Show HN: I recreated 90s Mode X demoscene effects in JavaScript and Canvas

* The color palette cycling and smooth fading in the Plasma demo. * The buffer-averaging algorithm for the Fire effect to make the flames feel more natural. * The distance-based texture crossfading in the Tunnel to create the illusion of flying through different sections. * A 2D scalar field for the Metaballs to calculate the surface normals for that classic blended, metallic look (I did the best I could with the given constraints).

It was a great exercise in getting back to first principles and a reminder of how much those early demo programmers could accomplish with so little. I hope it brings back some good memories for others who grew up with this stuff.

I'd love to hear about your favorite classic demos or if there are any other iconic effects you think would be a fun challenge to add.

Cheers!

Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44295667

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# Comments: 20

https://jdfio.com/pages-output/demos/x-mode/