Lagrangian point

In celestial mechanics, the Lagrangian points (/ləˈɡrɑːndʒiən/; also Lagrange points, L-points, or libration points) are positions in an orbital configuration of two large bodies where a small object affected only by gravity can maintain a stable position relative to the two large bodies. The Lagrange points mark positions where the combined gravitational pull of the two large masses provides precisely the centripetal force required to orbit with them. There are five such points, labeled L1 to L5, all in the orbital plane of the two large bodies. The first three are on the line connecting the two large bodies and the last two, L4 and L5, each form an equilateral triangle with the two large bodies. The two latter points are stable, which implies that objects can orbit around them in a rotating coordinate system tied to the two large bodies.

Several planets have minor planets near their L4 and L5 points (trojans) with respect to the Sun, with Jupiter in particular having more than a million of these. Artificial satellites have been placed at L1 and L2 with respect to the Sun and Earth, and Earth and the Moon for various purposes, and the Lagrangian points have been proposed for a variety of future uses in space exploration.

Lagrange Point (video game)

Lagrange Point (ラグランジュポイント, Raguranju Pointo) is a role-playing video game developed and published by Konami for the Family Computer. The game was released exclusively in Japan on April 26, 1991. The title of the game references Lagrangian points, the five positions in space where a body of negligible mass could be placed which would then maintain its position relative to two existing massive bodies.

Lagrange Point has the distinction of being the only game ever released with Konami's VRC7 sound generator integrated circuit, which allowed for a drastic improvement in the quality of the music and sound effects used in the game. However, it drastically increased the price of the game to around 8500 yen. The game was never localized for a North American or European market, however a fan translation was released by Aeon Genesis in October 2014.

Gameplay

The gameplay tropes are rather typical of a role playing game developed during this time period. It has a high random encounter rate and the battle system is simplistic allowing you to use items, choose special attacks and swap between individual members of your party. There is even an auto system that allows you to beat a lot of encounters just by hitting the A button. Additionally you’ll be able to change your lead party member at any time through the menu. The environments are well varied, although in typical style for the time the level design itself is pretty much a labyrinth with minor navigational puzzles designed to impede your progress. Saving can only be done through terminals you encounter in the game world, and can't be done manually through the menu.