Here is a tip for a recent C64 game that uses one rocket like lunar lander:

https://csdb.dk/release/?id=201753

It's a really easy game if you have a slow computer, the physics has to be separated from the graphics.

Add a splash screen with the "Rocket drone" name when you die so it's easier to know what's being played.

The instructions for using P and Q was not obvious for three people who tried it. (non native speakers and children). N=5

Fun as a fast game or as a slow game.

But it's way too hard for me: I couldn't get past Level 3 of the tutorial :/.

- It is so hard to maintain control that it feels unfair rather than challenging on tricky levels.

- The game should reward the player to give them a sense of progress - this will prevent many of them from quitting after struggling for a few minutes. A leaderboard could work.

Highscores for the daily (and yesterdaily to check where you ended up) would be nice.

On mobile it shows controls in lower left/right corners, which is a little inconvenient. Luckily, touching anywhere on the left/right side of the screen works.

Possibility to zoom out would be nice, to avoid the possibility to fly into a dead end.

Also, I'm somewhat confused. This is HN and noone has yet posted some js that calculates/plays automatically? Iirc that was the case for the NASA docking simulator. Or did I dream this up?

Always been a huge fan of these types of games, and I think this one nails the frustration-that-means-you-appreciate-the-wins-more feeling that lots of arcade games had, and that so many modern games miss.

I'm not sure how best to capture it's state though (position, xy velocity, angular velocity, etc.), Nor how to integrate mouse into it.

The Astro’s Playroom tech demo for the PS5 has a level like this where the DualSense triggers are used for the thrusters. The force feedback is incredible and really gives you an edge in feathering the thrust. It’s also a lot easier!

The fact you have to land fully in the 'landing pad' is also immensely annoying. With a more play testing and better controls it could be fun.

I'm really tempted to make a clone in React.

Is the acceleration constant or does it dependent on fuel remaining like real rockets?

I hate you

One feedback: on mobile, if my phone locks or I navigate away from the browser, it freezes when I come back. I can’t click reset. (IOS)

Add some cool retro music and wait for Ludwig yelling at the game on stream ;)

Any chance you could, if you're the creator of this, share the source code?

Love it; look forward to next version with 1 booster + 2x reaction wheels ;)