So Im relatively new to game Design, OpenGL being my first choice since it seems much easier. However I am not new to C++, I just graduated with my B.S. in Computer Science so Im quite familiar with Programming in general, HOWEVER we did not spend much time on 3D design.....like at all. My only class used Java (JOGL) and wow I basically forgot everything that I learned from it. We only did small stuff anyways.

Anyways Im setting my sights on something reasonable, namely a "Terrain" Engine. Now that im out of school and have a job I can concentrate on stuff im interested in rather than whats required.
Namely I want to use OpenGL and GLSL.

Mainly I want to learn how to implement a small game engine to test stuff like Water/Reflections, Particle Effects, Texture Blending/LOD/etc
Something along the lines of this:
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=hCPEU6yadUU
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=m4JDNzwFZFI
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=VsI3JggyhpA (This is probably the more realistic for me)

Even a SUPER simple version of this would be awesome end year goal.
http://www.youtube.c...feature=related
or this?
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=j6nDgWndWFY (prolly most realistic)

Specifically the water I think is really awesome.
What exactly do I need to learn for something like this.
I was looking at this book
http://www.amazon.co...94920653&sr=8-1 (OPENGL Superbible (5th))

Am I having to high aspirations? Or do you think this is possible for someone like me to learn decently?

edit: Also for Models? What is the default model loader for OpenGL? Is it 3ds max?

Do people think this is a "reasonable" task for beginners?

Thanks, the book had ALOT of positive reviews so I think it was worth a buy. I guess I could download it to try it out but I cannot stand reading books on the computer.
Mind if I ask what semester u are in?

Yea don't hesitate to get the SuperBible it is considered the premier book on learning OpenGL. Very well written and builds on prior concepts well. I have the 5th edition and the 4th edition but I never did get into doing anything with it yet. I just don't have enough time between working 48hrs / week plus attending school to get my degree in Information Systems Security.