Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Tip:
Defying the Laws of Physics
Falling down the side of the shaft without the ladder is deadly, but like the acrobat
at the circus diving off the high board into a saucepan of water, you can easily
breakyourfall.Justdigoutablockinthenonladdersideoftheshaft,pourabucket
of water into it, and survive shorter falls of around 50 blocks every time, as shown
in
Figure 4.3
.Youcan also use this as the world'sfastest one-way express elevator
togetdowninahurry.Ifyoudotakefalldamage,tryincreasingthewater'sdepth.
A 250+ layer fall can splash down with zero damage in water just three blocks
high.
FIGURE 4.3
Break an otherwise breakneck fall down a long vertical shaft with a single
block of thud-absorbing water.
The Straight Staircase
The staircase is one of the most natural designs, and it's quick to move along. You'll need
to break three blocks for each one down, so it's not quite as efficient as the ladder descent,
butit'sthesimplest optionavailable ifyouareshortonwoodforladdersandarelacking in
vines.
Start by digging down one block in front of you. Hop in the hole, and then follow this pat-
tern:
1.
Dig out the block at eye level in front of you and the two underneath that.
