My 40-hour RPG is complete!
Which means I need a new project. Here are the candidates I’ve been kicking around my brain, feel free to vote for one, rank them in the order of preference, or even suggest something completely different!
1. Turn my 40-hour RPG into a 3D-based RPG with a simple software-rendered 3D engine, but adding no new functionality (unless I have time).
What I’d Learn: 3D math, raypicking, 3D animation
My rating (out of five): ***
2. Make a simple real-time strategy game, in the vein of Command & Conquer or Warcraft 2. This project would include an AI that the player played against.
What I’d Learn: Setting up a real-time engine, A* pathfinding, AI.
My rating (out of five): ****
3. Make a simple 2D Civilization clone strategy/wargame. This project would include an AI.
What I’d Learn: More about turn-based engines, pathfinding, AI.
My rating (out of five): ****
4. Make a simple 2D Master of Orion clone space-based strategy/wargame. This project would include an AI.
What I’d Learn: More about turn-based engines, pathfinding, AI.
My rating (out of five): ****
5. Make a 2D space combat RPG, in the vein of Starflight and Star Control 2.
What I’d Learn: Switching from turn-based gameplay to real-time gameplay, more about conversation systems, real-time combat, AI.
My rating (out of five): *****
So those are the options I’m currently entertaining. I really need to learn a lot more about 3D programming at some point, but writing a fully 3D game from nothing probably isn’t possible in forty hours, which is why the only 3D option on my list is to take my current game and make it 3D. It’s my least favorite option because frankly, I’m sick of Inaria right now I would still learn a whole lot from the other projects, and would have completely different, new games to show for them.
So, any thoughts?
I say, go with your passion. If you’re giving the 2D space combat game idea five out of five stars, then you already have your answer. š
As this is your baby, I tend to agree with Wynne. However, you ever do a platformer and I’ll be happy to help.
–john
I would like to see the simple real-time strategy game. But that is just because I always wanted to make one š
Maybe you could try to bring in a new twist (I’ll try to come up with ideas, after you decided)…
The 2D space combat rpg is my second pick.
But like Wynne said, go for what you like best, I’m already looking forward to reading about your progress.
I’m casting my vote for the RTS game.
“frankly, Iām sick of Inaria right now”
I know the feeling. In addition to project exhaustment, smaller projects move faster. If you chose to turn Inaria into a 3d rpg or whatnot, you’d probably find that your time estimates get blown off just because of this reason =)
Anyhoo, I’d cast my vote on RTS as well.