Now that we know what we are making, what tool would best be suited for a Platform RPG?

It would require a lot of collision detection, and stat-tracking... but otherwise we are pretty well free to use whatever. Depending on the mechanic we decide on we might want to change which program to use... outside of that what is the most versatile, the most trusted or just the easiest to work with?

What do you guys think? I'm so used to craaaazy 3D programs and proprietary stuff at work, I'm not sure what's out there that's new and groovy for 2D... outside of Flash, of course.

TELL ME YOUR TECH MAGIKS. KTHX.

So the game's definitely going to have 2D graphics then?

I'll recommend game maker, it's probably about the best thing without getting too bogged down in tech and its less exclusive.

I wouldn't say 2D 'graphics' just a 2D engine... right? Or would you guys seriously want to try and tackle something in a 3D app?

Game Maker I will look into. Heard of, but never used. Thanks!

I think we should go with whatever's easiest and involves less work. Animating sprites is a pain in the ass, so if there's a way to avoid it then it might be worth considering.

Game Maker does both. It's simple and we've got a fair few people who use it.

Why not?

Do we have any well known Game Maker resources? Easy downloads, etc?

Back when I was messing with Game Maker, there were quite a few good tutorials and help files. So there are probably a whole bunch more now, if that's what you are thinking, Brian.

I definately recommend it to writing it from scratch, or even through a middleware, especially if you don't need to do it. Especially when you get down to collision detection and event triggers and scripting long sequences and stuff, that stuff needs a really strong well written base. With game maker you've got the kind of feel rpgmaker had, but you've also got the flexibility to do many things. I've seen pretty much every game type made with it to a high standard in a short period of time.

The GameMaker Community Forums are great. Heaps of resources, third-paty extensions/dlls/libraries to allow you to do just about anything.

Only disadvantage with it, is without buying a licence, some commands can't be used. Luckily, I'm registered, but anyone else using it would need to register/crack it.

*cough* http://kotaku.com/384322/the-inevitable-su...io-bros-ut3-mod *cough*

I've worked with UT2k4, but UT3 is a lot easier to script with they say. A lot sexier too. Also, haing a -2D- mod is nice.

http://utforums.epicgames.com/showthread.php?t=610415

Anyone up for that madness? Curious really... because we could re-use a lot of existing Unreal assets and focus on the gameplay. Juuuuuuuuuuust askin.

Man. That would be awesome. I mean, I wouldn't be able to help much in terms of coding and all that (since I'm useless outside of my bounds) but I'd still be happy to work on design, and to play the fuck out of it of course.

I mean, with that sort of Mod, we could totally make Super 2knet Brothers.

The trouble with modding a game is that the only people who can play it are people who own the game, and I doubt many people here own UT3.

This is a good call.

I like the idea of GameMaker. I'm ok with paying for a license for it -if- it doesn't suck. I'll be busy all this week, so I'll be able to get to fully research it on Saturday or so.

Does everyone like the idea of Game Maker then?