Irrlicht C++ or a Game Maker...I'm confused

[MDX]

'Sup.

I just found this website directed to me a couple days ago. I was planning out a game that I was gonna make in GameMaker using half 2D half 3D graphics but I can't take my eyes off this site. Now, I've got the storyboard, level designs and a few concept sketches of the game but I decided to hold off programing it until it was complete.

Now, I was seriously considering using GM for the project. I know I have to learn its language, GML for the project. Now I'm having second thoughts about using a maker. I never intended on making "quick 'n easy" games like it saids (It's a 2D game maker by the way. It just has a DLL for using 3D). I just want the best for my project and I'm not gonna settle for anything. Thats why I'm checking out C++. I'm a little worried about doing the project in C++ for the first time in my life and then my project would end up looking second rate because I'm new to the script, whereas in GM it does most of everything for me.

The good thing about using C++ and an engine however, is, it doesn't limit me to the maker. The quality of the game only depends on the quality of the programmer. It seems the two choices have equal pros and cons.

Now, I know where I'm at when it comes to 3D design. I havent done a single 3D Model in my entire life. However, I have suffecient years in 2D spriting. Thats why I'm planning on doing a game like Paper Mario:




I'm gonna start out with some simple models with a half 2D half 3D look with mostly sprites. When I'm done with that maybe I could do some more complicated stuff like in this screen.



I know its not gonna be easy but I'm ready to learn. So, can someone help me out here? Irrlicht engine and C++ or a Game Maker?

[Tyn]

It's a difficult one, that. Actually creating the graphics in Irrlicht using just C++ is going to be just as easy as GM I think since you won't be limited to anything, the tutorials are enough to get what you want there. However, the main advantage of the GM is that a lot of the game code will be done for you, it will be far easier for you to work with and understand, I don't know about AI in GM but it seems very easy.

Using C++ and Irrlicht you will be doing everything yourself, there is no easy plugin to do AI or pathfinding. In fact, you get practically nothing in terms of a full game. You get the fasade of rendering graphics you create but it has no depth, you must design the way you want to go about things. The good thing about it is that the way GM does things won't always be the best way to do something ( not that they chose to do it a worse way, but
who is to say what is better? It is all about perspective ). You will have more control with C++ but it is easily 100 times more work.

If you are willing to get your hands a bit dirtier than in GM and are really serious about learning C++ ( this will not only take a lot of effort and time but resolve as you will no doubt come to a stage where you want to quite ). If you think you can handle that then get a C++ book out from your library,

I found C++ for dummies a good place to start. Then look through loads of tutorials on the net. Then get used to Irrlicht, then start your game.

[MDX]

Hey, thanks . I'll see what I can find.

[IllegalEnzyme]

GM will provide all the stuff you need - i've been using it for 2 years (and you can use irrlicht gfx thanx to Xceptions dll) but, even thought i've been using GM i have been drawn by C++ and irrlicht in particular so i started learning them,

just be careful you will have to do a hell of a lot more if you choose C++