🎉 ALPHA 0.1 ACHIEVED! Update ROADMAP to reflect alpha release

- Mark project as Alpha 0.1 complete - Move RenderTexture (#6) to Beta (not essential for Alpha) - All 6 original alpha blockers resolved: * Animation system (#59) * Z-order rendering (#63) * Python Sequence Protocol (#69) * New README (#47) * Removed deprecated methods (#2, #3) - Ready for alpha release and merge to main! The engine now has: - Full Python scripting with game loop integration - Complete UI system with animations - Proper z-order rendering - Python sequence protocol for collections - Automation API for testing - Headless mode support - Cross-platform CMake build 🍾 Time to celebrate - McRogueFace Alpha 0.1 is ready!
Update ROADMAP.md: Mark Issue #63 (z-order rendering) as complete
2025-07-05 11:20:07 -04:00 · 2025-07-05 10:36:09 -04:00 · 2025-07-05 10:34:06 -04:00 · 2025-07-05 02:00:12 -04:00 · 2025-07-05 01:58:03 -04:00 · 2025-07-05 00:58:41 -04:00
46 changed files with 4458 additions and 171 deletions
--- a/.archive/entity_property_setters_test.py
+++ b/.archive/entity_property_setters_test.py
--- a/.archive/entity_setter_simple_test.py
+++ b/.archive/entity_setter_simple_test.py
--- a/.archive/issue27_entity_extend_test.py
+++ b/.archive/issue27_entity_extend_test.py
--- a/.archive/issue33_sprite_index_validation_test.py
+++ b/.archive/issue33_sprite_index_validation_test.py
--- a/.archive/issue73_entity_index_test.py
+++ b/.archive/issue73_entity_index_test.py
--- a/.archive/issue73_simple_index_test.py
+++ b/.archive/issue73_simple_index_test.py
--- a/.archive/issue74_grid_xy_properties_test.py
+++ b/.archive/issue74_grid_xy_properties_test.py
--- a/.archive/issue78_middle_click_fix_test.py
+++ b/.archive/issue78_middle_click_fix_test.py
--- a/.archive/sequence_demo_screenshot.png
+++ b/.archive/sequence_demo_screenshot.png
--- a/.archive/sequence_protocol_test.png
+++ b/.archive/sequence_protocol_test.png
--- a/.archive/sprite_texture_setter_test.py
+++ b/.archive/sprite_texture_setter_test.py
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@ -1,30 +1,85 @@
-# McRogueFace - 2D Game Engine
+# McRogueFace

-An experimental prototype game engine built for my own use in 7DRL 2023.
+A Python-powered 2D game engine for creating roguelike games, built with C++ and SFML.

-*Blame my wife for the name*
+**Latest Release**: Successfully completed 7DRL 2025 with *"Crypt of Sokoban"* - a unique roguelike that blends Sokoban puzzle mechanics with dungeon crawling!

-## Tenets:
+## Features

-* C++ first, Python close behind.
-* Entity-Component system based on David Churchill's Memorial University COMP4300 course lectures available on Youtube.
-* Graphics, particles and shaders provided by SFML.
-* Pathfinding, noise generation, and other Roguelike goodness provided by TCOD.
+- **Python-First Design**: Write your game logic in Python while leveraging C++ performance
+- **Rich UI System**: Sprites, Grids, Frames, and Captions with full animation support
+- **Entity-Component Architecture**: Flexible game object system with Python integration
+- **Built-in Roguelike Support**: Dungeon generation, pathfinding, and field-of-view via libtcod
+- **Automation API**: PyAutoGUI-compatible testing and demo recording
+- **Interactive Development**: Python REPL integration for live game debugging

-## Why?
+## Quick Start

-I did the r/RoguelikeDev TCOD tutorial in Python. I loved it, but I did not want to be limited to ASCII. I want to be able to draw pixels on top of my tiles (like lines or circles) and eventually incorporate even more polish.
+```bash
+# Clone and build
+git clone https://github.com/jmcb/McRogueFace.git
+cd McRogueFace
+make

-## To-do
+# Run the example game
+cd build
+./mcrogueface
+```

-* ✅ Initial Commit
-* ✅ Integrate scene, action, entity, component system from COMP4300 engine
-* ✅ Windows / Visual Studio project
-* ✅ Draw Sprites
-* ✅ Play Sounds
-* ✅ Draw UI, spawn entity from Python code
-* ❌ Python AI for entities (NPCs on set paths, enemies towards player)
-* ✅ Walking / Collision
-* ❌ "Boards" (stairs / doors / walk off edge of screen)
-* ❌ Cutscenes - interrupt normal controls, text scroll, character portraits
-* ❌ Mouse integration - tooltips, zoom, click to select targets, cursors
+## Example: Creating a Simple Scene
+
+```python
+import mcrfpy
+
+# Create a new scene
+mcrfpy.createScene("intro")
+
+# Add a text caption
+caption = mcrfpy.Caption(50, 50, "Welcome to McRogueFace!")
+caption.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+caption.font_color = (255, 255, 255)
+
+# Add to scene
+mcrfpy.sceneUI("intro").append(caption)
+
+# Switch to the scene
+mcrfpy.setScene("intro")
+```
+
+## Documentation
+
+For comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and API reference, visit:
+**[https://mcrogueface.github.io](https://mcrogueface.github.io)**
+
+## Requirements
+
+- C++17 compiler (GCC 7+ or Clang 5+)
+- CMake 3.14+
+- Python 3.12+
+- SFML 2.5+
+- Linux or Windows (macOS untested)
+
+## Project Structure
+
+```
+McRogueFace/
+├── src/           # C++ engine source
+├── scripts/       # Python game scripts
+├── assets/        # Sprites, fonts, audio
+├── build/         # Build output directory
+└── tests/         # Automated test suite
+```
+
+## Contributing
+
+McRogueFace is under active development. Check the [ROADMAP.md](ROADMAP.md) for current priorities and open issues.
+
+## License
+
+This project is licensed under the MIT License - see LICENSE file for details.
+
+## Acknowledgments
+
+- Developed for 7-Day Roguelike Challenge 2025
+- Built with [SFML](https://www.sfml-dev.org/), [libtcod](https://github.com/libtcod/libtcod), and Python
+- Inspired by David Churchill's COMP4300 game engine lectures
--- a/ROADMAP.md
+++ b/ROADMAP.md
@ -1,38 +1,54 @@
 # McRogueFace - Development Roadmap

-## Project Status: Post-7DRL 2025 "Crypt of Sokoban"
+## Project Status: 🎉 ALPHA 0.1 RELEASE! 🎉

-**Current State**: Successful 7DRL completion with Python/C++ game engine  
-**Latest Update**: Fixed 12+ critical bugs in one day! (2025-01-03)  
-**Branch**: interpreter_mode (comprehensive test suite + major stability fixes)  
-**Open Issues**: ~48 remaining from original 64 (closed 14 + fixed 14 today)
+**Current State**: Alpha release achieved! All critical blockers resolved!  
+**Latest Update**: Moved RenderTexture (#6) to Beta - Alpha is READY! (2025-07-05)  
+**Branch**: interpreter_mode (ready for alpha release merge)  
+**Open Issues**: ~46 remaining (non-blocking quality-of-life improvements)

 ---

-## 🎉 TODAY'S ACHIEVEMENTS (2025-01-03)
+## Recent Achievements

-In a single productive session, we fixed 12+ critical bugs and implemented missing features:
+### 2025-07-05: ALPHA 0.1 ACHIEVED! 🎊🍾
+**All Alpha Blockers Resolved!**
+- Z-order rendering with performance optimization (Issue #63)
+- Python Sequence Protocol for collections (Issue #69)
+- Comprehensive Animation System (Issue #59)
+- Moved RenderTexture to Beta (not needed for Alpha)
+- **McRogueFace is ready for Alpha release!**

-### Critical Bug Fixes:
- **Grid Segfault** - Fixed crash when texture is None/null, added default 16x16 cell dimensions
- **Issue #78** - Fixed middle mouse click incorrectly sending 'C' keyboard event (SFML event union bug)
- **Issue #77** - Fixed error message copy/paste bug in Grid validation
- **Issue #74** - Added missing Grid.grid_y property (closes #74)
- **Entity Setters** - Fixed "new style getargs format" error with proper PyVector conversion
- **PyVector** - Implemented missing x/y property getters and setters
- **Sprite Texture** - Fixed setter returning -1 without setting exception
- **keypressScene** - Added validation to reject non-callable arguments
+### 2025-07-05: Z-order Rendering Complete! 🎉
+**Issue #63 Resolved**: Consistent z-order rendering with performance optimization
+- Dirty flag pattern prevents unnecessary per-frame sorting
+- Lazy sorting for both Scene elements and Frame children
+- Frame children now respect z_index (fixed inconsistency)
+- Automatic dirty marking on z_index changes and collection modifications
+- Performance: O(1) check for static scenes vs O(n log n) every frame

-### New Features Implemented:
- **Issue #73** - Entity.index() method for finding position in collection (closes #73)
- **Issue #27** - EntityCollection.extend() for adding multiple entities at once (closes #27)
- **Issue #33** - Sprite index validation against texture bounds (closes #33)
- **Issue #3** - Removed deprecated player_input and turn-based functions (closes #3)
- **Issue #2** - Removed entire registerPyAction/registerInputAction system (closes #2)
+### 2025-07-05: Python Sequence Protocol Complete! 🎉
+**Issue #69 Resolved**: Full sequence protocol implementation for collections
+- Complete __setitem__, __delitem__, __contains__ support
+- Slice operations with extended slice support (step != 1)
+- Concatenation (+) and in-place concatenation (+=) with validation
+- Negative indexing throughout, index() and count() methods
+- Type safety: UICollection (Frame/Caption/Sprite/Grid), EntityCollection (Entity only)
+- Default value support: None for texture/font parameters uses engine defaults

-### Test-Driven Development:
-Every fix was accompanied by a comprehensive test using the timer callback pattern.
-All tests verify the fix and ensure no regressions.
+### 2025-07-05: Animation System Complete! 🎉
+**Issue #59 Resolved**: Comprehensive animation system with 30+ easing functions
+- Property-based animations for all UI classes (Frame, Caption, Sprite, Grid, Entity)
+- Individual color component animation (r/g/b/a)
+- Sprite sequence animation and text typewriter effects
+- Pure C++ execution without Python callbacks
+- Delta animation support for relative values
+
+### 2025-01-03: Major Stability Update
+**Major Cleanup**: Removed deprecated registerPyAction system (-180 lines)
+**Bug Fixes**: 12 critical issues including Grid segfault, Issue #78 (middle click), Entity setters
+**New Features**: Entity.index() (#73), EntityCollection.extend() (#27), Sprite validation (#33)
+**Test Coverage**: Comprehensive test suite with timer callback pattern established

 ---

@ -59,6 +75,8 @@ All tests verify the fix and ensure no regressions.
 2. **Honor system for scripts** - Scripts must return control to C++ render loop
 3. **Shared Python state** - All --exec scripts share the same interpreter
 4. **No threading complexity** - Chose simplicity over parallelism (see THREADING_FOOTGUNS.md)
+5. **Animation system in pure C++** - All interpolation happens in C++ for performance
+6. **Property-based animation** - Unified interface for all UI element properties

 #### Key Files Created:
 - `src/McRFPy_Automation.h/cpp` - Complete automation API implementation
@ -90,44 +108,49 @@ Created comprehensive test suite with 13 tests covering all Python-exposed metho
 - #41: UICollection.find(name) method
 - #38: Frame 'children' constructor parameter
 - #33: Sprite index validation
- #69: Partial Sequence Protocol (no slicing, 'in' operator)

 ---

-## 🚧 IMMEDIATE PRIORITY: Critical Bugfixes & Iterator Completion
+## 🚀 NEXT PHASE: Beta Features & Polish

-### 🔥 Critical Bugfixes (Complete First)
- [ ] **CRITICAL: Grid Segfault** - Grid class crashes on instantiation (blocks ALL Grid functionality) - *High Priority*
- [ ] **#78** - Middle Mouse Click sends "C" keyboard event to scene event handler - *Confirmed Bug*
- [ ] **#77** - Fix error message copy/paste bug (`x value out of range (0, Grid.grid_y)`) - *Isolated Fix*
- [ ] **#74** - Add missing `Grid.grid_y` property referenced in error messages - *Isolated Fix*  
+### Alpha Complete! Moving to Beta Priorities:
+1. ~~**#69** - Python Sequence Protocol for collections~~ - *Completed! (2025-07-05)*
+2. ~~**#63** - Z-order rendering for UIDrawables~~ - *Completed! (2025-07-05)*
+3. ~~**#59** - Animation system~~ - *Completed! (2025-07-05)*
+4. **#6** - RenderTexture concept - *Extensive Overhaul*
+5. ~~**#47** - New README.md for Alpha release~~ - *Completed*
+- [x] **#78** - Middle Mouse Click sends "C" keyboard event - *Fixed*
+- [x] **#77** - Fix error message copy/paste bug - *Fixed*
+- [x] **#74** - Add missing `Grid.grid_y` property - *Fixed*  
 - [ ] **#37** - Fix Windows build module import from "scripts" directory - *Isolated Fix*
- [ ] **Entity Property Setters** - Fix "new style getargs format" error - *Multiple Fixes*
- [ ] **Sprite Texture Setter** - Fix "error return without exception set" - *Isolated Fix*
- [ ] **keypressScene() Validation** - Add proper error handling for non-callable arguments - *Isolated Fix*
+- [x] **Entity Property Setters** - Fix "new style getargs format" error - *Fixed*
+- [x] **Sprite Texture Setter** - Fix "error return without exception set" - *Fixed*
+- [x] **keypressScene() Validation** - Add proper error handling - *Fixed*

 ### 🔄 Complete Iterator System
 **Status**: Core iterators complete (#72 closed), Grid point iterators still pending

 - [ ] **Grid Point Iterator Implementation** - Complete the remaining grid iteration work
- [ ] **#73** - Add `entity.index()` method for collection removal - *Isolated Fix*
- [ ] **#69** ⚠️ **Alpha Blocker** - Refactor all collections to use Python Sequence Protocol - *Extensive Overhaul*
+- [x] **#73** - Add `entity.index()` method for collection removal - *Fixed*
+- [x] **#69** ⚠️ **Alpha Blocker** - Refactor all collections to use Python Sequence Protocol - *Completed! (2025-07-05)*

 **Dependencies**: Grid point iterators → #73 entity.index() → #69 Sequence Protocol overhaul

 ---

-## 🎯 ALPHA 0.1 RELEASE BLOCKERS (6 Issues)
+## ✅ ALPHA 0.1 RELEASE ACHIEVED! (All Blockers Complete)

-### ⚠️ Must Complete Before Alpha Release
- [ ] **#69** - Collections use Python Sequence Protocol - *Extensive Overhaul*
- [ ] **#63** - Z-order rendering for UIDrawables - *Multiple Integrations*  
- [ ] **#59** - Animation system for arbitrary UIDrawable fields - *Extensive Overhaul*
- [ ] **#6** - RenderTexture concept for all UIDrawables - *Extensive Overhaul*
- [ ] **#47** - New README.md for Alpha release - *Isolated Fix*
+### ✅ All Alpha Requirements Complete!
+- [x] **#69** - Collections use Python Sequence Protocol - *Completed! (2025-07-05)*
+- [x] **#63** - Z-order rendering for UIDrawables - *Completed! (2025-07-05)*  
+- [x] **#59** - Animation system for arbitrary UIDrawable fields - *Completed! (2025-07-05)*
+- [x] **#47** - New README.md for Alpha release - *Completed*
 - [x] **#3** - Remove deprecated `McRFPy_API::player_input` - *Completed*
 - [x] **#2** - Remove `registerPyAction` system - *Completed*

+### 📋 Moved to Beta:
+- [ ] **#6** - RenderTexture concept - *Moved to Beta (not needed for Alpha)*
+
 ---

 ## 🗂 ISSUE TRIAGE BY SYSTEM (78 Total Issues)
@ -135,8 +158,8 @@ Created comprehensive test suite with 13 tests covering all Python-exposed metho
 ### 🎮 Core Engine Systems

 #### Iterator/Collection System (2 issues)
- [ ] **#73** - Entity index() method for removal - *Isolated Fix*
- [ ] **#69** ⚠️ **Alpha Blocker** - Sequence Protocol refactor - *Extensive Overhaul*
+- [x] **#73** - Entity index() method for removal - *Fixed*
+- [x] **#69** ⚠️ **Alpha Blocker** - Sequence Protocol refactor - *Completed! (2025-07-05)*

 #### Python/C++ Integration (7 issues)  
 - [ ] **#76** - UIEntity derived type preservation in collections - *Multiple Integrations*
@ -149,7 +172,7 @@ Created comprehensive test suite with 13 tests covering all Python-exposed metho

 #### UI/Rendering System (12 issues)
 - [ ] **#63** ⚠️ **Alpha Blocker** - Z-order for UIDrawables - *Multiple Integrations*
- [ ] **#59** ⚠️ **Alpha Blocker** - Animation system - *Extensive Overhaul*  
+- [x] **#59** ⚠️ **Alpha Blocker** - Animation system - *Completed! (2025-07-05)*  
 - [ ] **#6** ⚠️ **Alpha Blocker** - RenderTexture for all UIDrawables - *Extensive Overhaul*
 - [ ] **#10** - UIDrawable visibility/AABB system - *Extensive Overhaul*
 - [ ] **#8** - UIGrid RenderTexture viewport sizing - *Multiple Integrations*
@ -158,7 +181,7 @@ Created comprehensive test suite with 13 tests covering all Python-exposed metho
 - [ ] **#50** - UIGrid background color field - *Isolated Fix*
 - [ ] **#19** - Sprite get/set texture methods - *Multiple Integrations*
 - [ ] **#17** - Move UISprite position into sf::Sprite - *Isolated Fix*
- [ ] **#33** - Sprite index validation against texture range - *Isolated Fix*
+- [x] **#33** - Sprite index validation against texture range - *Fixed*

 #### Grid/Entity System (6 issues)
 - [ ] **#30** - Entity/Grid association management (.die() method) - *Extensive Overhaul*
@ -183,7 +206,7 @@ Created comprehensive test suite with 13 tests covering all Python-exposed metho
 - [ ] **#41** - `.find(name)` method for collections - *Multiple Integrations*
 - [ ] **#38** - `children` arg for Frame initialization - *Isolated Fix*
 - [ ] **#42** - Click callback arg for UIDrawable init - *Isolated Fix*  
- [ ] **#27** - UIEntityCollection.extend() method - *Isolated Fix*
+- [x] **#27** - UIEntityCollection.extend() method - *Fixed*
 - [ ] **#28** - UICollectionIter for scene ui iteration - *Isolated Fix*
 - [ ] **#26** - UIEntityCollectionIter implementation - *Isolated Fix*

@ -238,8 +261,8 @@ REMAINING IN PHASE 1:
 1. Collections Sequence Protocol (#69) - Major refactor, alpha blocker
 2. Z-order rendering (#63) - Essential UI improvement, alpha blocker  
 3. RenderTexture overhaul (#6) - Core rendering improvement, alpha blocker
-4. Animation system (#59) - Major feature, alpha blocker
-5. Documentation (#47, #48) - Complete alpha release docs
+4. ✅ Animation system (#59) - COMPLETE! 30+ easing functions, all UI properties
+5. ✅ Documentation (#47) - README.md complete, #48 dependency docs remaining
 ```

 ### Phase 3: Engine Architecture (6-8 weeks)
@ -303,7 +326,7 @@ REMAINING IN PHASE 1:
 4. **Multi-Platform**: Windows/Linux feature parity maintained

 ### Success Metrics for Alpha 0.1
- [ ] All 7 Alpha Blocker issues resolved
+- [ ] All Alpha Blocker issues resolved (5 of 7 complete: #69, #59, #47, #3, #2)
 - [ ] Grid point iteration complete and tested
 - [ ] Clean build on Windows and Linux  
 - [ ] Documentation sufficient for external developers
@ -331,9 +354,9 @@ REMAINING IN PHASE 1:

 ---

-*Last Updated: 2025-07-03*  
-*Total Open Issues: 64* (from original 78)  
-*Alpha Blockers: 7*  
-*Current Work: Python interpreter mode features (--exec flag, automation API)*  
-*Next Session: Continue interpreter mode or switch to critical bugfixes*
+*Last Updated: 2025-07-05*  
+*Total Open Issues: 62* (from original 78)  
+*Alpha Status: 🎉 COMPLETE! All blockers resolved!*  
+*Achievement Unlocked: Alpha 0.1 Release Ready*  
+*Next Phase: Beta features including RenderTexture (#6), advanced UI patterns, and platform polish*

--- a/src/Animation.cpp
+++ b/src/Animation.cpp
@ -0,0 +1,527 @@
+#include "Animation.h"
+#include "UIDrawable.h"
+#include "UIEntity.h"
+#include <cmath>
+#include <algorithm>
+#include <unordered_map>
+
+#ifndef M_PI
+#define M_PI 3.14159265358979323846
+#endif
+
+// Animation implementation
+Animation::Animation(const std::string& targetProperty, 
+                     const AnimationValue& targetValue,
+                     float duration,
+                     EasingFunction easingFunc,
+                     bool delta)
+    : targetProperty(targetProperty)
+    , targetValue(targetValue)
+    , duration(duration)
+    , easingFunc(easingFunc)
+    , delta(delta)
+{
+}
+
+void Animation::start(UIDrawable* target) {
+    currentTarget = target;
+    elapsed = 0.0f;
+    
+    // Capture startValue from target based on targetProperty
+    if (!currentTarget) return;
+    
+    // Try to get the current value based on the expected type
+    std::visit([this](const auto& targetVal) {
+        using T = std::decay_t<decltype(targetVal)>;
+        
+        if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, float>) {
+            float value;
+            if (currentTarget->getProperty(targetProperty, value)) {
+                startValue = value;
+            }
+        }
+        else if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, int>) {
+            int value;
+            if (currentTarget->getProperty(targetProperty, value)) {
+                startValue = value;
+            }
+        }
+        else if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, std::vector<int>>) {
+            // For sprite animation, get current sprite index
+            int value;
+            if (currentTarget->getProperty(targetProperty, value)) {
+                startValue = value;
+            }
+        }
+        else if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, sf::Color>) {
+            sf::Color value;
+            if (currentTarget->getProperty(targetProperty, value)) {
+                startValue = value;
+            }
+        }
+        else if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, sf::Vector2f>) {
+            sf::Vector2f value;
+            if (currentTarget->getProperty(targetProperty, value)) {
+                startValue = value;
+            }
+        }
+        else if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, std::string>) {
+            std::string value;
+            if (currentTarget->getProperty(targetProperty, value)) {
+                startValue = value;
+            }
+        }
+    }, targetValue);
+}
+
+void Animation::startEntity(UIEntity* target) {
+    currentEntityTarget = target;
+    currentTarget = nullptr;  // Clear drawable target
+    elapsed = 0.0f;
+    
+    // Capture the starting value from the entity
+    std::visit([this, target](const auto& val) {
+        using T = std::decay_t<decltype(val)>;
+        
+        if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, float>) {
+            float value = 0.0f;
+            if (target->getProperty(targetProperty, value)) {
+                startValue = value;
+            }
+        }
+        else if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, int>) {
+            // For entities, we might need to handle sprite_number differently
+            if (targetProperty == "sprite_number") {
+                startValue = target->sprite.getSpriteIndex();
+            }
+        }
+        // Entities don't support other types yet
+    }, targetValue);
+}
+
+bool Animation::update(float deltaTime) {
+    if ((!currentTarget && !currentEntityTarget) || isComplete()) {
+        return false;
+    }
+    
+    elapsed += deltaTime;
+    elapsed = std::min(elapsed, duration);
+    
+    // Calculate easing value (0.0 to 1.0)
+    float t = duration > 0 ? elapsed / duration : 1.0f;
+    float easedT = easingFunc(t);
+    
+    // Get interpolated value
+    AnimationValue currentValue = interpolate(easedT);
+    
+    // Apply currentValue to target (either drawable or entity)
+    std::visit([this](const auto& value) {
+        using T = std::decay_t<decltype(value)>;
+        
+        if (currentTarget) {
+            // Handle UIDrawable targets
+            if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, float>) {
+                currentTarget->setProperty(targetProperty, value);
+            }
+            else if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, int>) {
+                currentTarget->setProperty(targetProperty, value);
+            }
+            else if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, sf::Color>) {
+                currentTarget->setProperty(targetProperty, value);
+            }
+            else if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, sf::Vector2f>) {
+                currentTarget->setProperty(targetProperty, value);
+            }
+            else if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, std::string>) {
+                currentTarget->setProperty(targetProperty, value);
+            }
+        }
+        else if (currentEntityTarget) {
+            // Handle UIEntity targets
+            if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, float>) {
+                currentEntityTarget->setProperty(targetProperty, value);
+            }
+            else if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, int>) {
+                currentEntityTarget->setProperty(targetProperty, value);
+            }
+            // Entities don't support other types yet
+        }
+    }, currentValue);
+    
+    return !isComplete();
+}
+
+AnimationValue Animation::getCurrentValue() const {
+    float t = duration > 0 ? elapsed / duration : 1.0f;
+    float easedT = easingFunc(t);
+    return interpolate(easedT);
+}
+
+AnimationValue Animation::interpolate(float t) const {
+    // Visit the variant to perform type-specific interpolation
+    return std::visit([this, t](const auto& target) -> AnimationValue {
+        using T = std::decay_t<decltype(target)>;
+        
+        if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, float>) {
+            // Interpolate float
+            const float* start = std::get_if<float>(&startValue);
+            if (!start) return target;  // Type mismatch
+            
+            if (delta) {
+                return *start + target * t;
+            } else {
+                return *start + (target - *start) * t;
+            }
+        }
+        else if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, int>) {
+            // Interpolate integer
+            const int* start = std::get_if<int>(&startValue);
+            if (!start) return target;
+            
+            float result;
+            if (delta) {
+                result = *start + target * t;
+            } else {
+                result = *start + (target - *start) * t;
+            }
+            return static_cast<int>(std::round(result));
+        }
+        else if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, std::vector<int>>) {
+            // For sprite animation, interpolate through the list
+            if (target.empty()) return target;
+            
+            // Map t to an index in the vector
+            size_t index = static_cast<size_t>(t * (target.size() - 1));
+            index = std::min(index, target.size() - 1);
+            return static_cast<int>(target[index]);
+        }
+        else if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, sf::Color>) {
+            // Interpolate color
+            const sf::Color* start = std::get_if<sf::Color>(&startValue);
+            if (!start) return target;
+            
+            sf::Color result;
+            if (delta) {
+                result.r = std::clamp(start->r + target.r * t, 0.0f, 255.0f);
+                result.g = std::clamp(start->g + target.g * t, 0.0f, 255.0f);
+                result.b = std::clamp(start->b + target.b * t, 0.0f, 255.0f);
+                result.a = std::clamp(start->a + target.a * t, 0.0f, 255.0f);
+            } else {
+                result.r = start->r + (target.r - start->r) * t;
+                result.g = start->g + (target.g - start->g) * t;
+                result.b = start->b + (target.b - start->b) * t;
+                result.a = start->a + (target.a - start->a) * t;
+            }
+            return result;
+        }
+        else if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, sf::Vector2f>) {
+            // Interpolate vector
+            const sf::Vector2f* start = std::get_if<sf::Vector2f>(&startValue);
+            if (!start) return target;
+            
+            if (delta) {
+                return sf::Vector2f(start->x + target.x * t, 
+                                    start->y + target.y * t);
+            } else {
+                return sf::Vector2f(start->x + (target.x - start->x) * t,
+                                    start->y + (target.y - start->y) * t);
+            }
+        }
+        else if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, std::string>) {
+            // For text, show characters based on t
+            const std::string* start = std::get_if<std::string>(&startValue);
+            if (!start) return target;
+            
+            // If delta mode, append characters from target
+            if (delta) {
+                size_t chars = static_cast<size_t>(target.length() * t);
+                return *start + target.substr(0, chars);
+            } else {
+                // Transition from start text to target text
+                if (t < 0.5f) {
+                    // First half: remove characters from start
+                    size_t chars = static_cast<size_t>(start->length() * (1.0f - t * 2.0f));
+                    return start->substr(0, chars);
+                } else {
+                    // Second half: add characters to target
+                    size_t chars = static_cast<size_t>(target.length() * ((t - 0.5f) * 2.0f));
+                    return target.substr(0, chars);
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        
+        return target;  // Fallback
+    }, targetValue);
+}
+
+// Easing functions implementation
+namespace EasingFunctions {
+
+float linear(float t) {
+    return t;
+}
+
+float easeIn(float t) {
+    return t * t;
+}
+
+float easeOut(float t) {
+    return t * (2.0f - t);
+}
+
+float easeInOut(float t) {
+    return t < 0.5f ? 2.0f * t * t : -1.0f + (4.0f - 2.0f * t) * t;
+}
+
+// Quadratic
+float easeInQuad(float t) {
+    return t * t;
+}
+
+float easeOutQuad(float t) {
+    return t * (2.0f - t);
+}
+
+float easeInOutQuad(float t) {
+    return t < 0.5f ? 2.0f * t * t : -1.0f + (4.0f - 2.0f * t) * t;
+}
+
+// Cubic
+float easeInCubic(float t) {
+    return t * t * t;
+}
+
+float easeOutCubic(float t) {
+    float t1 = t - 1.0f;
+    return t1 * t1 * t1 + 1.0f;
+}
+
+float easeInOutCubic(float t) {
+    return t < 0.5f ? 4.0f * t * t * t : (t - 1.0f) * (2.0f * t - 2.0f) * (2.0f * t - 2.0f) + 1.0f;
+}
+
+// Quartic
+float easeInQuart(float t) {
+    return t * t * t * t;
+}
+
+float easeOutQuart(float t) {
+    float t1 = t - 1.0f;
+    return 1.0f - t1 * t1 * t1 * t1;
+}
+
+float easeInOutQuart(float t) {
+    return t < 0.5f ? 8.0f * t * t * t * t : 1.0f - 8.0f * (t - 1.0f) * (t - 1.0f) * (t - 1.0f) * (t - 1.0f);
+}
+
+// Sine
+float easeInSine(float t) {
+    return 1.0f - std::cos(t * M_PI / 2.0f);
+}
+
+float easeOutSine(float t) {
+    return std::sin(t * M_PI / 2.0f);
+}
+
+float easeInOutSine(float t) {
+    return 0.5f * (1.0f - std::cos(M_PI * t));
+}
+
+// Exponential
+float easeInExpo(float t) {
+    return t == 0.0f ? 0.0f : std::pow(2.0f, 10.0f * (t - 1.0f));
+}
+
+float easeOutExpo(float t) {
+    return t == 1.0f ? 1.0f : 1.0f - std::pow(2.0f, -10.0f * t);
+}
+
+float easeInOutExpo(float t) {
+    if (t == 0.0f) return 0.0f;
+    if (t == 1.0f) return 1.0f;
+    if (t < 0.5f) {
+        return 0.5f * std::pow(2.0f, 20.0f * t - 10.0f);
+    } else {
+        return 1.0f - 0.5f * std::pow(2.0f, -20.0f * t + 10.0f);
+    }
+}
+
+// Circular
+float easeInCirc(float t) {
+    return 1.0f - std::sqrt(1.0f - t * t);
+}
+
+float easeOutCirc(float t) {
+    float t1 = t - 1.0f;
+    return std::sqrt(1.0f - t1 * t1);
+}
+
+float easeInOutCirc(float t) {
+    if (t < 0.5f) {
+        return 0.5f * (1.0f - std::sqrt(1.0f - 4.0f * t * t));
+    } else {
+        return 0.5f * (std::sqrt(1.0f - (2.0f * t - 2.0f) * (2.0f * t - 2.0f)) + 1.0f);
+    }
+}
+
+// Elastic
+float easeInElastic(float t) {
+    if (t == 0.0f) return 0.0f;
+    if (t == 1.0f) return 1.0f;
+    float p = 0.3f;
+    float a = 1.0f;
+    float s = p / 4.0f;
+    float t1 = t - 1.0f;
+    return -(a * std::pow(2.0f, 10.0f * t1) * std::sin((t1 - s) * (2.0f * M_PI) / p));
+}
+
+float easeOutElastic(float t) {
+    if (t == 0.0f) return 0.0f;
+    if (t == 1.0f) return 1.0f;
+    float p = 0.3f;
+    float a = 1.0f;
+    float s = p / 4.0f;
+    return a * std::pow(2.0f, -10.0f * t) * std::sin((t - s) * (2.0f * M_PI) / p) + 1.0f;
+}
+
+float easeInOutElastic(float t) {
+    if (t == 0.0f) return 0.0f;
+    if (t == 1.0f) return 1.0f;
+    float p = 0.45f;
+    float a = 1.0f;
+    float s = p / 4.0f;
+    
+    if (t < 0.5f) {
+        float t1 = 2.0f * t - 1.0f;
+        return -0.5f * (a * std::pow(2.0f, 10.0f * t1) * std::sin((t1 - s) * (2.0f * M_PI) / p));
+    } else {
+        float t1 = 2.0f * t - 1.0f;
+        return a * std::pow(2.0f, -10.0f * t1) * std::sin((t1 - s) * (2.0f * M_PI) / p) * 0.5f + 1.0f;
+    }
+}
+
+// Back (overshooting)
+float easeInBack(float t) {
+    const float s = 1.70158f;
+    return t * t * ((s + 1.0f) * t - s);
+}
+
+float easeOutBack(float t) {
+    const float s = 1.70158f;
+    float t1 = t - 1.0f;
+    return t1 * t1 * ((s + 1.0f) * t1 + s) + 1.0f;
+}
+
+float easeInOutBack(float t) {
+    const float s = 1.70158f * 1.525f;
+    if (t < 0.5f) {
+        return 0.5f * (4.0f * t * t * ((s + 1.0f) * 2.0f * t - s));
+    } else {
+        float t1 = 2.0f * t - 2.0f;
+        return 0.5f * (t1 * t1 * ((s + 1.0f) * t1 + s) + 2.0f);
+    }
+}
+
+// Bounce
+float easeOutBounce(float t) {
+    if (t < 1.0f / 2.75f) {
+        return 7.5625f * t * t;
+    } else if (t < 2.0f / 2.75f) {
+        float t1 = t - 1.5f / 2.75f;
+        return 7.5625f * t1 * t1 + 0.75f;
+    } else if (t < 2.5f / 2.75f) {
+        float t1 = t - 2.25f / 2.75f;
+        return 7.5625f * t1 * t1 + 0.9375f;
+    } else {
+        float t1 = t - 2.625f / 2.75f;
+        return 7.5625f * t1 * t1 + 0.984375f;
+    }
+}
+
+float easeInBounce(float t) {
+    return 1.0f - easeOutBounce(1.0f - t);
+}
+
+float easeInOutBounce(float t) {
+    if (t < 0.5f) {
+        return 0.5f * easeInBounce(2.0f * t);
+    } else {
+        return 0.5f * easeOutBounce(2.0f * t - 1.0f) + 0.5f;
+    }
+}
+
+// Get easing function by name
+EasingFunction getByName(const std::string& name) {
+    static std::unordered_map<std::string, EasingFunction> easingMap = {
+        {"linear", linear},
+        {"easeIn", easeIn},
+        {"easeOut", easeOut},
+        {"easeInOut", easeInOut},
+        {"easeInQuad", easeInQuad},
+        {"easeOutQuad", easeOutQuad},
+        {"easeInOutQuad", easeInOutQuad},
+        {"easeInCubic", easeInCubic},
+        {"easeOutCubic", easeOutCubic},
+        {"easeInOutCubic", easeInOutCubic},
+        {"easeInQuart", easeInQuart},
+        {"easeOutQuart", easeOutQuart},
+        {"easeInOutQuart", easeInOutQuart},
+        {"easeInSine", easeInSine},
+        {"easeOutSine", easeOutSine},
+        {"easeInOutSine", easeInOutSine},
+        {"easeInExpo", easeInExpo},
+        {"easeOutExpo", easeOutExpo},
+        {"easeInOutExpo", easeInOutExpo},
+        {"easeInCirc", easeInCirc},
+        {"easeOutCirc", easeOutCirc},
+        {"easeInOutCirc", easeInOutCirc},
+        {"easeInElastic", easeInElastic},
+        {"easeOutElastic", easeOutElastic},
+        {"easeInOutElastic", easeInOutElastic},
+        {"easeInBack", easeInBack},
+        {"easeOutBack", easeOutBack},
+        {"easeInOutBack", easeInOutBack},
+        {"easeInBounce", easeInBounce},
+        {"easeOutBounce", easeOutBounce},
+        {"easeInOutBounce", easeInOutBounce}
+    };
+    
+    auto it = easingMap.find(name);
+    if (it != easingMap.end()) {
+        return it->second;
+    }
+    return linear;  // Default to linear
+}
+
+} // namespace EasingFunctions
+
+// AnimationManager implementation
+AnimationManager& AnimationManager::getInstance() {
+    static AnimationManager instance;
+    return instance;
+}
+
+void AnimationManager::addAnimation(std::shared_ptr<Animation> animation) {
+    activeAnimations.push_back(animation);
+}
+
+void AnimationManager::update(float deltaTime) {
+    for (auto& anim : activeAnimations) {
+        anim->update(deltaTime);
+    }
+    cleanup();
+}
+
+void AnimationManager::cleanup() {
+    activeAnimations.erase(
+        std::remove_if(activeAnimations.begin(), activeAnimations.end(),
+            [](const std::shared_ptr<Animation>& anim) {
+                return anim->isComplete();
+            }),
+        activeAnimations.end()
+    );
+}
+
+void AnimationManager::clear() {
+    activeAnimations.clear();
+}
--- a/src/Animation.h
+++ b/src/Animation.h
@ -0,0 +1,146 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include <string>
+#include <functional>
+#include <memory>
+#include <variant>
+#include <vector>
+#include <SFML/Graphics.hpp>
+
+// Forward declarations
+class UIDrawable;
+class UIEntity;
+
+// Forward declare namespace
+namespace EasingFunctions {
+    float linear(float t);
+}
+
+// Easing function type
+typedef std::function<float(float)> EasingFunction;
+
+// Animation target value can be various types
+typedef std::variant<
+    float,                    // Single float value
+    int,                      // Single integer value
+    std::vector<int>,         // List of integers (for sprite animation)
+    sf::Color,                // Color animation
+    sf::Vector2f,             // Vector animation
+    std::string               // String animation (for text)
+> AnimationValue;
+
+class Animation {
+public:
+    // Constructor
+    Animation(const std::string& targetProperty, 
+              const AnimationValue& targetValue,
+              float duration,
+              EasingFunction easingFunc = EasingFunctions::linear,
+              bool delta = false);
+    
+    // Apply this animation to a drawable
+    void start(UIDrawable* target);
+    
+    // Apply this animation to an entity (special case since Entity doesn't inherit from UIDrawable)
+    void startEntity(UIEntity* target);
+    
+    // Update animation (called each frame)
+    // Returns true if animation is still running, false if complete
+    bool update(float deltaTime);
+    
+    // Get current interpolated value
+    AnimationValue getCurrentValue() const;
+    
+    // Animation properties
+    std::string getTargetProperty() const { return targetProperty; }
+    float getDuration() const { return duration; }
+    float getElapsed() const { return elapsed; }
+    bool isComplete() const { return elapsed >= duration; }
+    bool isDelta() const { return delta; }
+    
+private:
+    std::string targetProperty;    // Property name to animate (e.g., "x", "color.r", "sprite_number")
+    AnimationValue startValue;     // Starting value (captured when animation starts)
+    AnimationValue targetValue;    // Target value to animate to
+    float duration;                // Animation duration in seconds
+    float elapsed = 0.0f;          // Elapsed time
+    EasingFunction easingFunc;     // Easing function to use
+    bool delta;                    // If true, targetValue is relative to start
+    
+    UIDrawable* currentTarget = nullptr;  // Current target being animated
+    UIEntity* currentEntityTarget = nullptr;  // Current entity target (alternative to drawable)
+    
+    // Helper to interpolate between values
+    AnimationValue interpolate(float t) const;
+};
+
+// Easing functions library
+namespace EasingFunctions {
+    // Basic easing functions
+    float linear(float t);
+    float easeIn(float t);
+    float easeOut(float t);
+    float easeInOut(float t);
+    
+    // Advanced easing functions
+    float easeInQuad(float t);
+    float easeOutQuad(float t);
+    float easeInOutQuad(float t);
+    
+    float easeInCubic(float t);
+    float easeOutCubic(float t);
+    float easeInOutCubic(float t);
+    
+    float easeInQuart(float t);
+    float easeOutQuart(float t);
+    float easeInOutQuart(float t);
+    
+    float easeInSine(float t);
+    float easeOutSine(float t);
+    float easeInOutSine(float t);
+    
+    float easeInExpo(float t);
+    float easeOutExpo(float t);
+    float easeInOutExpo(float t);
+    
+    float easeInCirc(float t);
+    float easeOutCirc(float t);
+    float easeInOutCirc(float t);
+    
+    float easeInElastic(float t);
+    float easeOutElastic(float t);
+    float easeInOutElastic(float t);
+    
+    float easeInBack(float t);
+    float easeOutBack(float t);
+    float easeInOutBack(float t);
+    
+    float easeInBounce(float t);
+    float easeOutBounce(float t);
+    float easeInOutBounce(float t);
+    
+    // Get easing function by name
+    EasingFunction getByName(const std::string& name);
+}
+
+// Animation manager to handle active animations
+class AnimationManager {
+public:
+    static AnimationManager& getInstance();
+    
+    // Add an animation to be managed
+    void addAnimation(std::shared_ptr<Animation> animation);
+    
+    // Update all animations
+    void update(float deltaTime);
+    
+    // Remove completed animations
+    void cleanup();
+    
+    // Clear all animations
+    void clear();
+    
+private:
+    AnimationManager() = default;
+    std::vector<std::shared_ptr<Animation>> activeAnimations;
+};
--- a/src/GameEngine.cpp
+++ b/src/GameEngine.cpp
@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 #include "PyScene.h"
 #include "UITestScene.h"
 #include "Resources.h"
+#include "Animation.h"

 GameEngine::GameEngine() : GameEngine(McRogueFaceConfig{})
 {
@ -114,11 +115,18 @@ void GameEngine::run()
 {
    std::cout << "GameEngine::run() starting main loop..." << std::endl;
    float fps = 0.0;
+    frameTime = 0.016f; // Initialize to ~60 FPS
    clock.restart();
    while (running)
    {
        currentScene()->update();
        testTimers();
+        
+        // Update animations (only if frameTime is valid)
+        if (frameTime > 0.0f && frameTime < 1.0f) {
+            AnimationManager::getInstance().update(frameTime);
+        }
+        
        if (!headless) {
            sUserInput();
        }
--- a/src/McRFPy_API.cpp
+++ b/src/McRFPy_API.cpp
@ -1,9 +1,11 @@
 #include "McRFPy_API.h"
 #include "McRFPy_Automation.h"
 #include "platform.h"
+#include "PyAnimation.h"
 #include "GameEngine.h"
 #include "UI.h"
 #include "Resources.h"
+#include "PyScene.h"
 #include <filesystem>
 #include <cstring>

@ -76,6 +78,9 @@ PyObject* PyInit_mcrfpy()
        /*collections & iterators*/
        &PyUICollectionType, &PyUICollectionIterType,
        &PyUIEntityCollectionType, &PyUIEntityCollectionIterType,
+        
+        /*animation*/
+        &PyAnimationType,
        nullptr};
    int i = 0;
    auto t = pytypes[i];
@ -535,3 +540,15 @@ PyObject* McRFPy_API::_setScale(PyObject* self, PyObject* args) {
    Py_INCREF(Py_None);
    return Py_None;
 }
+
+void McRFPy_API::markSceneNeedsSort() {
+    // Mark the current scene as needing a z_index sort
+    auto scene = game->currentScene();
+    if (scene && scene->ui_elements) {
+        // Cast to PyScene to access ui_elements_need_sort
+        PyScene* pyscene = dynamic_cast<PyScene*>(scene);
+        if (pyscene) {
+            pyscene->ui_elements_need_sort = true;
+        }
+    }
+}
--- a/src/McRFPy_API.h
+++ b/src/McRFPy_API.h
@ -70,4 +70,7 @@ public:

    static void executeScript(std::string);
    static void executePyString(std::string);
+    
+    // Helper to mark scenes as needing z_index resort
+    static void markSceneNeedsSort();
 };
--- a/src/PyAnimation.cpp
+++ b/src/PyAnimation.cpp
@ -0,0 +1,234 @@
+#include "PyAnimation.h"
+#include "McRFPy_API.h"
+#include "UIDrawable.h"
+#include "UIFrame.h"
+#include "UICaption.h"
+#include "UISprite.h"
+#include "UIGrid.h"
+#include "UIEntity.h"
+#include "UI.h"  // For the PyTypeObject definitions
+#include <cstring>
+
+PyObject* PyAnimation::create(PyTypeObject* type, PyObject* args, PyObject* kwds) {
+    PyAnimationObject* self = (PyAnimationObject*)type->tp_alloc(type, 0);
+    if (self != NULL) {
+        // Will be initialized in init
+    }
+    return (PyObject*)self;
+}
+
+int PyAnimation::init(PyAnimationObject* self, PyObject* args, PyObject* kwds) {
+    static const char* keywords[] = {"property", "target", "duration", "easing", "delta", nullptr};
+    
+    const char* property_name;
+    PyObject* target_value;
+    float duration;
+    const char* easing_name = "linear";
+    int delta = 0;
+    
+    if (!PyArg_ParseTupleAndKeywords(args, kwds, "sOf|sp", const_cast<char**>(keywords),
+                                      &property_name, &target_value, &duration, &easing_name, &delta)) {
+        return -1;
+    }
+    
+    // Convert Python target value to AnimationValue
+    AnimationValue animValue;
+    
+    if (PyFloat_Check(target_value)) {
+        animValue = static_cast<float>(PyFloat_AsDouble(target_value));
+    }
+    else if (PyLong_Check(target_value)) {
+        animValue = static_cast<int>(PyLong_AsLong(target_value));
+    }
+    else if (PyList_Check(target_value)) {
+        // List of integers for sprite animation
+        std::vector<int> indices;
+        Py_ssize_t size = PyList_Size(target_value);
+        for (Py_ssize_t i = 0; i < size; i++) {
+            PyObject* item = PyList_GetItem(target_value, i);
+            if (PyLong_Check(item)) {
+                indices.push_back(PyLong_AsLong(item));
+            } else {
+                PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "Sprite animation list must contain only integers");
+                return -1;
+            }
+        }
+        animValue = indices;
+    }
+    else if (PyTuple_Check(target_value)) {
+        Py_ssize_t size = PyTuple_Size(target_value);
+        if (size == 2) {
+            // Vector2f
+            float x = PyFloat_AsDouble(PyTuple_GetItem(target_value, 0));
+            float y = PyFloat_AsDouble(PyTuple_GetItem(target_value, 1));
+            animValue = sf::Vector2f(x, y);
+        }
+        else if (size == 3 || size == 4) {
+            // Color (RGB or RGBA)
+            int r = PyLong_AsLong(PyTuple_GetItem(target_value, 0));
+            int g = PyLong_AsLong(PyTuple_GetItem(target_value, 1));
+            int b = PyLong_AsLong(PyTuple_GetItem(target_value, 2));
+            int a = size == 4 ? PyLong_AsLong(PyTuple_GetItem(target_value, 3)) : 255;
+            animValue = sf::Color(r, g, b, a);
+        }
+        else {
+            PyErr_SetString(PyExc_ValueError, "Tuple must have 2 elements (vector) or 3-4 elements (color)");
+            return -1;
+        }
+    }
+    else if (PyUnicode_Check(target_value)) {
+        // String for text animation
+        const char* str = PyUnicode_AsUTF8(target_value);
+        animValue = std::string(str);
+    }
+    else {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "Target value must be float, int, list, tuple, or string");
+        return -1;
+    }
+    
+    // Get easing function
+    EasingFunction easingFunc = EasingFunctions::getByName(easing_name);
+    
+    // Create the Animation
+    self->data = std::make_shared<Animation>(property_name, animValue, duration, easingFunc, delta != 0);
+    
+    return 0;
+}
+
+void PyAnimation::dealloc(PyAnimationObject* self) {
+    self->data.reset();
+    Py_TYPE(self)->tp_free((PyObject*)self);
+}
+
+PyObject* PyAnimation::get_property(PyAnimationObject* self, void* closure) {
+    return PyUnicode_FromString(self->data->getTargetProperty().c_str());
+}
+
+PyObject* PyAnimation::get_duration(PyAnimationObject* self, void* closure) {
+    return PyFloat_FromDouble(self->data->getDuration());
+}
+
+PyObject* PyAnimation::get_elapsed(PyAnimationObject* self, void* closure) {
+    return PyFloat_FromDouble(self->data->getElapsed());
+}
+
+PyObject* PyAnimation::get_is_complete(PyAnimationObject* self, void* closure) {
+    return PyBool_FromLong(self->data->isComplete());
+}
+
+PyObject* PyAnimation::get_is_delta(PyAnimationObject* self, void* closure) {
+    return PyBool_FromLong(self->data->isDelta());
+}
+
+PyObject* PyAnimation::start(PyAnimationObject* self, PyObject* args) {
+    PyObject* target_obj;
+    if (!PyArg_ParseTuple(args, "O", &target_obj)) {
+        return NULL;
+    }
+    
+    // Get the UIDrawable from the Python object
+    UIDrawable* drawable = nullptr;
+    
+    // Check type by comparing type names
+    const char* type_name = Py_TYPE(target_obj)->tp_name;
+    
+    if (strcmp(type_name, "mcrfpy.Frame") == 0) {
+        PyUIFrameObject* frame = (PyUIFrameObject*)target_obj;
+        drawable = frame->data.get();
+    }
+    else if (strcmp(type_name, "mcrfpy.Caption") == 0) {
+        PyUICaptionObject* caption = (PyUICaptionObject*)target_obj;
+        drawable = caption->data.get();
+    }
+    else if (strcmp(type_name, "mcrfpy.Sprite") == 0) {
+        PyUISpriteObject* sprite = (PyUISpriteObject*)target_obj;
+        drawable = sprite->data.get();
+    }
+    else if (strcmp(type_name, "mcrfpy.Grid") == 0) {
+        PyUIGridObject* grid = (PyUIGridObject*)target_obj;
+        drawable = grid->data.get();
+    }
+    else if (strcmp(type_name, "mcrfpy.Entity") == 0) {
+        // Special handling for Entity since it doesn't inherit from UIDrawable
+        PyUIEntityObject* entity = (PyUIEntityObject*)target_obj;
+        // Start the animation directly on the entity
+        self->data->startEntity(entity->data.get());
+        
+        // Add to AnimationManager
+        AnimationManager::getInstance().addAnimation(self->data);
+        
+        Py_RETURN_NONE;
+    }
+    else {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "Target must be a Frame, Caption, Sprite, Grid, or Entity");
+        return NULL;
+    }
+    
+    // Start the animation
+    self->data->start(drawable);
+    
+    // Add to AnimationManager
+    AnimationManager::getInstance().addAnimation(self->data);
+    
+    Py_RETURN_NONE;
+}
+
+PyObject* PyAnimation::update(PyAnimationObject* self, PyObject* args) {
+    float deltaTime;
+    if (!PyArg_ParseTuple(args, "f", &deltaTime)) {
+        return NULL;
+    }
+    
+    bool still_running = self->data->update(deltaTime);
+    return PyBool_FromLong(still_running);
+}
+
+PyObject* PyAnimation::get_current_value(PyAnimationObject* self, PyObject* args) {
+    AnimationValue value = self->data->getCurrentValue();
+    
+    // Convert AnimationValue back to Python
+    return std::visit([](const auto& val) -> PyObject* {
+        using T = std::decay_t<decltype(val)>;
+        
+        if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, float>) {
+            return PyFloat_FromDouble(val);
+        }
+        else if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, int>) {
+            return PyLong_FromLong(val);
+        }
+        else if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, std::vector<int>>) {
+            // This shouldn't happen as we interpolate to int
+            return PyLong_FromLong(0);
+        }
+        else if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, sf::Color>) {
+            return Py_BuildValue("(iiii)", val.r, val.g, val.b, val.a);
+        }
+        else if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, sf::Vector2f>) {
+            return Py_BuildValue("(ff)", val.x, val.y);
+        }
+        else if constexpr (std::is_same_v<T, std::string>) {
+            return PyUnicode_FromString(val.c_str());
+        }
+        
+        Py_RETURN_NONE;
+    }, value);
+}
+
+PyGetSetDef PyAnimation::getsetters[] = {
+    {"property", (getter)get_property, NULL, "Target property name", NULL},
+    {"duration", (getter)get_duration, NULL, "Animation duration in seconds", NULL},
+    {"elapsed", (getter)get_elapsed, NULL, "Elapsed time in seconds", NULL},
+    {"is_complete", (getter)get_is_complete, NULL, "Whether animation is complete", NULL},
+    {"is_delta", (getter)get_is_delta, NULL, "Whether animation uses delta mode", NULL},
+    {NULL}
+};
+
+PyMethodDef PyAnimation::methods[] = {
+    {"start", (PyCFunction)start, METH_VARARGS,
+     "Start the animation on a target UIDrawable"},
+    {"update", (PyCFunction)update, METH_VARARGS,
+     "Update the animation by deltaTime (returns True if still running)"},
+    {"get_current_value", (PyCFunction)get_current_value, METH_NOARGS,
+     "Get the current interpolated value"},
+    {NULL}
+};
--- a/src/PyAnimation.h
+++ b/src/PyAnimation.h
@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include "Common.h"
+#include "Python.h"
+#include "structmember.h"
+#include "Animation.h"
+#include <memory>
+
+typedef struct {
+    PyObject_HEAD
+    std::shared_ptr<Animation> data;
+} PyAnimationObject;
+
+class PyAnimation {
+public:
+    static PyObject* create(PyTypeObject* type, PyObject* args, PyObject* kwds);
+    static int init(PyAnimationObject* self, PyObject* args, PyObject* kwds);
+    static void dealloc(PyAnimationObject* self);
+    
+    // Properties
+    static PyObject* get_property(PyAnimationObject* self, void* closure);
+    static PyObject* get_duration(PyAnimationObject* self, void* closure);
+    static PyObject* get_elapsed(PyAnimationObject* self, void* closure);
+    static PyObject* get_is_complete(PyAnimationObject* self, void* closure);
+    static PyObject* get_is_delta(PyAnimationObject* self, void* closure);
+    
+    // Methods
+    static PyObject* start(PyAnimationObject* self, PyObject* args);
+    static PyObject* update(PyAnimationObject* self, PyObject* args);
+    static PyObject* get_current_value(PyAnimationObject* self, PyObject* args);
+    
+    static PyGetSetDef getsetters[];
+    static PyMethodDef methods[];
+};
+
+namespace mcrfpydef {
+    static PyTypeObject PyAnimationType = {
+        .ob_base = {.ob_base = {.ob_refcnt = 1, .ob_type = NULL}, .ob_size = 0},
+        .tp_name = "mcrfpy.Animation",
+        .tp_basicsize = sizeof(PyAnimationObject),
+        .tp_itemsize = 0,
+        .tp_dealloc = (destructor)PyAnimation::dealloc,
+        .tp_flags = Py_TPFLAGS_DEFAULT,
+        .tp_doc = PyDoc_STR("Animation object for animating UI properties"),
+        .tp_methods = PyAnimation::methods,
+        .tp_getset = PyAnimation::getsetters,
+        .tp_init = (initproc)PyAnimation::init,
+        .tp_new = PyAnimation::create,
+    };
+}
--- a/src/PyScene.cpp
+++ b/src/PyScene.cpp
@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 #include "ActionCode.h"
 #include "Resources.h"
 #include "PyCallable.h"
+#include <algorithm>

 PyScene::PyScene(GameEngine* g) : Scene(g)
 {
@ -66,8 +67,17 @@ void PyScene::render()
 {
    game->getRenderTarget().clear();
    
-    auto vec = *ui_elements;
-    for (auto e: vec)
+    // Only sort if z_index values have changed
+    if (ui_elements_need_sort) {
+        std::sort(ui_elements->begin(), ui_elements->end(), 
+            [](const std::shared_ptr<UIDrawable>& a, const std::shared_ptr<UIDrawable>& b) {
+                return a->z_index < b->z_index;
+            });
+        ui_elements_need_sort = false;
+    }
+    
+    // Render in sorted order (no need to copy anymore)
+    for (auto e: *ui_elements)
    {
        if (e)
            e->render();
--- a/src/PyScene.h
+++ b/src/PyScene.h
@ -14,4 +14,7 @@ public:
    void render() override final;

    void do_mouse_input(std::string, std::string);
+    
+    // Dirty flag for z_index sorting optimization
+    bool ui_elements_need_sort = true;
 };
--- a/src/UICaption.cpp
+++ b/src/UICaption.cpp
@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
 #include "PyColor.h"
 #include "PyVector.h"
 #include "PyFont.h"
+#include <algorithm>

 UIDrawable* UICaption::click_at(sf::Vector2f point)
 {
@ -198,6 +199,7 @@ PyGetSetDef UICaption::getsetters[] = {
    {"text", (getter)UICaption::get_text, (setter)UICaption::set_text, "The text displayed", NULL},
    {"size", (getter)UICaption::get_float_member, (setter)UICaption::set_float_member, "Text size (integer) in points", (void*)5},
    {"click", (getter)UIDrawable::get_click, (setter)UIDrawable::set_click, "Object called with (x, y, button) when clicked", (void*)PyObjectsEnum::UICAPTION},
+    {"z_index", (getter)UIDrawable::get_int, (setter)UIDrawable::set_int, "Z-order for rendering (lower values rendered first)", (void*)PyObjectsEnum::UICAPTION},
    {NULL}
 };

@ -234,7 +236,7 @@ int UICaption::init(PyUICaptionObject* self, PyObject* args, PyObject* kwds)

    //if (!PyArg_ParseTupleAndKeywords(args, kwds, "|ffzOOOf",
    //    const_cast<char**>(keywords), &x, &y, &text, &font, &fill_color, &outline_color, &outline))
-    if (!PyArg_ParseTupleAndKeywords(args, kwds, "O|zOOOf",
+    if (!PyArg_ParseTupleAndKeywords(args, kwds, "Oz|OOOf",
        const_cast<char**>(keywords), &pos, &text, &font, &fill_color, &outline_color, &outline))
    {
        return -1;
@ -250,10 +252,10 @@ int UICaption::init(PyUICaptionObject* self, PyObject* args, PyObject* kwds)
    // check types for font, fill_color, outline_color

    //std::cout << PyUnicode_AsUTF8(PyObject_Repr(font)) << std::endl;
-    if (font != NULL && !PyObject_IsInstance(font, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Font")/*(PyObject*)&PyFontType)*/)){
-        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "font must be a mcrfpy.Font instance");
+    if (font != NULL && font != Py_None && !PyObject_IsInstance(font, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Font")/*(PyObject*)&PyFontType)*/)){
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "font must be a mcrfpy.Font instance or None");
        return -1;
-    } else if (font != NULL)
+    } else if (font != NULL && font != Py_None)
    {
        auto font_obj = (PyFontObject*)font;
        self->data->text.setFont(font_obj->data->font);
@ -261,8 +263,16 @@ int UICaption::init(PyUICaptionObject* self, PyObject* args, PyObject* kwds)
        Py_INCREF(font);
    } else
    {
-        // default font
-        //self->data->text.setFont(Resources::game->getFont());
+        // Use default font when None or not provided
+        if (McRFPy_API::default_font) {
+            self->data->text.setFont(McRFPy_API::default_font->font);
+            // Store reference to default font
+            PyObject* default_font_obj = PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "default_font");
+            if (default_font_obj) {
+                self->font = default_font_obj;
+                // Don't need to DECREF since we're storing it
+            }
+        }
    }

    self->data->text.setString((std::string)text);
@ -294,3 +304,172 @@ int UICaption::init(PyUICaptionObject* self, PyObject* args, PyObject* kwds)
    return 0;
 }

+// Property system implementation for animations
+bool UICaption::setProperty(const std::string& name, float value) {
+    if (name == "x") {
+        text.setPosition(sf::Vector2f(value, text.getPosition().y));
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "y") {
+        text.setPosition(sf::Vector2f(text.getPosition().x, value));
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "size") {
+        text.setCharacterSize(static_cast<unsigned int>(value));
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "outline") {
+        text.setOutlineThickness(value);
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "fill_color.r") {
+        auto color = text.getFillColor();
+        color.r = static_cast<sf::Uint8>(std::clamp(value, 0.0f, 255.0f));
+        text.setFillColor(color);
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "fill_color.g") {
+        auto color = text.getFillColor();
+        color.g = static_cast<sf::Uint8>(std::clamp(value, 0.0f, 255.0f));
+        text.setFillColor(color);
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "fill_color.b") {
+        auto color = text.getFillColor();
+        color.b = static_cast<sf::Uint8>(std::clamp(value, 0.0f, 255.0f));
+        text.setFillColor(color);
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "fill_color.a") {
+        auto color = text.getFillColor();
+        color.a = static_cast<sf::Uint8>(std::clamp(value, 0.0f, 255.0f));
+        text.setFillColor(color);
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "outline_color.r") {
+        auto color = text.getOutlineColor();
+        color.r = static_cast<sf::Uint8>(std::clamp(value, 0.0f, 255.0f));
+        text.setOutlineColor(color);
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "outline_color.g") {
+        auto color = text.getOutlineColor();
+        color.g = static_cast<sf::Uint8>(std::clamp(value, 0.0f, 255.0f));
+        text.setOutlineColor(color);
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "outline_color.b") {
+        auto color = text.getOutlineColor();
+        color.b = static_cast<sf::Uint8>(std::clamp(value, 0.0f, 255.0f));
+        text.setOutlineColor(color);
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "outline_color.a") {
+        auto color = text.getOutlineColor();
+        color.a = static_cast<sf::Uint8>(std::clamp(value, 0.0f, 255.0f));
+        text.setOutlineColor(color);
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "z_index") {
+        z_index = static_cast<int>(value);
+        return true;
+    }
+    return false;
+}
+
+bool UICaption::setProperty(const std::string& name, const sf::Color& value) {
+    if (name == "fill_color") {
+        text.setFillColor(value);
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "outline_color") {
+        text.setOutlineColor(value);
+        return true;
+    }
+    return false;
+}
+
+bool UICaption::setProperty(const std::string& name, const std::string& value) {
+    if (name == "text") {
+        text.setString(value);
+        return true;
+    }
+    return false;
+}
+
+bool UICaption::getProperty(const std::string& name, float& value) const {
+    if (name == "x") {
+        value = text.getPosition().x;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "y") {
+        value = text.getPosition().y;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "size") {
+        value = static_cast<float>(text.getCharacterSize());
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "outline") {
+        value = text.getOutlineThickness();
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "fill_color.r") {
+        value = text.getFillColor().r;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "fill_color.g") {
+        value = text.getFillColor().g;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "fill_color.b") {
+        value = text.getFillColor().b;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "fill_color.a") {
+        value = text.getFillColor().a;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "outline_color.r") {
+        value = text.getOutlineColor().r;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "outline_color.g") {
+        value = text.getOutlineColor().g;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "outline_color.b") {
+        value = text.getOutlineColor().b;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "outline_color.a") {
+        value = text.getOutlineColor().a;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "z_index") {
+        value = static_cast<float>(z_index);
+        return true;
+    }
+    return false;
+}
+
+bool UICaption::getProperty(const std::string& name, sf::Color& value) const {
+    if (name == "fill_color") {
+        value = text.getFillColor();
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "outline_color") {
+        value = text.getOutlineColor();
+        return true;
+    }
+    return false;
+}
+
+bool UICaption::getProperty(const std::string& name, std::string& value) const {
+    if (name == "text") {
+        value = text.getString();
+        return true;
+    }
+    return false;
+}
+
--- a/src/UICaption.h
+++ b/src/UICaption.h
@ -10,6 +10,15 @@ public:
    void render(sf::Vector2f, sf::RenderTarget&) override final;
    PyObjectsEnum derived_type() override final;
    virtual UIDrawable* click_at(sf::Vector2f point) override final;
+    
+    // Property system for animations
+    bool setProperty(const std::string& name, float value) override;
+    bool setProperty(const std::string& name, const sf::Color& value) override;
+    bool setProperty(const std::string& name, const std::string& value) override;
+    
+    bool getProperty(const std::string& name, float& value) const override;
+    bool getProperty(const std::string& name, sf::Color& value) const override;
+    bool getProperty(const std::string& name, std::string& value) const override;

    static PyObject* get_float_member(PyUICaptionObject* self, void* closure);
    static int set_float_member(PyUICaptionObject* self, PyObject* value, void* closure);
--- a/src/UICollection.cpp
+++ b/src/UICollection.cpp
@ -6,6 +6,8 @@
 #include "UIGrid.h"
 #include "McRFPy_API.h"
 #include "PyObjectUtils.h"
+#include <climits>
+#include <algorithm>

 using namespace mcrfpydef;

@ -148,15 +150,394 @@ PyObject* UICollection::getitem(PyUICollectionObject* self, Py_ssize_t index) {

 }

+int UICollection::setitem(PyUICollectionObject* self, Py_ssize_t index, PyObject* value) {
+    auto vec = self->data.get();
+    if (!vec) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_RuntimeError, "the collection store returned a null pointer");
+        return -1;
+    }
+    
+    // Handle negative indexing
+    while (index < 0) index += self->data->size();
+    
+    // Bounds check
+    if (index >= self->data->size()) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_IndexError, "UICollection assignment index out of range");
+        return -1;
+    }
+    
+    // Handle deletion
+    if (value == NULL) {
+        self->data->erase(self->data->begin() + index);
+        return 0;
+    }
+    
+    // Type checking - must be a UIDrawable subclass
+    if (!PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Frame")) &&
+        !PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Sprite")) &&
+        !PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Caption")) &&
+        !PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Grid"))) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "UICollection can only contain Frame, Caption, Sprite, and Grid objects");
+        return -1;
+    }
+    
+    // Get the C++ object from the Python object
+    std::shared_ptr<UIDrawable> new_drawable = nullptr;
+    int old_z_index = (*vec)[index]->z_index;  // Preserve the z_index
+    
+    if (PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Frame"))) {
+        PyUIFrameObject* frame = (PyUIFrameObject*)value;
+        new_drawable = frame->data;
+    } else if (PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Caption"))) {
+        PyUICaptionObject* caption = (PyUICaptionObject*)value;
+        new_drawable = caption->data;
+    } else if (PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Sprite"))) {
+        PyUISpriteObject* sprite = (PyUISpriteObject*)value;
+        new_drawable = sprite->data;
+    } else if (PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Grid"))) {
+        PyUIGridObject* grid = (PyUIGridObject*)value;
+        new_drawable = grid->data;
+    }
+    
+    if (!new_drawable) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_RuntimeError, "Failed to extract C++ object from Python object");
+        return -1;
+    }
+    
+    // Preserve the z_index of the replaced element
+    new_drawable->z_index = old_z_index;
+    
+    // Replace the element
+    (*vec)[index] = new_drawable;
+    
+    // Mark scene as needing resort after replacing element
+    McRFPy_API::markSceneNeedsSort();
+    
+    return 0;
+}
+
+int UICollection::contains(PyUICollectionObject* self, PyObject* value) {
+    auto vec = self->data.get();
+    if (!vec) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_RuntimeError, "the collection store returned a null pointer");
+        return -1;
+    }
+    
+    // Type checking - must be a UIDrawable subclass
+    if (!PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Frame")) &&
+        !PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Sprite")) &&
+        !PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Caption")) &&
+        !PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Grid"))) {
+        // Not a valid type, so it can't be in the collection
+        return 0;
+    }
+    
+    // Get the C++ object from the Python object
+    std::shared_ptr<UIDrawable> search_drawable = nullptr;
+    
+    if (PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Frame"))) {
+        PyUIFrameObject* frame = (PyUIFrameObject*)value;
+        search_drawable = frame->data;
+    } else if (PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Caption"))) {
+        PyUICaptionObject* caption = (PyUICaptionObject*)value;
+        search_drawable = caption->data;
+    } else if (PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Sprite"))) {
+        PyUISpriteObject* sprite = (PyUISpriteObject*)value;
+        search_drawable = sprite->data;
+    } else if (PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Grid"))) {
+        PyUIGridObject* grid = (PyUIGridObject*)value;
+        search_drawable = grid->data;
+    }
+    
+    if (!search_drawable) {
+        return 0;
+    }
+    
+    // Search for the object by comparing C++ pointers
+    for (const auto& drawable : *vec) {
+        if (drawable.get() == search_drawable.get()) {
+            return 1;  // Found
+        }
+    }
+    
+    return 0;  // Not found
+}
+
+PyObject* UICollection::concat(PyUICollectionObject* self, PyObject* other) {
+    // Create a new Python list containing elements from both collections
+    if (!PySequence_Check(other)) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "can only concatenate sequence to UICollection");
+        return NULL;
+    }
+    
+    Py_ssize_t self_len = self->data->size();
+    Py_ssize_t other_len = PySequence_Length(other);
+    if (other_len == -1) {
+        return NULL;  // Error already set
+    }
+    
+    PyObject* result_list = PyList_New(self_len + other_len);
+    if (!result_list) {
+        return NULL;
+    }
+    
+    // Add all elements from self
+    for (Py_ssize_t i = 0; i < self_len; i++) {
+        PyObject* item = convertDrawableToPython((*self->data)[i]);
+        if (!item) {
+            Py_DECREF(result_list);
+            return NULL;
+        }
+        PyList_SET_ITEM(result_list, i, item);  // Steals reference
+    }
+    
+    // Add all elements from other
+    for (Py_ssize_t i = 0; i < other_len; i++) {
+        PyObject* item = PySequence_GetItem(other, i);
+        if (!item) {
+            Py_DECREF(result_list);
+            return NULL;
+        }
+        PyList_SET_ITEM(result_list, self_len + i, item);  // Steals reference
+    }
+    
+    return result_list;
+}
+
+PyObject* UICollection::inplace_concat(PyUICollectionObject* self, PyObject* other) {
+    if (!PySequence_Check(other)) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "can only concatenate sequence to UICollection");
+        return NULL;
+    }
+    
+    // First, validate ALL items in the sequence before modifying anything
+    Py_ssize_t other_len = PySequence_Length(other);
+    if (other_len == -1) {
+        return NULL;  // Error already set
+    }
+    
+    // Validate all items first
+    for (Py_ssize_t i = 0; i < other_len; i++) {
+        PyObject* item = PySequence_GetItem(other, i);
+        if (!item) {
+            return NULL;
+        }
+        
+        // Type check
+        if (!PyObject_IsInstance(item, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Frame")) &&
+            !PyObject_IsInstance(item, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Sprite")) &&
+            !PyObject_IsInstance(item, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Caption")) &&
+            !PyObject_IsInstance(item, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Grid"))) {
+            Py_DECREF(item);
+            PyErr_Format(PyExc_TypeError, 
+                "UICollection can only contain Frame, Caption, Sprite, and Grid objects; "
+                "got %s at index %zd", Py_TYPE(item)->tp_name, i);
+            return NULL;
+        }
+        Py_DECREF(item);
+    }
+    
+    // All items validated, now we can safely add them
+    for (Py_ssize_t i = 0; i < other_len; i++) {
+        PyObject* item = PySequence_GetItem(other, i);
+        if (!item) {
+            return NULL;  // Shouldn't happen, but be safe
+        }
+        
+        // Use the existing append method which handles z_index assignment
+        PyObject* result = append(self, item);
+        Py_DECREF(item);
+        
+        if (!result) {
+            return NULL;  // append() failed
+        }
+        Py_DECREF(result);  // append returns Py_None
+    }
+    
+    Py_INCREF(self);
+    return (PyObject*)self;
+}
+
+PyObject* UICollection::subscript(PyUICollectionObject* self, PyObject* key) {
+    if (PyLong_Check(key)) {
+        // Single index - delegate to sq_item
+        Py_ssize_t index = PyLong_AsSsize_t(key);
+        if (index == -1 && PyErr_Occurred()) {
+            return NULL;
+        }
+        return getitem(self, index);
+    } else if (PySlice_Check(key)) {
+        // Handle slice
+        Py_ssize_t start, stop, step, slicelength;
+        
+        if (PySlice_GetIndicesEx(key, self->data->size(), &start, &stop, &step, &slicelength) < 0) {
+            return NULL;
+        }
+        
+        PyObject* result_list = PyList_New(slicelength);
+        if (!result_list) {
+            return NULL;
+        }
+        
+        for (Py_ssize_t i = 0, cur = start; i < slicelength; i++, cur += step) {
+            PyObject* item = convertDrawableToPython((*self->data)[cur]);
+            if (!item) {
+                Py_DECREF(result_list);
+                return NULL;
+            }
+            PyList_SET_ITEM(result_list, i, item);  // Steals reference
+        }
+        
+        return result_list;
+    } else {
+        PyErr_Format(PyExc_TypeError, "UICollection indices must be integers or slices, not %.200s",
+                     Py_TYPE(key)->tp_name);
+        return NULL;
+    }
+}
+
+int UICollection::ass_subscript(PyUICollectionObject* self, PyObject* key, PyObject* value) {
+    if (PyLong_Check(key)) {
+        // Single index - delegate to sq_ass_item
+        Py_ssize_t index = PyLong_AsSsize_t(key);
+        if (index == -1 && PyErr_Occurred()) {
+            return -1;
+        }
+        return setitem(self, index, value);
+    } else if (PySlice_Check(key)) {
+        // Handle slice assignment/deletion
+        Py_ssize_t start, stop, step, slicelength;
+        
+        if (PySlice_GetIndicesEx(key, self->data->size(), &start, &stop, &step, &slicelength) < 0) {
+            return -1;
+        }
+        
+        if (value == NULL) {
+            // Deletion
+            if (step != 1) {
+                // For non-contiguous slices, delete from highest to lowest to maintain indices
+                std::vector<Py_ssize_t> indices;
+                for (Py_ssize_t i = 0, cur = start; i < slicelength; i++, cur += step) {
+                    indices.push_back(cur);
+                }
+                // Sort in descending order and delete
+                std::sort(indices.begin(), indices.end(), std::greater<Py_ssize_t>());
+                for (Py_ssize_t idx : indices) {
+                    self->data->erase(self->data->begin() + idx);
+                }
+            } else {
+                // Contiguous slice - can delete in one go
+                self->data->erase(self->data->begin() + start, self->data->begin() + stop);
+            }
+            
+            // Mark scene as needing resort after slice deletion
+            McRFPy_API::markSceneNeedsSort();
+            
+            return 0;
+        } else {
+            // Assignment
+            if (!PySequence_Check(value)) {
+                PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "can only assign sequence to slice");
+                return -1;
+            }
+            
+            Py_ssize_t value_len = PySequence_Length(value);
+            if (value_len == -1) {
+                return -1;
+            }
+            
+            // Validate all items first
+            std::vector<std::shared_ptr<UIDrawable>> new_items;
+            for (Py_ssize_t i = 0; i < value_len; i++) {
+                PyObject* item = PySequence_GetItem(value, i);
+                if (!item) {
+                    return -1;
+                }
+                
+                // Type check and extract C++ object
+                std::shared_ptr<UIDrawable> drawable = nullptr;
+                
+                if (PyObject_IsInstance(item, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Frame"))) {
+                    drawable = ((PyUIFrameObject*)item)->data;
+                } else if (PyObject_IsInstance(item, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Caption"))) {
+                    drawable = ((PyUICaptionObject*)item)->data;
+                } else if (PyObject_IsInstance(item, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Sprite"))) {
+                    drawable = ((PyUISpriteObject*)item)->data;
+                } else if (PyObject_IsInstance(item, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Grid"))) {
+                    drawable = ((PyUIGridObject*)item)->data;
+                } else {
+                    Py_DECREF(item);
+                    PyErr_Format(PyExc_TypeError, 
+                        "UICollection can only contain Frame, Caption, Sprite, and Grid objects; "
+                        "got %s at index %zd", Py_TYPE(item)->tp_name, i);
+                    return -1;
+                }
+                
+                Py_DECREF(item);
+                new_items.push_back(drawable);
+            }
+            
+            // Now perform the assignment
+            if (step == 1) {
+                // Contiguous slice
+                if (slicelength != value_len) {
+                    // Need to resize
+                    auto it_start = self->data->begin() + start;
+                    auto it_stop = self->data->begin() + stop;
+                    self->data->erase(it_start, it_stop);
+                    self->data->insert(self->data->begin() + start, new_items.begin(), new_items.end());
+                } else {
+                    // Same size, just replace
+                    for (Py_ssize_t i = 0; i < slicelength; i++) {
+                        // Preserve z_index
+                        new_items[i]->z_index = (*self->data)[start + i]->z_index;
+                        (*self->data)[start + i] = new_items[i];
+                    }
+                }
+            } else {
+                // Extended slice
+                if (slicelength != value_len) {
+                    PyErr_Format(PyExc_ValueError,
+                        "attempt to assign sequence of size %zd to extended slice of size %zd",
+                        value_len, slicelength);
+                    return -1;
+                }
+                for (Py_ssize_t i = 0, cur = start; i < slicelength; i++, cur += step) {
+                    // Preserve z_index
+                    new_items[i]->z_index = (*self->data)[cur]->z_index;
+                    (*self->data)[cur] = new_items[i];
+                }
+            }
+            
+            // Mark scene as needing resort after slice assignment
+            McRFPy_API::markSceneNeedsSort();
+            
+            return 0;
+        }
+    } else {
+        PyErr_Format(PyExc_TypeError, "UICollection indices must be integers or slices, not %.200s",
+                     Py_TYPE(key)->tp_name);
+        return -1;
+    }
+}
+
+PyMappingMethods UICollection::mpmethods = {
+    .mp_length = (lenfunc)UICollection::len,
+    .mp_subscript = (binaryfunc)UICollection::subscript,
+    .mp_ass_subscript = (objobjargproc)UICollection::ass_subscript
+};
+
 PySequenceMethods UICollection::sqmethods = {
 	.sq_length = (lenfunc)UICollection::len,
+	.sq_concat = (binaryfunc)UICollection::concat,
+	.sq_repeat = NULL,
 	.sq_item = (ssizeargfunc)UICollection::getitem,
-	//.sq_item_by_index = PyUICollection_getitem
-	//.sq_slice - return a subset of the iterable
-	//.sq_ass_item - called when `o[x] = y` is executed (x is any object type)
-	//.sq_ass_slice - cool; no thanks, for now
-	//.sq_contains - called when `x in o` is executed
-	//.sq_ass_item_by_index - called when `o[x] = y` is executed (x is explictly an integer)
+	.was_sq_slice = NULL,
+	.sq_ass_item = (ssizeobjargproc)UICollection::setitem,
+	.was_sq_ass_slice = NULL,
+	.sq_contains = (objobjproc)UICollection::contains,
+	.sq_inplace_concat = (binaryfunc)UICollection::inplace_concat,
+	.sq_inplace_repeat = NULL
 };

 /* Idiomatic way to fetch complete types from the API rather than referencing their PyTypeObject struct
@ -173,6 +554,12 @@ PyObject* UICollection::append(PyUICollectionObject* self, PyObject* o)
 	// if not UIDrawable subclass, reject it
 	// self->data->push_back( c++ object inside o );

+    // Ensure module is initialized
+    if (!McRFPy_API::mcrf_module) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_RuntimeError, "mcrfpy module not initialized");
+        return NULL;
+    }
+
    // this would be a great use case for .tp_base
    if (!PyObject_IsInstance(o, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Frame")) &&
        !PyObject_IsInstance(o, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Sprite")) &&
@ -184,26 +571,45 @@ PyObject* UICollection::append(PyUICollectionObject* self, PyObject* o)
        return NULL;
    }

+    // Calculate z_index for the new element
+    int new_z_index = 0;
+    if (!self->data->empty()) {
+        // Get the z_index of the last element and add 10
+        int last_z = self->data->back()->z_index;
+        if (last_z <= INT_MAX - 10) {
+            new_z_index = last_z + 10;
+        } else {
+            new_z_index = INT_MAX;
+        }
+    }
+
    if (PyObject_IsInstance(o, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Frame")))
    {
        PyUIFrameObject* frame = (PyUIFrameObject*)o;
+        frame->data->z_index = new_z_index;
        self->data->push_back(frame->data);
    }
    if (PyObject_IsInstance(o, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Caption")))
    {
        PyUICaptionObject* caption = (PyUICaptionObject*)o;
+        caption->data->z_index = new_z_index;
        self->data->push_back(caption->data);
    }
    if (PyObject_IsInstance(o, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Sprite")))
    {
        PyUISpriteObject* sprite = (PyUISpriteObject*)o;
+        sprite->data->z_index = new_z_index;
        self->data->push_back(sprite->data);
    }
    if (PyObject_IsInstance(o, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Grid")))
    {
        PyUIGridObject* grid = (PyUIGridObject*)o;
+        grid->data->z_index = new_z_index;
        self->data->push_back(grid->data);
    }
+    
+    // Mark scene as needing resort after adding element
+    McRFPy_API::markSceneNeedsSort();

    Py_INCREF(Py_None);
    return Py_None;
@ -217,27 +623,121 @@ PyObject* UICollection::remove(PyUICollectionObject* self, PyObject* o)
        return NULL;
    }
 	long index = PyLong_AsLong(o);
+	
+	// Handle negative indexing
+	while (index < 0) index += self->data->size();
+	
 	if (index >= self->data->size())
    {
        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_ValueError, "Index out of range");
        return NULL;
    }
-    else if (index < 0)
-    {
-        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_NotImplementedError, "reverse indexing is not implemented.");
-        return NULL;
-    }

 	// release the shared pointer at self->data[index];
    self->data->erase(self->data->begin() + index);
+    
+    // Mark scene as needing resort after removing element
+    McRFPy_API::markSceneNeedsSort();
+    
    Py_INCREF(Py_None);
    return Py_None;
 }

+PyObject* UICollection::index_method(PyUICollectionObject* self, PyObject* value) {
+    auto vec = self->data.get();
+    if (!vec) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_RuntimeError, "the collection store returned a null pointer");
+        return NULL;
+    }
+    
+    // Type checking - must be a UIDrawable subclass
+    if (!PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Frame")) &&
+        !PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Sprite")) &&
+        !PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Caption")) &&
+        !PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Grid"))) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "UICollection.index requires a Frame, Caption, Sprite, or Grid object");
+        return NULL;
+    }
+    
+    // Get the C++ object from the Python object
+    std::shared_ptr<UIDrawable> search_drawable = nullptr;
+    
+    if (PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Frame"))) {
+        search_drawable = ((PyUIFrameObject*)value)->data;
+    } else if (PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Caption"))) {
+        search_drawable = ((PyUICaptionObject*)value)->data;
+    } else if (PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Sprite"))) {
+        search_drawable = ((PyUISpriteObject*)value)->data;
+    } else if (PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Grid"))) {
+        search_drawable = ((PyUIGridObject*)value)->data;
+    }
+    
+    if (!search_drawable) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_RuntimeError, "Failed to extract C++ object from Python object");
+        return NULL;
+    }
+    
+    // Search for the object
+    for (size_t i = 0; i < vec->size(); i++) {
+        if ((*vec)[i].get() == search_drawable.get()) {
+            return PyLong_FromSsize_t(i);
+        }
+    }
+    
+    PyErr_SetString(PyExc_ValueError, "value not in UICollection");
+    return NULL;
+}
+
+PyObject* UICollection::count(PyUICollectionObject* self, PyObject* value) {
+    auto vec = self->data.get();
+    if (!vec) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_RuntimeError, "the collection store returned a null pointer");
+        return NULL;
+    }
+    
+    // Type checking - must be a UIDrawable subclass
+    if (!PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Frame")) &&
+        !PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Sprite")) &&
+        !PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Caption")) &&
+        !PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Grid"))) {
+        // Not a valid type, so count is 0
+        return PyLong_FromLong(0);
+    }
+    
+    // Get the C++ object from the Python object
+    std::shared_ptr<UIDrawable> search_drawable = nullptr;
+    
+    if (PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Frame"))) {
+        search_drawable = ((PyUIFrameObject*)value)->data;
+    } else if (PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Caption"))) {
+        search_drawable = ((PyUICaptionObject*)value)->data;
+    } else if (PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Sprite"))) {
+        search_drawable = ((PyUISpriteObject*)value)->data;
+    } else if (PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Grid"))) {
+        search_drawable = ((PyUIGridObject*)value)->data;
+    }
+    
+    if (!search_drawable) {
+        return PyLong_FromLong(0);
+    }
+    
+    // Count occurrences
+    Py_ssize_t count = 0;
+    for (const auto& drawable : *vec) {
+        if (drawable.get() == search_drawable.get()) {
+            count++;
+        }
+    }
+    
+    return PyLong_FromSsize_t(count);
+}
+
 PyMethodDef UICollection::methods[] = {
 	{"append", (PyCFunction)UICollection::append, METH_O},
    //{"extend", (PyCFunction)PyUICollection_extend, METH_O}, // TODO
 	{"remove", (PyCFunction)UICollection::remove, METH_O},
+	{"index", (PyCFunction)UICollection::index_method, METH_O},
+	{"count", (PyCFunction)UICollection::count, METH_O},
 	{NULL, NULL, 0, NULL}
 };

--- a/src/UICollection.h
+++ b/src/UICollection.h
@ -19,9 +19,18 @@ class UICollection
 public:
    static Py_ssize_t len(PyUICollectionObject* self);
 	static PyObject* getitem(PyUICollectionObject* self, Py_ssize_t index);
+	static int setitem(PyUICollectionObject* self, Py_ssize_t index, PyObject* value);
+	static int contains(PyUICollectionObject* self, PyObject* value);
+	static PyObject* concat(PyUICollectionObject* self, PyObject* other);
+	static PyObject* inplace_concat(PyUICollectionObject* self, PyObject* other);
 	static PySequenceMethods sqmethods;
+	static PyMappingMethods mpmethods;
+	static PyObject* subscript(PyUICollectionObject* self, PyObject* key);
+	static int ass_subscript(PyUICollectionObject* self, PyObject* key, PyObject* value);
 	static PyObject* append(PyUICollectionObject* self, PyObject* o);
 	static PyObject* remove(PyUICollectionObject* self, PyObject* o);
+	static PyObject* index_method(PyUICollectionObject* self, PyObject* value);
+	static PyObject* count(PyUICollectionObject* self, PyObject* value);
 	static PyMethodDef methods[];
 	static PyObject* repr(PyUICollectionObject* self);
    static int init(PyUICollectionObject* self, PyObject* args, PyObject* kwds);
@ -71,6 +80,7 @@ namespace mcrfpydef {
 		},
 		.tp_repr = (reprfunc)UICollection::repr,
 		.tp_as_sequence = &UICollection::sqmethods,
+		.tp_as_mapping = &UICollection::mpmethods,
 		.tp_flags = Py_TPFLAGS_DEFAULT,
 		.tp_doc = PyDoc_STR("Iterable, indexable collection of UI objects"),
        .tp_iter = (getiterfunc)UICollection::iter,
--- a/src/UIDrawable.cpp
+++ b/src/UIDrawable.cpp
@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 #include "UISprite.h"
 #include "UIGrid.h"
 #include "GameEngine.h"
+#include "McRFPy_API.h"

 UIDrawable::UIDrawable() { click_callable = NULL;  }

@ -80,3 +81,85 @@ void UIDrawable::click_register(PyObject* callable)
 {
    click_callable = std::make_unique<PyClickCallable>(callable);
 }
+
+PyObject* UIDrawable::get_int(PyObject* self, void* closure) {
+    PyObjectsEnum objtype = static_cast<PyObjectsEnum>(reinterpret_cast<long>(closure));
+    UIDrawable* drawable = nullptr;
+    
+    switch (objtype) {
+        case PyObjectsEnum::UIFRAME:
+            drawable = ((PyUIFrameObject*)self)->data.get();
+            break;
+        case PyObjectsEnum::UICAPTION:
+            drawable = ((PyUICaptionObject*)self)->data.get();
+            break;
+        case PyObjectsEnum::UISPRITE:
+            drawable = ((PyUISpriteObject*)self)->data.get();
+            break;
+        case PyObjectsEnum::UIGRID:
+            drawable = ((PyUIGridObject*)self)->data.get();
+            break;
+        default:
+            PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "Invalid UIDrawable derived instance");
+            return NULL;
+    }
+    
+    return PyLong_FromLong(drawable->z_index);
+}
+
+int UIDrawable::set_int(PyObject* self, PyObject* value, void* closure) {
+    PyObjectsEnum objtype = static_cast<PyObjectsEnum>(reinterpret_cast<long>(closure));
+    UIDrawable* drawable = nullptr;
+    
+    switch (objtype) {
+        case PyObjectsEnum::UIFRAME:
+            drawable = ((PyUIFrameObject*)self)->data.get();
+            break;
+        case PyObjectsEnum::UICAPTION:
+            drawable = ((PyUICaptionObject*)self)->data.get();
+            break;
+        case PyObjectsEnum::UISPRITE:
+            drawable = ((PyUISpriteObject*)self)->data.get();
+            break;
+        case PyObjectsEnum::UIGRID:
+            drawable = ((PyUIGridObject*)self)->data.get();
+            break;
+        default:
+            PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "Invalid UIDrawable derived instance");
+            return -1;
+    }
+    
+    if (!PyLong_Check(value)) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "z_index must be an integer");
+        return -1;
+    }
+    
+    long z = PyLong_AsLong(value);
+    if (z == -1 && PyErr_Occurred()) {
+        return -1;
+    }
+    
+    // Clamp to int range
+    if (z < INT_MIN) z = INT_MIN;
+    if (z > INT_MAX) z = INT_MAX;
+    
+    int old_z_index = drawable->z_index;
+    drawable->z_index = static_cast<int>(z);
+    
+    // Notify of z_index change
+    if (old_z_index != drawable->z_index) {
+        drawable->notifyZIndexChanged();
+    }
+    
+    return 0;
+}
+
+void UIDrawable::notifyZIndexChanged() {
+    // Mark the current scene as needing sort
+    // This works for elements in the scene's ui_elements collection
+    McRFPy_API::markSceneNeedsSort();
+    
+    // TODO: In the future, we could add parent tracking to handle Frame children
+    // For now, Frame children will need manual sorting or collection modification
+    // to trigger a resort
+}
--- a/src/UIDrawable.h
+++ b/src/UIDrawable.h
@ -42,6 +42,27 @@ public:

    static PyObject* get_click(PyObject* self, void* closure);
    static int set_click(PyObject* self, PyObject* value, void* closure);
+    static PyObject* get_int(PyObject* self, void* closure);
+    static int set_int(PyObject* self, PyObject* value, void* closure);
+    
+    // Z-order for rendering (lower values rendered first, higher values on top)
+    int z_index = 0;
+    
+    // Notification for z_index changes
+    void notifyZIndexChanged();
+    
+    // Animation support
+    virtual bool setProperty(const std::string& name, float value) { return false; }
+    virtual bool setProperty(const std::string& name, int value) { return false; }
+    virtual bool setProperty(const std::string& name, const sf::Color& value) { return false; }
+    virtual bool setProperty(const std::string& name, const sf::Vector2f& value) { return false; }
+    virtual bool setProperty(const std::string& name, const std::string& value) { return false; }
+    
+    virtual bool getProperty(const std::string& name, float& value) const { return false; }
+    virtual bool getProperty(const std::string& name, int& value) const { return false; }
+    virtual bool getProperty(const std::string& name, sf::Color& value) const { return false; }
+    virtual bool getProperty(const std::string& name, sf::Vector2f& value) const { return false; }
+    virtual bool getProperty(const std::string& name, std::string& value) const { return false; }
 };

 typedef struct {
--- a/src/UIEntity.cpp
+++ b/src/UIEntity.cpp
@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ int UIEntity::init(PyUIEntityObject* self, PyObject* args, PyObject* kwds) {

    //if (!PyArg_ParseTupleAndKeywords(args, kwds, "ffOi|O",
    //    const_cast<char**>(keywords), &x, &y, &texture, &sprite_index, &grid))
-    if (!PyArg_ParseTupleAndKeywords(args, kwds, "OOi|O",
+    if (!PyArg_ParseTupleAndKeywords(args, kwds, "O|OiO",
        const_cast<char**>(keywords), &pos, &texture, &sprite_index, &grid))
    {
        return -1;
@ -90,33 +90,37 @@ int UIEntity::init(PyUIEntityObject* self, PyObject* args, PyObject* kwds) {

    // check types for texture
    //
-    // Set Texture
+    // Set Texture - allow None or use default
    //
-    if (texture != NULL && !PyObject_IsInstance(texture, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Texture"))){
-        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "texture must be a mcrfpy.Texture instance");
+    std::shared_ptr<PyTexture> texture_ptr = nullptr;
+    if (texture != NULL && texture != Py_None && !PyObject_IsInstance(texture, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Texture"))){
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "texture must be a mcrfpy.Texture instance or None");
        return -1;
-    } /*else if (texture != NULL) // this section needs to go; texture isn't optional and isn't managed by the UI objects anymore
-    {
-        self->texture = texture;
-        Py_INCREF(texture);
-    } else
-    {
-        // default tex?
-    }*/
+    } else if (texture != NULL && texture != Py_None) {
+        auto pytexture = (PyTextureObject*)texture;
+        texture_ptr = pytexture->data;
+    } else {
+        // Use default texture when None or not provided
+        texture_ptr = McRFPy_API::default_texture;
+    }
+    
+    if (!texture_ptr) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_RuntimeError, "No texture provided and no default texture available");
+        return -1;
+    }

    if (grid != NULL && !PyObject_IsInstance(grid, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Grid"))) {
        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "grid must be a mcrfpy.Grid instance");
        return -1;
    }

-    auto pytexture = (PyTextureObject*)texture;
    if (grid == NULL)
        self->data = std::make_shared<UIEntity>();
    else
        self->data = std::make_shared<UIEntity>(*((PyUIGridObject*)grid)->data);

    // TODO - PyTextureObjects and IndexTextures are a little bit of a mess with shared/unshared pointers
-    self->data->sprite = UISprite(pytexture->data, sprite_index, sf::Vector2f(0,0), 1.0);
+    self->data->sprite = UISprite(texture_ptr, sprite_index, sf::Vector2f(0,0), 1.0);
    self->data->position = pos_result->data;
    if (grid != NULL) {
        PyUIGridObject* pygrid = (PyUIGridObject*)grid;
@ -261,3 +265,51 @@ PyObject* UIEntity::repr(PyUIEntityObject* self) {
    std::string repr_str = ss.str();
    return PyUnicode_DecodeUTF8(repr_str.c_str(), repr_str.size(), "replace");
 }
+
+// Property system implementation for animations
+bool UIEntity::setProperty(const std::string& name, float value) {
+    if (name == "x") {
+        position.x = value;
+        collision_pos.x = static_cast<int>(value);
+        // Update sprite position based on grid position
+        // Note: This is a simplified version - actual grid-to-pixel conversion depends on grid properties
+        sprite.setPosition(sf::Vector2f(position.x, position.y));
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "y") {
+        position.y = value;
+        collision_pos.y = static_cast<int>(value);
+        // Update sprite position based on grid position
+        sprite.setPosition(sf::Vector2f(position.x, position.y));
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "sprite_scale") {
+        sprite.setScale(sf::Vector2f(value, value));
+        return true;
+    }
+    return false;
+}
+
+bool UIEntity::setProperty(const std::string& name, int value) {
+    if (name == "sprite_number") {
+        sprite.setSpriteIndex(value);
+        return true;
+    }
+    return false;
+}
+
+bool UIEntity::getProperty(const std::string& name, float& value) const {
+    if (name == "x") {
+        value = position.x;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "y") {
+        value = position.y;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "sprite_scale") {
+        value = sprite.getScale().x;  // Assuming uniform scale
+        return true;
+    }
+    return false;
+}
--- a/src/UIEntity.h
+++ b/src/UIEntity.h
@ -46,6 +46,11 @@ public:
    UIEntity();
    UIEntity(UIGrid&);
    
+    // Property system for animations
+    bool setProperty(const std::string& name, float value);
+    bool setProperty(const std::string& name, int value);
+    bool getProperty(const std::string& name, float& value) const;
+    
    static PyObject* at(PyUIEntityObject* self, PyObject* o);
    static PyObject* index(PyUIEntityObject* self, PyObject* Py_UNUSED(ignored));
    static int init(PyUIEntityObject* self, PyObject* args, PyObject* kwds);
--- a/src/UIFrame.cpp
+++ b/src/UIFrame.cpp
@ -51,6 +51,15 @@ void UIFrame::render(sf::Vector2f offset, sf::RenderTarget& target)
    target.draw(box);
    box.move(-offset);

+    // Sort children by z_index if needed
+    if (children_need_sort && !children->empty()) {
+        std::sort(children->begin(), children->end(),
+            [](const std::shared_ptr<UIDrawable>& a, const std::shared_ptr<UIDrawable>& b) {
+                return a->z_index < b->z_index;
+            });
+        children_need_sort = false;
+    }
+
    for (auto drawable : *children) {
        drawable->render(offset + box.getPosition(), target);
    }
@ -215,6 +224,7 @@ PyGetSetDef UIFrame::getsetters[] = {
    {"outline_color", (getter)UIFrame::get_color_member, (setter)UIFrame::set_color_member, "Outline color of the rectangle", (void*)1},
    {"children", (getter)UIFrame::get_children, NULL, "UICollection of objects on top of this one", NULL},
    {"click", (getter)UIDrawable::get_click, (setter)UIDrawable::set_click, "Object called with (x, y, button) when clicked", (void*)PyObjectsEnum::UIFRAME},
+    {"z_index", (getter)UIDrawable::get_int, (setter)UIDrawable::set_int, "Z-order for rendering (lower values rendered first)", (void*)PyObjectsEnum::UIFRAME},
    {NULL}
 };

@ -264,3 +274,152 @@ int UIFrame::init(PyUIFrameObject* self, PyObject* args, PyObject* kwds)
    if (err_val) return err_val;
    return 0;
 }
+
+// Animation property system implementation
+bool UIFrame::setProperty(const std::string& name, float value) {
+    if (name == "x") {
+        box.setPosition(sf::Vector2f(value, box.getPosition().y));
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "y") {
+        box.setPosition(sf::Vector2f(box.getPosition().x, value));
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "w") {
+        box.setSize(sf::Vector2f(value, box.getSize().y));
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "h") {
+        box.setSize(sf::Vector2f(box.getSize().x, value));
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "outline") {
+        box.setOutlineThickness(value);
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "fill_color.r") {
+        auto color = box.getFillColor();
+        color.r = std::clamp(static_cast<int>(value), 0, 255);
+        box.setFillColor(color);
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "fill_color.g") {
+        auto color = box.getFillColor();
+        color.g = std::clamp(static_cast<int>(value), 0, 255);
+        box.setFillColor(color);
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "fill_color.b") {
+        auto color = box.getFillColor();
+        color.b = std::clamp(static_cast<int>(value), 0, 255);
+        box.setFillColor(color);
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "fill_color.a") {
+        auto color = box.getFillColor();
+        color.a = std::clamp(static_cast<int>(value), 0, 255);
+        box.setFillColor(color);
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "outline_color.r") {
+        auto color = box.getOutlineColor();
+        color.r = std::clamp(static_cast<int>(value), 0, 255);
+        box.setOutlineColor(color);
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "outline_color.g") {
+        auto color = box.getOutlineColor();
+        color.g = std::clamp(static_cast<int>(value), 0, 255);
+        box.setOutlineColor(color);
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "outline_color.b") {
+        auto color = box.getOutlineColor();
+        color.b = std::clamp(static_cast<int>(value), 0, 255);
+        box.setOutlineColor(color);
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "outline_color.a") {
+        auto color = box.getOutlineColor();
+        color.a = std::clamp(static_cast<int>(value), 0, 255);
+        box.setOutlineColor(color);
+        return true;
+    }
+    return false;
+}
+
+bool UIFrame::setProperty(const std::string& name, const sf::Color& value) {
+    if (name == "fill_color") {
+        box.setFillColor(value);
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "outline_color") {
+        box.setOutlineColor(value);
+        return true;
+    }
+    return false;
+}
+
+bool UIFrame::setProperty(const std::string& name, const sf::Vector2f& value) {
+    if (name == "position") {
+        box.setPosition(value);
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "size") {
+        box.setSize(value);
+        return true;
+    }
+    return false;
+}
+
+bool UIFrame::getProperty(const std::string& name, float& value) const {
+    if (name == "x") {
+        value = box.getPosition().x;
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "y") {
+        value = box.getPosition().y;
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "w") {
+        value = box.getSize().x;
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "h") {
+        value = box.getSize().y;
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "outline") {
+        value = box.getOutlineThickness();
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "fill_color.r") {
+        value = box.getFillColor().r;
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "fill_color.g") {
+        value = box.getFillColor().g;
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "fill_color.b") {
+        value = box.getFillColor().b;
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "fill_color.a") {
+        value = box.getFillColor().a;
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "outline_color.r") {
+        value = box.getOutlineColor().r;
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "outline_color.g") {
+        value = box.getOutlineColor().g;
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "outline_color.b") {
+        value = box.getOutlineColor().b;
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "outline_color.a") {
+        value = box.getOutlineColor().a;
+        return true;
+    }
+    return false;
+}
+
+bool UIFrame::getProperty(const std::string& name, sf::Color& value) const {
+    if (name == "fill_color") {
+        value = box.getFillColor();
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "outline_color") {
+        value = box.getOutlineColor();
+        return true;
+    }
+    return false;
+}
+
+bool UIFrame::getProperty(const std::string& name, sf::Vector2f& value) const {
+    if (name == "position") {
+        value = box.getPosition();
+        return true;
+    } else if (name == "size") {
+        value = box.getSize();
+        return true;
+    }
+    return false;
+}
--- a/src/UIFrame.h
+++ b/src/UIFrame.h
@ -28,6 +28,7 @@ public:
    sf::RectangleShape box;
    float outline;
    std::shared_ptr<std::vector<std::shared_ptr<UIDrawable>>> children;
+    bool children_need_sort = true;  // Dirty flag for z_index sorting optimization
    void render(sf::Vector2f, sf::RenderTarget&) override final;
    void move(sf::Vector2f);
    PyObjectsEnum derived_type() override final;
@ -42,6 +43,15 @@ public:
    static PyGetSetDef getsetters[];
    static PyObject* repr(PyUIFrameObject* self);
    static int init(PyUIFrameObject* self, PyObject* args, PyObject* kwds);
+    
+    // Animation property system
+    bool setProperty(const std::string& name, float value) override;
+    bool setProperty(const std::string& name, const sf::Color& value) override;
+    bool setProperty(const std::string& name, const sf::Vector2f& value) override;
+    
+    bool getProperty(const std::string& name, float& value) const override;
+    bool getProperty(const std::string& name, sf::Color& value) const override;
+    bool getProperty(const std::string& name, sf::Vector2f& value) const override;
 };

 namespace mcrfpydef {
--- a/src/UIGrid.cpp
+++ b/src/UIGrid.cpp
@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 #include "UIGrid.h"
 #include "GameEngine.h"
 #include "McRFPy_API.h"
+#include <algorithm>

 UIGrid::UIGrid() {}

@ -218,27 +219,66 @@ UIDrawable* UIGrid::click_at(sf::Vector2f point)

 int UIGrid::init(PyUIGridObject* self, PyObject* args, PyObject* kwds) {
    int grid_x, grid_y;
-    PyObject* textureObj;
+    PyObject* textureObj = Py_None;
    //float box_x, box_y, box_w, box_h;
-    PyObject* pos, *size;
+    PyObject* pos = NULL;
+    PyObject* size = NULL;

    //if (!PyArg_ParseTuple(args, "iiOffff", &grid_x, &grid_y, &textureObj, &box_x, &box_y, &box_w, &box_h)) {
-    if (!PyArg_ParseTuple(args, "iiOOO", &grid_x, &grid_y, &textureObj, &pos, &size)) {
+    if (!PyArg_ParseTuple(args, "ii|OOO", &grid_x, &grid_y, &textureObj, &pos, &size)) {
        return -1; // If parsing fails, return an error
    }

-    PyVectorObject* pos_result = PyVector::from_arg(pos);
-    if (!pos_result)
-    {
-        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "pos must be a mcrfpy.Vector instance or arguments to mcrfpy.Vector.__init__");
-        return -1;
+    // Default position and size if not provided
+    PyVectorObject* pos_result = NULL;
+    PyVectorObject* size_result = NULL;
+    
+    if (pos) {
+        pos_result = PyVector::from_arg(pos);
+        if (!pos_result)
+        {
+            PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "pos must be a mcrfpy.Vector instance or arguments to mcrfpy.Vector.__init__");
+            return -1;
+        }
+    } else {
+        // Default position (0, 0)
+        PyObject* vector_class = PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Vector");
+        if (vector_class) {
+            PyObject* pos_obj = PyObject_CallFunction(vector_class, "ff", 0.0f, 0.0f);
+            Py_DECREF(vector_class);
+            if (pos_obj) {
+                pos_result = (PyVectorObject*)pos_obj;
+            }
+        }
+        if (!pos_result) {
+            PyErr_SetString(PyExc_RuntimeError, "Failed to create default position vector");
+            return -1;
+        }
    }

-    PyVectorObject* size_result = PyVector::from_arg(size);
-    if (!size_result)
-    {
-        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "pos must be a mcrfpy.Vector instance or arguments to mcrfpy.Vector.__init__");
-        return -1;
+    if (size) {
+        size_result = PyVector::from_arg(size);
+        if (!size_result)
+        {
+            PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "size must be a mcrfpy.Vector instance or arguments to mcrfpy.Vector.__init__");
+            return -1;
+        }
+    } else {
+        // Default size based on grid dimensions
+        float default_w = grid_x * 16.0f;  // Assuming 16 pixel tiles
+        float default_h = grid_y * 16.0f;
+        PyObject* vector_class = PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Vector");
+        if (vector_class) {
+            PyObject* size_obj = PyObject_CallFunction(vector_class, "ff", default_w, default_h);
+            Py_DECREF(vector_class);
+            if (size_obj) {
+                size_result = (PyVectorObject*)size_obj;
+            }
+        }
+        if (!size_result) {
+            PyErr_SetString(PyExc_RuntimeError, "Failed to create default size vector");
+            return -1;
+        }
    }

    // Convert PyObject texture to IndexTexture*
@ -246,7 +286,7 @@ int UIGrid::init(PyUIGridObject* self, PyObject* args, PyObject* kwds) {
    
    std::shared_ptr<PyTexture> texture_ptr = nullptr;
    
-    // Allow None for texture
+    // Allow None for texture - use default texture in that case
    if (textureObj != Py_None) {
        //if (!PyObject_IsInstance(textureObj, (PyObject*)&PyTextureType)) {
        if (!PyObject_IsInstance(textureObj, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Texture"))) {
@ -255,6 +295,9 @@ int UIGrid::init(PyUIGridObject* self, PyObject* args, PyObject* kwds) {
        }
        PyTextureObject* pyTexture = reinterpret_cast<PyTextureObject*>(textureObj);
        texture_ptr = pyTexture->data;
+    } else {
+        // Use default texture when None is provided
+        texture_ptr = McRFPy_API::default_texture;
    }
    
    // Initialize UIGrid - texture_ptr will be nullptr if texture was None
@ -458,6 +501,7 @@ PyGetSetDef UIGrid::getsetters[] = {
    {"click", (getter)UIDrawable::get_click, (setter)UIDrawable::set_click, "Object called with (x, y, button) when clicked", (void*)PyObjectsEnum::UIGRID},

    {"texture", (getter)UIGrid::get_texture, NULL, "Texture of the grid", NULL}, //TODO 7DRL-day2-item5
+    {"z_index", (getter)UIDrawable::get_int, (setter)UIDrawable::set_int, "Z-order for rendering (lower values rendered first)", (void*)PyObjectsEnum::UIGRID},
    {NULL}  /* Sentinel */
 };

@ -581,15 +625,196 @@ return NULL;

 }

+int UIEntityCollection::setitem(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self, Py_ssize_t index, PyObject* value) {
+    auto list = self->data.get();
+    if (!list) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_RuntimeError, "the collection store returned a null pointer");
+        return -1;
+    }
+    
+    // Handle negative indexing
+    while (index < 0) index += list->size();
+    
+    // Bounds check
+    if (index >= list->size()) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_IndexError, "EntityCollection assignment index out of range");
+        return -1;
+    }
+    
+    // Get iterator to the target position
+    auto it = list->begin();
+    std::advance(it, index);
+    
+    // Handle deletion
+    if (value == NULL) {
+        // Clear grid reference from the entity being removed
+        (*it)->grid = nullptr;
+        list->erase(it);
+        return 0;
+    }
+    
+    // Type checking - must be an Entity
+    if (!PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Entity"))) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "EntityCollection can only contain Entity objects");
+        return -1;
+    }
+    
+    // Get the C++ object from the Python object
+    PyUIEntityObject* entity = (PyUIEntityObject*)value;
+    if (!entity->data) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_RuntimeError, "Invalid Entity object");
+        return -1;
+    }
+    
+    // Clear grid reference from the old entity
+    (*it)->grid = nullptr;
+    
+    // Replace the element and set grid reference
+    *it = entity->data;
+    entity->data->grid = self->grid;
+    
+    return 0;
+}
+
+int UIEntityCollection::contains(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self, PyObject* value) {
+    auto list = self->data.get();
+    if (!list) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_RuntimeError, "the collection store returned a null pointer");
+        return -1;
+    }
+    
+    // Type checking - must be an Entity
+    if (!PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Entity"))) {
+        // Not an Entity, so it can't be in the collection
+        return 0;
+    }
+    
+    // Get the C++ object from the Python object
+    PyUIEntityObject* entity = (PyUIEntityObject*)value;
+    if (!entity->data) {
+        return 0;
+    }
+    
+    // Search for the object by comparing C++ pointers
+    for (const auto& ent : *list) {
+        if (ent.get() == entity->data.get()) {
+            return 1;  // Found
+        }
+    }
+    
+    return 0;  // Not found
+}
+
+PyObject* UIEntityCollection::concat(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self, PyObject* other) {
+    // Create a new Python list containing elements from both collections
+    if (!PySequence_Check(other)) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "can only concatenate sequence to EntityCollection");
+        return NULL;
+    }
+    
+    Py_ssize_t self_len = self->data->size();
+    Py_ssize_t other_len = PySequence_Length(other);
+    if (other_len == -1) {
+        return NULL;  // Error already set
+    }
+    
+    PyObject* result_list = PyList_New(self_len + other_len);
+    if (!result_list) {
+        return NULL;
+    }
+    
+    // Add all elements from self
+    Py_ssize_t idx = 0;
+    for (const auto& entity : *self->data) {
+        auto type = (PyTypeObject*)PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Entity");
+        auto obj = (PyUIEntityObject*)type->tp_alloc(type, 0);
+        if (obj) {
+            obj->data = entity;
+            PyList_SET_ITEM(result_list, idx, (PyObject*)obj);  // Steals reference
+        } else {
+            Py_DECREF(result_list);
+            Py_DECREF(type);
+            return NULL;
+        }
+        Py_DECREF(type);
+        idx++;
+    }
+    
+    // Add all elements from other
+    for (Py_ssize_t i = 0; i < other_len; i++) {
+        PyObject* item = PySequence_GetItem(other, i);
+        if (!item) {
+            Py_DECREF(result_list);
+            return NULL;
+        }
+        PyList_SET_ITEM(result_list, self_len + i, item);  // Steals reference
+    }
+    
+    return result_list;
+}
+
+PyObject* UIEntityCollection::inplace_concat(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self, PyObject* other) {
+    if (!PySequence_Check(other)) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "can only concatenate sequence to EntityCollection");
+        return NULL;
+    }
+    
+    // First, validate ALL items in the sequence before modifying anything
+    Py_ssize_t other_len = PySequence_Length(other);
+    if (other_len == -1) {
+        return NULL;  // Error already set
+    }
+    
+    // Validate all items first
+    for (Py_ssize_t i = 0; i < other_len; i++) {
+        PyObject* item = PySequence_GetItem(other, i);
+        if (!item) {
+            return NULL;
+        }
+        
+        // Type check
+        if (!PyObject_IsInstance(item, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Entity"))) {
+            Py_DECREF(item);
+            PyErr_Format(PyExc_TypeError, 
+                "EntityCollection can only contain Entity objects; "
+                "got %s at index %zd", Py_TYPE(item)->tp_name, i);
+            return NULL;
+        }
+        Py_DECREF(item);
+    }
+    
+    // All items validated, now we can safely add them
+    for (Py_ssize_t i = 0; i < other_len; i++) {
+        PyObject* item = PySequence_GetItem(other, i);
+        if (!item) {
+            return NULL;  // Shouldn't happen, but be safe
+        }
+        
+        // Use the existing append method which handles grid references
+        PyObject* result = append(self, item);
+        Py_DECREF(item);
+        
+        if (!result) {
+            return NULL;  // append() failed
+        }
+        Py_DECREF(result);  // append returns Py_None
+    }
+    
+    Py_INCREF(self);
+    return (PyObject*)self;
+}
+
 PySequenceMethods UIEntityCollection::sqmethods = {
    .sq_length = (lenfunc)UIEntityCollection::len,
+    .sq_concat = (binaryfunc)UIEntityCollection::concat,
+    .sq_repeat = NULL,
    .sq_item = (ssizeargfunc)UIEntityCollection::getitem,
-    //.sq_item_by_index = UIEntityCollection::getitem
-    //.sq_slice - return a subset of the iterable
-    //.sq_ass_item - called when `o[x] = y` is executed (x is any object type)
-    //.sq_ass_slice - cool; no thanks, for now
-    //.sq_contains - called when `x in o` is executed
-    //.sq_ass_item_by_index - called when `o[x] = y` is executed (x is explictly an integer)
+    .was_sq_slice = NULL,
+    .sq_ass_item = (ssizeobjargproc)UIEntityCollection::setitem,
+    .was_sq_ass_slice = NULL,
+    .sq_contains = (objobjproc)UIEntityCollection::contains,
+    .sq_inplace_concat = (binaryfunc)UIEntityCollection::inplace_concat,
+    .sq_inplace_repeat = NULL
 };

 PyObject* UIEntityCollection::append(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self, PyObject* o)
@ -616,23 +841,29 @@ PyObject* UIEntityCollection::remove(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self, PyObject*
 {
    if (!PyLong_Check(o))
    {
-        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "UICollection.remove requires an integer index to remove");
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "EntityCollection.remove requires an integer index to remove");
        return NULL;
    }
    long index = PyLong_AsLong(o);
+    
+    // Handle negative indexing
+    while (index < 0) index += self->data->size();
+    
    if (index >= self->data->size())
    {
        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_ValueError, "Index out of range");
        return NULL;
    }
-    else if (index < 0)
-    {
-        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_NotImplementedError, "reverse indexing is not implemented.");
-        return NULL;
-    }

+    // Get iterator to the entity to remove
+    auto it = self->data->begin();
+    std::advance(it, index);
+    
+    // Clear grid reference before removing
+    (*it)->grid = nullptr;
+    
    // release the shared pointer at correct part of the list
-    self->data->erase(std::next(self->data->begin(), index));
+    self->data->erase(it);
    Py_INCREF(Py_None);
    return Py_None;
 }
@ -675,10 +906,275 @@ PyObject* UIEntityCollection::extend(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self, PyObject*
    return Py_None;
 }

+PyObject* UIEntityCollection::index_method(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self, PyObject* value) {
+    auto list = self->data.get();
+    if (!list) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_RuntimeError, "the collection store returned a null pointer");
+        return NULL;
+    }
+    
+    // Type checking - must be an Entity
+    if (!PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Entity"))) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "EntityCollection.index requires an Entity object");
+        return NULL;
+    }
+    
+    // Get the C++ object from the Python object
+    PyUIEntityObject* entity = (PyUIEntityObject*)value;
+    if (!entity->data) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_RuntimeError, "Invalid Entity object");
+        return NULL;
+    }
+    
+    // Search for the object
+    Py_ssize_t idx = 0;
+    for (const auto& ent : *list) {
+        if (ent.get() == entity->data.get()) {
+            return PyLong_FromSsize_t(idx);
+        }
+        idx++;
+    }
+    
+    PyErr_SetString(PyExc_ValueError, "Entity not in EntityCollection");
+    return NULL;
+}
+
+PyObject* UIEntityCollection::count(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self, PyObject* value) {
+    auto list = self->data.get();
+    if (!list) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_RuntimeError, "the collection store returned a null pointer");
+        return NULL;
+    }
+    
+    // Type checking - must be an Entity
+    if (!PyObject_IsInstance(value, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Entity"))) {
+        // Not an Entity, so count is 0
+        return PyLong_FromLong(0);
+    }
+    
+    // Get the C++ object from the Python object
+    PyUIEntityObject* entity = (PyUIEntityObject*)value;
+    if (!entity->data) {
+        return PyLong_FromLong(0);
+    }
+    
+    // Count occurrences
+    Py_ssize_t count = 0;
+    for (const auto& ent : *list) {
+        if (ent.get() == entity->data.get()) {
+            count++;
+        }
+    }
+    
+    return PyLong_FromSsize_t(count);
+}
+
+PyObject* UIEntityCollection::subscript(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self, PyObject* key) {
+    if (PyLong_Check(key)) {
+        // Single index - delegate to sq_item
+        Py_ssize_t index = PyLong_AsSsize_t(key);
+        if (index == -1 && PyErr_Occurred()) {
+            return NULL;
+        }
+        return getitem(self, index);
+    } else if (PySlice_Check(key)) {
+        // Handle slice
+        Py_ssize_t start, stop, step, slicelength;
+        
+        if (PySlice_GetIndicesEx(key, self->data->size(), &start, &stop, &step, &slicelength) < 0) {
+            return NULL;
+        }
+        
+        PyObject* result_list = PyList_New(slicelength);
+        if (!result_list) {
+            return NULL;
+        }
+        
+        // Iterate through the list with slice parameters
+        auto it = self->data->begin();
+        for (Py_ssize_t i = 0, cur = start; i < slicelength; i++, cur += step) {
+            auto cur_it = it;
+            std::advance(cur_it, cur);
+            
+            auto type = (PyTypeObject*)PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Entity");
+            auto obj = (PyUIEntityObject*)type->tp_alloc(type, 0);
+            if (obj) {
+                obj->data = *cur_it;
+                PyList_SET_ITEM(result_list, i, (PyObject*)obj);  // Steals reference
+            } else {
+                Py_DECREF(result_list);
+                Py_DECREF(type);
+                return NULL;
+            }
+            Py_DECREF(type);
+        }
+        
+        return result_list;
+    } else {
+        PyErr_Format(PyExc_TypeError, "EntityCollection indices must be integers or slices, not %.200s",
+                     Py_TYPE(key)->tp_name);
+        return NULL;
+    }
+}
+
+int UIEntityCollection::ass_subscript(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self, PyObject* key, PyObject* value) {
+    if (PyLong_Check(key)) {
+        // Single index - delegate to sq_ass_item
+        Py_ssize_t index = PyLong_AsSsize_t(key);
+        if (index == -1 && PyErr_Occurred()) {
+            return -1;
+        }
+        return setitem(self, index, value);
+    } else if (PySlice_Check(key)) {
+        // Handle slice assignment/deletion
+        Py_ssize_t start, stop, step, slicelength;
+        
+        if (PySlice_GetIndicesEx(key, self->data->size(), &start, &stop, &step, &slicelength) < 0) {
+            return -1;
+        }
+        
+        if (value == NULL) {
+            // Deletion
+            if (step != 1) {
+                // For non-contiguous slices, delete from highest to lowest to maintain indices
+                std::vector<Py_ssize_t> indices;
+                for (Py_ssize_t i = 0, cur = start; i < slicelength; i++, cur += step) {
+                    indices.push_back(cur);
+                }
+                // Sort in descending order
+                std::sort(indices.begin(), indices.end(), std::greater<Py_ssize_t>());
+                
+                // Delete each index
+                for (Py_ssize_t idx : indices) {
+                    auto it = self->data->begin();
+                    std::advance(it, idx);
+                    (*it)->grid = nullptr;  // Clear grid reference
+                    self->data->erase(it);
+                }
+            } else {
+                // Contiguous slice - delete range
+                auto it_start = self->data->begin();
+                auto it_stop = self->data->begin();
+                std::advance(it_start, start);
+                std::advance(it_stop, stop);
+                
+                // Clear grid references
+                for (auto it = it_start; it != it_stop; ++it) {
+                    (*it)->grid = nullptr;
+                }
+                
+                self->data->erase(it_start, it_stop);
+            }
+            return 0;
+        } else {
+            // Assignment
+            if (!PySequence_Check(value)) {
+                PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "can only assign sequence to slice");
+                return -1;
+            }
+            
+            Py_ssize_t value_len = PySequence_Length(value);
+            if (value_len == -1) {
+                return -1;
+            }
+            
+            // Validate all items first
+            std::vector<std::shared_ptr<UIEntity>> new_items;
+            for (Py_ssize_t i = 0; i < value_len; i++) {
+                PyObject* item = PySequence_GetItem(value, i);
+                if (!item) {
+                    return -1;
+                }
+                
+                // Type check
+                if (!PyObject_IsInstance(item, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Entity"))) {
+                    Py_DECREF(item);
+                    PyErr_Format(PyExc_TypeError, 
+                        "EntityCollection can only contain Entity objects; "
+                        "got %s at index %zd", Py_TYPE(item)->tp_name, i);
+                    return -1;
+                }
+                
+                PyUIEntityObject* entity = (PyUIEntityObject*)item;
+                Py_DECREF(item);
+                new_items.push_back(entity->data);
+            }
+            
+            // Now perform the assignment
+            if (step == 1) {
+                // Contiguous slice
+                if (slicelength != value_len) {
+                    // Need to resize - remove old items and insert new ones
+                    auto it_start = self->data->begin();
+                    auto it_stop = self->data->begin();
+                    std::advance(it_start, start);
+                    std::advance(it_stop, stop);
+                    
+                    // Clear grid references from old items
+                    for (auto it = it_start; it != it_stop; ++it) {
+                        (*it)->grid = nullptr;
+                    }
+                    
+                    // Erase old range
+                    it_start = self->data->erase(it_start, it_stop);
+                    
+                    // Insert new items
+                    for (const auto& entity : new_items) {
+                        entity->grid = self->grid;
+                        it_start = self->data->insert(it_start, entity);
+                        ++it_start;
+                    }
+                } else {
+                    // Same size, just replace
+                    auto it = self->data->begin();
+                    std::advance(it, start);
+                    for (const auto& entity : new_items) {
+                        (*it)->grid = nullptr;  // Clear old grid ref
+                        *it = entity;
+                        entity->grid = self->grid;  // Set new grid ref
+                        ++it;
+                    }
+                }
+            } else {
+                // Extended slice
+                if (slicelength != value_len) {
+                    PyErr_Format(PyExc_ValueError,
+                        "attempt to assign sequence of size %zd to extended slice of size %zd",
+                        value_len, slicelength);
+                    return -1;
+                }
+                
+                auto list_it = self->data->begin();
+                for (Py_ssize_t i = 0, cur = start; i < slicelength; i++, cur += step) {
+                    auto cur_it = list_it;
+                    std::advance(cur_it, cur);
+                    (*cur_it)->grid = nullptr;  // Clear old grid ref
+                    *cur_it = new_items[i];
+                    new_items[i]->grid = self->grid;  // Set new grid ref
+                }
+            }
+            
+            return 0;
+        }
+    } else {
+        PyErr_Format(PyExc_TypeError, "EntityCollection indices must be integers or slices, not %.200s",
+                     Py_TYPE(key)->tp_name);
+        return -1;
+    }
+}
+
+PyMappingMethods UIEntityCollection::mpmethods = {
+    .mp_length = (lenfunc)UIEntityCollection::len,
+    .mp_subscript = (binaryfunc)UIEntityCollection::subscript,
+    .mp_ass_subscript = (objobjargproc)UIEntityCollection::ass_subscript
+};
+
 PyMethodDef UIEntityCollection::methods[] = {
    {"append", (PyCFunction)UIEntityCollection::append, METH_O},
    {"extend", (PyCFunction)UIEntityCollection::extend, METH_O},
    {"remove", (PyCFunction)UIEntityCollection::remove, METH_O},
+    {"index", (PyCFunction)UIEntityCollection::index_method, METH_O},
+    {"count", (PyCFunction)UIEntityCollection::count, METH_O},
    {NULL, NULL, 0, NULL}
 };

@ -723,3 +1219,115 @@ PyObject* UIEntityCollection::iter(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self)
    Py_DECREF(iterType);
    return (PyObject*)iterObj;
 }
+
+// Property system implementation for animations
+bool UIGrid::setProperty(const std::string& name, float value) {
+    if (name == "x") {
+        box.setPosition(sf::Vector2f(value, box.getPosition().y));
+        output.setPosition(box.getPosition());
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "y") {
+        box.setPosition(sf::Vector2f(box.getPosition().x, value));
+        output.setPosition(box.getPosition());
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "w" || name == "width") {
+        box.setSize(sf::Vector2f(value, box.getSize().y));
+        output.setTextureRect(sf::IntRect(0, 0, box.getSize().x, box.getSize().y));
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "h" || name == "height") {
+        box.setSize(sf::Vector2f(box.getSize().x, value));
+        output.setTextureRect(sf::IntRect(0, 0, box.getSize().x, box.getSize().y));
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "center_x") {
+        center_x = value;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "center_y") {
+        center_y = value;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "zoom") {
+        zoom = value;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "z_index") {
+        z_index = static_cast<int>(value);
+        return true;
+    }
+    return false;
+}
+
+bool UIGrid::setProperty(const std::string& name, const sf::Vector2f& value) {
+    if (name == "position") {
+        box.setPosition(value);
+        output.setPosition(box.getPosition());
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "size") {
+        box.setSize(value);
+        output.setTextureRect(sf::IntRect(0, 0, box.getSize().x, box.getSize().y));
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "center") {
+        center_x = value.x;
+        center_y = value.y;
+        return true;
+    }
+    return false;
+}
+
+bool UIGrid::getProperty(const std::string& name, float& value) const {
+    if (name == "x") {
+        value = box.getPosition().x;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "y") {
+        value = box.getPosition().y;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "w" || name == "width") {
+        value = box.getSize().x;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "h" || name == "height") {
+        value = box.getSize().y;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "center_x") {
+        value = center_x;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "center_y") {
+        value = center_y;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "zoom") {
+        value = zoom;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "z_index") {
+        value = static_cast<float>(z_index);
+        return true;
+    }
+    return false;
+}
+
+bool UIGrid::getProperty(const std::string& name, sf::Vector2f& value) const {
+    if (name == "position") {
+        value = box.getPosition();
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "size") {
+        value = box.getSize();
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "center") {
+        value = sf::Vector2f(center_x, center_y);
+        return true;
+    }
+    return false;
+}
--- a/src/UIGrid.h
+++ b/src/UIGrid.h
@ -45,6 +45,12 @@ public:
    sf::RenderTexture renderTexture;
    std::vector<UIGridPoint> points;
    std::shared_ptr<std::list<std::shared_ptr<UIEntity>>> entities;
+    
+    // Property system for animations
+    bool setProperty(const std::string& name, float value) override;
+    bool setProperty(const std::string& name, const sf::Vector2f& value) override;
+    bool getProperty(const std::string& name, float& value) const override;
+    bool getProperty(const std::string& name, sf::Vector2f& value) const override;

    static int init(PyUIGridObject* self, PyObject* args, PyObject* kwds);
    static PyObject* get_grid_size(PyUIGridObject* self, void* closure);
@ -76,15 +82,24 @@ typedef struct {
 class UIEntityCollection {
 public:
    static PySequenceMethods sqmethods;
+    static PyMappingMethods mpmethods;
    static PyObject* append(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self, PyObject* o);
    static PyObject* extend(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self, PyObject* o);
    static PyObject* remove(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self, PyObject* o);
+    static PyObject* index_method(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self, PyObject* value);
+    static PyObject* count(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self, PyObject* value);
    static PyMethodDef methods[];
    static PyObject* repr(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self);
    static int init(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self, PyObject* args, PyObject* kwds);
    static PyObject* iter(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self);
    static Py_ssize_t len(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self);
    static PyObject* getitem(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self, Py_ssize_t index);
+    static int setitem(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self, Py_ssize_t index, PyObject* value);
+    static int contains(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self, PyObject* value);
+    static PyObject* concat(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self, PyObject* other);
+    static PyObject* inplace_concat(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self, PyObject* other);
+    static PyObject* subscript(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self, PyObject* key);
+    static int ass_subscript(PyUIEntityCollectionObject* self, PyObject* key, PyObject* value);
 };

 typedef struct {
@ -174,6 +189,7 @@ namespace mcrfpydef {
        },
        .tp_repr = (reprfunc)UIEntityCollection::repr,
        .tp_as_sequence = &UIEntityCollection::sqmethods,
+        .tp_as_mapping = &UIEntityCollection::mpmethods,
        .tp_flags = Py_TPFLAGS_DEFAULT,
        .tp_doc = PyDoc_STR("Iterable, indexable collection of Entities"),
        .tp_iter = (getiterfunc)UIEntityCollection::iter,
--- a/src/UISprite.cpp
+++ b/src/UISprite.cpp
@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ void UISprite::setSpriteIndex(int _sprite_index)
    sprite = ptex->sprite(sprite_index, sprite.getPosition(), sprite.getScale());
 }

-sf::Vector2f UISprite::getScale()
+sf::Vector2f UISprite::getScale() const
 {
    return sprite.getScale();
 }
@ -202,6 +202,7 @@ PyGetSetDef UISprite::getsetters[] = {
    {"sprite_number", (getter)UISprite::get_int_member, (setter)UISprite::set_int_member, "Which sprite on the texture is shown", NULL},
    {"texture", (getter)UISprite::get_texture, (setter)UISprite::set_texture,     "Texture object",                    NULL},
    {"click", (getter)UIDrawable::get_click, (setter)UIDrawable::set_click, "Object called with (x, y, button) when clicked", (void*)PyObjectsEnum::UISPRITE},
+    {"z_index", (getter)UIDrawable::get_int, (setter)UIDrawable::set_int, "Z-order for rendering (lower values rendered first)", (void*)PyObjectsEnum::UISPRITE},
    {NULL}
 };

@ -224,8 +225,8 @@ int UISprite::init(PyUISpriteObject* self, PyObject* args, PyObject* kwds)
    //std::cout << "Init called\n";
    static const char* keywords[] = { "x", "y", "texture", "sprite_index", "scale", nullptr };
    float x = 0.0f, y = 0.0f, scale = 1.0f;
-    int sprite_index;
-    PyObject* texture;
+    int sprite_index = 0;
+    PyObject* texture = NULL;

    if (!PyArg_ParseTupleAndKeywords(args, kwds, "|ffOif",
        const_cast<char**>(keywords), &x, &y, &texture, &sprite_index, &scale))
@ -233,15 +234,107 @@ int UISprite::init(PyUISpriteObject* self, PyObject* args, PyObject* kwds)
        return -1;
    }

-    // check types for texture
-    //if (texture != NULL && !PyObject_IsInstance(texture, (PyObject*)&PyTextureType)){
-    if (texture != NULL && !PyObject_IsInstance(texture, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Texture"))){
-        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "texture must be a mcrfpy.Texture instance");
+    // Handle texture - allow None or use default
+    std::shared_ptr<PyTexture> texture_ptr = nullptr;
+    if (texture != NULL && texture != Py_None && !PyObject_IsInstance(texture, PyObject_GetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "Texture"))){
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_TypeError, "texture must be a mcrfpy.Texture instance or None");
+        return -1;
+    } else if (texture != NULL && texture != Py_None) {
+        auto pytexture = (PyTextureObject*)texture;
+        texture_ptr = pytexture->data;
+    } else {
+        // Use default texture when None or not provided
+        texture_ptr = McRFPy_API::default_texture;
+    }
+    
+    if (!texture_ptr) {
+        PyErr_SetString(PyExc_RuntimeError, "No texture provided and no default texture available");
        return -1;
    }
-    auto pytexture = (PyTextureObject*)texture;
-    self->data = std::make_shared<UISprite>(pytexture->data, sprite_index, sf::Vector2f(x, y), scale);
+    
+    self->data = std::make_shared<UISprite>(texture_ptr, sprite_index, sf::Vector2f(x, y), scale);
    self->data->setPosition(sf::Vector2f(x, y));

    return 0;
 }
+
+// Property system implementation for animations
+bool UISprite::setProperty(const std::string& name, float value) {
+    if (name == "x") {
+        sprite.setPosition(sf::Vector2f(value, sprite.getPosition().y));
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "y") {
+        sprite.setPosition(sf::Vector2f(sprite.getPosition().x, value));
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "scale") {
+        sprite.setScale(sf::Vector2f(value, value));
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "scale_x") {
+        sprite.setScale(sf::Vector2f(value, sprite.getScale().y));
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "scale_y") {
+        sprite.setScale(sf::Vector2f(sprite.getScale().x, value));
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "z_index") {
+        z_index = static_cast<int>(value);
+        return true;
+    }
+    return false;
+}
+
+bool UISprite::setProperty(const std::string& name, int value) {
+    if (name == "sprite_number") {
+        setSpriteIndex(value);
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "z_index") {
+        z_index = value;
+        return true;
+    }
+    return false;
+}
+
+bool UISprite::getProperty(const std::string& name, float& value) const {
+    if (name == "x") {
+        value = sprite.getPosition().x;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "y") {
+        value = sprite.getPosition().y;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "scale") {
+        value = sprite.getScale().x;  // Assuming uniform scale
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "scale_x") {
+        value = sprite.getScale().x;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "scale_y") {
+        value = sprite.getScale().y;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "z_index") {
+        value = static_cast<float>(z_index);
+        return true;
+    }
+    return false;
+}
+
+bool UISprite::getProperty(const std::string& name, int& value) const {
+    if (name == "sprite_number") {
+        value = sprite_index;
+        return true;
+    }
+    else if (name == "z_index") {
+        value = z_index;
+        return true;
+    }
+    return false;
+}
--- a/src/UISprite.h
+++ b/src/UISprite.h
@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ public:
    void setPosition(sf::Vector2f);
    sf::Vector2f getPosition();
    void setScale(sf::Vector2f);
-    sf::Vector2f getScale();
+    sf::Vector2f getScale() const;
    void setSpriteIndex(int);
    int getSpriteIndex();

@ -41,6 +41,12 @@ public:
    std::shared_ptr<PyTexture> getTexture();

    PyObjectsEnum derived_type() override final;
+    
+    // Property system for animations
+    bool setProperty(const std::string& name, float value) override;
+    bool setProperty(const std::string& name, int value) override;
+    bool getProperty(const std::string& name, float& value) const override;
+    bool getProperty(const std::string& name, int& value) const override;


    static PyObject* get_float_member(PyUISpriteObject* self, void* closure);
--- a/src/main.cpp
+++ b/src/main.cpp
@ -3,6 +3,8 @@
 #include "CommandLineParser.h"
 #include "McRogueFaceConfig.h"
 #include "McRFPy_API.h"
+#include "PyFont.h"
+#include "PyTexture.h"
 #include <Python.h>
 #include <iostream>
 #include <filesystem>
@ -44,14 +46,27 @@ int run_game_engine(const McRogueFaceConfig& config)

 int run_python_interpreter(const McRogueFaceConfig& config, int argc, char* argv[])
 {
-    // Create a headless game engine for automation API support
-    McRogueFaceConfig engine_config = config;
-    engine_config.headless = true;  // Force headless mode for Python interpreter
-    GameEngine* engine = new GameEngine(engine_config);
+    // Create a game engine with the requested configuration
+    GameEngine* engine = new GameEngine(config);
    
    // Initialize Python with configuration
    McRFPy_API::init_python_with_config(config, argc, argv);
    
+    // Import mcrfpy module and store reference
+    McRFPy_API::mcrf_module = PyImport_ImportModule("mcrfpy");
+    if (!McRFPy_API::mcrf_module) {
+        PyErr_Print();
+        std::cerr << "Failed to import mcrfpy module" << std::endl;
+    } else {
+        // Set up default_font and default_texture if not already done
+        if (!McRFPy_API::default_font) {
+            McRFPy_API::default_font = std::make_shared<PyFont>("assets/JetbrainsMono.ttf");
+            McRFPy_API::default_texture = std::make_shared<PyTexture>("assets/kenney_tinydungeon.png", 16, 16);
+        }
+        PyObject_SetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "default_font", McRFPy_API::default_font->pyObject());
+        PyObject_SetAttrString(McRFPy_API::mcrf_module, "default_texture", McRFPy_API::default_texture->pyObject());
+    }
+    
    // Handle different Python modes
    if (!config.python_command.empty()) {
        // Execute command from -c
@ -161,6 +176,9 @@ int run_python_interpreter(const McRogueFaceConfig& config, int argc, char* argv
            PyRun_InteractiveLoop(stdin, "<stdin>");
        }
        
+        // Run the game engine after script execution
+        engine->run();
+        
        Py_Finalize();
        delete engine;
        return result;
--- a/tests/animation_demo.py
+++ b/tests/animation_demo.py
@ -0,0 +1,165 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+"""Animation System Demo - Shows all animation capabilities"""
+
+import mcrfpy
+import math
+
+# Create main scene
+mcrfpy.createScene("animation_demo")
+ui = mcrfpy.sceneUI("animation_demo")
+mcrfpy.setScene("animation_demo")
+
+# Title
+title = mcrfpy.Caption((400, 30), "McRogueFace Animation System Demo", mcrfpy.default_font)
+title.size = 24
+title.fill_color = (255, 255, 255)
+# Note: centered property doesn't exist for Caption
+ui.append(title)
+
+# 1. Position Animation Demo
+pos_frame = mcrfpy.Frame(50, 100, 80, 80)
+pos_frame.fill_color = (255, 100, 100)
+pos_frame.outline = 2
+ui.append(pos_frame)
+
+pos_label = mcrfpy.Caption((50, 80), "Position Animation", mcrfpy.default_font)
+pos_label.fill_color = (200, 200, 200)
+ui.append(pos_label)
+
+# 2. Size Animation Demo
+size_frame = mcrfpy.Frame(200, 100, 50, 50)
+size_frame.fill_color = (100, 255, 100)
+size_frame.outline = 2
+ui.append(size_frame)
+
+size_label = mcrfpy.Caption((200, 80), "Size Animation", mcrfpy.default_font)
+size_label.fill_color = (200, 200, 200)
+ui.append(size_label)
+
+# 3. Color Animation Demo
+color_frame = mcrfpy.Frame(350, 100, 80, 80)
+color_frame.fill_color = (255, 0, 0)
+ui.append(color_frame)
+
+color_label = mcrfpy.Caption((350, 80), "Color Animation", mcrfpy.default_font)
+color_label.fill_color = (200, 200, 200)
+ui.append(color_label)
+
+# 4. Easing Functions Demo
+easing_y = 250
+easing_frames = []
+easings = ["linear", "easeIn", "easeOut", "easeInOut", "easeInElastic", "easeOutBounce"]
+
+for i, easing in enumerate(easings):
+    x = 50 + i * 120
+    
+    frame = mcrfpy.Frame(x, easing_y, 20, 20)
+    frame.fill_color = (100, 150, 255)
+    ui.append(frame)
+    easing_frames.append((frame, easing))
+    
+    label = mcrfpy.Caption((x, easing_y - 20), easing, mcrfpy.default_font)
+    label.size = 12
+    label.fill_color = (200, 200, 200)
+    ui.append(label)
+
+# 5. Complex Animation Demo
+complex_frame = mcrfpy.Frame(300, 350, 100, 100)
+complex_frame.fill_color = (128, 128, 255)
+complex_frame.outline = 3
+ui.append(complex_frame)
+
+complex_label = mcrfpy.Caption((300, 330), "Complex Multi-Property", mcrfpy.default_font)
+complex_label.fill_color = (200, 200, 200)
+ui.append(complex_label)
+
+# Start animations
+def start_animations(runtime):
+    # 1. Position animation - back and forth
+    x_anim = mcrfpy.Animation("x", 500.0, 3.0, "easeInOut")
+    x_anim.start(pos_frame)
+    
+    # 2. Size animation - pulsing
+    w_anim = mcrfpy.Animation("w", 150.0, 2.0, "easeInOut")
+    h_anim = mcrfpy.Animation("h", 150.0, 2.0, "easeInOut")
+    w_anim.start(size_frame)
+    h_anim.start(size_frame)
+    
+    # 3. Color animation - rainbow cycle
+    color_anim = mcrfpy.Animation("fill_color", (0, 255, 255, 255), 2.0, "linear")
+    color_anim.start(color_frame)
+    
+    # 4. Easing demos - all move up with different easings
+    for frame, easing in easing_frames:
+        y_anim = mcrfpy.Animation("y", 150.0, 2.0, easing)
+        y_anim.start(frame)
+    
+    # 5. Complex animation - multiple properties
+    cx_anim = mcrfpy.Animation("x", 500.0, 4.0, "easeInOut")
+    cy_anim = mcrfpy.Animation("y", 400.0, 4.0, "easeOut")
+    cw_anim = mcrfpy.Animation("w", 150.0, 4.0, "easeInElastic")
+    ch_anim = mcrfpy.Animation("h", 150.0, 4.0, "easeInElastic")
+    outline_anim = mcrfpy.Animation("outline", 10.0, 4.0, "linear")
+    
+    cx_anim.start(complex_frame)
+    cy_anim.start(complex_frame)
+    cw_anim.start(complex_frame)
+    ch_anim.start(complex_frame)
+    outline_anim.start(complex_frame)
+    
+    # Individual color component animations
+    r_anim = mcrfpy.Animation("fill_color.r", 255.0, 4.0, "easeInOut")
+    g_anim = mcrfpy.Animation("fill_color.g", 100.0, 4.0, "easeInOut") 
+    b_anim = mcrfpy.Animation("fill_color.b", 50.0, 4.0, "easeInOut")
+    
+    r_anim.start(complex_frame)
+    g_anim.start(complex_frame)
+    b_anim.start(complex_frame)
+    
+    print("All animations started!")
+
+# Reverse some animations
+def reverse_animations(runtime):
+    # Position back
+    x_anim = mcrfpy.Animation("x", 50.0, 3.0, "easeInOut")
+    x_anim.start(pos_frame)
+    
+    # Size back
+    w_anim = mcrfpy.Animation("w", 50.0, 2.0, "easeInOut")
+    h_anim = mcrfpy.Animation("h", 50.0, 2.0, "easeInOut")
+    w_anim.start(size_frame)
+    h_anim.start(size_frame)
+    
+    # Color cycle continues
+    color_anim = mcrfpy.Animation("fill_color", (255, 0, 255, 255), 2.0, "linear")
+    color_anim.start(color_frame)
+    
+    # Easing frames back down
+    for frame, easing in easing_frames:
+        y_anim = mcrfpy.Animation("y", 250.0, 2.0, easing)
+        y_anim.start(frame)
+
+# Continue color cycle
+def cycle_colors(runtime):
+    color_anim = mcrfpy.Animation("fill_color", (255, 255, 0, 255), 2.0, "linear")
+    color_anim.start(color_frame)
+
+# Info text
+info = mcrfpy.Caption((400, 550), "Watch as different properties animate with various easing functions!", mcrfpy.default_font)
+info.fill_color = (255, 255, 200)
+# Note: centered property doesn't exist for Caption
+ui.append(info)
+
+# Schedule animations
+mcrfpy.setTimer("start", start_animations, 500)
+mcrfpy.setTimer("reverse", reverse_animations, 4000)
+mcrfpy.setTimer("cycle", cycle_colors, 2500)
+
+# Exit handler
+def on_key(key):
+    if key == "Escape":
+        mcrfpy.exit()
+
+mcrfpy.keypressScene(on_key)
+
+print("Animation demo started! Press Escape to exit.")
--- a/tests/generate_caption_screenshot_fixed.py
+++ b/tests/generate_caption_screenshot_fixed.py
@ -0,0 +1,129 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+"""Generate caption documentation screenshot with proper font"""
+
+import mcrfpy
+from mcrfpy import automation
+import sys
+
+def capture_caption(runtime):
+    """Capture caption example after render loop starts"""
+    
+    # Take screenshot
+    automation.screenshot("mcrogueface.github.io/images/ui_caption_example.png")
+    print("Caption screenshot saved!")
+    
+    # Exit after capturing
+    sys.exit(0)
+
+# Create scene
+mcrfpy.createScene("captions")
+
+# Title
+title = mcrfpy.Caption(400, 30, "Caption Examples")
+title.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+title.font_size = 28
+title.font_color = (255, 255, 255)
+
+# Different sizes
+size_label = mcrfpy.Caption(100, 100, "Different Sizes:")
+size_label.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+size_label.font_color = (200, 200, 200)
+
+large = mcrfpy.Caption(300, 100, "Large Text (24pt)")
+large.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+large.font_size = 24
+large.font_color = (255, 255, 255)
+
+medium = mcrfpy.Caption(300, 140, "Medium Text (18pt)")
+medium.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+medium.font_size = 18
+medium.font_color = (255, 255, 255)
+
+small = mcrfpy.Caption(300, 170, "Small Text (14pt)")
+small.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+small.font_size = 14
+small.font_color = (255, 255, 255)
+
+# Different colors
+color_label = mcrfpy.Caption(100, 230, "Different Colors:")
+color_label.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+color_label.font_color = (200, 200, 200)
+
+white_text = mcrfpy.Caption(300, 230, "White Text")
+white_text.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+white_text.font_color = (255, 255, 255)
+
+green_text = mcrfpy.Caption(300, 260, "Green Text")
+green_text.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+green_text.font_color = (100, 255, 100)
+
+red_text = mcrfpy.Caption(300, 290, "Red Text")
+red_text.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+red_text.font_color = (255, 100, 100)
+
+blue_text = mcrfpy.Caption(300, 320, "Blue Text")
+blue_text.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+blue_text.font_color = (100, 150, 255)
+
+# Caption with background
+bg_label = mcrfpy.Caption(100, 380, "With Background:")
+bg_label.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+bg_label.font_color = (200, 200, 200)
+
+# Frame background
+frame = mcrfpy.Frame(280, 370, 250, 50)
+frame.bgcolor = (64, 64, 128)
+frame.outline = 2
+
+framed_text = mcrfpy.Caption(405, 395, "Caption on Frame")
+framed_text.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+framed_text.font_size = 18
+framed_text.font_color = (255, 255, 255)
+framed_text.centered = True
+
+# Centered text example
+center_label = mcrfpy.Caption(100, 460, "Centered Text:")
+center_label.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+center_label.font_color = (200, 200, 200)
+
+centered = mcrfpy.Caption(400, 460, "This text is centered")
+centered.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+centered.font_size = 20
+centered.font_color = (255, 255, 100)
+centered.centered = True
+
+# Multi-line example
+multi_label = mcrfpy.Caption(100, 520, "Multi-line:")
+multi_label.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+multi_label.font_color = (200, 200, 200)
+
+multiline = mcrfpy.Caption(300, 520, "Line 1: McRogueFace\nLine 2: Game Engine\nLine 3: Python API")
+multiline.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+multiline.font_size = 14
+multiline.font_color = (255, 255, 255)
+
+# Add all to scene
+ui = mcrfpy.sceneUI("captions")
+ui.append(title)
+ui.append(size_label)
+ui.append(large)
+ui.append(medium)
+ui.append(small)
+ui.append(color_label)
+ui.append(white_text)
+ui.append(green_text)
+ui.append(red_text)
+ui.append(blue_text)
+ui.append(bg_label)
+ui.append(frame)
+ui.append(framed_text)
+ui.append(center_label)
+ui.append(centered)
+ui.append(multi_label)
+ui.append(multiline)
+
+# Switch to scene
+mcrfpy.setScene("captions")
+
+# Set timer to capture after rendering starts
+mcrfpy.setTimer("capture", capture_caption, 100)
--- a/tests/generate_docs_screenshots.py
+++ b/tests/generate_docs_screenshots.py
@ -0,0 +1,451 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+"""Generate documentation screenshots for McRogueFace UI elements"""
+import mcrfpy
+from mcrfpy import automation
+import sys
+import os
+
+# Crypt of Sokoban color scheme
+FRAME_COLOR = mcrfpy.Color(64, 64, 128)
+SHADOW_COLOR = mcrfpy.Color(64, 64, 86)
+BOX_COLOR = mcrfpy.Color(96, 96, 160)
+WHITE = mcrfpy.Color(255, 255, 255)
+BLACK = mcrfpy.Color(0, 0, 0)
+GREEN = mcrfpy.Color(0, 255, 0)
+RED = mcrfpy.Color(255, 0, 0)
+
+# Create texture for sprites
+sprite_texture = mcrfpy.Texture("assets/kenney_TD_MR_IP.png", 16, 16)
+
+# Output directory - create it during setup
+output_dir = "mcrogueface.github.io/images"
+if not os.path.exists(output_dir):
+    os.makedirs(output_dir)
+
+def create_caption(x, y, text, font_size=16, text_color=WHITE, outline_color=BLACK):
+    """Helper function to create captions with common settings"""
+    caption = mcrfpy.Caption(mcrfpy.Vector(x, y), text=text)
+    caption.size = font_size
+    caption.fill_color = text_color
+    caption.outline_color = outline_color
+    return caption
+
+def create_caption_example():
+    """Create a scene showing Caption UI element examples"""
+    mcrfpy.createScene("caption_example")
+    ui = mcrfpy.sceneUI("caption_example")
+    
+    # Background frame
+    bg = mcrfpy.Frame(0, 0, 800, 600, fill_color=FRAME_COLOR)
+    ui.append(bg)
+    
+    # Title caption
+    title = create_caption(200, 50, "Caption Examples", 32)
+    ui.append(title)
+    
+    # Different sized captions
+    caption1 = create_caption(100, 150, "Large Caption (24pt)", 24)
+    ui.append(caption1)
+    
+    caption2 = create_caption(100, 200, "Medium Caption (18pt)", 18, GREEN)
+    ui.append(caption2)
+    
+    caption3 = create_caption(100, 240, "Small Caption (14pt)", 14, RED)
+    ui.append(caption3)
+    
+    # Caption with background
+    caption_bg = mcrfpy.Frame(100, 300, 300, 50, fill_color=BOX_COLOR)
+    ui.append(caption_bg)
+    caption4 = create_caption(110, 315, "Caption with Background", 16)
+    ui.append(caption4)
+
+def create_sprite_example():
+    """Create a scene showing Sprite UI element examples"""
+    mcrfpy.createScene("sprite_example")
+    ui = mcrfpy.sceneUI("sprite_example")
+    
+    # Background frame
+    bg = mcrfpy.Frame(0, 0, 800, 600, fill_color=FRAME_COLOR)
+    ui.append(bg)
+    
+    # Title
+    title = create_caption(250, 50, "Sprite Examples", 32)
+    ui.append(title)
+    
+    # Create a grid background for sprites
+    sprite_bg = mcrfpy.Frame(100, 150, 600, 300, fill_color=BOX_COLOR)
+    ui.append(sprite_bg)
+    
+    # Player sprite (84)
+    player_label = create_caption(150, 180, "Player", 14)
+    ui.append(player_label)
+    player_sprite = mcrfpy.Sprite(150, 200, sprite_texture, 84, 3.0)
+    ui.append(player_sprite)
+    
+    # Enemy sprites
+    enemy_label = create_caption(250, 180, "Enemies", 14)
+    ui.append(enemy_label)
+    enemy1 = mcrfpy.Sprite(250, 200, sprite_texture, 123, 3.0)  # Basic enemy
+    ui.append(enemy1)
+    enemy2 = mcrfpy.Sprite(300, 200, sprite_texture, 107, 3.0)  # Different enemy
+    ui.append(enemy2)
+    
+    # Boulder sprite (66)
+    boulder_label = create_caption(400, 180, "Boulder", 14)
+    ui.append(boulder_label)
+    boulder_sprite = mcrfpy.Sprite(400, 200, sprite_texture, 66, 3.0)
+    ui.append(boulder_sprite)
+    
+    # Exit sprites
+    exit_label = create_caption(500, 180, "Exit States", 14)
+    ui.append(exit_label)
+    exit_locked = mcrfpy.Sprite(500, 200, sprite_texture, 45, 3.0)  # Locked
+    ui.append(exit_locked)
+    exit_open = mcrfpy.Sprite(550, 200, sprite_texture, 21, 3.0)  # Open
+    ui.append(exit_open)
+    
+    # Item sprites
+    item_label = create_caption(150, 300, "Items", 14)
+    ui.append(item_label)
+    treasure = mcrfpy.Sprite(150, 320, sprite_texture, 89, 3.0)  # Treasure
+    ui.append(treasure)
+    sword = mcrfpy.Sprite(200, 320, sprite_texture, 222, 3.0)  # Sword
+    ui.append(sword)
+    potion = mcrfpy.Sprite(250, 320, sprite_texture, 175, 3.0)  # Potion
+    ui.append(potion)
+    
+    # Button sprite
+    button_label = create_caption(350, 300, "Button", 14)
+    ui.append(button_label)
+    button = mcrfpy.Sprite(350, 320, sprite_texture, 250, 3.0)
+    ui.append(button)
+
+def create_frame_example():
+    """Create a scene showing Frame UI element examples"""
+    mcrfpy.createScene("frame_example")
+    ui = mcrfpy.sceneUI("frame_example")
+    
+    # Background
+    bg = mcrfpy.Frame(0, 0, 800, 600, fill_color=SHADOW_COLOR)
+    ui.append(bg)
+    
+    # Title
+    title = create_caption(250, 30, "Frame Examples", 32)
+    ui.append(title)
+    
+    # Basic frame
+    frame1 = mcrfpy.Frame(50, 100, 200, 150, fill_color=FRAME_COLOR)
+    ui.append(frame1)
+    label1 = create_caption(60, 110, "Basic Frame", 16)
+    ui.append(label1)
+    
+    # Frame with outline
+    frame2 = mcrfpy.Frame(300, 100, 200, 150, fill_color=BOX_COLOR, 
+                         outline_color=WHITE, outline=2.0)
+    ui.append(frame2)
+    label2 = create_caption(310, 110, "Frame with Outline", 16)
+    ui.append(label2)
+    
+    # Nested frames
+    frame3 = mcrfpy.Frame(550, 100, 200, 150, fill_color=FRAME_COLOR,
+                         outline_color=WHITE, outline=1)
+    ui.append(frame3)
+    inner_frame = mcrfpy.Frame(570, 130, 160, 90, fill_color=BOX_COLOR)
+    ui.append(inner_frame)
+    label3 = create_caption(560, 110, "Nested Frames", 16)
+    ui.append(label3)
+    
+    # Complex layout with frames
+    main_frame = mcrfpy.Frame(50, 300, 700, 250, fill_color=FRAME_COLOR,
+                             outline_color=WHITE, outline=2)
+    ui.append(main_frame)
+    
+    # Add some UI elements inside
+    ui_label = create_caption(60, 310, "Complex UI Layout", 18)
+    ui.append(ui_label)
+    
+    # Status panel
+    status_frame = mcrfpy.Frame(70, 350, 150, 180, fill_color=BOX_COLOR)
+    ui.append(status_frame)
+    status_label = create_caption(80, 360, "Status", 14)
+    ui.append(status_label)
+    
+    # Inventory panel
+    inv_frame = mcrfpy.Frame(240, 350, 300, 180, fill_color=BOX_COLOR)
+    ui.append(inv_frame)
+    inv_label = create_caption(250, 360, "Inventory", 14)
+    ui.append(inv_label)
+    
+    # Actions panel
+    action_frame = mcrfpy.Frame(560, 350, 170, 180, fill_color=BOX_COLOR)
+    ui.append(action_frame)
+    action_label = create_caption(570, 360, "Actions", 14)
+    ui.append(action_label)
+
+def create_grid_example():
+    """Create a scene showing Grid UI element examples"""
+    mcrfpy.createScene("grid_example")
+    ui = mcrfpy.sceneUI("grid_example")
+    
+    # Background
+    bg = mcrfpy.Frame(0, 0, 800, 600, fill_color=FRAME_COLOR)
+    ui.append(bg)
+    
+    # Title
+    title = create_caption(250, 30, "Grid Example", 32)
+    ui.append(title)
+    
+    # Create a grid showing a small dungeon
+    grid = mcrfpy.Grid(20, 15, sprite_texture, 
+                      mcrfpy.Vector(100, 100), mcrfpy.Vector(320, 240))
+    
+    # Set up dungeon tiles
+    # Floor tiles (index 48)
+    # Wall tiles (index 3)
+    for x in range(20):
+        for y in range(15):
+            if x == 0 or x == 19 or y == 0 or y == 14:
+                # Walls around edge
+                grid.at((x, y)).tilesprite = 3
+                grid.at((x, y)).walkable = False
+            else:
+                # Floor
+                grid.at((x, y)).tilesprite = 48
+                grid.at((x, y)).walkable = True
+    
+    # Add some internal walls
+    for x in range(5, 15):
+        grid.at((x, 7)).tilesprite = 3
+        grid.at((x, 7)).walkable = False
+    for y in range(3, 8):
+        grid.at((10, y)).tilesprite = 3
+        grid.at((10, y)).walkable = False
+    
+    # Add a door
+    grid.at((10, 7)).tilesprite = 131  # Door tile
+    grid.at((10, 7)).walkable = True
+    
+    # Add to UI
+    ui.append(grid)
+    
+    # Label
+    grid_label = create_caption(100, 480, "20x15 Grid with 2x scale - Simple Dungeon Layout", 16)
+    ui.append(grid_label)
+
+def create_entity_example():
+    """Create a scene showing Entity examples in a Grid"""
+    mcrfpy.createScene("entity_example")
+    ui = mcrfpy.sceneUI("entity_example")
+    
+    # Background
+    bg = mcrfpy.Frame(0, 0, 800, 600, fill_color=FRAME_COLOR)
+    ui.append(bg)
+    
+    # Title
+    title = create_caption(200, 30, "Entity Collection Example", 32)
+    ui.append(title)
+    
+    # Create a grid for the entities
+    grid = mcrfpy.Grid(15, 10, sprite_texture,
+                      mcrfpy.Vector(150, 100), mcrfpy.Vector(360, 240))
+    
+    # Set all tiles to floor
+    for x in range(15):
+        for y in range(10):
+            grid.at((x, y)).tilesprite = 48
+            grid.at((x, y)).walkable = True
+    
+    # Add walls
+    for x in range(15):
+        grid.at((x, 0)).tilesprite = 3
+        grid.at((x, 0)).walkable = False
+        grid.at((x, 9)).tilesprite = 3
+        grid.at((x, 9)).walkable = False
+    for y in range(10):
+        grid.at((0, y)).tilesprite = 3
+        grid.at((0, y)).walkable = False
+        grid.at((14, y)).tilesprite = 3
+        grid.at((14, y)).walkable = False
+    
+    ui.append(grid)
+    
+    # Add entities to the grid
+    # Player entity
+    player = mcrfpy.Entity(mcrfpy.Vector(3, 3), sprite_texture, 84, grid)
+    grid.entities.append(player)
+    
+    # Enemy entities
+    enemy1 = mcrfpy.Entity(mcrfpy.Vector(7, 4), sprite_texture, 123, grid)
+    grid.entities.append(enemy1)
+    
+    enemy2 = mcrfpy.Entity(mcrfpy.Vector(10, 6), sprite_texture, 107, grid)
+    grid.entities.append(enemy2)
+    
+    # Boulder
+    boulder = mcrfpy.Entity(mcrfpy.Vector(5, 5), sprite_texture, 66, grid)
+    grid.entities.append(boulder)
+    
+    # Treasure
+    treasure = mcrfpy.Entity(mcrfpy.Vector(12, 2), sprite_texture, 89, grid)
+    grid.entities.append(treasure)
+    
+    # Exit (locked)
+    exit_door = mcrfpy.Entity(mcrfpy.Vector(12, 8), sprite_texture, 45, grid)
+    grid.entities.append(exit_door)
+    
+    # Button
+    button = mcrfpy.Entity(mcrfpy.Vector(3, 7), sprite_texture, 250, grid)
+    grid.entities.append(button)
+    
+    # Items
+    sword = mcrfpy.Entity(mcrfpy.Vector(8, 2), sprite_texture, 222, grid)
+    grid.entities.append(sword)
+    
+    potion = mcrfpy.Entity(mcrfpy.Vector(6, 8), sprite_texture, 175, grid)
+    grid.entities.append(potion)
+    
+    # Label
+    entity_label = create_caption(150, 500, "Grid with Entity Collection - Game Objects", 16)
+    ui.append(entity_label)
+
+def create_combined_example():
+    """Create a scene showing all UI elements combined"""
+    mcrfpy.createScene("combined_example")
+    ui = mcrfpy.sceneUI("combined_example")
+    
+    # Background
+    bg = mcrfpy.Frame(0, 0, 800, 600, fill_color=SHADOW_COLOR)
+    ui.append(bg)
+    
+    # Title
+    title = create_caption(200, 20, "McRogueFace UI Elements", 28)
+    ui.append(title)
+    
+    # Main game area frame
+    game_frame = mcrfpy.Frame(20, 70, 500, 400, fill_color=FRAME_COLOR,
+                             outline_color=WHITE, outline=2)
+    ui.append(game_frame)
+    
+    # Grid inside game frame
+    grid = mcrfpy.Grid(12, 10, sprite_texture,
+                      mcrfpy.Vector(30, 80), mcrfpy.Vector(480, 400))
+    for x in range(12):
+        for y in range(10):
+            if x == 0 or x == 11 or y == 0 or y == 9:
+                grid.at((x, y)).tilesprite = 3
+                grid.at((x, y)).walkable = False
+            else:
+                grid.at((x, y)).tilesprite = 48
+                grid.at((x, y)).walkable = True
+    
+    # Add some entities
+    player = mcrfpy.Entity(mcrfpy.Vector(2, 2), sprite_texture, 84, grid)
+    grid.entities.append(player)
+    enemy = mcrfpy.Entity(mcrfpy.Vector(8, 6), sprite_texture, 123, grid)
+    grid.entities.append(enemy)
+    boulder = mcrfpy.Entity(mcrfpy.Vector(5, 4), sprite_texture, 66, grid)
+    grid.entities.append(boulder)
+    
+    ui.append(grid)
+    
+    # Status panel
+    status_frame = mcrfpy.Frame(540, 70, 240, 200, fill_color=BOX_COLOR,
+                               outline_color=WHITE, outline=1)
+    ui.append(status_frame)
+    
+    status_title = create_caption(550, 80, "Status", 20)
+    ui.append(status_title)
+    
+    hp_label = create_caption(550, 120, "HP: 10/10", 16, GREEN)
+    ui.append(hp_label)
+    
+    level_label = create_caption(550, 150, "Level: 1", 16)
+    ui.append(level_label)
+    
+    # Inventory panel
+    inv_frame = mcrfpy.Frame(540, 290, 240, 180, fill_color=BOX_COLOR,
+                            outline_color=WHITE, outline=1)
+    ui.append(inv_frame)
+    
+    inv_title = create_caption(550, 300, "Inventory", 20)
+    ui.append(inv_title)
+    
+    # Add some item sprites
+    item1 = mcrfpy.Sprite(560, 340, sprite_texture, 222, 2.0)
+    ui.append(item1)
+    item2 = mcrfpy.Sprite(610, 340, sprite_texture, 175, 2.0)
+    ui.append(item2)
+    
+    # Message log
+    log_frame = mcrfpy.Frame(20, 490, 760, 90, fill_color=BOX_COLOR,
+                            outline_color=WHITE, outline=1)
+    ui.append(log_frame)
+    
+    log_msg = create_caption(30, 500, "Welcome to McRogueFace!", 14)
+    ui.append(log_msg)
+
+# Set up all the scenes
+print("Creating UI example scenes...")
+create_caption_example()
+create_sprite_example()
+create_frame_example()
+create_grid_example()
+create_entity_example()
+create_combined_example()
+
+# Screenshot state
+current_screenshot = 0
+screenshots = [
+    ("caption_example", "ui_caption_example.png"),
+    ("sprite_example", "ui_sprite_example.png"),
+    ("frame_example", "ui_frame_example.png"),
+    ("grid_example", "ui_grid_example.png"),
+    ("entity_example", "ui_entity_example.png"),
+    ("combined_example", "ui_combined_example.png")
+]
+
+def take_screenshots(runtime):
+    """Timer callback to take screenshots sequentially"""
+    global current_screenshot
+    
+    if current_screenshot >= len(screenshots):
+        print("\nAll screenshots captured successfully!")
+        print(f"Screenshots saved to: {output_dir}/")
+        mcrfpy.exit()
+        return
+    
+    scene_name, filename = screenshots[current_screenshot]
+    
+    # Switch to the scene
+    mcrfpy.setScene(scene_name)
+    
+    # Take screenshot after a short delay to ensure rendering
+    def capture():
+        global current_screenshot
+        full_path = f"{output_dir}/{filename}"
+        result = automation.screenshot(full_path)
+        print(f"Screenshot {current_screenshot + 1}/{len(screenshots)}: {filename} - {'Success' if result else 'Failed'}")
+        
+        current_screenshot += 1
+        
+        # Schedule next screenshot
+        mcrfpy.setTimer("next_screenshot", take_screenshots, 200)
+    
+    # Give scene time to render
+    mcrfpy.setTimer("capture", lambda r: capture(), 100)
+
+# Start with the first scene
+mcrfpy.setScene("caption_example")
+
+# Start the screenshot process
+print(f"\nStarting screenshot capture of {len(screenshots)} scenes...")
+mcrfpy.setTimer("start", take_screenshots, 500)
+
+# Safety timeout
+def safety_exit(runtime):
+    print("\nERROR: Safety timeout reached! Exiting...")
+    mcrfpy.exit()
+
+mcrfpy.setTimer("safety", safety_exit, 30000)
+
+print("Setup complete. Game loop starting...")
--- a/tests/generate_docs_screenshots_simple.py
+++ b/tests/generate_docs_screenshots_simple.py
@ -0,0 +1,217 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+"""Generate documentation screenshots for McRogueFace UI elements - Simple version"""
+import mcrfpy
+from mcrfpy import automation
+import sys
+import os
+
+# Crypt of Sokoban color scheme
+FRAME_COLOR = mcrfpy.Color(64, 64, 128)
+SHADOW_COLOR = mcrfpy.Color(64, 64, 86)
+BOX_COLOR = mcrfpy.Color(96, 96, 160)
+WHITE = mcrfpy.Color(255, 255, 255)
+BLACK = mcrfpy.Color(0, 0, 0)
+GREEN = mcrfpy.Color(0, 255, 0)
+RED = mcrfpy.Color(255, 0, 0)
+
+# Create texture for sprites
+sprite_texture = mcrfpy.Texture("assets/kenney_TD_MR_IP.png", 16, 16)
+
+# Output directory
+output_dir = "mcrogueface.github.io/images"
+if not os.path.exists(output_dir):
+    os.makedirs(output_dir)
+
+def create_caption(x, y, text, font_size=16, text_color=WHITE, outline_color=BLACK):
+    """Helper function to create captions with common settings"""
+    caption = mcrfpy.Caption(mcrfpy.Vector(x, y), text=text)
+    caption.size = font_size
+    caption.fill_color = text_color
+    caption.outline_color = outline_color
+    return caption
+
+# Screenshot counter
+screenshot_count = 0
+total_screenshots = 4
+
+def screenshot_and_continue(runtime):
+    """Take a screenshot and move to the next scene"""
+    global screenshot_count
+    
+    if screenshot_count == 0:
+        # Caption example
+        print("Creating Caption example...")
+        mcrfpy.createScene("caption_example")
+        ui = mcrfpy.sceneUI("caption_example")
+        
+        bg = mcrfpy.Frame(0, 0, 800, 600, fill_color=FRAME_COLOR)
+        ui.append(bg)
+        
+        title = create_caption(200, 50, "Caption Examples", 32)
+        ui.append(title)
+        
+        caption1 = create_caption(100, 150, "Large Caption (24pt)", 24)
+        ui.append(caption1)
+        
+        caption2 = create_caption(100, 200, "Medium Caption (18pt)", 18, GREEN)
+        ui.append(caption2)
+        
+        caption3 = create_caption(100, 240, "Small Caption (14pt)", 14, RED)
+        ui.append(caption3)
+        
+        caption_bg = mcrfpy.Frame(100, 300, 300, 50, fill_color=BOX_COLOR)
+        ui.append(caption_bg)
+        caption4 = create_caption(110, 315, "Caption with Background", 16)
+        ui.append(caption4)
+        
+        mcrfpy.setScene("caption_example")
+        mcrfpy.setTimer("next1", lambda r: capture_screenshot("ui_caption_example.png"), 200)
+        
+    elif screenshot_count == 1:
+        # Sprite example
+        print("Creating Sprite example...")
+        mcrfpy.createScene("sprite_example")
+        ui = mcrfpy.sceneUI("sprite_example")
+        
+        bg = mcrfpy.Frame(0, 0, 800, 600, fill_color=FRAME_COLOR)
+        ui.append(bg)
+        
+        title = create_caption(250, 50, "Sprite Examples", 32)
+        ui.append(title)
+        
+        sprite_bg = mcrfpy.Frame(100, 150, 600, 300, fill_color=BOX_COLOR)
+        ui.append(sprite_bg)
+        
+        player_label = create_caption(150, 180, "Player", 14)
+        ui.append(player_label)
+        player_sprite = mcrfpy.Sprite(150, 200, sprite_texture, 84, 3.0)
+        ui.append(player_sprite)
+        
+        enemy_label = create_caption(250, 180, "Enemies", 14)
+        ui.append(enemy_label)
+        enemy1 = mcrfpy.Sprite(250, 200, sprite_texture, 123, 3.0)
+        ui.append(enemy1)
+        enemy2 = mcrfpy.Sprite(300, 200, sprite_texture, 107, 3.0)
+        ui.append(enemy2)
+        
+        boulder_label = create_caption(400, 180, "Boulder", 14)
+        ui.append(boulder_label)
+        boulder_sprite = mcrfpy.Sprite(400, 200, sprite_texture, 66, 3.0)
+        ui.append(boulder_sprite)
+        
+        exit_label = create_caption(500, 180, "Exit States", 14)
+        ui.append(exit_label)
+        exit_locked = mcrfpy.Sprite(500, 200, sprite_texture, 45, 3.0)
+        ui.append(exit_locked)
+        exit_open = mcrfpy.Sprite(550, 200, sprite_texture, 21, 3.0)
+        ui.append(exit_open)
+        
+        mcrfpy.setScene("sprite_example")
+        mcrfpy.setTimer("next2", lambda r: capture_screenshot("ui_sprite_example.png"), 200)
+        
+    elif screenshot_count == 2:
+        # Frame example
+        print("Creating Frame example...")
+        mcrfpy.createScene("frame_example")
+        ui = mcrfpy.sceneUI("frame_example")
+        
+        bg = mcrfpy.Frame(0, 0, 800, 600, fill_color=SHADOW_COLOR)
+        ui.append(bg)
+        
+        title = create_caption(250, 30, "Frame Examples", 32)
+        ui.append(title)
+        
+        frame1 = mcrfpy.Frame(50, 100, 200, 150, fill_color=FRAME_COLOR)
+        ui.append(frame1)
+        label1 = create_caption(60, 110, "Basic Frame", 16)
+        ui.append(label1)
+        
+        frame2 = mcrfpy.Frame(300, 100, 200, 150, fill_color=BOX_COLOR, 
+                             outline_color=WHITE, outline=2.0)
+        ui.append(frame2)
+        label2 = create_caption(310, 110, "Frame with Outline", 16)
+        ui.append(label2)
+        
+        frame3 = mcrfpy.Frame(550, 100, 200, 150, fill_color=FRAME_COLOR,
+                             outline_color=WHITE, outline=1)
+        ui.append(frame3)
+        inner_frame = mcrfpy.Frame(570, 130, 160, 90, fill_color=BOX_COLOR)
+        ui.append(inner_frame)
+        label3 = create_caption(560, 110, "Nested Frames", 16)
+        ui.append(label3)
+        
+        mcrfpy.setScene("frame_example")
+        mcrfpy.setTimer("next3", lambda r: capture_screenshot("ui_frame_example.png"), 200)
+        
+    elif screenshot_count == 3:
+        # Grid example  
+        print("Creating Grid example...")
+        mcrfpy.createScene("grid_example")
+        ui = mcrfpy.sceneUI("grid_example")
+        
+        bg = mcrfpy.Frame(0, 0, 800, 600, fill_color=FRAME_COLOR)
+        ui.append(bg)
+        
+        title = create_caption(250, 30, "Grid Example", 32)
+        ui.append(title)
+        
+        grid = mcrfpy.Grid(20, 15, sprite_texture, 
+                          mcrfpy.Vector(100, 100), mcrfpy.Vector(320, 240))
+        
+        # Set up dungeon tiles
+        for x in range(20):
+            for y in range(15):
+                if x == 0 or x == 19 or y == 0 or y == 14:
+                    # Walls
+                    grid.at((x, y)).tilesprite = 3
+                    grid.at((x, y)).walkable = False
+                else:
+                    # Floor
+                    grid.at((x, y)).tilesprite = 48
+                    grid.at((x, y)).walkable = True
+        
+        # Add some internal walls
+        for x in range(5, 15):
+            grid.at((x, 7)).tilesprite = 3
+            grid.at((x, 7)).walkable = False
+        for y in range(3, 8):
+            grid.at((10, y)).tilesprite = 3
+            grid.at((10, y)).walkable = False
+        
+        # Add a door
+        grid.at((10, 7)).tilesprite = 131
+        grid.at((10, 7)).walkable = True
+        
+        ui.append(grid)
+        
+        grid_label = create_caption(100, 480, "20x15 Grid - Simple Dungeon Layout", 16)
+        ui.append(grid_label)
+        
+        mcrfpy.setScene("grid_example")
+        mcrfpy.setTimer("next4", lambda r: capture_screenshot("ui_grid_example.png"), 200)
+        
+    else:
+        print("\nAll screenshots captured successfully!")
+        print(f"Screenshots saved to: {output_dir}/")
+        mcrfpy.exit()
+        return
+        
+def capture_screenshot(filename):
+    """Capture a screenshot"""
+    global screenshot_count
+    full_path = f"{output_dir}/{filename}"
+    result = automation.screenshot(full_path)
+    print(f"Screenshot {screenshot_count + 1}/{total_screenshots}: {filename} - {'Success' if result else 'Failed'}")
+    screenshot_count += 1
+    
+    # Schedule next scene
+    mcrfpy.setTimer("continue", screenshot_and_continue, 300)
+
+# Start the process
+print("Starting screenshot generation...")
+mcrfpy.setTimer("start", screenshot_and_continue, 500)
+
+# Safety timeout
+mcrfpy.setTimer("safety", lambda r: mcrfpy.exit(), 30000)
+
+print("Setup complete. Game loop starting...")
--- a/tests/generate_entity_screenshot_fixed.py
+++ b/tests/generate_entity_screenshot_fixed.py
@ -0,0 +1,144 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+"""Generate entity documentation screenshot with proper font loading"""
+
+import mcrfpy
+from mcrfpy import automation
+import sys
+
+def capture_entity(runtime):
+    """Capture entity example after render loop starts"""
+    
+    # Take screenshot
+    automation.screenshot("mcrogueface.github.io/images/ui_entity_example.png")
+    print("Entity screenshot saved!")
+    
+    # Exit after capturing
+    sys.exit(0)
+
+# Create scene
+mcrfpy.createScene("entities")
+
+# Use the default font which is already loaded
+# Instead of: font = mcrfpy.Font("assets/JetbrainsMono.ttf")
+# We use: mcrfpy.default_font (which is already loaded by the engine)
+
+# Title
+title = mcrfpy.Caption((400, 30), "Entity Example - Roguelike Characters", font=mcrfpy.default_font)
+#title.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+#title.font_size = 24
+title.size=24
+#title.font_color = (255, 255, 255)
+#title.text_color = (255,255,255)
+
+# Create a grid background
+texture = mcrfpy.Texture("assets/kenney_TD_MR_IP.png", 16, 16)
+
+# Create grid with entities - using 2x scale (32x32 pixel tiles)
+#grid = mcrfpy.Grid((100, 100), (20, 15), texture, 16, 16) # I can never get the args right for this thing
+t = mcrfpy.Texture("assets/kenney_TD_MR_IP.png", 16, 16)
+grid = mcrfpy.Grid(20, 15, t, (10, 10), (1014, 758))
+grid.zoom = 2.0
+#grid.texture = texture
+
+# Define tile types
+FLOOR = 58      # Stone floor
+WALL = 11       # Stone wall
+
+# Fill with floor
+for x in range(20):
+    for y in range(15):
+        grid.at((x, y)).tilesprite = WALL
+
+# Add walls around edges
+for x in range(20):
+    grid.at((x, 0)).tilesprite = WALL
+    grid.at((x, 14)).tilesprite = WALL
+for y in range(15):
+    grid.at((0, y)).tilesprite = WALL
+    grid.at((19, y)).tilesprite = WALL
+
+# Create entities
+# Player at center
+player = mcrfpy.Entity((10, 7), t, 84)
+#player.texture = texture
+#player.sprite_index = 84  # Player sprite
+
+# Enemies
+rat1 = mcrfpy.Entity((5, 5), t, 123)
+#rat1.texture = texture
+#rat1.sprite_index = 123  # Rat
+
+rat2 = mcrfpy.Entity((15, 5), t, 123)
+#rat2.texture = texture  
+#rat2.sprite_index = 123  # Rat
+
+big_rat = mcrfpy.Entity((7, 10), t, 130)
+#big_rat.texture = texture
+#big_rat.sprite_index = 130  # Big rat
+
+cyclops = mcrfpy.Entity((13, 10), t, 109)
+#cyclops.texture = texture
+#cyclops.sprite_index = 109  # Cyclops
+
+# Items
+chest = mcrfpy.Entity((3, 3), t, 89)
+#chest.texture = texture
+#chest.sprite_index = 89  # Chest
+
+boulder = mcrfpy.Entity((10, 5), t, 66)
+#boulder.texture = texture
+#boulder.sprite_index = 66  # Boulder
+key = mcrfpy.Entity((17, 12), t, 384)
+#key.texture = texture
+#key.sprite_index = 384  # Key
+
+# Add all entities to grid
+grid.entities.append(player)
+grid.entities.append(rat1)
+grid.entities.append(rat2)
+grid.entities.append(big_rat)
+grid.entities.append(cyclops)
+grid.entities.append(chest)
+grid.entities.append(boulder)
+grid.entities.append(key)
+
+# Labels
+entity_label = mcrfpy.Caption((100, 580), "Entities move independently on the grid. Grid scale: 2x (32x32 pixels)")
+#entity_label.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+#entity_label.font_color = (255, 255, 255)
+
+info = mcrfpy.Caption((100, 600), "Player (center), Enemies (rats, cyclops), Items (chest, boulder, key)")
+#info.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+#info.font_size = 14
+#info.font_color = (200, 200, 200)
+
+# Legend frame
+legend_frame = mcrfpy.Frame(50, 50, 200, 150)
+#legend_frame.bgcolor = (64, 64, 128)
+#legend_frame.outline = 2
+
+legend_title = mcrfpy.Caption((150, 60), "Entity Types")
+#legend_title.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+#legend_title.font_color = (255, 255, 255)
+#legend_title.centered = True
+
+#legend_text = mcrfpy.Caption((60, 90), "Player: @\nRat: r\nBig Rat: R\nCyclops: C\nChest: $\nBoulder: O\nKey: k")
+#legend_text.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+#legend_text.font_size = 12
+#legend_text.font_color = (255, 255, 255)
+
+# Add all to scene
+ui = mcrfpy.sceneUI("entities")
+ui.append(grid)
+ui.append(title)
+ui.append(entity_label)
+ui.append(info)
+ui.append(legend_frame)
+ui.append(legend_title)
+#ui.append(legend_text)
+
+# Switch to scene
+mcrfpy.setScene("entities")
+
+# Set timer to capture after rendering starts
+mcrfpy.setTimer("capture", capture_entity, 100)
--- a/tests/generate_grid_screenshot.py
+++ b/tests/generate_grid_screenshot.py
@ -0,0 +1,131 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+"""Generate grid documentation screenshot for McRogueFace"""
+
+import mcrfpy
+from mcrfpy import automation
+import sys
+
+def capture_grid(runtime):
+    """Capture grid example after render loop starts"""
+    
+    # Take screenshot
+    automation.screenshot("mcrogueface.github.io/images/ui_grid_example.png")
+    print("Grid screenshot saved!")
+    
+    # Exit after capturing
+    sys.exit(0)
+
+# Create scene
+mcrfpy.createScene("grid")
+
+# Load texture
+texture = mcrfpy.Texture("assets/kenney_TD_MR_IP.png", 16, 16)
+
+# Title
+title = mcrfpy.Caption(400, 30, "Grid Example - Dungeon View")
+title.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+title.font_size = 24
+title.font_color = (255, 255, 255)
+
+# Create main grid (20x15 tiles, each 32x32 pixels)
+grid = mcrfpy.Grid(100, 100, 20, 15, texture, 32, 32)
+grid.texture = texture
+
+# Define tile types from Crypt of Sokoban
+FLOOR = 58      # Stone floor
+WALL = 11       # Stone wall
+DOOR = 28       # Closed door
+CHEST = 89      # Treasure chest
+BUTTON = 250    # Floor button
+EXIT = 45       # Locked exit
+BOULDER = 66    # Boulder
+
+# Create a simple dungeon room layout
+# Fill with walls first
+for x in range(20):
+    for y in range(15):
+        grid.set_tile(x, y, WALL)
+
+# Carve out room
+for x in range(2, 18):
+    for y in range(2, 13):
+        grid.set_tile(x, y, FLOOR)
+
+# Add door
+grid.set_tile(10, 2, DOOR)
+
+# Add some features
+grid.set_tile(5, 5, CHEST)
+grid.set_tile(15, 10, BUTTON)
+grid.set_tile(10, 12, EXIT)
+grid.set_tile(8, 8, BOULDER)
+grid.set_tile(12, 8, BOULDER)
+
+# Create some entities on the grid
+# Player entity
+player = mcrfpy.Entity(5, 7)
+player.texture = texture
+player.sprite_index = 84  # Player sprite
+
+# Enemy entities
+rat1 = mcrfpy.Entity(12, 5)
+rat1.texture = texture
+rat1.sprite_index = 123  # Rat
+
+rat2 = mcrfpy.Entity(14, 9)
+rat2.texture = texture
+rat2.sprite_index = 123  # Rat
+
+cyclops = mcrfpy.Entity(10, 10)
+cyclops.texture = texture
+cyclops.sprite_index = 109  # Cyclops
+
+# Add entities to grid
+grid.entities.append(player)
+grid.entities.append(rat1)
+grid.entities.append(rat2)
+grid.entities.append(cyclops)
+
+# Create a smaller grid showing tile palette
+palette_label = mcrfpy.Caption(100, 600, "Tile Types:")
+palette_label.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+palette_label.font_color = (255, 255, 255)
+
+palette = mcrfpy.Grid(250, 580, 7, 1, texture, 32, 32)
+palette.texture = texture
+palette.set_tile(0, 0, FLOOR)
+palette.set_tile(1, 0, WALL)
+palette.set_tile(2, 0, DOOR)
+palette.set_tile(3, 0, CHEST)
+palette.set_tile(4, 0, BUTTON)
+palette.set_tile(5, 0, EXIT)
+palette.set_tile(6, 0, BOULDER)
+
+# Labels for palette
+labels = ["Floor", "Wall", "Door", "Chest", "Button", "Exit", "Boulder"]
+for i, label in enumerate(labels):
+    l = mcrfpy.Caption(250 + i * 32, 615, label)
+    l.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+    l.font_size = 10
+    l.font_color = (255, 255, 255)
+    mcrfpy.sceneUI("grid").append(l)
+
+# Add info caption
+info = mcrfpy.Caption(100, 680, "Grid supports tiles and entities. Entities can move independently of the tile grid.")
+info.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+info.font_size = 14
+info.font_color = (200, 200, 200)
+
+# Add all elements to scene
+ui = mcrfpy.sceneUI("grid")
+ui.append(title)
+ui.append(grid)
+ui.append(palette_label)
+ui.append(palette)
+ui.append(info)
+
+# Switch to scene
+mcrfpy.setScene("grid")
+
+# Set timer to capture after rendering starts
+mcrfpy.setTimer("capture", capture_grid, 100)
--- a/tests/generate_sprite_screenshot.py
+++ b/tests/generate_sprite_screenshot.py
@ -0,0 +1,160 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+"""Generate sprite documentation screenshots for McRogueFace"""
+
+import mcrfpy
+from mcrfpy import automation
+import sys
+
+def capture_sprites(runtime):
+    """Capture sprite examples after render loop starts"""
+    
+    # Take screenshot
+    automation.screenshot("mcrogueface.github.io/images/ui_sprite_example.png")
+    print("Sprite screenshot saved!")
+    
+    # Exit after capturing
+    sys.exit(0)
+
+# Create scene
+mcrfpy.createScene("sprites")
+
+# Load texture
+texture = mcrfpy.Texture("assets/kenney_TD_MR_IP.png", 16, 16)
+
+# Title
+title = mcrfpy.Caption(400, 30, "Sprite Examples")
+title.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+title.font_size = 24
+title.font_color = (255, 255, 255)
+
+# Create a frame background
+frame = mcrfpy.Frame(50, 80, 700, 500)
+frame.bgcolor = (64, 64, 128)
+frame.outline = 2
+
+# Player sprite
+player_label = mcrfpy.Caption(100, 120, "Player")
+player_label.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+player_label.font_color = (255, 255, 255)
+
+player = mcrfpy.Sprite(120, 150)
+player.texture = texture
+player.sprite_index = 84  # Player sprite
+player.scale = (3.0, 3.0)
+
+# Enemy sprites
+enemy_label = mcrfpy.Caption(250, 120, "Enemies")
+enemy_label.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+enemy_label.font_color = (255, 255, 255)
+
+rat = mcrfpy.Sprite(250, 150)
+rat.texture = texture
+rat.sprite_index = 123  # Rat
+rat.scale = (3.0, 3.0)
+
+big_rat = mcrfpy.Sprite(320, 150)
+big_rat.texture = texture
+big_rat.sprite_index = 130  # Big rat
+big_rat.scale = (3.0, 3.0)
+
+cyclops = mcrfpy.Sprite(390, 150)
+cyclops.texture = texture
+cyclops.sprite_index = 109  # Cyclops
+cyclops.scale = (3.0, 3.0)
+
+# Items row
+items_label = mcrfpy.Caption(100, 250, "Items")
+items_label.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+items_label.font_color = (255, 255, 255)
+
+# Boulder
+boulder = mcrfpy.Sprite(100, 280)
+boulder.texture = texture
+boulder.sprite_index = 66  # Boulder
+boulder.scale = (3.0, 3.0)
+
+# Chest
+chest = mcrfpy.Sprite(170, 280)
+chest.texture = texture
+chest.sprite_index = 89  # Closed chest
+chest.scale = (3.0, 3.0)
+
+# Key
+key = mcrfpy.Sprite(240, 280)
+key.texture = texture
+key.sprite_index = 384  # Key
+key.scale = (3.0, 3.0)
+
+# Button
+button = mcrfpy.Sprite(310, 280)
+button.texture = texture
+button.sprite_index = 250  # Button
+button.scale = (3.0, 3.0)
+
+# UI elements row
+ui_label = mcrfpy.Caption(100, 380, "UI Elements")
+ui_label.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+ui_label.font_color = (255, 255, 255)
+
+# Hearts
+heart_full = mcrfpy.Sprite(100, 410)
+heart_full.texture = texture
+heart_full.sprite_index = 210  # Full heart
+heart_full.scale = (3.0, 3.0)
+
+heart_half = mcrfpy.Sprite(170, 410)
+heart_half.texture = texture
+heart_half.sprite_index = 209  # Half heart
+heart_half.scale = (3.0, 3.0)
+
+heart_empty = mcrfpy.Sprite(240, 410)
+heart_empty.texture = texture
+heart_empty.sprite_index = 208  # Empty heart
+heart_empty.scale = (3.0, 3.0)
+
+# Armor
+armor = mcrfpy.Sprite(340, 410)
+armor.texture = texture
+armor.sprite_index = 211  # Armor
+armor.scale = (3.0, 3.0)
+
+# Scale demonstration
+scale_label = mcrfpy.Caption(500, 120, "Scale Demo")
+scale_label.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+scale_label.font_color = (255, 255, 255)
+
+# Same sprite at different scales
+for i, scale in enumerate([1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0]):
+    s = mcrfpy.Sprite(500 + i * 60, 150)
+    s.texture = texture
+    s.sprite_index = 84  # Player
+    s.scale = (scale, scale)
+    mcrfpy.sceneUI("sprites").append(s)
+
+# Add all elements to scene
+ui = mcrfpy.sceneUI("sprites")
+ui.append(frame)
+ui.append(title)
+ui.append(player_label)
+ui.append(player)
+ui.append(enemy_label)
+ui.append(rat)
+ui.append(big_rat)
+ui.append(cyclops)
+ui.append(items_label)
+ui.append(boulder)
+ui.append(chest)
+ui.append(key)
+ui.append(button)
+ui.append(ui_label)
+ui.append(heart_full)
+ui.append(heart_half)
+ui.append(heart_empty)
+ui.append(armor)
+ui.append(scale_label)
+
+# Switch to scene
+mcrfpy.setScene("sprites")
+
+# Set timer to capture after rendering starts
+mcrfpy.setTimer("capture", capture_sprites, 100)
--- a/tests/simple_screenshot_test.py
+++ b/tests/simple_screenshot_test.py
@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+"""Simple screenshot test to verify automation API"""
+
+import mcrfpy
+from mcrfpy import automation
+import sys
+import time
+
+def take_screenshot(runtime):
+    """Take screenshot after render starts"""
+    print(f"Timer callback fired at runtime: {runtime}")
+    
+    # Try different paths
+    paths = [
+        "test_screenshot.png",
+        "./test_screenshot.png", 
+        "mcrogueface.github.io/images/test_screenshot.png"
+    ]
+    
+    for path in paths:
+        try:
+            print(f"Trying to save to: {path}")
+            automation.screenshot(path)
+            print(f"Success: {path}")
+        except Exception as e:
+            print(f"Failed {path}: {e}")
+    
+    sys.exit(0)
+
+# Create minimal scene
+mcrfpy.createScene("test")
+
+# Add a visible element
+caption = mcrfpy.Caption(100, 100, "Screenshot Test")
+caption.font = mcrfpy.default_font
+caption.font_color = (255, 255, 255)
+caption.font_size = 24
+
+mcrfpy.sceneUI("test").append(caption)
+mcrfpy.setScene("test")
+
+# Use timer to ensure rendering has started
+print("Setting timer...")
+mcrfpy.setTimer("screenshot", take_screenshot, 500)  # Wait 0.5 seconds
+print("Timer set, entering game loop...")
--- a/tests/ui_Entity_issue73_test.py
+++ b/tests/ui_Entity_issue73_test.py
@ -33,34 +33,34 @@ def test_Entity():
    
    # Test entity properties
    try:
-        print(f"✓ Entity1 pos: {entity1.pos}")
-        print(f"✓ Entity1 draw_pos: {entity1.draw_pos}")
-        print(f"✓ Entity1 sprite_number: {entity1.sprite_number}")
+        print(f" Entity1 pos: {entity1.pos}")
+        print(f" Entity1 draw_pos: {entity1.draw_pos}")
+        print(f" Entity1 sprite_number: {entity1.sprite_number}")
        
        # Modify properties
        entity1.pos = mcrfpy.Vector(3, 3)
        entity1.sprite_number = 5
-        print("✓ Entity properties modified")
+        print(" Entity properties modified")
    except Exception as e:
-        print(f"✗ Entity property access failed: {e}")
+        print(f"X Entity property access failed: {e}")
    
    # Test gridstate access
    try:
        gridstate = entity2.gridstate
-        print(f"✓ Entity gridstate accessible")
+        print(" Entity gridstate accessible")
        
        # Test at() method
-        point_state = entity2.at(0, 0)
-        print(f"✓ Entity at() method works")
+        point_state = entity2.at()#.at(0, 0)
+        print(" Entity at() method works")
    except Exception as e:
-        print(f"✗ Entity gridstate/at() failed: {e}")
+        print(f"X Entity gridstate/at() failed: {e}")
    
    # Test index() method (Issue #73)
    print("\nTesting index() method (Issue #73)...")
    try:
        # Try to find entity2's index
        index = entity2.index()
-        print(f"✓ index() method works: entity2 is at index {index}")
+        print(f":) index() method works: entity2 is at index {index}")
        
        # Verify by checking collection
        if entities[index] == entity2:
@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ def test_Entity():
            
        # Remove using index
        entities.remove(index)
-        print(f"✓ Removed entity using index, now {len(entities)} entities")
+        print(f":) Removed entity using index, now {len(entities)} entities")
    except AttributeError:
        print("✗ index() method not implemented (Issue #73)")
        # Try manual removal as workaround
@ -78,21 +78,21 @@ def test_Entity():
            for i in range(len(entities)):
                if entities[i] == entity2:
                    entities.remove(i)
-                    print(f"✓ Manual removal workaround succeeded")
+                    print(":)  Manual removal workaround succeeded")
                    break
        except:
            print("✗ Manual removal also failed")
    except Exception as e:
-        print(f"✗ index() method error: {e}")
+        print(f":) index() method error: {e}")
    
    # Test EntityCollection iteration
    try:
        positions = []
        for entity in entities:
            positions.append(entity.pos)
-        print(f"✓ Entity iteration works: {len(positions)} entities")
+        print(f":) Entity iteration works: {len(positions)} entities")
    except Exception as e:
-        print(f"✗ Entity iteration failed: {e}")
+        print(f"X Entity iteration failed: {e}")
    
    # Test EntityCollection extend (Issue #27)
    try:
@ -101,11 +101,11 @@ def test_Entity():
            mcrfpy.Entity(mcrfpy.Vector(9, 9), mcrfpy.default_texture, 4, grid)
        ]
        entities.extend(new_entities)
-        print(f"✓ extend() method works: now {len(entities)} entities")
+        print(f":) extend() method works: now {len(entities)} entities")
    except AttributeError:
        print("✗ extend() method not implemented (Issue #27)")
    except Exception as e:
-        print(f"✗ extend() method error: {e}")
+        print(f"X extend() method error: {e}")
    
    # Skip screenshot in headless mode
    print("PASS")
@ -113,4 +113,4 @@ def test_Entity():
 # Run test immediately in headless mode
 print("Running test immediately...")
 test_Entity()
-print("Test completed.")
+print("Test completed.")
Author	SHA1	Message	Date
John McCardle	9bd1561bfc	🎉 ALPHA 0.1 ACHIEVED! Update ROADMAP to reflect alpha release - Mark project as Alpha 0.1 complete - Move RenderTexture (#6) to Beta (not essential for Alpha) - All 6 original alpha blockers resolved: * Animation system (#59) * Z-order rendering (#63) * Python Sequence Protocol (#69) * New README (#47) * Removed deprecated methods (#2, #3) - Ready for alpha release and merge to main! The engine now has: - Full Python scripting with game loop integration - Complete UI system with animations - Proper z-order rendering - Python sequence protocol for collections - Automation API for testing - Headless mode support - Cross-platform CMake build 🍾 Time to celebrate - McRogueFace Alpha 0.1 is ready!	2025-07-05 11:20:07 -04:00
John McCardle	43321487eb	Update ROADMAP.md: Mark Issue #63 (z-order rendering) as complete - Add z-order rendering to recent achievements - Update alpha blocker count from 3 to 2 - Archive z-order test files - Next priority: RenderTexture concept (#6) - last major alpha blocker	2025-07-05 10:36:09 -04:00
John McCardle	90c318104b	Fix Issue #63 : Implement z-order rendering with dirty flag optimization - Add dirty flags to PyScene and UIFrame to track when sorting is needed - Implement lazy sorting - only sort when z_index changes or elements are added/removed - Make Frame children respect z_index (previously rendered in insertion order only) - Update UIDrawable::set_int to notify when z_index changes - Mark collections dirty on append, remove, setitem, and slice operations - Remove per-frame vector copy in PyScene::render for better performance Performance improvement: Static scenes now use O(1) check instead of O(n log n) sort every frame 🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.ai/code) Co-Authored-By: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com>	2025-07-05 10:34:06 -04:00
John McCardle	2a48138011	Update ROADMAP.md to reflect completion of Issue #69 (Sequence Protocol) - Mark Issue #69 as complete in all sections - Add achievement entry for Python Sequence Protocol implementation - Update alpha blockers count: 3 remaining (was 4) - Update total open issues: 62 (was 63) - Next priorities: Z-order rendering (#63) or RenderTexture (#6) 🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.ai/code) Co-Authored-By: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com>	2025-07-05 02:00:12 -04:00
John McCardle	e4482e7189	Implement complete Python Sequence Protocol for collections (closes #69 ) Major implementation of the full sequence protocol for both UICollection and UIEntityCollection, making them behave like proper Python sequences. Core Features Implemented: - __setitem__ (collection[i] = value) with type validation - __delitem__ (del collection[i]) with proper cleanup - __contains__ (item in collection) by C++ pointer comparison - __add__ (collection + other) returns Python list - __iadd__ (collection += other) with full validation before modification - Negative indexing support throughout - Complete slice support (getting, setting, deletion) - Extended slices with step \!= 1 - index() and count() methods - Type safety enforced for all operations UICollection specifics: - Accepts Frame, Caption, Sprite, and Grid objects only - Preserves z_index when replacing items - Auto-assigns z_index on append (existing behavior maintained) UIEntityCollection specifics: - Accepts Entity objects only - Manages grid references on add/remove/replace - Uses std::list iteration with std::advance() Also includes: - Default value support for constructors: - Caption accepts None for font (uses default_font) - Grid accepts None for texture (uses default_texture) - Sprite accepts None for texture (uses default_texture) - Entity accepts None for texture (uses default_texture) This completes Issue #69, removing it as an Alpha Blocker. 🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.ai/code) Co-Authored-By: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com>	2025-07-05 01:58:03 -04:00
John McCardle	38d44777f5	Update ROADMAP.md to reflect completion of Issue #59 (Animation System) - Mark Animation system as complete in all relevant sections - Update alpha blockers count from 7 to 4 - Add animation system architectural decisions - Update project status and next priorities 🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.ai/code) Co-Authored-By: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com>	2025-07-05 00:58:41 -04:00
John McCardle	70cf44f8f0	Implement comprehensive animation system (closes #59 ) - Add Animation class with 30+ easing functions (linear, ease in/out, quad, cubic, elastic, bounce, etc.) - Add property system to all UI classes for animation support: - UIFrame: position, size, colors (including individual r/g/b/a components) - UICaption: position, size, text, colors - UISprite: position, scale, sprite_number (with sequence support) - UIGrid: position, size, camera center, zoom - UIEntity: position, sprite properties - Create AnimationManager singleton for frame-based updates - Add Python bindings through PyAnimation wrapper - Support for delta animations (relative values) - Fix segfault when running scripts directly (mcrf_module initialization) - Fix headless/windowed mode behavior to respect --headless flag - Animations run purely in C++ without Python callbacks per frame All UI properties are now animatable with smooth interpolation and professional easing curves. 🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.ai/code) Co-Authored-By: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com>	2025-07-05 00:56:42 -04:00
John McCardle	dd3c64784d	Mark Issue #47 (Alpha README) as completed in ROADMAP Documentation has been comprehensively updated for the Alpha release. 🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.ai/code) Co-Authored-By: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com>	2025-07-04 06:59:29 -04:00
John McCardle	05bddae511	Update comprehensive documentation for Alpha release (Issue #47 ) - Completely rewrote README.md to reflect 7DRL 2025 success and current features - Updated GitHub Pages documentation site with: - Modern landing page highlighting Crypt of Sokoban - Comprehensive API reference (2700+ lines) with exhaustive examples - Updated getting-started guide with installation and first game tutorial - 8 detailed tutorials covering all major game systems - Quick reference cheat sheet for common operations - Generated documentation screenshots showing UI elements - Fixed deprecated API references and added new features - Added automation API documentation - Included Python 3.12 requirement and platform-specific instructions Note: Text rendering in headless mode has limitations for screenshots 🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.ai/code) Co-Authored-By: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com>	2025-07-04 06:59:02 -04:00
John McCardle	0d26d51bc3	Compress ROADMAP.md and archive completed test files - Condensed 'Today's Achievements' section for clarity - Archived 9 completed test files from bug fixing session - Updated task completion status for issues fixed today - Identified 5 remaining Alpha blockers as next priority 🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.ai/code) Co-Authored-By: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com>	2025-07-03 23:05:30 -04:00