Sand-boom-box
June 2, 2007 6:54 PM Subscribe
Flash Sunday: Particle-based (explosive) sandbox - another fun toy to play with! Besides the classic earth, water, fire, and plants, this version has air pressure-based physics for wind effects. A mesmerizing tinker-toy. (requires java) (previously) (via)
I was all set to be like "oh this is nothing new" but then I made something explode and WOW and thank you and wow.
posted by CitrusFreak12 at 7:28 PM on June 2, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by CitrusFreak12 at 7:28 PM on June 2, 2007 [1 favorite]
I liked making lots of the "tree" stuff...and then setting it on fire. It's amazing how quickly a little speck of fire can consume a whole big amount of wood. Nifty!
posted by leahwrenn at 7:40 PM on June 2, 2007
posted by leahwrenn at 7:40 PM on June 2, 2007
This is honestly the most fun I can remember having on a Saturday night.
No, my Saturday nights usually aren't anything to call home about, but still, this is damn fun.
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 7:41 PM on June 2, 2007
No, my Saturday nights usually aren't anything to call home about, but still, this is damn fun.
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 7:41 PM on June 2, 2007
Simply awesome. I played with this in its earlier versions, it looks even better now. Only thing I need is a bigger version.
posted by zardoz at 7:42 PM on June 2, 2007
posted by zardoz at 7:42 PM on June 2, 2007
I just set up a never-ending battle between water and ice. Put two fans near the bottom corners, and ice at the top corners. Rain in a bunch of water, and watch. It's mesmerizing.
posted by H-Bar at 8:17 PM on June 2, 2007
posted by H-Bar at 8:17 PM on June 2, 2007
How on earth do you grow a tree? I can't figure it out!
posted by stoneegg21 at 8:18 PM on June 2, 2007
posted by stoneegg21 at 8:18 PM on June 2, 2007
You also need powder as a base, but once a plant starts growing all it needs is water to continue.
You can set up some neat effects using gunpowder to create pressurized chambers. I made a simple fountain, but I'm sure inventive minds could do a lot more.
posted by H-Bar at 8:58 PM on June 2, 2007
You can set up some neat effects using gunpowder to create pressurized chambers. I made a simple fountain, but I'm sure inventive minds could do a lot more.
posted by H-Bar at 8:58 PM on June 2, 2007
Is it just me, or does this thing stop responding if you put too many things in the scene?
posted by puke & cry at 10:14 PM on June 2, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by puke & cry at 10:14 PM on June 2, 2007 [1 favorite]
I thought I was the only one. I usually just start over.
Oh well.
posted by MissNefertiti at 12:00 AM on June 3, 2007
Oh well.
posted by MissNefertiti at 12:00 AM on June 3, 2007
There is a maximum number of particles that it lets you have simultaneously. Just use the "erase" to get rid of some particles you don't want to add more of the ones you do. There is actually a particle counter at the bottom that shows how many you have left.
This is surprisingly fun.
posted by MythMaker at 7:51 AM on June 3, 2007
This is surprisingly fun.
posted by MythMaker at 7:51 AM on June 3, 2007
This is the best thing since the invention of fermentation.
posted by Keith Talent at 9:37 AM on June 3, 2007
posted by Keith Talent at 9:37 AM on June 3, 2007
My finds:
- Turning off "Lines" makes the whole thing look much nicer, and lets you keep track of where the gunpowder's drifting.
- Pressing "Stop" lets you set up some really explosive situations without time pressure.
- "Erase" and "Clear" wipe out particles and blocks, respectively.
Glad to hear people are liking it - 1:1 favorites to comments ratio is always good.
posted by anthill at 10:02 AM on June 3, 2007
- Turning off "Lines" makes the whole thing look much nicer, and lets you keep track of where the gunpowder's drifting.
- Pressing "Stop" lets you set up some really explosive situations without time pressure.
- "Erase" and "Clear" wipe out particles and blocks, respectively.
Glad to hear people are liking it - 1:1 favorites to comments ratio is always good.
posted by anthill at 10:02 AM on June 3, 2007
Is this like the antithesis of Spore? Why is it that tinkering with this thing only made me long for Spore?
posted by ZachsMind at 12:26 PM on June 3, 2007
posted by ZachsMind at 12:26 PM on June 3, 2007
I want a seed source, or a water source, something that continuously produces water, power, gunpowder or seed.
posted by Freen at 12:43 PM on June 3, 2007
posted by Freen at 12:43 PM on June 3, 2007
Zach, thank you for figuring out why I couldn't stop thinking of Spore today.
Am I the only one who checks the wikipedia article to see if the release date has been changed?
posted by CitrusFreak12 at 12:45 PM on June 3, 2007
Am I the only one who checks the wikipedia article to see if the release date has been changed?
posted by CitrusFreak12 at 12:45 PM on June 3, 2007
New discovery: Seed might just be the only material that can power a paddlewheel turbine!
The key is that a spinning wheel turns plants into powder, which can react with new seed to make more plants. If you set up a fan+wheel arrangement with a clear smokestack for the flames, get it running with seed, then prime it with a little shot of powder and flame, it'll run nice and steady!
Screenshot
posted by anthill at 8:06 PM on June 3, 2007
The key is that a spinning wheel turns plants into powder, which can react with new seed to make more plants. If you set up a fan+wheel arrangement with a clear smokestack for the flames, get it running with seed, then prime it with a little shot of powder and flame, it'll run nice and steady!
Screenshot
posted by anthill at 8:06 PM on June 3, 2007
A modified version of the above is burning 225 dots/s.... as an environmentally conscious engineer, I still feel dirty.
You can even feed it about 10% gunpowder for extra kick - any more and it backfires.
posted by anthill at 8:46 PM on June 3, 2007
You can even feed it about 10% gunpowder for extra kick - any more and it backfires.
posted by anthill at 8:46 PM on June 3, 2007
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posted by anthill at 6:55 PM on June 2, 2007