How to make a 3d driving game like Crazy Taxi?

[frogz2007]

Hey guys. I want to make a 3d driving game where you pick up and drop off people within a certain time limit. Yet I want it to be exactly like the Simpsons Road Rage, but a few minor differences here and there. What good, free engines are out there to accomplish such a thing? And don't worry about the models. I have that taken care of

 

[ZenVirZan]

What format are the models in?
What programming language do you know, if any?
What kind of game are you wanting it to be, like an in-browser game or a downloadable game?

Try having a look around for engines, you'll find a few. The best one to begin with would probably be Unity3D, because it's a simple yet powerful engine, capable of deploying to many devices and has in-browser capability.

 

[frogz2007]

the 3d models will more than likely come out as 3ds, and I don't know any programming language lol. and a downloadable game. And unity 3d is so confusing for me

 

[ZenVirZan]

To be honest, if you are looking to make a 3D game, Unity will probably be your best bet.
I'm no expert on the matter though.
Just remember, sometimes you need to put some effort in - try looking up some tutorials for it and see how you do.

 

[Xhukari]

Whoa, steady your horses mate! Unless you want to use a 3D game-builder (which aren't free) you will have to learn how to program, which isn't for everyone. I would suggest to start with C++ or Java, both which can be started with for free through free editors, such as BlueJ for Java.

 

[frogz2007]

How hard would a 3d driving game be to program?

 

[Xhukari]

Well I've only ever worked in 2D, as have most of the people here, and I find 2D pretty difficult at times as it is...
You will have mapping to deal with, user controls, resolutions, physics, AI for cars and people, a map, user interface, 3 dimensions, optomisations...

 

[Xilef]

How hard would a 3d driving game be to program?

Easy if you've programmed a few games in the past and are very good at maths (particularly matrix maths) and understand a number of principles in physics and are willing to put in the effort and have prior experience in programming language and have the time and discipline.

Sounds like a 4 month job to me.

 

[frogz2007]

I'm not sure if I could do it, then. I am horrible at math and haven't programmed a single game. I have used game maker, but not an actual programming language. Oh well

 

[Xilef]

Dont give up, first think of the first step towards what you want to achieve (eg. Move 3d box with keyboard) then find a tutorial, break it down to learning steps, its how everyone learns these things

 

[frogz2007]

I'll try to learn how. I don't want a high end game with great graphics, but I want it just as good as the simpsons road rage. I know its not the spirit just to give up, but I'll keep trying

 

[Xilef]

I'll try to learn how. I don't want a high end game with great graphics, but I want it just as good as the simpsons road rage. I know its not the spirit just to give up, but I'll keep trying

If you want it as good as simpsons road rage, at least the excellent GBA version, I suggest you take a look at the Allegro game library (Allegro 4, Allegro 5 is a totally new API which sacrifices some of the easier rendering methods), there are some tutorials that teach you C programming with it.

Setting it up may be difficult if you have no experience with programming, however it is just where I started with learning programming for games, and now I have a job as a 3D graphics engine programming for mobile devices and am producing my own game.

 

[frogz2007]

I buckled down and learned how to rig and (somewhat) animate models