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Games on the Go: Let's Get Physical

by Ben Deitz on June 25, 2010 at 12:35 PM

Physics Games Intro
The rules of physics define the world in which we live. Every movement we make, be it clumsy or balletic, is defined by these mathematical rules. However, since the inception of video games, developers have been synthesizing and transforming these rules, creating alternate physical realms. Game developers must constantly warp established laws of nature to suit their whims, from the languorous lilt of 'Pong' to Mario's uncanny vertical leaps. While we may marvel at the physical reactions of virtual avatars in games like 'Grand Theft Auto IV,' some games' raison d'être is alternate physical reality, itself. Today, we'll round up games that make physics the star of the show.

'Soccer Balls'

Soccer Ball screenshot
With the World Cup in the air, it's no surprise that we've caught a bit of football fever. Considering that none of us are particularly skilled in the podalic [Ed. Note: That means feet.] arts, we've taken to the next best thing: this physics-based puzzler. Players use the mouse to control the arc of an footballer's kick, attempting to gracefully guide a soccer ball into the face of a red card-waving referee, who subsequently explodes upon contact. Players use a handy directional guide (which projects the ball's potential arc) to pass the ball between teammates, set off switches, and avoid obstacles in their quest for referee decapitation. If real football were played more like 'Soccer Balls', we might be enticed to watch more of it.

'Aequilibrium'

Aequilibrium screenshot
'Aequilibrium' is like a fast-paced, solo game of Jenga, played while sitting on a see-saw. Players must remove ever-more precariously stacked red blocks without upsetting the green blocks that support them. Don't let the simplistic graphics fool you, this deep game is a challenge to both your reflexes and intuition.

'Ragdoll Tennis'

Ragdoll Tennis screenshot
Imagine imbibing in excess, taking a trip to the moon and attempting to play a game of tennis. Your serve is hampered by the troubling fact that your limbs are loath to do what your brain says, and your backhand swing sends you helplessly careening into the air. You've lost all control, bouncing around like a sock in a dryer, while your opponent is mercilessly beating the pants off of you. 'Ragdoll Tennis' successfully emulates this terrifying scenario. Controlling the uncontrollable avatar's tennis racket with the WASD keys, try to progress through a series of what we assume are increasingly difficult tournaments. We can only assume, however, as -- in full, sad disclosure -- we were not able to beat our first opponent.

'Ragdoll Cannon 3'

Ragdoll Cannon 3 screenshot
After we played 'Ragdoll Tennis,' 'Ragdoll Cannon 3' provided us with a desperately needed taste of revenge against our titular avatars. There's nothing like repeatedly firing projectile ragdolls into walls after they beat us so badly in tennis. As the title suggests, players blast ragdolls out of a cannon, attempting to hit a target. As with other physics puzzlers, the levels quickly ramp up in complexity, and include impediments like boulders and moving platforms. However, unlike other physics puzzles, the art in this one is charming, and incredibly well done.

'Construction Fall'

Construction Fall screenshot
'Construction Fall' satisfies the primordial human urge to violently knock stuff over, but in a way that requires real brain power. It's kind of like being a caveman with an engineering degree (or the exact opposite of 'Aequilibrium,' above.) Players control the speed and direction of a few balls, which they fling at and use to topple matchstick structures. As the game progresses, the levels become more and more Rube Goldberg-esque, and players must learn how to manipulate various contraptions, such as windmills and wheels, in their quests for total destruction.

Tags: aequilibrium, construction fall, ConstructionFall, flashgames, gamesonthego, physics, physics game, PhysicsGame, ragdoll cannon 3, ragdoll tennis, RagdollCannon3, RagdollTennis, soccer balls, SoccerBalls, TimeWaster, timewasters, top, videogames

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