Hey everyone, we’ve just dropped a new update to The Enjenir introducing Aerodynamics! 🤯
This new mechanic allows players to create different types of flying contraptions, like the example below from one of our beta testers:
In this example, 100% of the lift and steering is generated from aerodynamic forces applied to some really clever flap designs—how cool is that?
How does it work?
Now, we're obviously not running NASA grade Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for our aerodynamics calculations... we are trying to run an actual game at 60fps here! 🙂 What we have done though, is a really streamlined (no pun intended) and simpler system that helps simulate aerodynamics in an efficient way, calculating the velocity of a given sheet, with a force applied proportionally to the normal of it's largest face... Simple!
How do I enable aerodynamics?
For stability, performance and gameplay reasons, these aerodynamic forces are only applied to sheets with their “Aerodynamics Enabled.” Enabling it for a given sheet is super simple! Just click on a sheet using the Select Tool, and tick “Aerodynamics Enabled", as shown in the image below:
And yes, it’s even possible to use these properties to create functioning helicopters! Yes, once again - 100% of the lift on this helicopter is generated through the aerodynamic forces of the propellors pushing the helicopter upwards! Making these contraptions really made us appreciate how complex the mechanics of a helicopter really are...
Also, interestingly - the forces also work in water - so you can use the aerodynamics to create an actual functioning rudder in the water!
What’s next?
We’ll be closely monitoring how players use Aerodynamics and we will continue to tweak and improve the mechanics throughout Early Access.
Our next update is likely to a big one, as we're hoping to add Gears back into the game, as well as integrated Steam Workshop support to make it super easy to share builds between players! No ETA on that just yet, but keep your eyes peeled!
Once again. thanks so much to everyone for all your support as we continue to build The Enjenir!
– Cillín & Neil