Actually physics calculation aren't that bad. Even mobile phones can handle physics. The real difficulty with physics is the collision detection or more specificly Tri-mesh collision detection. With the push for more increased models polys and more accurate detection(ie no simple square box) requires more constant checking.
Here is a 2d Java Physics engine for cell phones.
http://dymix.hardwire.cz/index.php?section=download#video
You an see it run fine. The calculations are easy. So no physics doesn't get more complicated. So more complicated the object more power you will need. Simple detection objects less power or more object.
Squilliam: On Vgcharts its a commonly accepted practice to twist the bounds of plausibility in order to support your argument or agenda so I think its pretty cool that this gives me the precedent to say whatever I damn well please.
