Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Physics-based puzzles
Physics-based puzzles include various types of games that use simulations of phys-
ics (based either on the traditional laws of Newton or their own interpretation of
forces and interactions) to create game situations. They are very popular because
the gameplay is vivid, spectacular, and realistic. But the game devices can easily
calculate complex interaction and collisions of the objects; also, many modern SDKs
include libraries for physics simulations, so game developers need not create spe-
cial engines. Usually physics-based puzzles are about experiments with gravity: the
player throws objects, rolls them down from curved hills, builds some constructions
from blocks, or contrarily, tries to bombard some structures. One of the most famous
games of this kind is of course
Angry Birds
(
http://www.angrybirds.com
)
, created by
Rovio Entertainment
, which is not just a video game title but an element of popular
culture.
Another popular example is
World of Goo
(
http://2dboy.com/games.php
)
developed
by
2D Boy
, featuring an elaborate game concept and splendid graphics. To the
game's credit, it uses not only gravity but some properties of materials, such as flex-
ibility and tension, as well. A player should create complex structures to reach the
exit point; he has to remember to achieve the right balance and not pull the construc-
tion down accidentally. The experience is very unusual. Another interesting element
of the game is the simulation of liquids; some sort of fluid dynamics is used in this
puzzle.
Simulation of water is a unique opportunity to create an original and spectacular
gameplay. There is a special class of physics-based puzzles that try to do that.
A popular entry is a game called
Sprinkle
(
http://www.sprinklegame.com/sprinkle/
)
from
Mediocre AB
that lets a player extinguish fire by using a special water pump.
So, besides a brilliant demonstration of water dynamics, the title also features a sim-
ulation of fire.
The following is a screenshot from a puzzle game
Sprinkle
that successfully simu-
lates both water and fire dynamics creating unique game situations:
