenderingContext2D} ctx
+ * @param {string} mapImageKey - key in imageCache (e.g. 'map:lab')
+ * @param {number} offsetX - pixel offset for camera
+ * @param {number} offsetY - pixel offset for camera
+ */
+export function drawMapImage(ctx, mapImageKey, offsetX, offsetY) {
+    const img = imageCache[mapImageKey];
+    if (!img) return;
+    // Draw scaled: native pixels * SCALE
+    ctx.imageSmoothingEnabled = false;
+    ctx.drawImage(img, offsetX, offsetY, img.width * SCALE, img.height * SCALE);
 }
 
 /**
  * Draw the player character
  * @param {CanvasRenderingContext2D} ctx
- * @param {number} x - Screen X position
- * @param {number} y - Screen Y position
- * @param {string} direction - 'up', 'down', 'left', 'right'
- * @param {number} frame - Animation frame (0 or 1)
+ * @param {number} screenX - top-left X on screen
+ * @param {number} screenY - top-left Y on screen
+ * @param {string} direction - 'up'|'down'|'left'|'right'
+ * @param {number} walkFrame - 0=still, 1=walk-1, 2=walk-2
  */
-export function drawPlayer(ctx, x, y, direction, frame) {
-  const baseX = x * SCALE;
-  const baseY = y * SCALE;
-
-  // Idle position or walking offset
-  const walkOffset = frame === 1 ? 1 : 0;
-
-  // Head position shifts slightly with walk cycle
-  let headY = 2;
-  let legOffset = 0;
-  if (frame === 1 && direction === 'down') legOffset = 1;
-  if (frame === 1 && direction === 'up') legOffset = -1;
-
-  if (direction === 'down') {
-    // Facing down
-    // Hair/head
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, headY, COLORS.darkGray);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, headY, COLORS.darkGray);
-
-    // Face
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, headY + 1, COLORS.skinLight);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, headY + 1, COLORS.skinLight);
-
-    // Hair back
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, headY + 1, COLORS.darkGray);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, headY + 1, COLORS.darkGray);
-
-    // Eyes (neon glow)
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, headY + 2, COLORS.neonGreen);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, headY + 2, COLORS.neonGreen);
-
-    // Mouth
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, headY + 3, COLORS.red);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, headY + 3, COLORS.red);
-
-    // Torso - black outfit with neon trim
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, headY + 4, COLORS.black);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, headY + 4, COLORS.black);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, headY + 5, COLORS.neonGreen);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, headY + 5, COLORS.darkGray);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, headY + 5, COLORS.darkGray);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, headY + 5, COLORS.neonGreen);
-
-    // Chest neon accent
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, headY + 6, COLORS.neonPink);
-    pixel(ctx, baseY, baseY, 8, headY + 6, COLORS.neonPink);
-
-    // Arms
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 5, headY + 5, COLORS.skinDark);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 10, headY + 5, COLORS.skinDark);
-
-    // Gloves/wrists - neon
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 5, headY + 6, COLORS.neonCyan);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 10, headY + 6, COLORS.neonCyan);
-
-    // Legs
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, headY + 9 + legOffset, COLORS.black);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, headY + 9 + legOffset, COLORS.black);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, headY + 9 + legOffset, COLORS.black);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, headY + 9 + legOffset, COLORS.black);
-
-    // Feet - boots with neon
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, headY + 11 + legOffset, COLORS.neonGreen);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, headY + 11 + legOffset, COLORS.neonGreen);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, headY + 11 + legOffset, COLORS.neonGreen);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, headY + 11 + legOffset, COLORS.neonGreen);
-
-  } else if (direction === 'up') {
-    // Facing up - back view
-    // Hair
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, headY, COLORS.darkGray);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, headY, COLORS.darkGray);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, headY + 1, COLORS.darkGray);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, headY + 1, COLORS.darkGray);
-
-    // Back of head
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, headY + 1, COLORS.skinDark);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, headY + 1, COLORS.skinDark);
-
-    // Neck
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, headY + 2, COLORS.skinLight);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, headY + 2, COLORS.skinLight);
-
-    // Jacket back with neon stripe
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, headY + 3, COLORS.black);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, headY + 3, COLORS.neonCyan);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, headY + 3, COLORS.neonCyan);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, headY + 3, COLORS.black);
-
-    // Torso
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, headY + 4, COLORS.darkGray);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, headY + 4, COLORS.black);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, headY + 4, COLORS.black);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, headY + 4, COLORS.darkGray);
-
-    // Waist - neon bands
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, headY + 5, COLORS.neonPink);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, headY + 5, COLORS.darkGray);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, headY + 5, COLORS.darkGray);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, headY + 5, COLORS.neonPink);
-
-    // Arms back
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 5, headY + 4, COLORS.darkGray);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 10, headY + 4, COLORS.darkGray);
-
-    // Legs
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, headY + 9 - legOffset, COLORS.black);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, headY + 9 - legOffset, COLORS.black);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, headY + 9 - legOffset, COLORS.black);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, headY + 9 - legOffset, COLORS.black);
-
-    // Feet
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, headY + 11 - legOffset, COLORS.neonGreen);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, headY + 11 - legOffset, COLORS.neonGreen);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, headY + 11 - legOffset, COLORS.neonGreen);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, headY + 11 - legOffset, COLORS.neonGreen);
-
-  } else if (direction === 'left') {
-    // Facing left
-    // Hair
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, headY, COLORS.darkGray);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, headY, COLORS.darkGray);
-
-    // Face
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, headY + 1, COLORS.skinLight);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, headY + 1, COLORS.darkGray);
-
-    // Eye (neon)
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, headY + 2, COLORS.neonGreen);
-
-    // Mouth
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, headY + 3, COLORS.red);
-
-    // Torso with side view
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 5, headY + 4, COLORS.neonGreen);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, headY + 4, COLORS.black);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, headY + 4, COLORS.darkGray);
-
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 5, headY + 5, COLORS.neonGreen);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, headY + 5, COLORS.darkGray);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, headY + 5, COLORS.black);
-
-    // Left arm
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 4, headY + 5 - walkOffset, COLORS.skinDark);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 4, headY + 6, COLORS.neonCyan);
-
-    // Right arm (back)
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, headY + 5 + walkOffset, COLORS.skinDark);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, headY + 6, COLORS.darkGray);
-
-    // Legs
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 5, headY + 9, COLORS.black);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, headY + 9, COLORS.black);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, headY + 9, COLORS.darkGray);
-
-    // Feet
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 5, headY + 11, COLORS.neonGreen);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, headY + 11, COLORS.neonGreen);
-
-  } else if (direction === 'right') {
-    // Facing right
-    // Hair
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, headY, COLORS.darkGray);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, headY, COLORS.darkGray);
-
-    // Face
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, headY + 1, COLORS.darkGray);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, headY + 1, COLORS.skinLight);
-
-    // Eye (neon)
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, headY + 2, COLORS.neonGreen);
-
-    // Mouth
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, headY + 3, COLORS.red);
-
-    // Torso with side view
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, headY + 4, COLORS.darkGray);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, headY + 4, COLORS.black);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 10, headY + 4, COLORS.neonGreen);
-
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, headY + 5, COLORS.black);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, headY + 5, COLORS.darkGray);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 10, headY + 5, COLORS.neonGreen);
-
-    // Left arm (back)
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, headY + 5 + walkOffset, COLORS.skinDark);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, headY + 6, COLORS.darkGray);
-
-    // Right arm
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 11, headY + 5 - walkOffset, COLORS.skinDark);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 11, headY + 6, COLORS.neonCyan);
-
-    // Legs
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, headY + 9, COLORS.darkGray);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, headY + 9, COLORS.black);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 10, headY + 9, COLORS.black);
-
-    // Feet
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, headY + 11, COLORS.neonGreen);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 10, headY + 11, COLORS.neonGreen);
-  }
-}
-
-/**
- * Draw a tile
- * @param {CanvasRenderingContext2D} ctx
- * @param {number} x - Tile X position
- * @param {number} y - Tile Y position
- * @param {number} tileType - Tile type (0-9)
- */
-export function drawTile(ctx, x, y, tileType) {
-  const baseX = x * SCALE;
-  const baseY = y * SCALE;
-
-  switch (tileType) {
-    case 0: // Floor - metal grid pattern
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 0, 0, 16, 16, COLORS.metalDark);
-      // Grid pattern
-      for (let i = 0; i < 16; i += 4) {
-        rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, i, 0, 1, 16, COLORS.metalLight);
-        rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 0, i, 16, 1, COLORS.metalLight);
-      }
-      // Corner accents
-      pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 0, 0, COLORS.neonGreen);
-      pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 15, 0, COLORS.neonGreen);
-      pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 0, 15, COLORS.neonGreen);
-      pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 15, 15, COLORS.neonGreen);
-      break;
-
-    case 1: // Wall - solid dark with neon trim
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 0, 0, 16, 16, COLORS.darkGray);
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 1, 1, 14, 14, COLORS.black);
-      // Neon edges
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 0, 0, 16, 1, COLORS.neonCyan);
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 0, 15, 16, 1, COLORS.neonPink);
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 0, 0, 1, 16, COLORS.neonPurple);
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 15, 0, 1, 16, COLORS.neonOrange);
-      break;
-
-    case 2: // Grass/outdoor ground
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 0, 0, 16, 16, COLORS.green);
-      // Grass tufts
-      for (let i = 0; i < 16; i += 4) {
-        for (let j = 0; j < 16; j += 4) {
-          if ((i + j) % 8 === 0) {
-            pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, i, j, COLORS.neonGreen);
-            pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, i + 1, j, COLORS.neonGreen);
-          }
-        }
-      }
-      break;
-
-    case 3: // Workshop table
-      // Table surface
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 1, 1, 14, 10, COLORS.copper);
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 2, 2, 12, 8, COLORS.lightGray);
-
-      // Electronic components on table
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 3, 3, 3, 3, COLORS.neonPurple);
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 10, 3, 3, 3, COLORS.neonCyan);
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, 5, 4, 2, COLORS.neonGreen);
-
-      // Table legs
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 2, 11, 2, 5, COLORS.gray);
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 12, 11, 2, 5, COLORS.gray);
-      break;
-
-    case 4: // Puzzle door - locked
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 0, 0, 16, 16, COLORS.metalDark);
-      // Door frame
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 1, 1, 14, 14, COLORS.darkGray);
-
-      // LED indicators (locked - red)
-      pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 4, 4, COLORS.red);
-      pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 12, 4, COLORS.red);
-      pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 4, 12, COLORS.red);
-      pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 12, 12, COLORS.red);
-
-      // Center lock symbol
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, 6, 4, 4, COLORS.neonPink);
-      pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, 8, COLORS.black);
-      break;
-
-    case 5: // Puzzle door - open
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 0, 0, 16, 16, COLORS.metalLight);
-      // Door frame
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 1, 1, 14, 14, COLORS.darkGray);
-
-      // LED indicators (unlocked - green)
-      pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 4, 4, COLORS.neonGreen);
-      pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 12, 4, COLORS.neonGreen);
-      pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 4, 12, COLORS.neonGreen);
-      pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 12, 12, COLORS.neonGreen);
-
-      // Open door effect
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, 6, 4, 4, COLORS.neonGreen);
-      break;
-
-    case 6: // NPC spot - empty, marked with neon circle
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 0, 0, 16, 16, COLORS.darkGray);
-      // Neon circle outline
-      for (let i = 3; i < 13; i++) {
-        pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, i, 3, COLORS.neonCyan);
-        pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, i, 12, COLORS.neonCyan);
-        pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 3, i, COLORS.neonCyan);
-        pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 12, i, COLORS.neonCyan);
-      }
-      break;
-
-    case 7: // Path/road
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 0, 0, 16, 16, COLORS.gray);
-      // Road markings
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, 0, 4, 16, COLORS.neonOrange);
-      // Dashes
-      for (let i = 0; i < 16; i += 4) {
-        rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, i, 2, 2, COLORS.black);
-      }
-      break;
-
-    case 8: // Water/void
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 0, 0, 16, 16, COLORS.black);
-      // Ripple effect (animated-looking)
-      for (let i = 2; i < 14; i += 3) {
-        for (let j = 2; j < 14; j += 3) {
-          if ((i + j) % 6 === 0) {
-            pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, i, j, COLORS.neonCyan);
-          }
-        }
-      }
-      // Neon glow edges
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 0, 0, 16, 1, COLORS.neonPurple);
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 0, 15, 16, 1, COLORS.neonPurple);
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 0, 0, 1, 16, COLORS.neonPurple);
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 15, 0, 1, 16, COLORS.neonPurple);
-      break;
-
-    case 9: // Terminal/computer
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 0, 0, 16, 16, COLORS.black);
-      // Screen border
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 1, 1, 14, 12, COLORS.metalDark);
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 2, 2, 12, 10, COLORS.neonGreen);
-
-      // Screen display with scanlines effect
-      for (let i = 0; i < 10; i += 2) {
-        rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 3, 3 + i, 10, 1, COLORS.darkGray);
-      }
-
-      // Keyboard
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 2, 13, 12, 2, COLORS.gray);
-      pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 4, 14, COLORS.neonPink);
-      pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, 14, COLORS.neonPink);
-      pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 12, 14, COLORS.neonPink);
-      break;
-
-    default:
-      // Default: empty space
-      rect(ctx, baseX, baseY, 0, 0, 16, 16, COLORS.black);
-  }
-}
-
-/**
- * Draw an NPC character
- * @param {CanvasRenderingContext2D} ctx
- * @param {number} x - Screen X position
- * @param {number} y - Screen Y position
- * @param {number} npcType - NPC type (0 = scientist, 1 = guard, 2 = merchant)
- * @param {number} frame - Animation frame (0 or 1)
- */
-export function drawNPC(ctx, x, y, npcType, frame) {
-  const baseX = x * SCALE;
-  const baseY = y * SCALE;
-  const wobble = frame === 1 ? 1 : 0;
-
-  if (npcType === 0) {
-    // Scientist - lab coat, goggles
-    // Hair
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, 2, COLORS.lightGray);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, 2, COLORS.lightGray);
-
-    // Goggles
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, 3, COLORS.neonCyan);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, 3, COLORS.neonCyan);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, 3, COLORS.neonCyan);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, 3, COLORS.neonCyan);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, 4, COLORS.black);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, 4, COLORS.black);
-
-    // Face
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, 4, COLORS.skinLight);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, 4, COLORS.skinLight);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, 5, COLORS.skinLight);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, 5, COLORS.skinLight);
-
-    // Nose
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, 5, COLORS.skinMid);
-
-    // Lab coat - white with neon trim
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 5, 6, COLORS.white);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, 6, COLORS.white);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, 6, COLORS.white);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, 6, COLORS.white);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, 6, COLORS.white);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 10, 6, COLORS.white);
-
-    // Coat buttons - neon
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, 7, COLORS.neonGreen);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, 7, COLORS.neonGreen);
-
-    // Arms
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 4, 7, COLORS.skinDark);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 11, 7, COLORS.skinDark);
-
-    // Hands
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 4, 8 + wobble, COLORS.skinLight);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 11, 8 + wobble, COLORS.skinLight);
-
-    // Legs
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, 10, COLORS.gray);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, 10, COLORS.gray);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, 10, COLORS.gray);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, 10, COLORS.gray);
-
-    // Feet
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, 12, COLORS.black);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, 12, COLORS.black);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, 12, COLORS.black);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, 12, COLORS.black);
-
-  } else if (npcType === 1) {
-    // Guard - helmet, armor
-    // Helmet with visor
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, 2, COLORS.metalLight);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, 2, COLORS.metalLight);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, 3, COLORS.metalLight);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, 3, COLORS.neonPink);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, 3, COLORS.neonPink);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, 3, COLORS.metalLight);
-
-    // Face hidden by visor
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, 4, COLORS.black);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, 4, COLORS.black);
-
-    // Armor - angular, metallic
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 5, 5, COLORS.metalLight);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, 5, COLORS.metalLight);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, 5, COLORS.metalDark);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, 5, COLORS.metalDark);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, 5, COLORS.metalLight);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 10, 5, COLORS.metalLight);
-
-    // Chest plate
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 5, 6, COLORS.neonPurple);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, 6, COLORS.metalLight);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, 6, COLORS.metalLight);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, 6, COLORS.metalLight);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, 6, COLORS.metalLight);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 10, 6, COLORS.neonPurple);
-
-    // Arms - armored
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 4, 6, COLORS.metalLight);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 11, 6, COLORS.metalLight);
-
-    // Gauntlets - neon edge
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 4, 7, COLORS.neonCyan);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 11, 7, COLORS.neonCyan);
-
-    // Legs - armored
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, 10, COLORS.metalLight);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, 10, COLORS.metalLight);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, 10, COLORS.metalLight);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, 10, COLORS.metalLight);
-
-    // Boots
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, 12, COLORS.neonOrange);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, 12, COLORS.neonOrange);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, 12, COLORS.neonOrange);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, 12, COLORS.neonOrange);
-
-  } else if (npcType === 2) {
-    // Merchant - fancy outfit, hat
-    // Hat
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, 1, COLORS.neonPink);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, 1, COLORS.neonPink);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, 1, COLORS.neonPink);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, 1, COLORS.neonPink);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, 2, COLORS.neonPink);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, 2, COLORS.neonPink);
-
-    // Face
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, 3, COLORS.skinLight);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, 3, COLORS.skinLight);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, 4, COLORS.skinLight);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, 4, COLORS.skinLight);
-
-    // Mustache (fancy)
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, 4, COLORS.darkGray);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, 4, COLORS.darkGray);
-
-    // Fancy jacket - colorful
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 5, 5, COLORS.neonOrange);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, 5, COLORS.blue);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, 5, COLORS.blue);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, 5, COLORS.blue);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, 5, COLORS.blue);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 10, 5, COLORS.neonOrange);
-
-    // Vest with gems
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 5, 6, COLORS.neonGreen);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, 6, COLORS.blue);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, 6, COLORS.neonCyan);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, 6, COLORS.neonCyan);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, 6, COLORS.blue);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 10, 6, COLORS.neonGreen);
-
-    // Arms
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 4, 6, COLORS.skinDark);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 11, 6, COLORS.skinDark);
-
-    // Rings on fingers - neon
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 4, 7, COLORS.neonOrange);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 11, 7, COLORS.neonOrange);
-
-    // Legs - fancy pants
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, 10, COLORS.blue);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, 10, COLORS.blue);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, 10, COLORS.blue);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, 10, COLORS.blue);
-
-    // Fancy shoes
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 6, 12, COLORS.neonPink);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 7, 12, COLORS.neonPink);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 8, 12, COLORS.neonPink);
-    pixel(ctx, baseX, baseY, 9, 12, COLORS.neonPink);
-  }
-}
-
-/**
- * Draw interaction prompt
- * @param {CanvasRenderingContext2D} ctx
- * @param {number} x - Screen X position
- * @param {number} y - Screen Y position
- */
-export function drawInteractionPrompt(ctx, x, y) {
-  const baseX = x * SCALE;
-  const baseY = y * SCALE;
-
-  ctx.fillStyle = COLORS.neonGreen;
-  ctx.font = `bold ${12 * SCALE}px monospace`;
-  ctx.textAlign = 'center';
-  ctx.textBaseline = 'bottom';
-  ctx.fillText('E', baseX + 8 * SCALE, baseY);
-}
-
-/**
- * Draw a dialog box at the bottom of the screen
- * @param {CanvasRenderingContext2D} ctx
- * @param {number} canvasWidth - Canvas width in pixels
- * @param {number} canvasHeight - Canvas height in pixels
- * @param {string} text - Dialog text
- * @param {string} speakerName - NPC name
- */
-export function drawDialogBox(ctx, canvasWidth, canvasHeight, text, speakerName) {
-  const padding = 20;
-  const boxHeight = 120;
-  const boxY = canvasHeight - boxHeight - padding;
-  const boxX = padding;
-  const boxWidth = canvasWidth - 2 * padding;
-
-  // Dialog box background
-  ctx.fillStyle = COLORS.black;
-  ctx.fillRect(boxX, boxY, boxWidth, boxHeight);
-
-  // Neon border
-  ctx.strokeStyle = COLORS.neonCyan;
-  ctx.lineWidth = 3;
-  ctx.strokeRect(boxX, boxY, boxWidth, boxHeight);
-
-  // Corner accents
-  ctx.fillStyle = COLORS.neonGreen;
-  const cornerSize = 10;
-  ctx.fillRect(boxX, boxY, cornerSize, 3);
-  ctx.fillRect(boxX, boxY, 3, cornerSize);
-  ctx.fillRect(boxX + boxWidth - cornerSize, boxY, cornerSize, 3);
-  ctx.fillRect(boxX + boxWidth - 3, boxY, 3, cornerSize);
-
-  // Speaker name - neon green
-  ctx.fillStyle = COLORS.neonGreen;
-  ctx.font = `bold 16px monospace`;
-  ctx.textAlign = 'left';
-  ctx.textBaseline = 'top';
-  ctx.fillText(speakerName, boxX + 15, boxY + 10);
-
-  // Dialog text - cyan
-  ctx.fillStyle = COLORS.neonCyan;
-  ctx.font = `14px monospace`;
-  ctx.textAlign = 'left';
-  ctx.textBaseline = 'top';
-
-  // Word wrap
-  const maxWidth = boxWidth - 30;
-  const lineHeight = 18;
-  const words = text.split(' ');
-  let line = '';
-  let lineNum = 0;
-
-  for (const word of words) {
-    const testLine = line + (line ? ' ' : '') + word;
-    const metrics = ctx.measureText(testLine);
-
-    if (metrics.width > maxWidth && line) {
-      ctx.fillText(line, boxX + 15, boxY + 40 + lineNum * lineHeight);
-      line = word;
-      lineNum++;
-    } else {
-      line = testLine;
+export function drawPlayer(ctx, screenX, screenY, direction, walkFrame) {
+    const spriteDir = DIR_TO_SPRITE[direction] || 'front';
+    const frameName = walkFrame === 0 ? 'still' : walkFrame === 1 ? 'walk-1' : 'walk-2';
+    const key = `char:${spriteDir}-${frameName}`;
+    const img = imageCache[key];
+    if (!img) {
+        // Fallback: colored rectangle
+        ctx.fillStyle = '#00e599';
+        ctx.fillRect(screenX, screenY, TILE_PX, TILE_PX * 2);
+        return;
     }
-  }
-
-  if (line) {
-    ctx.fillText(line, boxX + 15, boxY + 40 + lineNum * lineHeight);
-  }
-
-  // Cursor prompt - blinking indicator
-  ctx.fillStyle = COLORS.neonPink;
-  ctx.font = `bold 16px monospace`;
-  ctx.fillText('▼', boxX + boxWidth - 30, boxY + boxHeight - 20);
+    ctx.imageSmoothingEnabled = false;
+    // Character is 32x32 native = 2x2 tiles, draw at SCALE
+    ctx.drawImage(img, screenX, screenY, 32 * SCALE, 32 * SCALE);
+}
+
+/**
+ * Draw an NPC
+ * @param {CanvasRenderingContext2D} ctx
+ * @param {number} screenX - top-left X on screen
+ * @param {number} screenY - top-left Y on screen
+ * @param {string} facing - 'up'|'down'|'left'|'right'
+ */
+export function drawNPC(ctx, screenX, screenY, facing) {
+    const dir = DIR_TO_NPC[facing] || 'down';
+    const key = `npc:a-${dir}`;
+    const img = imageCache[key];
+    if (!img) {
+        // Fallback
+        ctx.fillStyle = '#ff44aa';
+        ctx.fillRect(screenX, screenY, TILE_PX, TILE_PX);
+        return;
+    }
+    ctx.imageSmoothingEnabled = false;
+    // NPC is 16x16 native = 1 tile
+    ctx.drawImage(img, screenX, screenY, TILE_PX, TILE_PX);
+}
+
+/**
+ * Draw the interaction prompt (E button hint) above a tile
+ */
+export function drawInteractionPrompt(ctx, screenX, screenY) {
+    const cx = screenX + TILE_PX / 2;
+    const cy = screenY - 12;
+
+    // Bubble background
+    ctx.fillStyle = 'rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.7)';
+    ctx.beginPath();
+    ctx.roundRect(cx - 18, cy - 12, 36, 22, 6);
+    ctx.fill();
+
+    // Border
+    ctx.strokeStyle = '#00e599';
+    ctx.lineWidth = 1.5;
+    ctx.beginPath();
+    ctx.roundRect(cx - 18, cy - 12, 36, 22, 6);
+    ctx.stroke();
+
+    // Text
+    ctx.fillStyle = '#ffffff';
+    ctx.font = 'bold 12px "Segoe UI", system-ui, sans-serif';
+    ctx.textAlign = 'center';
+    ctx.textBaseline = 'middle';
+    ctx.fillText('[E]', cx, cy);
+}
+
+/**
+ * Draw the dialog box at the bottom of the screen
+ */
+export function drawDialogBox(ctx, canvasW, canvasH, text, speakerName) {
+    const boxH = 100;
+    const boxY = canvasH - boxH - 16;
+    const boxX = 32;
+    const boxW = canvasW - 64;
+
+    // Background
+    ctx.fillStyle = 'rgba(10, 14, 39, 0.92)';
+    ctx.beginPath();
+    ctx.roundRect(boxX, boxY, boxW, boxH, 10);
+    ctx.fill();
+
+    // Border
+    ctx.strokeStyle = '#00e599';
+    ctx.lineWidth = 2;
+    ctx.beginPath();
+    ctx.roundRect(boxX, boxY, boxW, boxH, 10);
+    ctx.stroke();
+
+    // Speaker name
+    if (speakerName) {
+        ctx.fillStyle = '#00e599';
+        ctx.font = 'bold 14px "Segoe UI", system-ui, sans-serif';
+        ctx.textAlign = 'left';
+        ctx.textBaseline = 'top';
+        ctx.fillText(speakerName, boxX + 16, boxY + 12);
+    }
+
+    // Text
+    ctx.fillStyle = '#ffffff';
+    ctx.font = '14px "Segoe UI", system-ui, sans-serif';
+    ctx.textAlign = 'left';
+    ctx.textBaseline = 'top';
+    const textY = speakerName ? boxY + 34 : boxY + 16;
+    // Simple word wrap
+    wrapText(ctx, text, boxX + 16, textY, boxW - 32, 20);
+
+    // Continue prompt
+    ctx.fillStyle = '#555';
+    ctx.font = '11px "Segoe UI", system-ui, sans-serif';
+    ctx.textAlign = 'right';
+    ctx.fillText('Press E to continue ▶', boxX + boxW - 16, boxY + boxH - 16);
+}
+
+function wrapText(ctx, text, x, y, maxWidth, lineHeight) {
+    const words = text.split(' ');
+    let line = '';
+    let currentY = y;
+    for (const word of words) {
+        const test = line + (line ? ' ' : '') + word;
+        if (ctx.measureText(test).width > maxWidth && line) {
+            ctx.fillText(line, x, currentY);
+            line = word;
+            currentY += lineHeight;
+        } else {
+            line = test;
+        }
+    }
+    if (line) ctx.fillText(line, x, currentY);
 }
diff --git a/js/world/worldRenderer.js b/js/world/worldRenderer.js
index c717d09..2b88320 100644
--- a/js/world/worldRenderer.js
+++ b/js/world/worldRenderer.js
@@ -1,7 +1,10 @@
-// worldRenderer.js - Renders the tile-based game world on canvas
-import { drawPlayer, drawTile, drawNPC, drawInteractionPrompt, drawDialogBox, TILE_SIZE, SCALE } from './sprites.js';
+// worldRenderer.js - Renders PNG-based game world on canvas
+import {
+    drawMapImage, drawPlayer, drawNPC, drawInteractionPrompt,
+    drawDialogBox, preloadAssets, TILE_PX, SCALE
+} from './sprites.js';
 import { worldState } from './worldState.js';
-import { getMap, getTile, getInteraction, getNPC } from './maps.js';
+import { getMap, getInteraction, getNPC } from './maps.js';
 import { updateMovement } from './worldInput.js';
 
 let canvas = null;
@@ -9,14 +12,11 @@ let ctx = null;
 let animFrameId = null;
 let lastTime = 0;
 
-const TILE_PX = TILE_SIZE * SCALE; // 48px per tile on screen
-
 export function initWorldRenderer() {
     canvas = document.getElementById('canvas');
     ctx = canvas.getContext('2d');
     resizeCanvas();
     window.addEventListener('resize', resizeCanvas);
-    return true;
 }
 
 function resizeCanvas() {
@@ -25,36 +25,30 @@ function resizeCanvas() {
     canvas.height = canvas.offsetHeight || window.innerHeight;
 }
 
-/** Convert tile coords → screen pixel coords (camera-relative) */
-export function worldToScreen(tileX, tileY) {
+// ==================== Camera ====================
+
+/** Get the pixel offset to draw the map so the player is centered */
+function getCameraOffset() {
     const p = worldState.player;
-    const cx = canvas.width / 2;
-    const cy = canvas.height / 2;
-    // Player world position with interpolation
-    const pwx = (p.x + p.px) * TILE_PX;
-    const pwy = (p.y + p.py) * TILE_PX;
+    const playerWorldX = (p.x + p.px) * TILE_PX;
+    const playerWorldY = (p.y + p.py) * TILE_PX;
     return {
-        x: cx + (tileX * TILE_PX - pwx),
-        y: cy + (tileY * TILE_PX - pwy)
+        x: canvas.width / 2 - playerWorldX - TILE_PX / 2,
+        y: canvas.height / 2 - playerWorldY - TILE_PX / 2
     };
 }
 
-/** Visible tile range for culling */
-function getVisibleBounds() {
-    const p = worldState.player;
-    const halfW = canvas.width / 2;
-    const halfH = canvas.height / 2;
-    const pwx = (p.x + p.px) * TILE_PX;
-    const pwy = (p.y + p.py) * TILE_PX;
+/** Convert tile position to screen position */
+function tileToScreen(tileX, tileY) {
+    const cam = getCameraOffset();
     return {
-        minX: Math.floor((pwx - halfW) / TILE_PX) - 1,
-        minY: Math.floor((pwy - halfH) / TILE_PX) - 1,
-        maxX: Math.ceil((pwx + halfW) / TILE_PX) + 1,
-        maxY: Math.ceil((pwy + halfH) / TILE_PX) + 1
+        x: tileX * TILE_PX + cam.x,
+        y: tileY * TILE_PX + cam.y
     };
 }
 
-/** Tile the player is facing */
+// ==================== Facing tile ====================
+
 function getFacingTile() {
     const p = worldState.player;
     let x = p.x, y = p.y;
@@ -65,12 +59,13 @@ function getFacingTile() {
     return { x, y };
 }
 
-/** Main render frame */
+// ==================== Main render ====================
+
 export function renderWorld(timestamp) {
     const dt = (timestamp - lastTime) / 1000;
     lastTime = timestamp;
 
-    // Update movement interpolation
+    // Update movement
     updateMovement(dt);
 
     // Resize check
@@ -85,34 +80,34 @@ export function renderWorld(timestamp) {
     const map = getMap(worldState.currentMap);
     if (!map) return;
 
-    const bounds = getVisibleBounds();
+    const cam = getCameraOffset();
 
-    // === Layer 1: Tiles ===
-    for (let ty = bounds.minY; ty <= bounds.maxY; ty++) {
-        for (let tx = bounds.minX; tx <= bounds.maxX; tx++) {
-            const tileType = getTile(worldState.currentMap, tx, ty);
-            if (tileType === null) continue;
-            const pos = worldToScreen(tx, ty);
-            drawTile(ctx, pos.x, pos.y, tileType);
-        }
-    }
+    // === Layer 1: Map background (PNG) ===
+    drawMapImage(ctx, map.image, cam.x, cam.y);
 
     // === Layer 2: NPCs ===
     if (map.npcs) {
         for (const npc of map.npcs) {
-            const pos = worldToScreen(npc.x, npc.y);
-            drawNPC(ctx, pos.x, pos.y, npc.type, 0);
+            const pos = tileToScreen(npc.x, npc.y);
+            drawNPC(ctx, pos.x, pos.y, npc.facing || 'down');
         }
     }
 
     // === Layer 3: Player ===
-    const pp = worldToScreen(worldState.player.x + worldState.player.px,
-                              worldState.player.y + worldState.player.py);
-    // Adjust: worldToScreen already offsets from player, so player is always at center
-    const pcx = canvas.width / 2 - TILE_PX / 2;
-    const pcy = canvas.height / 2 - TILE_PX / 2;
-    const frame = worldState.player.moving ? (Math.floor(Date.now() / 120) % 2) : 0;
-    drawPlayer(ctx, pcx, pcy, worldState.player.direction, frame);
+    // Character sprite is 32x32 native (2 tiles tall)
+    // Position so bottom half aligns with player tile, top half overlaps above
+    const playerScreen = tileToScreen(
+        worldState.player.x + worldState.player.px,
+        worldState.player.y + worldState.player.py
+    );
+    // Offset upward by 1 tile since character is 2 tiles tall
+    const playerDrawX = playerScreen.x;
+    const playerDrawY = playerScreen.y - TILE_PX;
+
+    const walkFrame = worldState.player.moving
+        ? (Math.floor(Date.now() / 150) % 2) + 1   // alternates 1, 2
+        : 0;
+    drawPlayer(ctx, playerDrawX, playerDrawY, worldState.player.direction, walkFrame);
 
     // === Layer 4: Interaction prompt ===
     if (!worldState.dialog && !worldState.player.moving) {
@@ -120,12 +115,12 @@ export function renderWorld(timestamp) {
         const inter = getInteraction(worldState.currentMap, ft.x, ft.y);
         const npc = getNPC(worldState.currentMap, ft.x, ft.y);
         if (inter || npc) {
-            const pos = worldToScreen(ft.x, ft.y);
+            const pos = tileToScreen(ft.x, ft.y);
             drawInteractionPrompt(ctx, pos.x, pos.y);
         }
     }
 
-    // === Layer 5: Dialog box ===
+    // === Layer 5: Dialog ===
     if (worldState.dialog) {
         const line = worldState.dialog.lines[worldState.dialog.currentLine] || '';
         const speaker = worldState.dialog.speakerName || '';
@@ -133,11 +128,10 @@ export function renderWorld(timestamp) {
     }
 
     // === HUD ===
-    drawHUD();
+    drawHUD(map);
 }
 
-function drawHUD() {
-    const map = getMap(worldState.currentMap);
+function drawHUD(map) {
     const mapName = map ? map.name : worldState.currentMap;
 
     // Background bar
@@ -164,7 +158,12 @@ function drawHUD() {
     ctx.fillText('WASD: Move | E: Interact | TAB: Workshop', canvas.width / 2, 16);
 }
 
-export function startWorldLoop() {
+// ==================== Loop control ====================
+
+export async function startWorldLoop() {
+    // Ensure assets are loaded before starting
+    await preloadAssets();
+
     lastTime = performance.now();
     function loop(ts) {
         renderWorld(ts);
diff --git a/js/world/worldState.js b/js/world/worldState.js
index faf5de6..a56fca6 100644
--- a/js/world/worldState.js
+++ b/js/world/worldState.js
@@ -11,8 +11,8 @@ export const worldState = {
 
     // Player
     player: {
-        x: 10,
-        y: 12,          // tile position in current map
+        x: 4,
+        y: 10,          // tile position in current map
         px: 0,
         py: 0,          // pixel offset for smooth movement (interpolation)
         direction: 'down',  // 'up' | 'down' | 'left' | 'right'
@@ -58,8 +58,8 @@ export const worldState = {
  */
 export function resetWorldState() {
     worldState.mode = 'world';
-    worldState.player.x = 10;
-    worldState.player.y = 12;
+    worldState.player.x = 4;
+    worldState.player.y = 10;
     worldState.player.px = 0;
     worldState.player.py = 0;
     worldState.player.direction = 'down';