Short Ride

🚲 Short Ride: Kinetic Injury Simulation

Short Ride is a physics-based platformer that sits in the lineage of "masocore" games like Happy Wheels. It juxtaposes a mundane activity (riding a bicycle) with hyper-violent obstacles. The core technical achievement of the game is its dual-physics engine, which simulates the Rigid Body Physics of the vehicle and the Ragdoll Physics of the rider simultaneously. The tension arises from the fragility of the human body compared to the durability of the bike.

⚙️ Vehicle Dynamics and Suspension

The bike is not just a sprite; it is a mechanical simulation.

• Suspension: The wheels have independent suspension. Landing a jump flat distributes the force. Landing on one wheel can cause the rider to buck forward over the handlebars (inertia).
• Center of Gravity: The player can lean forward or backward. This is used to climb steep inclines or flip the bike in mid-air. However, over-leaning results in a crash, often leaving the rider exposed to hazards.

🩸 The Physics of Failure

Unlike standard games where 0 HP equals death, Short Ride features a Procedural Dismemberment System.

• Localized Damage: You can lose a leg and keep riding (albeit with balance issues). You can get an arrow in the arm. The game continues as long as the head and torso are intact.
• Object Interaction: Hazards like swinging maces, saws, and spikes interact with the rider's hitbox realistically. If a saw hits the bike, it sparks. If it hits the rider, it cuts. Strategies often involve using the bike as a shield against projectiles.

🧩 Trial and Error Gameplay

The level design is inherently unfair. Traps are often hidden or triggered by movement. This forces a Trial and Error loop where death is a learning tool. The player must memorize the timing of traps to execute a perfect run.

❓ FAQ