Most of the following games were part of a PhysX competition from a couple of years ago. All the games were judged on the physics based aspect to the games, and all in my opinion are reasonable games that should fill in the odd hour here and there. The last game called House of Globe is unrelated to the others and is a space orientated r.t.s. game which hopefully should give you much more game play.
I’m filling in for The Wizzard of Oz this week because he’s got his finals coming up next week, so needs the time to prepare himself. He’ll be back in a few weeks with some excellent games. Sorry I’ve posted these games so late. They should have been posted yesterday (Tuesday. There will be more games from the same competition in tomorrows post. I actually posted the first few from this competition a few weeks ago (week 62) and did promise to post the rest soon.
Big n Small versus The Grand Machines (17Mb)
The full title of this game is "Big 'n' Small vs The Grand Machines". The titular 'Big' and 'Small' are two balls which you swap between controlling at a press of the tab key. Using them both you must complete the three levels on offer, solving the puzzles along the way.
Judges Verdict: We appreciate that there are only three levels in this game, but they are well constructed and most of all fun to play through. The game has a unique graphical look, and the fluid camera movement and ball controls really do enhance the playability. When you die you at least feel like it was your fault. Swapping between the two balls you must get to the warp gate and complete the levels. Some areas only the small ball can reach, and switches open doorways. There are rewards to collect (if you are dextrous enough!) and you get a good amount of lives, which is just as well given how hard level 3 is :) We were surprised that the only difference between 'Big' and 'Small' are their sizes. We would have liked to see some 'weight' puzzles, where 'Big' weighs more and can therefore activate certain pressure sensors for example. But this was only a demo version, and the game shows real promise that we'd love to see progress in the future.
Download:
http://developer.thegamecreators.com/?f=physx_12
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Rolling Fury (12.5Mb)
You control the blue ball (the 'Fury') and your objective is simply to reach the end of the level, collecting as many points as possible. At the end of each level, you must dislodge the core from the generator by giving it a good bash. You are timed, so don't take too long!
Judges Verdict: This is a quality game, make no mistake about it. Sure, it is fiendishly difficult, and at times frustrating, but it's still pulled off with a real sense of panache. You control the blue sphere around the level, it rolls around constantly like a marble, so you have the balls inertia to take into consideration when timing drops and collecting items. Various objects are scattered about, from the pinball style deflectors, to speed-up ramps, cannons and swinging hammers. As you roll you attempt to collect the green and red crystals, which equate to cash. At the end of each level you can spend the cash on extra lives, or pocket it in order to achieve a better high score at the end. Graphically the game is lovely, with well animated models and good clean presentation. Although a bit repetitive, the music also fits the scene well. The only real problem is the frustration factor involved. When you can see a bunch of swinging hammers up ahead you need to time it so perfectly, and set just the right speed, that even Mario would have trouble. Ideally the game should be against the clock only, and not have any lives limit, in order that you may have a chance of exploring so much more of this well constructed world.
Download:
http://developer.thegamecreators.com/?f=physx_10
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Pool Table (3.4Mb)
This is a classic game of pool (or billiards). Zoom around the table with the mouse, set the shot power and press the right-button to shoot. See if you can sink all of the balls.
Judges Verdict: This is very much a 'work in progress' we feel. Creating a pool game is on the surface fundamentally quite simple, but in actual fact judging the physics values required for proper inertia and kinetic motion is actually a really difficult process. Even so John has started it off well enough, and with some fine grained tuning it could turn into something nice. After all, the full source code is included should you wish to give it a go.
Download:
http://developer.thegamecreators.com/?f=physx_09
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House Globe: 14.4Mb
A good RTS game in space for 1 or 2 players
The object is simple: Destroy the enemie's mothership.
Build harvesters, do some research and create a strong fleet of battleships.
A hint: Move your mothership through the harvest fields. At this manner you'll need less harvesters and will be able to create a larger army in a shorter time ;)
I must say that it's easier to play in the map mode, but then you miss all graphical effects.
There are two game modes:
- One player mode: Play against the computer. Only one single randomly created map, no campaigns or so. Nevertheless I enjoyed playing this mode :)
- Two player mode: is a 1 on 1 multiplayer mode over the internet.
Controls:
Arrows = Scroll
Left Mouse = Select
Right Mouse = Move to / Attack
Space = Mapmode on/off
B = Build menu on/off
S = Stop selected units
H = Hold position (selected units)
Backspace = Undo (except research)
Ctrl-R = Restart game (back to main menu)
Alt-Enter = Fullscreen / windowed
Alt-F4 = Exit game
- 2D Real-time Strategy Game
- Tactical and Strategical Views
- Technology Tree
- AI Opponent
- 1on1 Online Multiplayer
Maternal Vessel
This is the heart of your fleet. It's the ship where resources are dropped off, research is conducted and other vessels are constructed. The Maternal Vessel has a small gun to protect her from weaker threats and is able to move around, albeit slowly.
Harvester - Cost: 150
These ships gather resources to your fleet.
Inspector - Cost: 30
These small intelligence vessels move quickly and are equipped with a long-range radar which gives you a good idea of your opponent's position. The inspector is also able to detect cloaked units, and will become cloaked itself when Cloaking Technology has been researched.
Catcher - Cost: 45
A fighter unit with great speed and maneuverability. Excellent at fending off hostile small ships.
Blaster - Cost: 65
These fighters are equipped with plasma bomb launchers that are able to burn through heavy armor.
Shadow Fighter - Cost: 80
Shadow Fighter is the most advanced type of the small vessels. Its cloaking ability will prevent it from showing up in your opponent's radar, and even at close range the enemy will need detectors to target you.
Attack Frigate - Cost: 350
A strong ship with great fire rate that is able to take down a large number of smaller fighters.
Plasmagun Frigate - Cost: 450
The Plasmagun Frigate's narrow targeting angle and slow speed makes it hard to manouver, but when it gets into position it will burn down armor in seconds.
Missile Hulk - Cost: 575
The biggest ship the Maternal Vessel is able to construct. Armed with long-range missiles that are effective against all unit types, this monster is the center-piece of your force.
Fighter Chassi Research - Cost: 300
Allows Catchers, Frigate Chassi Research, High-Technology Research and Catcher Speed Research.
Frigate Chassi Research - Cost: 300
Allows Attack Frigates.
High-Technology Research - Cost: 150
Allows Blasters, Plasmagun Frigates (with Frigate Chassi Research), Cloaking Technology Research and Super-Class Chassi Research (with Frigate Chassi Research).
Cloaking Technology Research - Cost: 150
Allows Shadow Fighters and adds cloaking ability to Inspectors.
Super-class Chassi Research - Cost: 150
Allows Missile Hulks.
Catcher Speed Research - Cost: 150
Increases the speed of Catchers by 37.5%.
Construction Rate Research - Cost: 150
Increases the construction rate of all vessels by 50%.
Missile Hulk Range Research - Cost: 300
Increases the Missile Hulk's range by 50%.
Web Technology Research - Cost: 150
Improves the Shadow Fighters' weapons by causing an electrical discharge on targets that are hit. While under the effect, units move at 66% speed.
General Controls
Alt+F4 - Exits
Alt+Enter - Fullscreen toggle
Shift+R - Resets game
F11 - Screenshot
Ingame Controls
B or R - Toggle build screen
Space - Toggle tactical/strategical view
S - Stop units
H - Hold position on units
Ctrl+number - Create command group
Number - Select command group
Left mouse button is used for selecting and right mouse button is used to issue commands.
Download:
or
http://forums.relicnews.com/printthread.php?t=202302
or
http://www.caiman.us/scripts/fw/f3629.html
(there’s a Mac version available as well)
