Defunct VS Eloquent JavaScript

• Visually Stunning
  Defunct features a beautifully designed world with vibrant colors and diverse environments that make the experience of speeding through levels visually enjoyable.
• Unique Speed Mechanics
  The game offers a creative gravity-based speed mechanic where players use slopes, gravitational pulls, and momentum to accelerate, providing a fresh take on the speed-running genre.
• Great Soundtrack
  The game is accompanied by an energetic and fitting soundtrack that complements the fast-paced gameplay and enhances the overall atmosphere.
• Short and Accessible
  Defunct can be completed in a relatively short time, making it accessible for casual players or those looking for a quick, fun experience without a massive time commitment.
• Satisfying Flow State
  When the mechanics click and you master the gravity and momentum systems, the game provides an incredibly satisfying sense of speed and flow as you race through levels.

Possible disadvantages

• Very Short Game Length
  The game can be completed in about 1-2 hours, which may feel too short for the price and leave players wanting more content.
• Inconsistent Controls
  The physics-based controls can feel clunky and imprecise at times, leading to frustrating moments where the player loses momentum or gets stuck on geometry unexpectedly.
• Lack of Content and Replayability
  Beyond time trials and collectibles, there is limited content to keep players engaged after the initial playthrough, reducing overall replay value.
• Unclear Level Design
  Some levels have unclear paths and confusing layouts, making it easy to get lost or miss the intended route, which breaks the flow of the speed-based gameplay.
• Buggy and Unpolished
  Players have reported various bugs including physics glitches, camera issues, and occasional crashes, which detract from the overall experience and suggest a lack of polish.

• Comprehensive Learning Resource
  Eloquent JavaScript covers a wide range of topics, from basic syntax to advanced concepts like asynchronous programming and web development. This depth makes it a valuable resource for both beginners and advanced programmers.
• Interactive Code Examples
  The book contains numerous interactive code examples that allow readers to see the effects of their code in real-time. This hands-on approach reinforces learning and helps solidify concepts.
• Free Online Access
  Eloquent JavaScript is available for free online, making it accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This allows learners from around the world to benefit from its content without financial barriers.
• Engaging Writing Style
  The author, Marijn Haverbeke, writes in an engaging and clear style, making complex topics more understandable and keeping readers interested.
• Good Balance of Theory and Practice
  The book strikes a good balance between theoretical explanations and practical exercises, allowing readers to apply what they have learned immediately.

Possible disadvantages

• Steep Learning Curve
  Some readers may find the book's progression to be rapid, especially if they are complete beginners. The book quickly moves from basic to more complex topics, which can be overwhelming.
• Lacks Visual Aids
  While the text is clear and the code examples are helpful, the book could benefit from more visual aids like diagrams and illustrations to explain complex concepts.
• Assumes Some Prior Knowledge
  Although it's aimed at beginners, the book sometimes assumes that readers have some prior programming experience, which can make it less accessible to absolute novices.
• Limited Coverage of Latest ES Features
  The book may not cover some of the latest features and best practices introduced in newer versions of JavaScript (e.g., ES2019 and beyond), meaning readers might need to supplement their learning with additional resources.
• Web Development Sections Could Be More Detailed
  While the book does touch on web development, the sections on this topic are not as in-depth as some readers might hope. Those looking to get a more thorough grounding in web development may need to consult other sources.

Is Defunct Worth a Fiver?? WAF #13

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Tracking Defunct since May 2026.

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