Retro games with good physics?

[General Chaos]

Now before you become confused, I do mean physics, and not physiques. Obviously Cho Aniki has that covered.

I'm basically wondering about physics "engines" (if that's the right terminology) that stand out in the retro gaming library (anything up to the 5th generation; Saturn, PSX, N64).

I am certainly no game developer so I'm not even clear on what defines a "true" physics engine, but it's one of the few things that modern games might do better. However, I'd love to prove myself wrong, so please share your favorite retro physics.

[RyaNtheSlayA]

I would say GranTurismo 2 has some of the best though that came out in 99 and thats not very retro...

[Niode]

I quite like the physics in Sonic where if you tried to run on slopes you would accelerate slow and vice versa. I guess that can be an early example of physics.

Also would you consider the shells in Mario as physics based since they act on their own accord once you let them go.

I don't think physics were required as much as they are today. Most things were scripted back in the day and rarely reacted to their environment in a truly dynamic sense. I'd love to see some examples if there are any out there!

[corn619]

Solar Jetman had cool physics. Theres a game similar for the Genny but the name slips my mind.

[Funk, E]

Sonic DID have excellent Physics. Sub-Terrania for the Genny had a good physics engine, too.

[Scooter]

The "Strike" games (Desert Strike, Jungle Strike, Urban Strike) had some physics to them that added just a hint of realism to them.

[elvis]

"On The Ball" / "Cameltry" on SNES / SFC:
http://www.mobygames.com/game/snes/on-the-ball-

Also on arcade:
http://www.mameworld.net/maws/romset/cameltry
(but I much preferred the SNES's audio and mode 7 version).

I also loved the physics in Unirally/Uniracers:
http://www.mobygames.com/game/snes/uniracers

[corn619]

Sub-Terrania for the Genny had a good physics engine, too.

Thats the game I was trying to remember!!

[corn619]

Castlevania and Ghosts & Goblins have some of the most realistic physics in gaming.

[Mozgus]

I was ganna say solar jetman as well. It was pretty neat to see a game on NES demonstrate variable gravity as well as inertia. Inertia actually affected both the movement as well as damage taken from surfaces.