How hard would it be to redo the graphical interface?

[Uatu]

Hmm - I think that a simple 3D window might be nice in some ways (simple walls would be VERY easy to make, just one wall, and presto!). On the other hand, any wall that is not just a, well, flat wall would be a huge headache to do for people who don't know how to model in 3D (like me!).

For example, Dinonykos has some very interesting walls that are not flat (large trees, round castle tower-like walls, etc.). Ziroc also made some walls that would be difficult to do easily in 3D (staircases, wall with water, etc.).

As for combat, 3D PCs AND monsters would be really difficult in my opinion... Plus, a lot of art would not be of much use anymore (like my many icons)... :p

[manikus]

Hey Ziroc, did you ever do a mock-up for this? I'd love to see it.

For the walls, a lot can be done with trans maps, bump maps and displacement maps. Pretty much the only thing you couldn't do is make something bigger than the wall. (This is, of course, provided that you have at least those three options available to you.

[SilentThief]

it would look cool tho, for a combat 3d view similar to tomb raider, where you see the backside of your character and what is in front of them, and perhaps a small top-down map so you could click on an enemy and the character would run up and attack (or fire an arrow/spell/ect).

SilentThief

[manikus]

I prefer 3rd person isometric view (2D). When I see the cool fight scenes I want to see everything that's going on.

(Plus, I already have a level editor for the Tomb Raider games.)

[Uatu]

I guess I like an overhead view, too (thus games like Baldur's Gate, Temple of Elemental Evil, etc.). Maybe moving the camera around and such is too clumsy for me...

[manikus]

I am with you clumsy camera controlling.

I guess I just don't like that perspective, cause I feel like the character is ignoring me. I prefer a first person view where I am seeing through the eyes of the character for 3D. And if there are multiple characters to control, i.e. combat, then it makes sense to have a top down view.

[Uatu]

Hmm - I dunno, I do like to see the characters somehow (1st-person leaves you with just hands and feet and such that you can see); seeing them wear their armor/weapons is part of it... I do think that 1st-person has its place, but...

But yeah, top-down is good for party-type RPGs.

[manikus]

I like the 3D RPGs where you see the character in inventory mode. All of the ones I'm thinking of allow you to choose which view, between 1st and 3rd person.

[Uatu]

Well, that works, too - best of both worlds

[manikus]

I've been reading about the state of non-MMO RPGs, FPSs, and RTSs. The article has noticed a trend of offering a lot of goodies to customize the experience, stuff that a few years ago would have meant a totally different game. It's pretty amazing, really, when you think about the move from Gold Box games to the current slew of games.