10. Particle Systems

Particle systems are another aspect of computer games that you have seen many times before, even if you didn’t explicitly recognize them. Particle systems solve a fundamental problem with the representation of effects that involve a whole bunch of small particles generating patterns. Think of fire, or smoke, or rain, where many particles are needed to create a convincing effect. The particles can behave according to rules, but usually a random element is present as well to make them look realistic.

The particle system provides the environment to create particle emitters, which are the individual effects. Particle systems are most common in 3D game environments, but AndEngine provides some example particle emitters as part ...

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