I tend to avoid trying new things until the last minute. I usually have to be dragged kicking and pouting into new technology or a new way of thinking. However, if I need to learn something new for a client, though I will still kick and pout, I find the threat of a shitty deadline is just the thing to allow me to dive into something new.

JBox2D is the new thing that is occupying my time these days. Co-worker Andrew explained to me that there is no need to try to build a physics engine when there are so many decent ones out there already. Find some sturdy shoulders to stand on and enjoy the view.

I will admit, the view is quite nice. Getting someone else to do the heavy lifting required by collision detection and handling is quite a freeing feeling. And its so fast too! And little-to-no jitter!

Attraction from flight404 on Vimeo .

Best to see the HD version on Vimeo. There are seven videos from this exploration posted so far. Sadly, Vimeo is being a bitch lately. Now it refuses to show that I have uploaded seven new videos. But if you do a search forjbox2d, it should show you the seven that I have posted.