No matter how you slice it, what you''re talking about is 3D graphics (or at least a part of it). At a minimum, you''re talking about a projection transformation. You might figure out another way to do it, but you''re probably not going to figure out an easier or better way than has already been done.
You don''t necessarily have to conquer the evil Matrix to do this at first. You can find a ton of tutorials and sample code that will (with a little work) provide you with functions where you can feed in your vertices and camera location and it will do the transformation for you. You may just have to follow the instructions without totally understanding what''s happening at first.
That''s a first step toward learning 3d graphics, which, of course, you''re going to do eventually anyway

"things are more like they are now than they ever have been"

I''ll just put another coat of paint.
But basically, if you haven''t coded anything yet, you are better off using a 3D graphics engine, the trick is to use flat poylgon, NOT models, and simply put your tiles as textures. This would have the side effect of allowing you some cool tricks and visuals ... just like the ones in Death Rally for instance (it looks like all bitmaps, but some elements are done in 3D, like cliff edges). I don''t think this would require a great amount of skillZ in modelling. And it would probably be a great tutorial in using a 3D engine like openGL (from what I read in their site, it looks awfully easy to use). Plus using a 3D engine allows you to use all the bells and whistles associated with 3D : alpha blending and all the little brothers and sisters ...

gotta have to try that myself

youpla :-P