A game based on Newtonian orbital mechanics. Each level is a puzzle, and
you have to beat them in order to advance. The game gets really hard
real quick, but it does instill in you a sense of orbital mechanics, and
it's very possible to beat it. My best time is just over 6 minutes.
Requires pygame.
Made for my senior year multivariable calculus class "end of the year" assignment, which was to "make a game involving multivariable calculus". (The position of the ship can be described as x and y. That's two variables right there!) Art and beta testing credit goes to my other group members, and ultimately to the whole class.
- left/right: Rotate your ship counterclockwise and clockwise, respectively. The rotation is Newtonian, i.e. tapping the left key adds counterclockwise angular velocity, so to stop spinning you need to tap the right key.
- space: Fire the thrusters! Again, the game is Newtonian, so you won't magically slow down unless you fire the thrusters in the opposite direction. (But do you want to slow down?)
- tab: Go into "trace mode", where your path is shown as a red line. I recommend it especially on Level 8. Just enable trace mode and sit back and enjoy the trace. It's also helpful on Levels 4 and 6.
- R: Reset the level. This is mostly used for when the controls glitch; you should have no problem dying otherwise.
Get to the green circle. Avoid the "stars" (white circles) and the edges of the screen. Whenever you die, the level resets.