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Should I go 2D or 3D... ?

Posted by Black-Rook, 07 January 2012 · 1,043 views

Hello everyone!  Sadly I will not have the download for OpenChess in this entry, as I haven't even touched making chess graphics yet.  This is more about the RPG project!!!  I've completed a good chunk of the design document, but I'm running into some issues on going with 2D, or 3D graphics.  If I go 2D, animation may serve as an issue.  I did animate a test sprite, and it took me a few hours.  One of the issues with 2D is that you need to redraw based on many factors, such as position, direction, ect...  With 3D you need to model and rig the character once, and then just render out the right viewpoints with correct animation.

Sadly...  I'm not the greatest at creating 3D models.  I'm good with rigging 3D models, however I've been lacking some understanding of the 3D modeling process.  I intend on learning, but it's going to take more than a few months.

2D graphics I can do, and yes animate, however I'm not the best at animation.  So I'm left unsure on if I should just stick with 2D graphics, or spend the time now and learn 3D modeling for this project.  I would end up importing the models in the game, and retaining the 2D "look".  If I do not select 3D, then I know I'm going to spend a lot of time working on animations.  I would make just a naked template, animate it, and then go from there.

Does anyone have some suggestions on picking the right path?  I'm unsure of the learning curve for 3D modeling.

Below is just a demo shot of a 'random' sprite I did last night, for the 'classic RPG'.  I've also drawn another enemy concept.

Posted Image

Any advice and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Twitter: @Black_Rook_Dev

ZBethel

Jan 07 2012 03:23 PM

I would think a quality 2D game would be a better choice for single developer than a 3D game. 3D adds an exponential level of work to make something really and feel good--in my opinion. Indie developers are doing some cool stuff in the 2D realm it seems.

cgpIce

Jan 07 2012 03:45 PM

what I do when I decide these kinda of things is I make a test graphic, a model with an example texture and color and a 2d graphic with an example color and texture too. I look at what looks better and also factor in what you can improve on easier, it's usually 2d, but some games are better off 3d; In the end its up to you but i recommend you try that.

In my opinion 2D, but that's just me.

ps. it also depends on what gives your game the feel you want the gamer to experience, example I want my game to be simple, but fun to play. Usually 3d can remove this simple classic feeling so I chose 2d.

Black-Rook

Jan 08 2012 08:29 AM

Thanks for the comments; I guess 2D would be the best bet then. Considering this game is a classic RPG, the animations will only be of characters moving, and some environment animations.

JTippetts

Jan 08 2012 09:29 AM

You can stick with 2D, but use 3D to model and render the sprites. For me, personally, even though I'm no expert modeler, creating characters in 3D is an order of magnitude easier than trying to draw them by hand, and you get correct perspective, shading, and posing for "free". With the free tools available (Sculptris, Gimp, Blender) 3D modeling, even in the high-res necessary to create detailed sprites, is nowhere near the difficult process it used to be.

So call this my vote for 3D-modeled 2D.

Black-Rook

Jan 08 2012 11:04 AM

I should give it a go, and see if I can make a 3D model for my main template.

cgpIce

Jan 08 2012 12:33 PM

at any rate can't wait for the results

Black-Rook

Jan 08 2012 12:57 PM

Thanks! I drew out the references for front and side. Time to model!