I know the questions are asked so often they are in FAQs all over the net - What language to use, what Engine(s) to use (if any) etc..
But I have a more Narrow need and specific existing skills.

What I know---
I am not new to programming, I began with the requisite BASICs in school, and later decided to learn to really program so I taught myself Assembler for the x86 using Turbo Assembler.

So the trouble isn't that I don't understand programming, but that my language of choice isn't a viable option. Assembler lets me push the processor around in ways you just can't do in those high-level languages, but it also keeps me from developing anything that is flexible in regards to hardware, OS, etc. I'm very much trapped on the x86 processor running MS Windows.


What I have---
A fully functional game - already, but limited to Single-Player, DOS-PC, and shoddy 2D graphics because I have no idea how to do 3D in assembler.
It runs and plays just fine, if not pretty. I developed my own AI for the mobs and NPCs - and even created a genetics system so that rather than just "spawning" creatures the game has them "reproduce" offspring which carry traits from their parents - and some tweaking to make it faster/slower based on existing populations, etc.
So I've done the Dev work...

What I need---
A way to bring it into the 21st century.
I have looked at more than a dozen programming languages - C++ looking strong, but they all have points that make me wonder if they're "The One"
C++ for example.. I don't think learning it would be difficult at all, but I would have to learn to "Render" 3D , to sweep visual ranges, collision detection and physics... all before I could even begin working on the Game aspects.
How does one explain in C++ that if the mouse clicks - in a 3D viewport, if they have clicked this object or that? Or if a stone they throw will hit a target or fall short/hit a wall?

So I wonder about Engines - Torque is the only one reasonably priced - or Free ones for which I can't find Good Examples of their use - They handle the "junk" that I don't really want to bother with, but will I take months to learn one - and the associated programming language, just to find that they discontinue development so I can't Advance the game as technology improves unless I start over from the beginning?


I'm not trying to make a Wow clone or anything similar. Truthfully, what I am aiming for is more like the Realm (realmserver.com if you don't know what it is) but rather than Rooms, a Worldmap and separate maps for buildings, caves, etc.. and using 3D models instead of the 2D cartoon artwork.

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How does one explain in C++ that if the mouse clicks - in a 3D viewport, if they have clicked this object or that? Or if a stone they throw will hit a target or fall short/hit a wall?[/quote]
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[color="#1C2837"]The way to do things varies greatly even staying in C++. Sounds to me like you just need to sit down and patiently learn C++ and OpenGL or some other API, step by step.
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Assembler lets me push the processor around in ways you just can't do in those high-level languages[/quote]
[color=#1C2837][size=2]Haha ok.

Based on the specific things you mention as your problems.. I think I understand the issue.

You know how to program, and are willing to learn new programming languages, but the MATH of some things is beyond your goal or your willingness?

I know I can sit down with any of a dozen languages, and without a reference of any kind, build an IM/chat or similar program in a few hours (at most). But I have never had the drive to spend literally Years learning the math needed to handle collision detection or rendering. That is why we have the APIs and libraries to handle those things for us.
Allegro, OpenGL, DirectX.. there are any number of things to consider to shorten your workload and eliminate the complex math.

I'm sitting with a new-similar difficulty myself. I have the tools to handle the math intensive things, but trying to process for 3D model animations in my client is proving just as bad... if not worse, and I can't find any corresponding Help like I did with the physics and graphics.