Time for action – adding engine trails

Engine trails can easily be added and controlled with the use of only a particle system.

1. To begin with, we need to create a new particle system. Do this by going to the top of the Unity Editor and navigating to GameObject | Create Other | Particle System.
2. Rename the new particle system to EngineTrail.
3. First we look at the Initial module. We need the Looping and Prewarm checkboxes checked. This will keep the ship looking as if it is moving throughout the game and remove the build up the system would otherwise need to create the effect.
4. Next, we need to control the distance the particles travel. Do this by setting the Start Lifetime option to 3 and the Start Speed option to 1.
5. To keep the particles sized and positioned properly in space, we need to set the Start Size option to 0.8 and choose World for Simulation Space.
6. Now we move on to the Shape module. We want the particles to fly straight out from the engines. So we use a value of 0 for the Angle...