Basic 3D in the 2D Engine

[J. Baker]

Ok, here's my request for you Fred and why it is needed.

The 2D engine needs basic 3D functions. Most people/kids today are making 2D games. Looking around on the net you'll find your pixel art games and some of those in 2.5D, along with other styles. It is just easier to pick up and understand and easier to develop. The OGRE engine is really nice but even for a somewhat experienced developer, it's a whole new learning curve. Let alone what app you're going to use to convert or make your 3D models in. Most suggest Blender but that's the cupcake with too many sprinkles when all you wanted was just the cupcake.

So I would suggest things like: Loading your basic 3D OBJ files, 3D plane and/or MODE 7, billboards and basic collision. Billboards or a defined mesh for static or animated 2D sprites would be great. This is just so much easier to do. Nothing too fancy but just an option for those who do not want to take the time to develop a full 3D game or the time to learn it and the software it takes to develop for it.

I for one would even be willing to even pay for a library that does this. And not a third party library that's here today and gone tomorrow. Being built in PureBasic with its known or familiar syntax would be best.

Anyway, just my thoughts. Every time I begin to fiddle with the OGRE engine, I quickly get tired of it or what it takes to get the task done. I'd rather focus on the creativity end instead of figuring it all out. And these "game maker" apps today, that offer basic 3D, just compile a bunch of web files and deliver a crappy excuse for an app/game. Not interested.

Cheers!

[minimy]

Have you seen this post?
viewtopic.php?t=43601&hilit=mp3d

In any case, allow me to disagree. It's true that OGRE may resist a bit at first, mostly because of the lack of documentation, but once you start you realize the huge potential it has.
In my opinion, everything you say can be done with ogre and sprites. Can make a 3D scenario with X,Y scroll and use sprites for your characters. I think the learning curve if you're already familiar with PB isn't that complex, plus you can always work with just sprites or canvas, even with the browser if you know JS.
In the forum I have seen some quite powerful 2D frameworks like MP3D from MPZ, with lights, particles, etc.

On the other hand, it is true that I would simplify a lot for eternal novices like me

It's true that for space invaders you'll only need sprites or canvas, but if you want to do something more complex with 3D you'll save yourself from making hundreds of sprites for each perspective. If you want to make Kingdom Comes 2 better hire a good team with cry engine haha

In any case, you will always have to learn with one or the other system/languaje to make your game.
I think the best option is to learn how to use PB+OGRE and GLSL shaders, with that you already have the world at your feet.

If like me you want to make a video game, my friend advice is that it is worth investing some time to control OGRE, with it you can make 2D, 2.5D and 3D with very few lines.

Go ahead and start creating your game! Good luck!

[J. Baker]

Oh, I have been using OGRE since it was first introduced. Even made a mesh and skeleton exporter for an old app some years ago. What I'm speaking of here is for a newer audience who may come to PureBasic and find OGRE a bit of a learning curve. And for myself, something that is just a bit more simplistic where I can focus on more on creativity. OGRE is a great engine for PureBasic, it just takes more work.

As for your link you provided, those download links are dead. My exact thoughts on why I don't like third party stuff.

[idle]

maybe a wrapper to orx would be useful and can be done with c backend
https://orx-project.org/

[minimy]

Oh, I have been using OGRE since it was first introduced. Even made a mesh and skeleton exporter for an old app some years ago. What I'm speaking of here is for a newer audience who may come to PureBasic and find OGRE a bit of a learning curve. And for myself, something that is just a bit more simplistic where I can focus on more on creativity. OGRE is a great engine for PureBasic, it just takes more work.

As for your link you provided, those download links are dead. My exact thoughts on why I don't like third party stuff.

Hi J.Baker, obviously I don't know the knowledge or experience you have, I see that you have a high level. My intention was to help.
You're right, for eternal newbies like me it would be useful.
In any case, and as I am a grateful person, thank you for your comments.
Luck with your project!

[J. Baker]

Thanks! One way or another, I'll get it done.