Buying or getting a free game engine

[FullForce]

I'm totally new I've programmed a few 2D games but I'm looking to start a 3D game with a multiplayer capabilities. I have no programming experience with c++ but look to gain it as I go. I'm willing to pay for a good Engine and I'm wondering which one is good for leaning and which one is good for long term (I guess that's how I should ask it.) I'm really interested in this and I've been trying to poke around but I figured I guess I should come to the best objective site I know and ask. So which ones would be best?

[Lassaris]

Your first step is to learn C++. Don't go any further until you have at least a year's worth of knowledge. It's complete idiocy to be looking for a 3D game engine with NO knowledge of C++ and what seems only limited knowledge of 2D games.
That's a start. Come back when you have more C++ knowledge.

[Ed Mack]

I disagree. What language did you make the 2d games in? You can build 3d apps in most languages, and later pick up a new language if you feel it would be helpful.

The jump from 2d games to 3d games doesn't have to be that big. Of course you can go into a lot more depth later, but at the start it's just sending triangles instead of tiles :P

[FullForce]

Well I programmed in a lower level c++ like language, I don't want to make anything fancy to start with I just ant to know how to maybe draw a box stand it hold a gun and when I click make a noise, then progress to more realistic worlds, bullet holes... but I'm just looking out to start out doing simple stuff and lean how to use a 3D engine. I tried (and I am.) using crystal Space but there manual is something like this

To compile in wingw hit c:/sdf but if you have a C+ environment type the C:/sdfdsf and of course if you have a --c enjoinment you should type javaexe.sw and execute that but there’s always the exception so always type C: before. even --c
(that’s an example that’s not a quote)

But I have no idea what that means I just need something that says something like

Well were going to compile into a program so type C:/cs to go to directory then type ./compile then jam and it will compile into the C:/cs directory

I just need straight forward what’s happening and what to do, I don't need 20 ways to do it.

[monjardin]

Well, in order to support different platforms they must have many ways to build the thing. What OS and compiler are you using?

[moe]

I'm just looking out to start out doing simple stuff and lean how to use a 3D engine.

Sounds like a free engine would do the job. Why spend money if it's "just" for learning purpose...

In your case I would only spend money if I would know there is a clean api and a good docu. So the question is witch engine has these requirements?

Maybe there is even a free one with these requirements.

[FullForce]

Right now I'm using windows and mingw and I'm trying to add in CEL for crystal space and get crystal space to compile.

For the learning stage I just want a free engine, but I want one with a clear manual, and maybe a tutorial on creating a demo game from start to finish.

[Almos]

I did my first 3d application ever in Irrlicht. It only had some generic first-person camera, provisional collision detection, and primitive scenery to move about, but what mattered for me at the time was that it worked. Irrlicht's very easy to get into, definitely easier than Crystal Space, and it comes with pre-compiled binaries, so you don't have to bother with building the engine. Maybe you should give it a try.

[FullForce]

Ok thanks but I'm still intrested in getting Crystal Space compiled and working. (with CEL)

[FullForce]

Is there a easier engine to start with that is a real engine like crystal space?

[Reedbeta]

Irrlicht is most definitely a "real engine."

[Ed Mack]

Compiling crystal space without knowing C or C++ it'll be a pain.

As the instructions say, put it in a directory, goto that directory in the command prompt and run the `compile' script by typing ./compile

[FullForce]

Thats it just C:/cs
then ./compile?

[Rofar]

I have to agree that Irrlicht would be a good option for you.

[jkleinecke]

Ogre3d (http://www.ogre3d.org) would also be a good option. It's only a rendering engine just like crystal space, and its much cleaner.

[FullForce]

I was told though that crystal space was a fully functional full game engine (sound... and more, and although I love the idea of using Orge the nightmare of trying to get all these pieces to work together means asking and posting every question I have because that’s not in the manual, and that’s not appealing to me. If someone would just walk me through like in chat how to make a small game then I would write a manual for anyone else who wants to read it who's not a expert already on 3D game developers. I really need someone to come along side me and help because every problem I have with example for compiling takes a day to resolve because people have to post. (that is a request if anyone is willing) I'll keep trying and I'll ask any more questions. (besides the one in the sentence before).

[monjardin]

The compilation issues will become minor as you gain more C/C++ experience.

[FullForce]

once I lean how to compile it into a exe, and integrate CEL I should be able to read some manuals on features and throw something small together with only a few questions, I just have to get there.