Open Dynamics Engine

Following some advice from the gamedev forums I have started looking at some physics engines to simulate the racing physics. The first one I have chosen to investigate is ODE, simply because it has python bindings which makes it much easier to play with.

According to the advice I should be able to get a cartoonish feel to the racing by messing with the simulation parameters of the car.

Once I get some working code I'll post it, but I am just exploring the documentation for now.

Physics of Racing

I don't know if I mentioned it before, but the eventual game I want to create is a cartoonish type racing game in the tradition of Mario Kart. (I played that game to death).

Anyway some searching turned up this excellent treatise on the physics of racing.  I am a bit concerned that it is too in depth and may not lead to a particularly fun game.  Nevertheless it is engrossing reading, I would suggest anyone interested in cars or racing to check it out.

Till next time,

Naltai