Getting Started Engine

[big jay]

Hi,

I'm new on the forum so i thought i post a question here since i have a game in mind but not sure where to start. I've done basic C programming and scripting in flash. I am a modeler and animator and can do the texturing needed to make the content i need. I mainly use Lightwave and Zbrush.

The game is pretty simple (decided to start simple to get my feet wet) with two ideas. one being a main character in a 3rd person view fighting off hordes of enemies. think Robotron but 3d and the figure pretty much stationary. 2nd idea is just adding an additional sidekick to add commentary. So something like this isn't going to need a lot of AI scripting since it is just zombie like rushing hordes

What engine would be good to work in for a new person who rather focus on game play and art direction of the game than on all the heavy coding.

I was thinking of Unity or Beyond Virtual but beyond virtual always seemed a bit laggy and now has changed its name so i am cautious of it. Unity is a mac only app but I have a macbook pro.

sorry to be so wordy.

jay

[fireside]

There are lots of getting started threads for engines already, so it would be best if you did a search or just looked through some of them. Search the engine database and find features you are interested in. They have recommendations and ratings. Then go to the site and make sure there are adequate tutorials and docs and an up to date forum with intelligent answers.