I love this thing. If you're fascinated by the science of the small, from particle physics to organic chemistry, you owe it to yourself to give it a look.

Definitely not a game, but rather a toy that can offers insight into how complex behaviors can emerge from extremely simple properties. Three particle types with six simulated properties each (+two purely visual ones) manage to give rise to shapes, structures, and even full-on behaviors that we see in nature - and for precisely the same reasons. The laws of attraction and repulsion alone can cause incredibly intricate and structured reactions, and this little program helped me to understand it much more intrinsically than ever before.

It's also beautiful and hypnotic, if you're not interested in the headier aspects. Just hit "G" until you find a random setup you like, and watch it go.

I love this thing. If you're fascinated by the science of the small, from particle physics to organic chemistry, you owe it to yourself to give it a look. Definitely not a game, but rather a toy that can offers insight into how complex behaviors can emerge from extremely simple properties. Three particle types with six simulated properties each (+two purely visual ones) manage to give rise to shapes, structures, and even full-on behaviors that we see in nature - and for precisely the same reasons. The laws of attraction and repulsion alone can cause incredibly intricate and structured reactions, and this little program helped me to understand it much more intrinsically than ever before. It's also beautiful and hypnotic, if you're not interested in the headier aspects. Just hit "G" until you find a random setup you like, and watch it go.