6 replies to this topic

[M_Bison]

Hey guys,

I want to make a game (turn-based RPG) that looks very similar to Bastion.


Here is what I need to implement:

-> The overworld is 2d, with an isometric view. The graphics would in no way be rendered in 3D, but rather drawn in 2d.

-> The characters would be rendered in 3d, moving about in the 2d isometric world. (Even if the characters are in 3D in a 2D environment, its not much of an issue since a 3D character may actually be rasterized in a series of 2D images, in other words, this isn't much of a problem I feel)

I have looked at several game engines, but I find it very difficult to know which would be best to implement this sort of look and feel. Which game engine do you guys feel could be best for me so that I would have the least amount of coding to do for purely the isometric view aspect?

[MarekKnows.com]

Firstly, do you have experience developing games? Each game engine you find will have a learning curve associated with it. If you are not familiar with the engine it will be difficult to make anything with it. Your ask from the engine is pretty standard which means that pretty much any decent game engine will be able to do what you need.

If you have never used a game engine before then I would stear towards an engine that has a good community backing it and lots of good examples and documentation behind it. Which programming languages do you know well? This will also determine which engine you should choose.

[geon]

> Even if the characters are in 3D in a 2D environment, its not much of an issue since a 3D character may actually be rasterized in a series of 2D images

I'd suggest the opposite. It's very simple to mix in 2D elements in a 3D world. You could still keep it isometric, if that's what you like. The 2D "feel" is mostly about lighting and outlining.

[M_Bison]

marek-knows.com, on 06 February 2012 - 11:23 AM, said:

Firstly, do you have experience developing games? Each game engine you find will have a learning curve associated with it. If you are not familiar with the engine it will be difficult to make anything with it. Your ask from the engine is pretty standard which means that pretty much any decent game engine will be able to do what you need. If you have never used a game engine before then I would stear towards an engine that has a good community backing it and lots of good examples and documentation behind it. Which programming languages do you know well? This will also determine which engine you should choose.

I actually do not have much experience developing games.
As you say, any engine is pretty much capable of handling what I need. However, it's the fact that I am not a very experienced coder that pushes me to find an engine that is more suitable to this sort of style. Although I am understanding that perhaps I would need to stick with one option and modify its code to fit my needs.

[M_Bison]

geon, on 06 February 2012 - 06:18 PM, said:

> Even if the characters are in 3D in a 2D environment, its not much of an issue since a 3D character may actually be rasterized in a series of 2D images I'd suggest the opposite. It's very simple to mix in 2D elements in a 3D world. You could still keep it isometric, if that's what you like. The 2D "feel" is mostly about lighting and outlining.

Sorry for double post, but I just saw your response right after I posted.
It's interesting you say this, I never considered it in this fashion. Could you maybe elaborate on what you mean by getting the 2D feel through lighting and outlining.
Moreover, if this is the case, then perhaps Unity and other 3D engines would be good/suitable options?

[fireside]

The only isometric engine I know about is FIFE. There are others, though, just do a search.

[geon]

M_Bison, on 06 February 2012 - 06:54 PM, said:

Could you maybe elaborate on what you mean by getting the 2D feel through lighting and outlining.

Moreover, if this is the case, then perhaps Unity and other 3D engines would be good/suitable options?

A common technique is cell shading. It is usually done with shading in only 2 leves of brightness, and outlined objects, just like an animated cartoon.
http://cafechottomat...11/08/chase.jpg

Otherwise, you could turn lighting off completely, and paint any shading by hand in the textures.

Any engine will work just fine.