Isometric 3D map

Newbie & Debugging Questions
#1

Hi everyone,

I’m thinking of making a game with a “3D” map. By 3d, I mean that the map will have 3 axis, however it will be a fixed isometric view, without smooth rotation, probably just 4 different 90degree views. So based on that what should I be looking at doing, 3D or 2D? (is this what they call 2.5D?). It will also be block based, kind of like the way that game minecraft does it, just solid cubes rather than different sized shaped pieces.

Any feedback is appreciated!

Thanks

#2

Look at the OpenGL render with this isometric projection matrix:
http://www.java-gaming.org/index.php/topic,10237.msg82081.html#msg82081

Use the following code to set it up:
http://www.java-gaming.org/index.php/topic,10237.msg82119.html#msg82119

Fix the matrix by using these corrected values:
http://www.java-gaming.org/index.php/topic,10237.msg83479.html#msg83479

#3

If you don’t have a lot of experience I’d suggest you go with 2D and “fake” the 3D look by pushing the height together (to get the isometric look). You then don’t have to worry about 3D models and all the other annoying things that come with 3D :wink: If you are already experienced with 3D/Java then for looks and speed it’s nicer to go with OpenGL.

Keep in mind that with your “turning” requirement you’ll end up making 4 pictures of everything if you go with 2D and just one (although possibly a lot more complex one) if you go with 3D.

Mike

#4

Thanks for the info guys!

The isometric projection matrix looks interesting but as I a have a small knowledge of 3d graphics I might leave it for a different game. So I might just stick with 2d for this one, the 4 angle rotations was not so much a requirement but I was just wondering if that would push it past the capabilities of 2d, but I guess now that I think about it it wouldnt. Because as you say I use 4 different sprite images for different angles.

Thanks