C++ · Custom Engine · 3D Simulation
3D Moon Lander
A 3D game engine and space-flight simulator built from scratch in C++ for a university course.
C++openFrameworksPhysics
Particle SystemsSolo
Demonstration Video
Concept & Inspiration
The concept of this project was to make a 3D game engine and space-flight simulator from scratch in C++, built for a course at San Jose State University on game development. I wanted hands-on experience with light systems, particle systems, raycasts, UI elements, multiple cameras, and more.
Team
This was a solo class assignment completed without outside help. I was provided a Houdini 3D mesh to work with by my professor Kevin Smith.
Design Goals & Challenges
Goals
- 5-light system (key light, fill light, etc.)
- Multiple camera angles
- Altitude detection via raycast
- Collision and velocity detection on landing
- Scoring system — good/medium/bad landing
- Physics simulation (drag, gravity)
- Particle systems
- Sound system
Challenges
- Realistic collision detection
- Particle system that follows the lander
- Octree collision detection with bounding boxes
- Physics systems like drag and gravity
Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft openFrameworks
- Visual Studio Code
- C++