A week later and another fun Sunday afternoon with Impact and Box2D has amounted to the PiSpace Alpha. ‘Pong in Space’ was a simple idea that came about during a talk I attended at last year’s GDC. The lead physics programmer at Volition commented that, “Pong with physics is a horrible game, that’s why it’s best to fake some results to make things fun.” After working on this game I have to disagree with him. This is very much an alpha and a work in progress, but I am very happy with it’s current state. New features below!

New features since the initial post last week:

• Random start velocity vector for Puck
• “Better” CPU AI
• Tunneling protection for Paddles and Puck
• Puck Tunneling results in random location and velocity for Puck
• Added OST loops provided by CDFrost
• Added soundFX generated using Bfxr
• New Splash page to represent the Impact Engine
• New score system (There’s actually a point now!)
• Tuned player controls

Near-term features to be added:

• 2 Player mode
• Particle effects for vector thrusting
• Particle effects on puck contact
• Title Screen
• Better page integration
• Add paddle animations
• Power-ups (ex: opponent paddle becomes susceptible to rotation for a short period)
• “Tunneling” graphical effects
• Mobile controls (touch and accel)

Known Bugs:

• Box2D v2.0.2 destroyProxy handling
• Paddle/Wall penetration

Enjoy!