Car Climb Racing

🏔️ Vector Forces on Inclined Planes

Car Climb Racing (inspired by the classic Hill Climb Racing) is a pure physics puzzle disguised as a driving game. The core variable is not speed, but rotational torque. The vehicle is a rigid body with a specific center of mass. The terrain is a series of vectors with varying slopes. The player must apply throttle (forward vector) or brake (backward vector) to keep the center of mass between the two axles. Tipping over results in a "driver down" failure state.

The simulation introduces a scarcity mechanic: Fuel. This forces the player to move efficiently. Sitting still burns fuel; accelerating uphill burns fuel rapidly. This creates an optimization problem: maximize distance traveled per unit of energy.

🧠 Proprioception & Physics Prediction

The game trains intuitive physics understanding:

• Angular Momentum: In the air, the throttle pitches the nose up (due to wheel rotation reaction force), and the brake pitches the nose down. Players must use this to adjust landing angles.
• Gravity Assist: On downhills, experienced players coast (release throttle) to convert potential energy into kinetic energy without spending fuel.

🎮 Vehicle Classes & Physics

Different vehicles illustrate different physical principles:

• The Jeep (Standard): Balanced suspension, 4WD. Good for learning friction limits.
• The Race Car: High downforce, low suspension. Sticks to the ground but bottoms out on jagged rocks.
• The Tank: High mass, tracks instead of wheels. Incredible traction but struggles with steep vertical climbs due to weight (gravity drag).

🏆 Climbing Strategy

1. The "Gas Pulse"

Never hold the gas pedal down continuously on rough terrain. Use rhythmic pulses. This allows the suspension to settle between bumps, maintaining tire contact with the ground. Traction requires contact.

2. Air Control for Fuel

When airborne, do not just wait to land. Rotate the car to match the slope of the landing zone perfectly. A smooth landing preserves momentum; a crash landing stops you, forcing you to spend fuel to accelerate again.

🛡️ Engine Optimization

Technical notes:

• Box2D Physics: Utilizes the industry-standard Box2D solver for accurate friction and restitution (bounciness) calculations.

❓ FAQ