   Torque Game Builder
  I happened to see an add for Torque Game Builder on this very site, and I took a look at it.  I have to ask, is it actually worth it?  Can anyone with experience using it say what they thing about it?  Thanks.~Polantaris   
  I bought a copy quite a few months ago, but only used it for a short time as I found it a little tricky to use.  If i had stuck with it then I have no doubt that I would learnt to use it more it effeciently.T2D does come with a step-by-step guide on how to create a simple side scrolling shooter and I actually found really well written and easy to follow.  I finished it in an afternoon, and it only took maybe 200 lines of code.  The guide I was given was for an older version of T2D, so there were a couple of function names in the code that no longer existed.  Searching for errata online pin-pointed the fix though. After you've finished that demo though, there seems to be few examples to expand on the game.  Documentation exists in the form of a large reference sheet telling you what all the T2D functions do, but how you call them in the correct sequence isn't explained.  I haven't been to the Troque site for quite a while so they have updated their examples and doc's now.They say you don't need a compiler to make games, but i haven't seen example of this.  So you'll need visual C++ or something similar.The tile engine was quite nice, but is only built for square tiles, not hex tiles like I wanted to use.Overall, I thought it definately had potential.  If they wrote a book like they did with their 3d engine then I think it could be a real winner, but at the moment it's just easier for me to carry on C++ because if i ever get stuck on something i know there aer hundreds of sources online and in books that i check to find and answer.Hope this helped.   ;  I see...sounds..interesting.  So you need to know VC++ to work on it?  Also, if you have used the 3D version, can you explain how that one works?   ;  From the Torque Website:**********************************C++ CompilerAll platforms require an installed C++ compiler in order for advanced users to use the C++ source code to change the fundamentals behind the engine. You do not NEED a compiler to make games. Torque Game Builder ships fully compiled and installable, and your games can be made entirely in TorqueScript.Windows 98/SE/2000/XPPentium III 500, 128 MB RAMOpenGL or DirectX Compatible 3D Graphics Accelerator, DirectX compatible SoundcardSupported Compilers: Microsoft VC++ 6.0 and above. Free compilers work, but are unsupported by GG. Dev-C++ does not work. Microsoft Visual C++ is the recommended compiler.***********************************Actually, now that I think about it, you don't need a compiler at all really.  Torque Script can be added to a simple text file and those text files get executed by the T2D engine. The C++ comes in when you want to create your own components, such as if i wanted to add a hex-grid routine to replace the simple square grid standard.  Sorry for the confusion.I haven't tried the 3D engine, but that ones does require a compiler so you can build the engine.In summary:T2D does 'not' require a 3rd party compiler to work and uses torque script to build games.T3D 'does' require a 3rd party compiler to work, but still uses torque script to create the game.What type of game are thinking of creating?   ;  I want to make an overhead RTS style game kind of like Dungeon Keeper, but with more stuff.  Yeah, it's probably outta my range, but I liked the game but when the company Bullfrog, the creators, died, there were no more updates for it, the game had a lot of cool ideas and stuff, and I'd like to make a game like it.  Unfortunatly, I don't have the 300-400 USD that it costs >_<  Ah well, beats that idea out.I was taking some time to look at it just recently, and saw the price for it...ewww.Edit:  Wait, thats the Corp License.  Whats the difference between Indie and Corp Licenses?[Edited by - Polantaris on June 15, 2006 8:31:31 PM];  The indie license is if your game earns you less that $100,000 a year or something like that.  Apart from Tribes, which was created using Torque, I don't know of any other game that qould rake in that amount.In which case you can buy the indie version and save yourself some cash.  I guess you'll want the Torque Game Engine rather than the Game Builder.  The engine is for 3D stuff and Builder is strickly 2D.Try posting on the Torque forums as they'll be able to give you more info that here.   ;  My friend has a copy of the Engine, and showed it to me, and I dont see how id be able to make the game I want to on the Engine.  I dont care too much if my game is overhead 2D, as long as I can still do what I want on Builder without having to use the Engine itself.Either way, if your game racks in move than 100 bucks a year or whatever, how will they make you get the other license?   ;Quote:Original post by PolantarisI want to make an overhead RTS style game kind of like Dungeon Keeper, but with more stuff.  Yeah, it's probably outta my range, but I liked the game but when the company Bullfrog, the creators, died, there were no more updates for it, the game had a lot of cool ideas and stuff, and I'd like to make a game like it.  Unfortunatly, I don't have the 300-400 USD that it costs >_<  Ah well, beats that idea out.I was taking some time to look at it just recently, and saw the price for it...ewww.Edit:  Wait, thats the Corp License.  Whats the difference between Indie and Corp Licenses?First, Torque Game Engine have a RTS starter kit with everything you need to start your RTS. linkSecond, you qualify as an Indie as long as your yearly revenue is below 250K $ per year.   ;  The only problem I have there is the fact that even if I were able to get my friend to let me use his copy of the Game Engine, I would have to buy the actual thing anyway before being able to buy the RTS starter kit, and if I buy the Game Engine, I wont be able to afford the starter kit >_>  What a dillema.   ;Quote:Original post by PolantarisThe only problem I have there is the fact that even if I were able to get my friend to let me use his copy of the Game Engine, I would have to buy the actual thing anyway before being able to buy the RTS starter kit, and if I buy the Game Engine, I wont be able to afford the starter kit >_>  What a dillema.Well, first, a license is for one developper, so I discourage you to use your friends copy of the game engine ;)Then, 150$ is extremely cheap for a complete multiplayer RTS engine with source. Any hobby cost a bit of money, that price is not much more than a good pair of running shoes. Sadly, maybe you will need to lower your ambitions a bit until you can afford to buy development tools.   