Ski Stunt Simulator
From LoveToKnow Ski
The ski stunt simulator is an online computer game with an interesting appeal. It is favored by physics “geeks” and freestyle skiing wannabes. How did two totally different types of people come to enjoy the same type of game? The answer lies in the simulator's story.
What is a Ski Stunt Simulator?
The ski stunt simulator is considered a physics game which is also a computer game that makes use of the Newtonian laws of physics. Physics games also incorporate three-dimensional computer graphics, which create a more realistic image for the game player.
These games make use of a program known as a physics engine. A physics engine is a computer program that is designed to simulate Newtonian physics. By using variables such as mass, friction and wind resistance, these programs can predict movement patterns under real-life conditions.
The History of the Stunt Simulator
The stunt simulator is the product of a unique collaboration between Cedric Lee, a programmer at Relic Entertainment and Michiel van de Panne, a researcher at the University of British Columbia. The game won First Place at the ACM International Programming Competition.
The game was developed with the goal of capturing and analyzing the actual movements of freestyle skiing stunts. In fact, the “game” aspect of the simulator is just one of its functions. The researchers hope to eventually turn the stunt simulator into a sports prototyping tool. Given that the animations are confined to the logic of the Newtonian laws of physics, the simulator might one day be used to explore different movement options and skiing exercises.
Even in its current state, the researchers saw the ski stunt simulator's potential as an online educational tool. They believed that the game lent itself to teaching concepts such as inertia, ground reaction forces, angular momentum and movement timing requirements.
How the Game Works
The player has control of the skier, which is mapped to the X and Y axis of the mouse. If you move the mouse up, the skier will straighten out. When you move it down, the skier crouches. Moving the mouse to the left and right will make the skier lean forward and backward. A combination these two axes will create an even wider range of motion. If you want to create a ski racer, hold the mouse in the bottom-right position. This will result in a classic skier's tuck position.
Each limb of the ski character has the appropriate amount of inertia. If you want to perform the "ski jump", start with the mouse toward the bottom of the screen and then quickly slide it up. To perform a "flip", begin in the lower-left corner and do an arc. The upwards motion will result in air time. Then, move the mouse to the bottom-right to tuck into a rotation. The trick is to extend the skier's body to slow the rotation and time the landing, the same way you would if you were on the slopes.
The ski simulator has 14 levels, and the skills and tricks required to pass each level may vary. For example, one level will require you to perform a back flip on a specific jump, while another will require the annoying task of clearing a stack of crates. Some might require you to simply make it to the bottom of the slope, dead or alive.
Simulator Videos
To get an idea of how the game works, you might want to watch some of these ski simulator videos.
Keep in mind that these are all pretty similar. The music is what differs.
You can play the game on Michiel de van Panne's website. However, while he encourages you to enjoy the online game, he advises against attempting these tricks on the slopes.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 2,520 times. This page was last modified 13:21, 12 November 2009.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
Print this page
Follow ltk on twitter
Visit us on facebook