Fully destructible environments
The Schmetterling engine was built with the intention of enabling game designers to create fully destructible environments. The dynamic destruction system in X-Morph: Defense allows players to precisely choose how they want to collapse buildings. The falling direction depends on how a building was cut down and is calculated in real-time based on the building's physical properties. It is possible to cut a building in half or to just collapse a part of it. This technology allowed us to introduce collapsible buildings as a gameplay mechanic. Players can strategically block passages within a level to make it tougher for enemies to reach the X-Morph core.
Tree deformation and forest fires
The Schmetterling engine includes advanced tree simulation technology. Each explosion can bend surrounding trees depending on the force of the shockwave. Some aircraft and large, fast-moving projectiles also create wind fields that can bend trees. Forest fires may also appear during the heat of the battle as some explosions can ignite trees and the fire can jump from one tree to another in a short time.
Advanced physics effects
One of the design goals for X-Morph: Defense was to create an entirely dynamic and responsive environment. The Schmetterling engine allowed us to efficiently simulate physical shockwave effects from all explosions. Every piece of debris can be pushed back and bounce off the surrounding environment. This also allowed us to create some unique special effects like the Gravitational Singularity which can rip apart most enemy units. It creates a whirling vortex of broken enemy parts high above the ground. Any bullet, missile or debris that flies into its radius is affected by its strong gravitational pull.
https://youtu.be/XULqtPtX28A