F-Zero like physics

Gauntlet

03-07-2006 20:57:53

I'm programming a game which is influenced by the gameplay of f-zero. It was always one of my favourite games and so I came to the idea to make something similar.

And yet programming the physics I have some tough moments.
If you don't know the game here's a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvMwTjSx1Og

I don't know if the cars will behave like that if I use too realistic physics. So the glider are always a bit over the map, but can also jump if they get over a hill or something similar. So it first looks static but it isn't.

Also the gravity is quite a problem I think. Its changing all the time. So lets say the level is a ogre mesh. How could I possibly find out the angle and update it all the time? And the tunnels where you can spin around, how could that be made?

I really like the arcade feeling you have playing the game, so this shouldn't get lost.

Maybe it's really easier than I think and I just shredder your time, if so, I'm sorry but also happy because it's easy to implement :D

Thanks.

EDIT: Made my point.

EDIT2: Would a mesh be even enough information for this to realise or would I need extra files containing more information about gravity and other things?

betajaen

03-07-2006 21:23:31

It could be done. The vehicle system at the moment is quite arcadey, you can't power slide around corners, it's more like GTA than Grand Turismo, which is what you want really.

As for gravity, I would do some sort of magnetic effect, where you have a constant raycast downwards, to find the nearest polygon, then add force downwards to that polygon. So you can drive upside down, and around in tunnels, and I would turn global gravity off then.


As for Edit3; Mesh and Materials would be good for it, if you use my magnetic idea then you wouldn't have to worry about global gravity. Anything else could be handled with triggers or callbacks.

p.s. I was nearly sick watching that video. :D

Gauntlet

03-07-2006 21:49:09

Ha, the magnetic force idea is really great! I was always thinking about gravity, but that's alot better. Its even more plausible, since the game plays in outer space and not on the earth, gravity would be far to weak between those gliders and the map :shock:

I also didn't recognize the vehicle system before. Will dive into it tomorrow.

If you nearly became sick watching the vid, I wouldn't recommend you to actually play the game, although it's really fun :wink:

Thanks, you're the man :D