Moonshot

Theme: Chain Reactions
Players start with a wobbly, barely-functional rocket, attempting to reach the moon. Early launches are hilariously far from successful, but progress comes with persistence. Each run earns funds to upgrade rocket parts, and ejected components from previous attempts parachute down to become fuel for future launches.

Key Features:

  • Build and launch your custom rocket.

  • Crash into falling parts and blimps to fuel subsequent runs.

  • Chain reactions drive your journey into space.

Contributions

My Role: Physics Designer and Rocket Scientist

Innovative Use of Unity’s Joint System

To meet our design goal of a “wonky” rocket, I used hinge joints to connect the rocket parts, allowing them to move independently rather than parenting them together. This approach introduced unique gameplay challenges but gave the rocket its signature wobble, enhancing both visuals and gameplay.

Rocket Build and Physics System

I designed and implemented the physics for our "wobbly rocket" gameplay, using Unity's physics engine and custom calculations to create a quirky, unpredictable experience. Each rocket part contributes to its behavior during launch and parachutes back as fuel for subsequent runs, reinforcing the "chain reaction" theme.

Iterative Balance and Tuning

With over 500 rocket launches during the 48-hour game jam, I iteratively tested and tuned gravity, drag, and lift values to achieve the desired “feel.” The result was a rocket that felt chaotic but rewarding to control as players adapted to its quirks.

Creative Problem Solving: Physics Beyond Defaults

Unity’s default physics didn’t meet all our needs, so I customized several aspects:

  • Lift Adjustment: Applied lift forces to stabilize the rocket nose and prevent nosedives.

  • Ejection Dynamics: Adjusted ejected parts to fly in a helpful trajectory, improving recovery during challenging moments.

  • Custom Gravity Scaling: Parachuting parts and blimps fell at game-appropriate speeds, creating a more engaging experience.

These adjustments combined technical ingenuity with design-driven mechanics to deliver the desired chaotic but fun gameplay