Jpct or Jmonkey

General Discussions
#1

I have just finished my 1st year in college for computer science. Over the course of the summer I would like to make a prototype for either a fps/tps Now I am wondering which Engine/Library is easier for a novice like myself to get a prototype up and running.
I can put together a fps in unity3d in about a day I do not want to use unity3d. The reason I do not want to use Unity3d is because I have spent the last 2 semesters programming in java or c++ and am going to spend the next semester programming in java and assembly language(go figure) so I would like to keep using my java skills. I do not want what I have learned to deteriorate over the summer break my dad tells me if you do not use it you will lose it.
my criteria is this
1.Ease of use/user friendly
2.Quality of instructions/tutorial
3.Friendly and helpful community
4.Learning curve(I would like the one with the easier learning curve)
5.Documentation
6.Android Port(I currently own a Galaxy S)

Thank You in advance

#2

Honestly, putting together an FPS is not trivial. Putting together a 3D scene at all is not trivial. It’s not impossible, but it’s not the type of project I’d recommend to somebody with a year of experience.

You should really consider starting much smaller: can you create Pong? How about a 2D platformer? Work your way up from there.

We also can’t tell you which library would work best for you. It all comes down to personal preference. I personally prefer libGDX, but the best way for you to answer that question is to try them all out and see which one you like best. Why not create a simple game in each library?

#3

I can personally do Pong and break out in c++ and java. With that being said I still would classify myself at the intermediate level. As a programmer my biggest problem is logically thinking about a problem and than coming up with a solution. I have been designing little prototypes in unity3d for about 2 years. However unity3d is like riding a bike with training wheels I feel like its time to take off the training wheels.

#4

I am not sure if this will be much help but the GamesFromScratch youtube channel has recently started to make a tutorial series on LibGDX’s 3D capabilities. Might pay to give the intro video (the 16th video starts 3D) a watch to see if LibGDX is a good place to start for you (good documentation and android porting).

#5

I won’t give a recommendation, because I’m obviously “slightly” biased…but I honestly don’t understand why every question finally has to be answered with “use LibGDX”. That doesn’t answer the actual question nor is LibGDX a 3D engine.
That said, I suggest to try to build some simple example project in both engines and see how that turns out. If you are targetting Android, make sure to give Android support a try as well.

#6

I guess I will strive to do a quick temple run clone with both engines and see which one is easier to work with. thanks for the advice.