Next-generation 3D building destruction physics for PC and VR

Software grant provided by the Autodesk Foundation.

The 2D mobile app game is a free prototype which is the basis of the current 3D PC experience.

Try the free 2D game on mobile or PC
2D game also available for free on Steam!
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Impulse Control: A Fusion of Physics, Psychology, and Play
Impulse Control is designed to showcase the fascinating interplay between structural mechanics and interactive entertainment. At its core, the game demonstrates how real-world structural systems respond to dynamic forces—within the engaging context of a 2D mobile experience. Players interact with structures composed of beams, frames, and trusses, each modeled with realistic physical behavior. These structural responses aren’t just background details—they’re integral to the game’s objectives and strategy.
What Makes Impulse Control Unique?
Primary Features:
- Accurate Structural Modeling: Every beam and joint behaves as it would in reality, delivering a level of authenticity rarely seen in games.
- Extensibility: The underlying system is scalable, opening doors for future applications beyond gaming.
- Personality-Driven Gameplay: Player decisions are influenced by psychological profiling, adding depth to the experience.
- Rewarding Cognitive Flexibility: Success often requires players to override instinctive choices and think critically.
Secondary Features:
- Engaging Gameplay: Fun, intuitive mechanics that keep players coming back.
- Variety of Objectives: Each level introduces new challenges and goals.
- Thought-Provoking Design: Encourages reflection on decision-making and problem-solving.
The Player Journey
The adventure begins in POLAR Labs, where players meet the enigmatic Warden. Through a series of questions, players are assigned an elemental identity—Fire, Air, Earth, or Water—based on their responses. This personality alignment shapes their journey as they strive to unify the four elements through a series of structural challenges.
Each level presents a unique puzzle: dismantle a structure and eliminate all enemies—manifestations of temptation like donuts, dice, and soda. Players can achieve this by:
- Direct projectile impact applying overwhelming force to trigger structural failure
- Inducing collapse through repeated strikes and progressive collapse
- Sliding enemies off precarious edges
- Harmonic resonance of vibrating structure
Points are awarded for successful eliminations, with future iterations potentially unlocking advanced abilities and more complex levels.
Why It Stands Out
Impulse Control isn’t just another physics-based game—it’s a scientific demonstration wrapped in an interactive narrative. By combining realistic structural response modeling with psychological elements, it offers an experience that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply satisfying. Unlike typical block-toppling games, these structures behave like real buildings, with rigid connections and authentic failure modes.
Behind the scenes, procedural generation enables the creation of 80 unique levels, ensuring variety and replayability. The name Impulse Control is a nod to the engineering concept of base-isolated structures responding to seismic impulses—a subtle link between the game’s mechanics and real-world science.
What's next?
See what features will be included in the next build.