07/06/2025
Ahoy!
Don't pay attention to the interface — it's just an early mock-up so I can work on the core logic.
I've long wanted to make it so that in the game, you could build not just your own ship with some customizable parts, but actually shape the hull itself — and have that affect gameplay.
From physics, I remember that a drop has one of the best shapes in terms of aerodynamics. But not just a drop (a small water sphere), rather a falling drop — that's a very different shape. Also, I loved reading books about explorers as a kid, and one idea really stuck with me: the design used in Fram, the ship of Nansen. It was more round — almost oval — so when ice pressed against it, it wouldn't crush the ship, but instead push it upward.
So I've been thinking a lot about how I could make a system where a single 3D model could have a customizable shape. In the end, I came up with a formula that simulates the curve of the hull from bow to stern. For now, I’ve exposed just two parameters in the interface: the main width of the ship, and the width of the stern.
At this stage, the shape of the ship directly affects its speed, maneuverability, and capacity. A narrow ship is great for regattas — when you can strip it down, no cannons, no deck, just the bare frame, ribs, and sails (but you'll need to be careful when turning — it might capsize). A wider design is better for battles, where having more cannons gives an edge. But that’s just one example — it’s not always that linear.
