   Another "which 3d game engine to use" thread
  ...but this isn't for an actual game (yet).  I'm looking for a nice 3d engine to help me build a (free non-commercial) 'map editor' tool for an existing game (for mods).I've already read the "best game engine" sticky threads but I'm not sure my requirements are quite the same, here they are:-- I'm thinking of using the project as a learning experience for future projects so I'd like a *complete* engine which includes support for typical functionality from networking to UI design.-- Price isn't a major concern but obviously cheaper (or free) is better.-- I want something I can be up and running with FAST and EASY: minimal learning curve.-- I'd prefer a strong community and/or actual support from engine devs who understand what 'documentation' actually means.-- Specific requirements for the 'editor' mentioned above, I'll need to load and modify a 40,000+ poly mesh and be able to edit the vertices freely so 'reshape' the model as needed. I mention this in case some (or all) of the tools are so high-level that this isn't easily supported...-- NOT interested in anything primarily targeting FPS. I'm a birds-view RPG/war strategy sim guy so I need an engine that works well with that. I do not design "levels", I prefer complex world environments and sandbox-style gameplay, something like the Total War series has.-- C++Based on my research so far here's the options I'm looking into:NeoAxis- Documentation seems weak?Torque 3D- Looks very impressive but there seems to be some negative feelings in reviews...UNITY- Not too familiar with this one, not a fan of the website (can't find what I want!)Esenthel- Seems to get lots of praise and no bad reviews, but is this because it's untested/little used?Panda3D- Looks impressive but I get an "arcadish" feeling about it, not sure it's appropriate for my reqs. I tend to do very complex-UI projects.I realize the comments on the engines are likely way off base, but those are some of my current impressions to start with.  I'm hoping some of the experts here can point out the strengths/weaknesses of some of the above (some must be very FPS-ish...) so I get a better picture of what I should spend my time with first.Thanks,[Edited by - Tebriel on May 11, 2010 11:55:10 AM]
  Unity3DPros:FreeLots of easy functions for handling input from mouse to object.Mesh deformation is simple.Lots of support unity3d.com has forums and tutorials and you can goto answers.unity3d.com for more help.Cons:Building interface isn't point and click (although it is simple enough);  I do tend to have a lot of heavy UI development so, while it may be simple, if it takes more effort than competitors that's concerning.I think my main hesitation with Unity is that it seems very FPS and "level" oriented.  Is it suited for overhead-style stuff at all?  Is the editor/development environment only really useful for first person views?   ;Quote:Original post by TebrielIs it suited for overhead-style stuff at all?  Is the editor/development environment only really useful for first person views?There is really nothing FPS specify to that engine at all. I mean to have an overhead map you'll just position the camera how you want and watch your assets and LoD. Very same issues as all other engine tech. Also note that while Unity uses a "level" concept you can stream asset bundles in the background with Unity Pro and create massive worlds if you wanted to.   ;Quote:I think my main hesitation with Unity is that it seems very FPS and "level" oriented.Based on your requirements I'm not sure if Unity would be the best solution here, but FWIW, it's no more oriented towards FPS's than towards any other type of game (generally speaking, at least).   ;  AFAIK programming in Unity doesn't support C++, as was listed as in the OP's list of requirements. I know it supports C#, and I think a couple other languages, but not C++.   ;  Oh - no C++, I hadn't noticed that, thanks. Actually that's exactly what I mean about how the website is lacking, for some reason I still can't find a section on the topic or even just a basic "what is Unity" page. I guess the "Scripting" page covers that, but scripting and development are two different things to me.I'm sure Unity is a fine engine but if it is more 'FPS oriented', while I'm sure I could still use it, I'd rather use something less FPSy. Ideally demos and examples would be non-FPS, if only for convenience.I think I'm going to knock Unity off the list. Right now I'm looking at Essenthel but still open to suggestions for overhead-cam style applications.But are there any engines (including others) targeted specifically at non-FPS applications? That'd be worth looking into.   ;Quote:but if it is more 'FPS oriented', while I'm sure I could still use it, I'd rather use something less FPSy.As has been mentioned, Unity isn't 'FPS oriented' (checking out a cross-section of games made with Unity will demonstrate this).Quote:Ideally demos and examples would be non-FPS, if only for convenience.As of fairly recently at least, one of the primary 'tutorial projects' made available on the site was a 3rd-person platformer. I seem to recall there being several other non-FPS examples as well (demonstrating animation techniques, mesh deformation techniques, and so on). Also, if you check out the 'showcase' forum in the Unity forums, you can find all kinds of different projects, including puzzle games, arcade games, tower defense games, etc.(Of course since you're looking for an engine that allows coding in C++, this is all academic, but I thought I'd mention it anyway.)   ;  Oops, I misread what you said, "it's no more oriented towards FPS's" as saying the opposite. :)But yeah, I think I'd prefer C++ here.  I'm actually working with an up-to-date Java/Flex(ActionScript) skill set and it's been about 6 years since I've done serious C++, but I think I can get back into that easier vs learning C#.   ;  deleted   