Sprites in a 3D Environment?
by Matthew Nikitakis · in Game Design and Creative Issues · 01/17/2007 (4:19 am) · 7 replies
Heya, everyone,
I have a question or two about Torque's capabilities and whether its 'ease-of-use' remains mostly intact when (attempting to) implement certain features.
My goal is to develop a small ORPG using a graphic design similar to Breath of Fire (PSX) and Ragnarok Online - aka: Characters, NPCs and Enemies as Sprites in an isometrically-viewed 3D environment. Mid/Long-term goal, obviously, however what I would like to ascertain is whether Torque is capable of creating a game like this while still retaining most of its User Friendliness. I'm still a beginner in Indie Game Development, and haven't got extensive funds to use on tools. So whatever program I get, I'll be stuck with until I can at least earn back what I spent in the first place. Therefore, I really need to be sure that whatever I buy is capable of what I plan to use it for.
I haven't actually tried the TGE yet, only a trial of TGB. But I intend to try the trial of TGE tomorrow anyway.
If someone could answer this for me, I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks in advance!
~MN
I have a question or two about Torque's capabilities and whether its 'ease-of-use' remains mostly intact when (attempting to) implement certain features.
My goal is to develop a small ORPG using a graphic design similar to Breath of Fire (PSX) and Ragnarok Online - aka: Characters, NPCs and Enemies as Sprites in an isometrically-viewed 3D environment. Mid/Long-term goal, obviously, however what I would like to ascertain is whether Torque is capable of creating a game like this while still retaining most of its User Friendliness. I'm still a beginner in Indie Game Development, and haven't got extensive funds to use on tools. So whatever program I get, I'll be stuck with until I can at least earn back what I spent in the first place. Therefore, I really need to be sure that whatever I buy is capable of what I plan to use it for.
I haven't actually tried the TGE yet, only a trial of TGB. But I intend to try the trial of TGE tomorrow anyway.
If someone could answer this for me, I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks in advance!
~MN
#2
What I'm really asking is 'Does anyone know how to replace Models with Sprite Objects in Torque, and is it a feasible idea for a lone developer?'
Or, more importantly, is it more worth my time and money to use TGB instead and just stick to sprites in general? And, specifically, can TGB Adventure Kit handle online/network play?
Many thanks in advance,
~MN
01/18/2007 (10:45 pm)
*sigh* What I'm really asking is 'Does anyone know how to replace Models with Sprite Objects in Torque, and is it a feasible idea for a lone developer?'
Or, more importantly, is it more worth my time and money to use TGB instead and just stick to sprites in general? And, specifically, can TGB Adventure Kit handle online/network play?
Many thanks in advance,
~MN
#3
A lot of people find working TGB a great way to ease into Game Dev and the Torque universe in general.
Good Luck!
01/19/2007 (4:38 am)
Matthew, I could be totally wrong here but I'd say TGB is your best bet especially if you are going for a 2D look. TGE I think would be very difficult to modify to your needs especially if you're just starting out.A lot of people find working TGB a great way to ease into Game Dev and the Torque universe in general.
Good Luck!
#4
Does anyone else have a suggestion for me before I buy the tools I'll need? Thanks!
~MN
01/19/2007 (8:15 pm)
James, thanks very much for your suggestion. I'll definitely consider what you've said. And do you know if TGB also uses the TorqueNet framework or is capable of something similar? Thanks again!Does anyone else have a suggestion for me before I buy the tools I'll need? Thanks!
~MN
#5
In the end it is a choice between getting some good concept artists to draw all the 2D chars and levels, or taking it the 3D route. Maybe making a small tester in TGB and TGE and then choosing which style you think is more feasible. Let me know how you get on with this project because it sounds fun. If you are looking for a writer, then just let me know. I love writing and would like to write for MMORPG's if poss or just good old RPG's.
02/16/2007 (3:53 am)
Sounds like an interesting project. I love and play most MMO games and Ragnarok was one of my favourite. I cannot see why you could not use 2D textures using the TGE. TGB is just 2D as far as I am away. If you can make it work then you can have an interesting game based in a 3D world but with 2D sprites. This does add a little more flavour to the MMO genre.In the end it is a choice between getting some good concept artists to draw all the 2D chars and levels, or taking it the 3D route. Maybe making a small tester in TGB and TGE and then choosing which style you think is more feasible. Let me know how you get on with this project because it sounds fun. If you are looking for a writer, then just let me know. I love writing and would like to write for MMORPG's if poss or just good old RPG's.
#6
Does anyone know for certain if it's possible to make a flat model and instead of animating the vertices, for each frame of animation change the model's skin? And rotate the model with the camera so that we don't see 'behind' the model? Could anyone who already owns TGE test this theory for me if you have time, please? Many sincere thanks in advance, the outcome will greatly assist in deciding which direction to take.
Many thanks again,
~MN
EDIT: Urgh, typos ><
02/16/2007 (9:09 pm)
Thanks for the offer, but I mostly have the story under control for now. My biggest concern is the tools I'll be using to take this from 'planning and dreams' to a reality. I really can't afford to buy both TGB and TGE, so I pretty well need to be sure of what I'm doing before getting either one. Does anyone know for certain if it's possible to make a flat model and instead of animating the vertices, for each frame of animation change the model's skin? And rotate the model with the camera so that we don't see 'behind' the model? Could anyone who already owns TGE test this theory for me if you have time, please? Many sincere thanks in advance, the outcome will greatly assist in deciding which direction to take.
Many thanks again,
~MN
EDIT: Urgh, typos ><
#7
04/06/2007 (6:57 pm)
Make you "Sprite" like object in Max or a similar program that lets you use the alpha channels of PNG with you tree or what every on it. In the modeling program just make a flat plane to hold your flat picture and then make sure it is double sided or the models displays both sides. Should work pretty well, and make some LOD's to so it will disappear when far away. 
Torque 3D Owner mb