Game dev

Dev Zone Code
1

I'm starting a project and I need some help with some things.

First: About the game...

It's a side scroller kinda like Super Smash Bros. It will have a flash game kind of feel -- Easy to die and rather challenging but still strangly addictive. Any Fire Emblem fans -- Think Myrmidon for the main character. 

Instead of health I plan to use "Luck" and a lot of dodging. Also hope to chain combos and crits

Dr. Eggman kind of recurring boss that will use a lot of different weapons (Main antagonist)

Second: What I need

I am open to engine suggestions. I have no idea how I would build animations. I am looking at Unity 3D although my knowledge of game engines and structures is rather weak so any learning resources about game design and some of the heirarchy and nomencalture would be REALLY helpful.

I program in java and my attempts at C++/C# on my own have not been that great. If C++/C# is a superior way and you have links to resources / books that would be really helpful.

Graphics... I can't draw. At all. 3D objects other than squares would be horribly painful. If you are good with graphics I could use your help. Be willing to work for free or because you like it because I have no garuntees that this game will even make it to alpha. I can probably find some free models and work with them.

Along with graphics is effects. If I want motion blur on swords and magic I need to know if that gets built into the models or if that is a part of the engine.

 

As I progress I'll probably start a blog or something. Thanks in advance!

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Can you at least make a graphical mock up of what game play may look like?

I'm so confused. ^_^

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So, most everything in game development can be found out by watching some of Unity3d's tutorials. If you're willing to not use an engine and go the long route, I write in Java and use LWJGL which is essentially just a graphics wrapper (enabling you to use OpenGL). If you don't have more than, like, 3-5 years of programming experience, I wouldn't recommend going with it. 

 

When it comes to graphics, usually you use a 3D Modeler/3D Artist to create your models. If its 2d, thats easy to create when simple and you can just use an artist for that if needed. 

Motion blur specifically is enabled by something called a shader. Keeping it simple, shaders effect the way that things are drawn or viewed by the user .You do not build any effects into the models themselves. They're essentially just meshes with textures and shaders applied. 

 

If you're wanting to go the fast route with game development, goto Unity. Its a reliable source and is easily learned from.