Hi
Another important question. I have concepts for several isometric games. A RPG like game similar to Diablo etc, and a few tactical ones like XCOM, Jagged Alliance, Warhammer Chaos Gate, etc.
The point is with isometric graphics, for each unit I need an image with each possible direction. Take Diablo for example, our might hero can move 8 directions, I would need 8 different standing, moving and attacking animations, one for each direction.
The best would be if I could render models on thefly. I could make a single model in a 3d programm and render it with the required direction. Is there a way to render 3d models for Java 2d? Render them to a BufferedImage or so.
I do not want to go deep into some OpenGL stuff and make it completely 3d. I want this retro isometric appeareance. But being able to create sprites with directions on the fly would greatly reduce the work I have with artwork.
If this fails, I wonder if there is a way to automatically generate images out of a 3d program. I would ask some 3d artist to make a model and generate all required animaiton images.
-JAW