JavaScript

3 Great JavaScript & Canvas Examples

    Craig Buckler
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    JavaScript-powered canvas demonstrations have become increasingly sophisticated. Developers are now creating high-quality browser based games which don’t need Flash or other plugins.

    Here are 3 of the best to add to your, er, “technology research list” this weekend. They’ve been chosen for their technical brilliance and compelling game-play. They work in most browsers except for IE which doesn’t have native canvas support. In most cases, Firefox works fine but Chrome and Safari appear to offer the best experience for your … analysis.

    ThrustThrust

    Thrust is a popular 8-bit game from 1986 which has been re-created by Jon Combe (it’s not an emulation). It’s an immensely enjoyable game which was inspired by Atari’s Gravitar. Technically, it’s hard to fault what Jon has achieved — even the sound effects are accurate.

    ThrustAsteroids

    If you think all canvas examples offer simplistic graphics and effects, you’ll be stunned by Asteroids — a glorious homage to the original Atari arcade game. Kevin Roast’s version features 3D ray-traced graphics and fast animation. You’d have paid good money for this a few years ago!

    ThrustTorus

    This 3D tetris game remains one of the most impressive JavaScript and canvas games. Ben Joffe’s game offers smooth 3D animation and addictive “just-one-more-go” game-play. Great stuff.

    Have you discovered any other great canvas examples?