Ok let me put this up front. I really wasn't sure which section this should go in. It feels like it could go in multiple. So don't kill me if it's in the wrong one please.
I have decided that I need to stop putting it off and learn some 3d graphical programming. Because really, I need it for my future game making plans. I perfer 2D, but a few of my ideas need simple 3d to be implemented as I see them.
So I have set my self up some specific goals
-Learn to write code that makes a 3D enviroment.
-Use that knowlege to build a very simple 3D engine that involves a flat plane in a 3D space.
-Add a 2D sprite that can walk around that 3D plane.
-Make the plane (and thus the sprite) rotate.
-Build on that as I go to add more features
-Somehow combine this with a 2D sprite RPG engine to be used as the battle engine (Think the end result will be simmilar to 'Tales of' games.)
I've been looking around to find a starting point (A game engine, API, something) but it's been hard finding one that will let me work on these goals with as little "Reinventing the weel." as possible. The big factor seems to be that most of the stuff a poor guy like my self could use is very 2D or 3D centric. Like I would love to use RPG Maker VX Ace, but I don't think writing, a 3D battle engine for it (as simple as it this one would be) would be too hard/slow to attempt with as little knowledge I do have.
Is there any suggestions or advice?
I think basically I need a 2D RPG engine that CAN do 3D. I just can't find one.