Phun is an online, free-downloadable physics-simulation program that claims to be a "‥2D physics simulator". The game's endless virtual world allows players to build a simple (but not-so-basic) mechanical objects using their mouse and various other mechanisms, then put them in motion and watch them do what they were made for. Some of the more complex objects require players to feed electricity into them, while others simply need one button push. The free Phun website does list some of the basic and advanced mechanics which are present but does not provide any detailed description of how to build anything.
The physics engine used in Phun is a highly advanced version of that used in the majority of PC games on the market today, though it is far more complex than most physics engines. This means that when a player wants to build something in Phun, they have to use all the tools that are provided by the game (including the program itself) to create something that works. This takes a good amount of skill. It is important to remember that no matter how complicated the objects and mechanisms in the game may be, they are still built and put into motion using the same type of physics engine used in real life. However, this is a major factor in the game's overall difficulty, since building something which can do its job and run by itself on a computer screen can be quite daunting. However, once a player has used the tools provided to them and created something which can run, it is not too difficult to recreate that same object in a way that makes it easier to control.
Phun provides an extremely comprehensive, visually stunning and well constructed physics simulation. It is difficult to see the difference between the physics engine that is used in the game and that which is used in the majority of other physics simulators. That being said, many people will prefer to play a physics simulation like Phun because they have a great deal of fun doing it. In addition, many people have claimed that it is very difficult to get stuck in Phun because it is impossible to create anything that will run on its controls.
