```xml
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<game>
  <title>Emoji Hunt</title>
  <slug>emoji-hunt</slug>
  <short-desc>Find the matching emoji in the grid before time runs out! A fast-paced reaction and observation game.</short-desc>
  <categories>
    <category>Puzzle</category>
    <category>Reaction</category>
    <category>Casual</category>
  </categories>
  <keywords>emoji, game, html5, mobile game, puzzle, reaction game, emoji hunt, matching game, speed game, observation game</keywords>
  <content>
# About Emoji Hunt

Emoji Hunt is a fast-paced and engaging browser game that challenges your observation skills and reaction time. The premise is simple: you'll be shown a target emoji, and your goal is to find its identical match within a grid of other emojis before the timer runs out.

The game features a clean interface displaying the target emoji, your current score, the remaining time, and your personal high score. Each round presents a new 3x3 grid with one target emoji hidden among distractors. Succeeding quickly is key, as finding the correct emoji not only boosts your score but also adds precious seconds back to the clock, allowing you to extend your gameplay and aim for a higher score. Be careful, though – clicking the wrong emoji deducts time!

## How to Play

1.  **Start:** Press the "Start Game" button.
2.  **Identify Target:** Look at the "Find:" section at the top to see which emoji you need to locate.
3.  **Scan the Grid:** Quickly examine the 3x3 grid displayed on the canvas below the UI.
4.  **Click/Tap:** Once you spot the target emoji in the grid, click or tap on it.
5.  **Correct Find:** If correct, your score increases by 1, you gain 2 seconds (up to a cap), celebratory confetti appears, and a new puzzle is generated instantly.
6.  **Incorrect Find:** If incorrect, you lose 3 seconds from the timer.
7.  **Time Limit:** Keep finding emojis before the timer reaches zero.
8.  **Game Over:** The game ends when the timer runs out or goes below zero due to penalties. Your final score is shown, and if it's a new high score, it will be saved.
9.  **Play Again:** Click "Play Again" to restart the challenge.

## Features

- **Fast-Paced Gameplay:** Tests your speed and accuracy in identifying emojis under time pressure.
- **Simple & Intuitive:** Easy-to-understand rules and straightforward click/tap controls.
- **Dynamic Timer:** Correct answers add bonus time, incorrect answers penalize you, keeping the challenge intense.
- **Scoring & High Score:** Track your points per game and compete against your personal best score, saved locally in your browser.
- **Visual Feedback:** Includes success/error messages and fun confetti animations for correct finds.
- **Mobile Friendly:** Designed with viewport settings and responsive layout for play on various devices.

## Controls

- **Mouse:** Click on the correct emoji within the grid.
- **Touchscreen:** Tap on the correct emoji within the grid.
- **Keyboard:** Press 'Enter' when the modal (Start/Play Again) button is active.

## Tips & Strategies

- **Scan Systematically:** Quickly glance over each row or column instead of randomly searching.
- **Focus on the Target:** Keep the image of the target emoji clearly in your mind while scanning.
- **Avoid Panic Clicks:** Rushing can lead to errors. Take a fraction of a second to confirm before clicking, especially when time is low. Incorrect clicks are costly.
- **Maximize Bonus Time:** Speed is rewarded. Faster correct answers keep the timer topped up, allowing for longer play sessions and higher potential scores.
  </content>
  <faq>
    <question>How do I save my progress in the game?</question>
    <answer>Your high score is automatically saved in your browser's local storage. Your score resets each game.</answer>
    
    <question>Can I play this game on mobile devices?</question>
    <answer>Yes, this game is designed to be responsive and works well on mobile browsers supporting HTML5 and JavaScript.</answer>
    
    <question>Is this game free to play?</question>
    <answer>Yes, the game is completely free to play in your browser.</answer>
  </faq>
  <specifications>
    <multiplayer>false</multiplayer>
  </specifications>
</game>
```

An interactive game created with AI assistance

Emoji Hunt

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