Ponq
A physics-driven Pong variant where quantum coherence generates real forces. The ball's quantum state doesn't just determine what you see. It determines how the ball moves.
Overview
Ponq extends the Quantum Pong concept with a physics integration layer. The off-diagonal magnitude of the reduced density matrix (coherence) drives a steering force on the ball. The more "quantum" a ball is (higher coherence), the more it curves. Phase rotation charges the ball, and zones on the field activate quantum abilities.
Key mechanics
| Mechanism | Call | Game effect |
|---|---|---|
| Entangle-split | flip(), then iSwap(other, 0.5) | Ball splits into an entangled pair |
| Phase charging | phase(fraction) (alias for clock) | Charge ball with phase for later force |
| Coherence readout | densityMatrix(a, b) | Off-diagonal magnitude as steering force |
| Zone activation | superpose() or iSwap(other, fraction) | Field zones trigger quantum abilities |
The core innovation: quantum state directly drives classical physics. Each frame, coherence maps to force magnitude and phase angle maps to force direction. High-coherence balls curve; collapsed balls travel straight. Players use phase charging to control the curve direction before entering the quantum zone.