diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/mintris/MainActivity.kt b/app/src/main/java/com/mintris/MainActivity.kt
index f9cb6a8..23a0c5d 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/com/mintris/MainActivity.kt
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/mintris/MainActivity.kt
@@ -16,58 +16,43 @@ import com.mintris.game.GameHaptics
 import com.mintris.game.GameView
 import com.mintris.game.NextPieceView
 import android.view.HapticFeedbackConstants
+import com.mintris.model.GameBoard
 
 class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
     
     // UI components
     private lateinit var binding: ActivityMainBinding
     private lateinit var gameView: GameView
-    private lateinit var scoreText: TextView
-    private lateinit var levelText: TextView
-    private lateinit var linesText: TextView
-    private lateinit var gameOverContainer: LinearLayout
-    private lateinit var pauseContainer: LinearLayout
-    private lateinit var playAgainButton: Button
-    private lateinit var resumeButton: Button
-    private lateinit var settingsButton: Button
-    private lateinit var finalScoreText: TextView
-    private lateinit var nextPieceView: NextPieceView
-    private lateinit var levelDownButton: Button
-    private lateinit var levelUpButton: Button
-    private lateinit var selectedLevelText: TextView
     private lateinit var gameHaptics: GameHaptics
+    private lateinit var gameBoard: GameBoard
     
     // Game state
     private var isSoundEnabled = true
     private var selectedLevel = 1
-    private val maxLevel = 10
+    private val maxLevel = 20
     
     override fun onCreate(savedInstanceState: Bundle?) {
         super.onCreate(savedInstanceState)
         binding = ActivityMainBinding.inflate(layoutInflater)
         setContentView(binding.root)
         
-        // Initialize game haptics
+        // Initialize game components
+        gameBoard = GameBoard()
         gameHaptics = GameHaptics(this)
+        gameView = binding.gameView
         
         // Set up game view
-        gameView = binding.gameView
-        scoreText = binding.scoreText
-        levelText = binding.levelText
-        linesText = binding.linesText
-        gameOverContainer = binding.gameOverContainer
-        pauseContainer = binding.pauseContainer
-        playAgainButton = binding.playAgainButton
-        resumeButton = binding.resumeButton
-        settingsButton = binding.settingsButton
-        finalScoreText = binding.finalScoreText
-        nextPieceView = binding.nextPieceView
-        levelDownButton = binding.levelDownButton
-        levelUpButton = binding.levelUpButton
-        selectedLevelText = binding.selectedLevelText
+        gameView.setGameBoard(gameBoard)
+        gameView.setHaptics(gameHaptics)
         
-        // Connect the next piece view to the game view
-        nextPieceView.setGameView(gameView)
+        // Set up next piece preview
+        binding.nextPieceView.setGameView(gameView)
+        gameBoard.onNextPieceChanged = {
+            binding.nextPieceView.invalidate()
+        }
+        
+        // Start game immediately
+        startGame()
         
         // Set up callbacks
         gameView.onGameStateChanged = { score, level, lines ->
@@ -99,38 +84,51 @@ class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
         }
         
         // Set up button click listeners with haptic feedback
-        playAgainButton.setOnClickListener {
+        binding.playAgainButton.setOnClickListener {
             gameHaptics.performHapticFeedback(it, HapticFeedbackConstants.VIRTUAL_KEY)
             hideGameOver()
             gameView.reset()
-            setGameLevel(selectedLevel)
             gameView.start()
         }
         
-        resumeButton.setOnClickListener {
+        binding.resumeButton.setOnClickListener {
             gameHaptics.performHapticFeedback(it, HapticFeedbackConstants.VIRTUAL_KEY)
             hidePauseMenu()
             gameView.start()
         }
         
-        settingsButton.setOnClickListener {
+        binding.settingsButton.setOnClickListener {
             gameHaptics.performHapticFeedback(it, HapticFeedbackConstants.VIRTUAL_KEY)
             toggleSound()
         }
-        
-        // Set up level selector with haptic feedback
-        levelDownButton.setOnClickListener {
-            if (selectedLevel > 1) {
-                gameHaptics.performHapticFeedback(it, HapticFeedbackConstants.VIRTUAL_KEY)
-                selectedLevel--
+
+        // Set up pause menu buttons
+        binding.pauseStartButton.setOnClickListener {
+            gameHaptics.performHapticFeedback(it, HapticFeedbackConstants.VIRTUAL_KEY)
+            hidePauseMenu()
+            gameView.reset()
+            gameView.start()
+        }
+
+        binding.pauseRestartButton.setOnClickListener {
+            gameHaptics.performHapticFeedback(it, HapticFeedbackConstants.VIRTUAL_KEY)
+            hidePauseMenu()
+            gameView.reset()
+            gameView.start()
+        }
+
+        binding.pauseLevelUpButton.setOnClickListener {
+            gameHaptics.performHapticFeedback(it, HapticFeedbackConstants.VIRTUAL_KEY)
+            if (selectedLevel < maxLevel) {
+                selectedLevel++
                 updateLevelSelector()
             }
         }
-        
-        levelUpButton.setOnClickListener {
-            if (selectedLevel < maxLevel) {
-                gameHaptics.performHapticFeedback(it, HapticFeedbackConstants.VIRTUAL_KEY)
-                selectedLevel++
+
+        binding.pauseLevelDownButton.setOnClickListener {
+            gameHaptics.performHapticFeedback(it, HapticFeedbackConstants.VIRTUAL_KEY)
+            if (selectedLevel > 1) {
+                selectedLevel--
                 updateLevelSelector()
             }
         }
@@ -138,57 +136,30 @@ class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
         // Initialize level selector
         updateLevelSelector()
         
-        // Start game when clicking the screen initially
-        setupTouchToStart()
-        
-        // Start with the game paused
-        gameView.pause()
-        
         // Enable edge-to-edge display
         if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.R) {
             window.setDecorFitsSystemWindows(false)
         }
     }
     
-    /**
-     * Set up touch-to-start behavior for initial screen
-     */
-    private fun setupTouchToStart() {
-        val touchToStart = View.OnClickListener {
-            if (gameView.isGameOver()) {
-                hideGameOver()
-                gameView.reset()
-                gameView.start()
-            } else if (pauseContainer.visibility == View.VISIBLE) {
-                hidePauseMenu()
-                gameView.start()
-            } else {
-                gameView.start()
-            }
-        }
-        
-        // Add the click listener to the game view
-        gameView.setOnClickListener(touchToStart)
-    }
-    
     /**
      * Update UI with current game state
      */
     private fun updateUI(score: Int, level: Int, lines: Int) {
-        scoreText.text = score.toString()
-        levelText.text = level.toString()
-        linesText.text = lines.toString()
+        binding.scoreText.text = score.toString()
+        binding.currentLevelText.text = level.toString()
+        binding.linesText.text = lines.toString()
         
         // Force redraw of next piece preview
-        nextPieceView.invalidate()
+        binding.nextPieceView.invalidate()
     }
     
     /**
      * Show game over screen
      */
     private fun showGameOver(score: Int) {
-        finalScoreText.text = getString(R.string.score) + ": " + score
-        gameOverContainer.visibility = View.VISIBLE
+        binding.finalScoreText.text = getString(R.string.score) + ": " + score
+        binding.gameOverContainer.visibility = View.VISIBLE
         
         // Vibrate to indicate game over
         vibrate(VibrationEffect.EFFECT_DOUBLE_CLICK)
@@ -198,21 +169,23 @@ class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
      * Hide game over screen
      */
     private fun hideGameOver() {
-        gameOverContainer.visibility = View.GONE
+        binding.gameOverContainer.visibility = View.GONE
     }
     
     /**
-     * Show pause menu
+     * Show settings menu
      */
     private fun showPauseMenu() {
-        pauseContainer.visibility = View.VISIBLE
+        binding.pauseContainer.visibility = View.VISIBLE
+        binding.pauseStartButton.visibility = View.VISIBLE
+        binding.resumeButton.visibility = View.GONE
     }
     
     /**
-     * Hide pause menu
+     * Hide settings menu
      */
     private fun hidePauseMenu() {
-        pauseContainer.visibility = View.GONE
+        binding.pauseContainer.visibility = View.GONE
     }
     
     /**
@@ -220,7 +193,7 @@ class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
      */
     private fun toggleSound() {
         isSoundEnabled = !isSoundEnabled
-        settingsButton.text = getString(
+        binding.settingsButton.text = getString(
             if (isSoundEnabled) R.string.sound_on else R.string.sound_off
         )
         
@@ -228,6 +201,14 @@ class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
         vibrate(VibrationEffect.EFFECT_CLICK)
     }
     
+    /**
+     * Update the level selector display
+     */
+    private fun updateLevelSelector() {
+        binding.pauseLevelText.text = selectedLevel.toString()
+        gameBoard.updateLevel(selectedLevel)
+    }
+    
     /**
      * Trigger device vibration with predefined effect
      */
@@ -236,24 +217,18 @@ class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
         vibrator.vibrate(VibrationEffect.createPredefined(effectId))
     }
     
-    /**
-     * Update the level selector display
-     */
-    private fun updateLevelSelector() {
-        selectedLevelText.text = selectedLevel.toString()
+    private fun startGame() {
+        gameView.visibility = View.VISIBLE
+        gameBoard.startGame()
+        gameView.start()
+        hidePauseMenu()
     }
     
-    /**
-     * Set the game level
-     */
-    private fun setGameLevel(level: Int) {
-        gameView.gameBoard.level = level
-        gameView.gameBoard.lines = (level - 1) * 10
-        gameView.gameBoard.dropInterval = (1000 * Math.pow(0.8, (level - 1).toDouble())).toLong()
-        
-        // Update UI
-        levelText.text = level.toString()
-        linesText.text = gameView.gameBoard.lines.toString()
+    private fun restartGame() {
+        gameBoard.reset()
+        gameView.visibility = View.VISIBLE
+        gameView.start()
+        showPauseMenu()
     }
     
     override fun onPause() {
@@ -261,23 +236,32 @@ class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() {
         if (!gameView.isGameOver()) {
             gameView.pause()
             showPauseMenu()
+            binding.pauseStartButton.visibility = View.GONE
+            binding.resumeButton.visibility = View.VISIBLE
         }
     }
     
     @Deprecated("Deprecated in Java")
     override fun onBackPressed() {
-        if (gameOverContainer.visibility == View.VISIBLE) {
+        if (binding.gameOverContainer.visibility == View.VISIBLE) {
             hideGameOver()
             gameView.reset()
             return
         }
         
-        if (pauseContainer.visibility == View.GONE) {
+        if (binding.pauseContainer.visibility == View.GONE) {
             gameView.pause()
             showPauseMenu()
+            binding.pauseStartButton.visibility = View.GONE
+            binding.resumeButton.visibility = View.VISIBLE
         } else {
             hidePauseMenu()
             gameView.start()
         }
     }
+    
+    override fun onResume() {
+        super.onResume()
+        gameView.resume()
+    }
 } 
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/mintris/game/GameView.kt b/app/src/main/java/com/mintris/game/GameView.kt
index 5eabf4c..be53364 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/com/mintris/game/GameView.kt
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/mintris/game/GameView.kt
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import android.graphics.Color
 import android.graphics.Paint
 import android.graphics.Rect
 import android.graphics.RectF
+import android.graphics.BlurMaskFilter
 import android.os.Build
 import android.os.Handler
 import android.os.Looper
@@ -33,12 +34,16 @@ class GameView @JvmOverloads constructor(
 ) : View(context, attrs, defStyleAttr) {
 
     // Game board model
-    val gameBoard = GameBoard()
+    private var gameBoard = GameBoard()
+    private var gameHaptics: GameHaptics? = null
     
     // Game state
     private var isRunning = false
     private var isPaused = false
     
+    // Callbacks
+    var onNextPieceChanged: (() -> Unit)? = null
+    
     // Rendering
     private val blockPaint = Paint().apply {
         color = Color.WHITE
@@ -53,7 +58,7 @@ class GameView @JvmOverloads constructor(
     
     private val gridPaint = Paint().apply {
         color = Color.parseColor("#222222")  // Very dark gray
-        alpha = 40
+        alpha = 20  // Reduced from 40 to be more subtle
         isAntiAlias = true
         strokeWidth = 1f
         style = Paint.Style.STROKE
@@ -61,19 +66,28 @@ class GameView @JvmOverloads constructor(
     
     private val glowPaint = Paint().apply {
         color = Color.WHITE
-        alpha = 80
+        alpha = 40  // Reduced from 80 for more subtlety
         isAntiAlias = true
         style = Paint.Style.STROKE
-        strokeWidth = 2f
+        strokeWidth = 1.5f
+        maskFilter = BlurMaskFilter(8f, BlurMaskFilter.Blur.OUTER)
+    }
+    
+    private val blockGlowPaint = Paint().apply {
+        color = Color.WHITE
+        alpha = 60
+        isAntiAlias = true
+        style = Paint.Style.FILL
+        maskFilter = BlurMaskFilter(12f, BlurMaskFilter.Blur.OUTER)
     }
     
     private val borderGlowPaint = Paint().apply {
-        color = Color.CYAN
-        alpha = 120
+        color = Color.WHITE
+        alpha = 60
         isAntiAlias = true
         style = Paint.Style.STROKE
-        strokeWidth = 4f
-        setShadowLayer(10f, 0f, 0f, Color.CYAN)
+        strokeWidth = 2f
+        maskFilter = BlurMaskFilter(8f, BlurMaskFilter.Blur.OUTER)
     }
     
     private val lineClearPaint = Paint().apply {
@@ -85,7 +99,7 @@ class GameView @JvmOverloads constructor(
     // Animation
     private var lineClearAnimator: ValueAnimator? = null
     private var lineClearProgress = 0f
-    private val lineClearDuration = 150L // milliseconds
+    private val lineClearDuration = 100L // milliseconds
     
     // Calculate block size based on view dimensions and board size
     private var blockSize = 0f
@@ -111,10 +125,12 @@ class GameView @JvmOverloads constructor(
     private var startY = 0f
     private var lastTapTime = 0L
     private var lastRotationTime = 0L
+    private var lastMoveTime = 0L
     private var minSwipeVelocity = 800  // Minimum velocity for swipe to be considered a hard drop
     private val maxTapMovement = 20f    // Maximum movement allowed for a tap (in pixels)
     private val minTapTime = 100L       // Minimum time for a tap (in milliseconds)
     private val rotationCooldown = 150L // Minimum time between rotations (in milliseconds)
+    private val moveCooldown = 50L      // Minimum time between move haptics (in milliseconds)
     
     // Callback for game events
     var onGameStateChanged: ((score: Int, level: Int, lines: Int) -> Unit)? = null
@@ -156,15 +172,11 @@ class GameView @JvmOverloads constructor(
      * Start the game
      */
     fun start() {
-        if (isPaused || !isRunning) {
-            isPaused = false
-            if (!isRunning) {
-                isRunning = true
-                gameBoard.reset()
-            }
-            handler.post(gameLoopRunnable)
-            invalidate()
-        }
+        isPaused = false
+        isRunning = true
+        gameBoard.startGame()  // Add this line to ensure a new piece is spawned
+        handler.post(gameLoopRunnable)
+        invalidate()
     }
     
     /**
@@ -184,6 +196,7 @@ class GameView @JvmOverloads constructor(
         isRunning = false
         isPaused = true
         gameBoard.reset()
+        gameBoard.startGame()  // Add this line to ensure a new piece is spawned
         handler.removeCallbacks(gameLoopRunnable)
         lineClearAnimator?.cancel()
         invalidate()
@@ -204,14 +217,12 @@ class GameView @JvmOverloads constructor(
         gameBoard.moveDown()
         
         // Check if lines need to be cleared and start animation if needed
-        if (gameBoard.linesToClear.isNotEmpty() && gameBoard.isLineClearAnimationInProgress) {
+        if (gameBoard.linesToClear.isNotEmpty()) {
             // Trigger line clear callback for vibration
             onLineClear?.invoke(gameBoard.linesToClear.size)
             
-            // Start line clearing animation if not already running
-            if (lineClearAnimator == null || !lineClearAnimator!!.isRunning) {
-                startLineClearAnimation()
-            }
+            // Start line clearing animation immediately
+            startLineClearAnimation()
         }
         
         // Update UI with current game state
@@ -222,8 +233,13 @@ class GameView @JvmOverloads constructor(
      * Start the line clearing animation
      */
     private fun startLineClearAnimation() {
+        // Cancel any existing animation
         lineClearAnimator?.cancel()
         
+        // Reset progress
+        lineClearProgress = 0f
+        
+        // Create and start new animation immediately
         lineClearAnimator = ValueAnimator.ofFloat(0f, 1f).apply {
             duration = lineClearDuration
             interpolator = LinearInterpolator()
@@ -273,9 +289,9 @@ class GameView @JvmOverloads constructor(
             height.toFloat() / verticalBlocks
         )
         
-        // Center the board within the view
+        // Center horizontally and align to bottom
         boardLeft = (width - (blockSize * horizontalBlocks)) / 2
-        boardTop = (height - (blockSize * verticalBlocks)) / 2
+        boardTop = height - (blockSize * verticalBlocks)  // Align to bottom
     }
     
     override fun onDraw(canvas: Canvas) {
@@ -313,12 +329,11 @@ class GameView @JvmOverloads constructor(
     private fun drawLineClearAnimation(canvas: Canvas) {
         // Draw non-clearing blocks
         for (y in 0 until gameBoard.height) {
-            // Skip lines that are being cleared
             if (gameBoard.linesToClear.contains(y)) continue
             
             for (x in 0 until gameBoard.width) {
                 if (gameBoard.isOccupied(x, y)) {
-                    drawBlock(canvas, x, y, blockPaint)
+                    drawBlock(canvas, x, y, false)
                 }
             }
         }
@@ -327,8 +342,8 @@ class GameView @JvmOverloads constructor(
         for (lineY in gameBoard.linesToClear) {
             for (x in 0 until gameBoard.width) {
                 // Animation effects for all lines simultaneously
-                val brightness = 255 - (lineClearProgress * 200).toInt()
-                val scale = 1.0f - lineClearProgress * 0.5f
+                val brightness = 255 - (lineClearProgress * 150).toInt() // Reduced from 200 for smoother fade
+                val scale = 1.0f - lineClearProgress * 0.3f // Reduced from 0.5f for subtler scaling
                 
                 // Set the paint for the clear animation
                 lineClearPaint.color = Color.WHITE
@@ -344,8 +359,8 @@ class GameView @JvmOverloads constructor(
                 val rect = RectF(left, top, right, bottom)
                 canvas.drawRect(rect, lineClearPaint)
                 
-                // Add a glow effect
-                lineClearPaint.setShadowLayer(10f * (1f - lineClearProgress), 0f, 0f, Color.WHITE)
+                // Add a more subtle glow effect
+                lineClearPaint.setShadowLayer(8f * (1f - lineClearProgress), 0f, 0f, Color.WHITE)
                 canvas.drawRect(rect, lineClearPaint)
             }
         }
@@ -396,7 +411,7 @@ class GameView @JvmOverloads constructor(
         for (y in 0 until gameBoard.height) {
             for (x in 0 until gameBoard.width) {
                 if (gameBoard.isOccupied(x, y)) {
-                    drawBlock(canvas, x, y, blockPaint)
+                    drawBlock(canvas, x, y, false)
                 }
             }
         }
@@ -417,7 +432,7 @@ class GameView @JvmOverloads constructor(
                     // Only draw if within bounds and visible on screen
                     if (boardY >= 0 && boardY < gameBoard.height && 
                         boardX >= 0 && boardX < gameBoard.width) {
-                        drawBlock(canvas, boardX, boardY, blockPaint)
+                        drawBlock(canvas, boardX, boardY, false)
                     }
                 }
             }
@@ -440,7 +455,7 @@ class GameView @JvmOverloads constructor(
                     // Only draw if within bounds and visible on screen
                     if (boardY >= 0 && boardY < gameBoard.height && 
                         boardX >= 0 && boardX < gameBoard.width) {
-                        drawBlock(canvas, boardX, boardY, ghostBlockPaint)
+                        drawBlock(canvas, boardX, boardY, true)
                     }
                 }
             }
@@ -450,29 +465,26 @@ class GameView @JvmOverloads constructor(
     /**
      * Draw a single tetris block at the given grid position
      */
-    private fun drawBlock(canvas: Canvas, x: Int, y: Int, paint: Paint) {
+    private fun drawBlock(canvas: Canvas, x: Int, y: Int, isGhost: Boolean) {
         val left = boardLeft + x * blockSize
         val top = boardTop + y * blockSize
         val right = left + blockSize
         val bottom = top + blockSize
         
-        // Draw block with a slight inset to create separation
-        val rect = RectF(left + 1, top + 1, right - 1, bottom - 1)
-        canvas.drawRect(rect, paint)
+        // Draw outer glow
+        blockGlowPaint.color = if (isGhost) Color.argb(30, 255, 255, 255) else Color.WHITE
+        canvas.drawRect(left - 2f, top - 2f, right + 2f, bottom + 2f, blockGlowPaint)
         
-        // Draw enhanced glow effect
-        val glowRect = RectF(left, top, right, bottom)
-        val blockGlowPaint = Paint(glowPaint)
-        if (paint == blockPaint) {
-            val piece = gameBoard.getCurrentPiece()
-            if (piece != null && isPositionInPiece(x, y, piece)) {
-                // Set glow color based on piece type
-                blockGlowPaint.color = getTetrominoColor(piece.type)
-                blockGlowPaint.alpha = 150
-                blockGlowPaint.setShadowLayer(3f, 0f, 0f, blockGlowPaint.color)
-            }
+        // Draw block
+        blockPaint.apply {
+            color = if (isGhost) Color.argb(30, 255, 255, 255) else Color.WHITE
+            alpha = if (isGhost) 30 else 255
         }
-        canvas.drawRect(glowRect, blockGlowPaint)
+        canvas.drawRect(left, top, right, bottom, blockPaint)
+        
+        // Draw inner glow
+        glowPaint.color = if (isGhost) Color.argb(30, 255, 255, 255) else Color.WHITE
+        canvas.drawRect(left + 1f, top + 1f, right - 1f, bottom - 1f, glowPaint)
     }
     
     /**
@@ -524,7 +536,7 @@ class GameView @JvmOverloads constructor(
                 
                 // Check for double tap (rotate)
                 val currentTime = System.currentTimeMillis()
-                if (currentTime - lastTapTime < 250) {
+                if (currentTime - lastTapTime < 200) {  // Reduced from 250ms for faster response
                     // Double tap detected, rotate the piece
                     if (currentTime - lastRotationTime >= rotationCooldown) {
                         gameBoard.rotate()
@@ -538,22 +550,33 @@ class GameView @JvmOverloads constructor(
             MotionEvent.ACTION_MOVE -> {
                 val deltaX = event.x - lastTouchX
                 val deltaY = event.y - lastTouchY
+                val currentTime = System.currentTimeMillis()
                 
-                // Horizontal movement (left/right)
-                if (abs(deltaX) > blockSize) {
+                // Horizontal movement (left/right) with reduced threshold
+                if (abs(deltaX) > blockSize * 0.5f) {  // Reduced from 1.0f for more responsive movement
                     if (deltaX > 0) {
                         gameBoard.moveRight()
                     } else {
                         gameBoard.moveLeft()
                     }
                     lastTouchX = event.x
+                    // Add haptic feedback for movement with cooldown
+                    if (currentTime - lastMoveTime >= moveCooldown) {
+                        gameHaptics?.vibrateForPieceMove()
+                        lastMoveTime = currentTime
+                    }
                     invalidate()
                 }
                 
-                // Vertical movement (soft drop)
-                if (deltaY > blockSize / 2) {
+                // Vertical movement (soft drop) with reduced threshold
+                if (deltaY > blockSize * 0.25f) {  // Reduced from 0.5f for more responsive soft drop
                     gameBoard.moveDown()
                     lastTouchY = event.y
+                    // Add haptic feedback for movement with cooldown
+                    if (currentTime - lastMoveTime >= moveCooldown) {
+                        gameHaptics?.vibrateForPieceMove()
+                        lastMoveTime = currentTime
+                    }
                     invalidate()
                 }
             }
@@ -565,7 +588,7 @@ class GameView @JvmOverloads constructor(
                 val deltaX = event.x - startX
                 
                 // If the movement was fast and downward, treat as hard drop
-                if (moveTime > 0 && deltaY > blockSize && (deltaY / moveTime) * 1000 > minSwipeVelocity) {
+                if (moveTime > 0 && deltaY > blockSize * 0.5f && (deltaY / moveTime) * 1000 > minSwipeVelocity) {
                     gameBoard.hardDrop()
                     invalidate()
                 } else if (moveTime < minTapTime && 
@@ -606,9 +629,11 @@ class GameView @JvmOverloads constructor(
     fun isGameOver(): Boolean = gameBoard.isGameOver
     
     /**
-     * Get the next tetromino
+     * Get the next piece that will be spawned
      */
-    fun getNextPiece() = gameBoard.getNextPiece()
+    fun getNextPiece(): Tetromino? {
+        return gameBoard.getNextPiece()
+    }
     
     /**
      * Clean up resources when view is detached
@@ -617,4 +642,31 @@ class GameView @JvmOverloads constructor(
         super.onDetachedFromWindow()
         handler.removeCallbacks(gameLoopRunnable)
     }
+    
+    /**
+     * Set the game board for this view
+     */
+    fun setGameBoard(board: GameBoard) {
+        gameBoard = board
+        invalidate()
+    }
+    
+    /**
+     * Set the haptics handler for this view
+     */
+    fun setHaptics(haptics: GameHaptics) {
+        gameHaptics = haptics
+    }
+    
+    /**
+     * Resume the game
+     */
+    fun resume() {
+        if (!isRunning) {
+            isRunning = true
+            handler.post(gameLoopRunnable)
+        }
+        isPaused = false
+        invalidate()
+    }
 } 
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/mintris/game/NextPieceView.kt b/app/src/main/java/com/mintris/game/NextPieceView.kt
index 158d058..c82fe2c 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/com/mintris/game/NextPieceView.kt
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/mintris/game/NextPieceView.kt
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ import android.graphics.Canvas
 import android.graphics.Color
 import android.graphics.Paint
 import android.graphics.RectF
+import android.graphics.BlurMaskFilter
 import android.util.AttributeSet
 import android.view.View
 import kotlin.math.min
@@ -28,10 +29,10 @@ class NextPieceView @JvmOverloads constructor(
     
     private val glowPaint = Paint().apply {
         color = Color.WHITE
-        alpha = 80
+        alpha = 30
         isAntiAlias = true
         style = Paint.Style.STROKE
-        strokeWidth = 2f
+        strokeWidth = 1.5f
     }
     
     /**
@@ -60,6 +61,20 @@ class NextPieceView @JvmOverloads constructor(
                 val previewLeft = (canvas.width - width * previewBlockSize) / 2
                 val previewTop = (canvas.height - height * previewBlockSize) / 2
                 
+                // Draw subtle background glow
+                val glowPaint = Paint().apply {
+                    color = Color.WHITE
+                    alpha = 10
+                    maskFilter = BlurMaskFilter(previewBlockSize * 0.5f, BlurMaskFilter.Blur.OUTER)
+                }
+                canvas.drawRect(
+                    previewLeft - previewBlockSize,
+                    previewTop - previewBlockSize,
+                    previewLeft + width * previewBlockSize + previewBlockSize,
+                    previewTop + height * previewBlockSize + previewBlockSize,
+                    glowPaint
+                )
+                
                 for (y in 0 until height) {
                     for (x in 0 until width) {
                         if (piece.isBlockAt(x, y)) {
@@ -68,9 +83,11 @@ class NextPieceView @JvmOverloads constructor(
                             val right = left + previewBlockSize
                             val bottom = top + previewBlockSize
                             
+                            // Draw block with subtle glow
                             val rect = RectF(left + 1, top + 1, right - 1, bottom - 1)
                             canvas.drawRect(rect, blockPaint)
                             
+                            // Draw subtle border glow
                             val glowRect = RectF(left, top, right, bottom)
                             canvas.drawRect(glowRect, glowPaint)
                         }
diff --git a/app/src/main/java/com/mintris/model/GameBoard.kt b/app/src/main/java/com/mintris/model/GameBoard.kt
index 8e5a4e3..15c3033 100644
--- a/app/src/main/java/com/mintris/model/GameBoard.kt
+++ b/app/src/main/java/com/mintris/model/GameBoard.kt
@@ -48,6 +48,7 @@ class GameBoard(
     // Callbacks for game events
     var onPieceMove: (() -> Unit)? = null
     var onPieceLock: (() -> Unit)? = null
+    var onNextPieceChanged: (() -> Unit)? = null
     
     init {
         spawnNextPiece()
@@ -66,6 +67,7 @@ class GameBoard(
         
         // Take the next piece from the bag
         nextPiece = Tetromino(bag.removeFirst())
+        onNextPieceChanged?.invoke()
     }
     
     /**
@@ -98,6 +100,11 @@ class GameBoard(
      */
     fun getHoldPiece(): Tetromino? = holdPiece
     
+    /**
+     * Get the next piece that will be spawned
+     */
+    fun getNextPiece(): Tetromino? = nextPiece
+    
     /**
      * Spawns the current tetromino at the top of the board
      */
@@ -475,11 +482,6 @@ class GameBoard(
      */
     fun getCurrentPiece(): Tetromino? = currentPiece
     
-    /**
-     * Get the next tetromino
-     */
-    fun getNextPiece(): Tetromino? = nextPiece
-    
     /**
      * Check if a cell in the grid is occupied
      */
@@ -491,6 +493,25 @@ class GameBoard(
         }
     }
     
+    /**
+     * Update the current level and adjust game parameters
+     */
+    fun updateLevel(newLevel: Int) {
+        level = newLevel.coerceIn(1, 20)
+        // Update game speed based on level (NES formula)
+        dropInterval = (1000 * Math.pow(0.8, (level - 1).toDouble())).toLong()
+    }
+    
+    /**
+     * Start a new game
+     */
+    fun startGame() {
+        reset()
+        // Initialize pieces
+        spawnNextPiece()
+        spawnPiece()
+    }
+    
     /**
      * Reset the game board
      */
@@ -504,10 +525,9 @@ class GameBoard(
         
         // Reset game state
         score = 0
-        level = 1
         lines = 0
         isGameOver = false
-        dropInterval = 1000L
+        dropInterval = (1000 * Math.pow(0.8, (level - 1).toDouble())).toLong()
         
         // Reset scoring state
         combo = 0
@@ -520,9 +540,9 @@ class GameBoard(
         canHold = true
         bag.clear()
         
-        // Initialize pieces
-        spawnNextPiece()
-        spawnPiece()
+        // Clear current and next pieces
+        currentPiece = null
+        nextPiece = null
     }
     
     /**
diff --git a/app/src/main/res/drawable/glow_border.xml b/app/src/main/res/drawable/glow_border.xml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6bf6c2a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/src/main/res/drawable/glow_border.xml
@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<shape xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
+    android:shape="rectangle">
+    <stroke
+        android:width="2dp"
+        android:color="#FFFFFF" />
+    <corners android:radius="8dp" />
+    <solid android:color="#00000000" />
+</shape> 
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/app/src/main/res/layout/activity_main.xml b/app/src/main/res/layout/activity_main.xml
index 9d8a224..364cb03 100644
--- a/app/src/main/res/layout/activity_main.xml
+++ b/app/src/main/res/layout/activity_main.xml
@@ -5,112 +5,79 @@
     android:layout_width="match_parent"
     android:layout_height="match_parent"
     android:background="@color/black"
+    android:fitsSystemWindows="true"
     tools:context=".MainActivity">
 
-    <com.mintris.game.GameView
-        android:id="@+id/gameView"
+    <!-- Game Container with Glow -->
+    <FrameLayout
+        android:id="@+id/gameContainer"
         android:layout_width="0dp"
         android:layout_height="0dp"
+        android:layout_margin="16dp"
         app:layout_constraintBottom_toBottomOf="parent"
-        app:layout_constraintLeft_toLeftOf="parent"
-        app:layout_constraintRight_toRightOf="parent"
-        app:layout_constraintTop_toTopOf="parent" />
+        app:layout_constraintEnd_toEndOf="parent"
+        app:layout_constraintStart_toStartOf="parent"
+        app:layout_constraintTop_toTopOf="parent">
+
+        <com.mintris.game.GameView
+            android:id="@+id/gameView"
+            android:layout_width="match_parent"
+            android:layout_height="match_parent" />
+
+        <!-- Glowing Border -->
+        <View
+            android:id="@+id/glowBorder"
+            android:layout_width="match_parent"
+            android:layout_height="match_parent"
+            android:background="@drawable/glow_border" />
+    </FrameLayout>
 
     <!-- HUD Container - Score, Level, Lines -->
     <LinearLayout
         android:id="@+id/hudContainer"
         android:layout_width="wrap_content"
         android:layout_height="wrap_content"
+        android:layout_margin="16dp"
         android:orientation="vertical"
-        android:layout_marginTop="24dp"
-        android:layout_marginEnd="16dp"
         app:layout_constraintEnd_toEndOf="parent"
         app:layout_constraintTop_toTopOf="parent">
 
-        <TextView
-            android:id="@+id/scoreLabel"
-            android:layout_width="wrap_content"
-            android:layout_height="wrap_content"
-            android:text="@string/score"
-            android:textColor="@color/white"
-            android:textSize="12sp"
-            android:textStyle="bold" />
-
         <TextView
             android:id="@+id/scoreText"
             android:layout_width="wrap_content"
             android:layout_height="wrap_content"
-            android:text="0"
             android:textColor="@color/white"
-            android:textSize="18sp"
-            android:textStyle="bold" />
+            android:textSize="24sp"
+            android:fontFamily="sans-serif-light"
+            tools:text="Score: 0" />
 
         <TextView
-            android:id="@+id/levelLabel"
+            android:id="@+id/currentLevelText"
             android:layout_width="wrap_content"
             android:layout_height="wrap_content"
-            android:layout_marginTop="16dp"
-            android:text="@string/level"
             android:textColor="@color/white"
-            android:textSize="12sp"
-            android:textStyle="bold" />
-
-        <TextView
-            android:id="@+id/levelText"
-            android:layout_width="wrap_content"
-            android:layout_height="wrap_content"
-            android:text="1"
-            android:textColor="@color/white"
-            android:textSize="18sp"
-            android:textStyle="bold" />
-
-        <TextView
-            android:id="@+id/linesLabel"
-            android:layout_width="wrap_content"
-            android:layout_height="wrap_content"
-            android:layout_marginTop="16dp"
-            android:text="@string/lines"
-            android:textColor="@color/white"
-            android:textSize="12sp"
-            android:textStyle="bold" />
+            android:textSize="24sp"
+            android:fontFamily="sans-serif-light"
+            tools:text="Level: 1" />
 
         <TextView
             android:id="@+id/linesText"
             android:layout_width="wrap_content"
             android:layout_height="wrap_content"
-            android:text="0"
             android:textColor="@color/white"
-            android:textSize="18sp"
-            android:textStyle="bold" />
+            android:textSize="24sp"
+            android:fontFamily="sans-serif-light"
+            tools:text="Lines: 0" />
     </LinearLayout>
 
     <!-- Next Piece Preview -->
-    <LinearLayout
-        android:id="@+id/nextPieceContainer"
-        android:layout_width="wrap_content"
-        android:layout_height="wrap_content"
-        android:orientation="vertical"
-        android:layout_marginTop="24dp"
-        android:layout_marginStart="16dp"
-        app:layout_constraintStart_toStartOf="parent"
-        app:layout_constraintTop_toTopOf="parent">
-
-        <TextView
-            android:id="@+id/nextLabel"
-            android:layout_width="wrap_content"
-            android:layout_height="wrap_content"
-            android:text="@string/next"
-            android:textColor="@color/white"
-            android:textSize="12sp"
-            android:textStyle="bold" />
-
-        <com.mintris.game.NextPieceView
-            android:id="@+id/nextPieceView"
-            android:layout_width="64dp"
-            android:layout_height="64dp"
-            android:layout_marginTop="4dp"
-            android:background="@color/black" />
-    </LinearLayout>
+    <com.mintris.game.NextPieceView
+        android:id="@+id/nextPieceView"
+        android:layout_width="80dp"
+        android:layout_height="80dp"
+        android:layout_margin="16dp"
+        app:layout_constraintEnd_toEndOf="parent"
+        app:layout_constraintTop_toBottomOf="@id/hudContainer" />
 
     <!-- Game Over overlay -->
     <LinearLayout
@@ -149,7 +116,7 @@
             android:textColor="@color/white" />
     </LinearLayout>
     
-    <!-- Pause overlay -->
+    <!-- Settings Menu overlay -->
     <LinearLayout
         android:id="@+id/pauseContainer"
         android:layout_width="match_parent"
@@ -159,20 +126,49 @@
         android:orientation="vertical"
         android:visibility="gone">
 
-        <Button
-            android:id="@+id/resumeButton"
+        <TextView
             android:layout_width="wrap_content"
             android:layout_height="wrap_content"
+            android:text="@string/settings"
+            android:textColor="@color/white"
+            android:textSize="24sp"
+            android:textStyle="bold"
+            android:layout_marginBottom="32dp" />
+
+        <Button
+            android:id="@+id/pauseStartButton"
+            android:layout_width="200dp"
+            android:layout_height="wrap_content"
+            android:background="@color/transparent"
+            android:text="@string/start"
+            android:textColor="@color/white"
+            android:textSize="18sp" />
+
+        <Button
+            android:id="@+id/resumeButton"
+            android:layout_width="200dp"
+            android:layout_height="wrap_content"
+            android:layout_marginTop="16dp"
             android:background="@color/transparent"
             android:text="@string/resume"
             android:textColor="@color/white"
             android:textSize="18sp" />
+
+        <Button
+            android:id="@+id/pauseRestartButton"
+            android:layout_width="200dp"
+            android:layout_height="wrap_content"
+            android:layout_marginTop="16dp"
+            android:background="@color/transparent"
+            android:text="@string/restart"
+            android:textColor="@color/white"
+            android:textSize="18sp" />
             
         <LinearLayout
             android:id="@+id/levelSelectorContainer"
             android:layout_width="wrap_content"
             android:layout_height="wrap_content"
-            android:layout_marginTop="24dp"
+            android:layout_marginTop="32dp"
             android:orientation="vertical"
             android:gravity="center">
             
@@ -191,7 +187,7 @@
                 android:layout_marginTop="8dp">
                 
                 <Button
-                    android:id="@+id/levelDownButton"
+                    android:id="@+id/pauseLevelDownButton"
                     android:layout_width="48dp"
                     android:layout_height="48dp"
                     android:background="@color/transparent"
@@ -200,7 +196,7 @@
                     android:textSize="24sp" />
                     
                 <TextView
-                    android:id="@+id/selectedLevelText"
+                    android:id="@+id/pauseLevelText"
                     android:layout_width="48dp"
                     android:layout_height="48dp"
                     android:gravity="center"
@@ -210,7 +206,7 @@
                     android:textStyle="bold" />
                     
                 <Button
-                    android:id="@+id/levelUpButton"
+                    android:id="@+id/pauseLevelUpButton"
                     android:layout_width="48dp"
                     android:layout_height="48dp"
                     android:background="@color/transparent"
@@ -222,9 +218,9 @@
 
         <Button
             android:id="@+id/settingsButton"
-            android:layout_width="wrap_content"
+            android:layout_width="200dp"
             android:layout_height="wrap_content"
-            android:layout_marginTop="24dp"
+            android:layout_marginTop="32dp"
             android:background="@color/transparent"
             android:text="@string/sound_on"
             android:textColor="@color/white"
diff --git a/app/src/main/res/values/strings.xml b/app/src/main/res/values/strings.xml
index 55b5133..7e15325 100644
--- a/app/src/main/res/values/strings.xml
+++ b/app/src/main/res/values/strings.xml
@@ -1,15 +1,18 @@
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
 <resources>
     <string name="app_name">Mintris</string>
-    <string name="game_over">GAME OVER</string>
-    <string name="score">SCORE</string>
-    <string name="level">LEVEL</string>
-    <string name="lines">LINES</string>
-    <string name="next">NEXT</string>
-    <string name="play">PLAY</string>
-    <string name="resume">RESUME</string>
+    <string name="game_over">Game Over</string>
+    <string name="score">Score</string>
+    <string name="level">Level</string>
+    <string name="lines">Lines</string>
+    <string name="next">Next</string>
+    <string name="play">Play Again</string>
+    <string name="resume">Resume</string>
     <string name="pause">PAUSE</string>
     <string name="settings">Settings</string>
-    <string name="sound_on">Sound: ON</string>
-    <string name="sound_off">Sound: OFF</string>
+    <string name="start">Start Game</string>
+    <string name="restart">Restart</string>
     <string name="select_level">Select Level</string>
+    <string name="sound_on">Sound: On</string>
+    <string name="sound_off">Sound: Off</string>
 </resources> 
\ No newline at end of file