Hi
I am new to this forum but I have question I would like to ask you guys.
I am planning to build a plateform 2D game in java. What would a good 2D game engine consist of?
Thanks 
One way to answer your question would be simple to write down a list of features you might or might not require… However, I will go with another approach. I believe that it would be better for you first to outline the concept of the game you actually want to write. What elements should it contain: graphical elements, sounds, music, physics, mouse/keyboard support, easy adjustable by means of scripting, multiplayer support etc. This can be used as a based for specifying the requirements for your game engine. Additional, I believe that it is very important to get something working right from the start. Starting out with a fast prototype can help you to further identifying those features/elements you would like to include into your game engine.
The main issue starting with the game engine is that you might never finish the game because you will keep on adding new features and restructuring your code/design as you learn more about the art of game writing. Of course this might not be bad, unless you actually intend to finish a game…
I loved your explanation Benjamin.
Like you said I kept adding features but I might never finish the game at that trend.
Again thank you.
Akem
[quote]The main issue starting with the game engine is that you might never finish the game because you will keep on adding new features and restructuring your code/design as you learn more about the art of game writing. Of course this might not be bad, unless you actually intend to finish a game…
[/quote]
If you really want to finish a game, it might help to use an existing game engine. I use GTGE (http://goldenstudios.or.id), which is particularly good for platform games. I’m sure there are other good 2D game engines as well. So if you are more interested in the actual game creation more than working on the engine, this might be the way to go.
Does GTGE recommended for 2D MMOPG?
There is not currently any networking for it, but other than that it should work.