Nucleon Soup

Introduction

I was formally trained as a nuclear physicist for many years and have always thought of creating a simple game where you collected neutrons and protons to manage an ever growing nucleus. Though I've down Ludum Dare in the past, Nucleon Soup is my first attempt using my nuclear physics knowledge. While the real physics can be quite complicated, I've simplified it to four decay modes and a much more compressed and game-like decay timer.

Overall, the game is quite simple and easy, but coupled with the music, I think it provides a chill experience. After playing it a bunch, I think that other sound effects take away from the mood, so I left them out.

Enjoy!

This game was made in 48 hours for LD49 by Micah Schuster

Goal:

Starting from the humble proton (Hydrogen-1), try to get to a stable isotope of Neon (Neon-20, Neon-21, or Neon-22) before the timer runs out.

Terminology:

n Decay (Neutron Emission) - Decay where one or more neutrons are ejected from the nucleus

p Decay (Proton Emission)- A rare form of decay where one or more Protons are ejected from the nucleus

B+ Decay (Beta Plus) - A proton is converted into a neutron while releasing a positron and a neutrino

B- Decay (Beta Minus) - A neutron is converted into a proton while releasing an electron and a neutrino

Controls:

- Arrow keys move the Nucleus

Tools used:

- Engine: Unity 2020.3.0f1

- Music: BandLab Cakewalk

- Font: Reactor Sans