One of my dreams for years has been to make a really solid and accurate platform game based around a "grappling hook" or, if you're a worms fan, a "ninja rope." I've tried time and again to get the physics right, but have always scrapped my work because the way the rope behaved just never felt right.
Well the rope swinging idea was re-kindled with the release of jmtb02's new game: Mr. Walter's Grand Excursion
I think jmtb02 would be one of the first to tell you that the rope swinging didn't feel quite "on" in his game, and that's because the physics of a pendulum are relatively difficult to translate into flash.
Well, luckilly, I mentioned my idea and frustration to Coaly and he used his big brain to build some actionscript 2 pendulum functions which were a snap to plug into my platform engine and are surprisingly accurate.
We were so pleased with the result, we decided to work on a game together. We both have some other projects we're working on for the next few months, but when those are done, get ready for one heck of a cool game...we're thinking kind of a Metroid-esque game where you wander around getting cool weapons and fighting bosses, with the grappling hook taking a large role in the gameplay. It should be interesting to see what parts of the game we each produce since both Coaly and I are in the limbo between being artists and coders.
Anyway, check out a demo of the engine, there are obviously things missing (like collision detection while swinging) but you'll soon see the "fun potential" for a game of this nature:
CONTROLS: WASD and MOUSE
http://www.bomtoons.com/grapple.html
Oh, and if you missed my post on Maul Balls, check it out!
And if you missed my attempt at animation for Luis' birthday, check out Luis vs. Ninja Turtle
Egoraptor
Wow, this is pretty awesome!
I've wanted to create a game involving a grappling hook for a really long time, too. This engine is really impressive, smooth, and intuitive. I was web slinging in no time. I hope you make a great game!