Space simulation

jianguita

20-11-2006 08:35:30

Hi! I am interesting in make a spaceship combat game.

My problem is how realiaze the simulation. If I use force then the ships are crazy because there isn´t friction, but if I assign velocities and orientations in each frame I can alter the simulation.

I know that in the space there isn´t friction, but I want a playable game, and the control is very important for me...

What can I do?

betajaen

20-11-2006 09:18:13

There are two ways:

- Newtonian: Apply a force on the opposite side of a space ship to counteract the movement, NASA does this on all spacecraft. If you ever watch Battlestar Galactica the physics in there would be the same style.

- Arcade: You can apply a global damping to the scene which all of the bodies eventfully rest. Like it's in some atmosphere or your in some space cloud of dust and gases.

jianguita

20-11-2006 09:28:03

Thanks!!

I was thinking in Galactica, but the control would be too hard, but It is very attractive for the fans.

I will use global damping. I will read about it because I don´t know how use it.

Is it a global friction??

betajaen

20-11-2006 09:34:07

Yep, it's like global friction.

However don't dismiss the idea completely, Frontier Elite worked using "Galactica" physics and you could fly that pretty well. Perhaps you should look at that at, and see how they did it. I know there are a few fans sites or two that explain it to you.

It's just like flying in an aeroplane but in space, no G-Forces, and you can stop at will ;)

jianguita

20-11-2006 10:11:17

OK. I will see Frontier Elite.

The truth is that I prefer the real physics.

And thanks for your answers