Again thanks for your meaty response and useful info. Would you say C4 is too hard for a novice to start with not knowing C++ at all? Does C4 have similar features and tools like A6 or do you need to add some 3rd parties to get a complete package?

Thanks,

Noob65

Paul, I went over and checked out the "Beyond Virtual" engine it's almost like A6 with features but more up to date and cutting edge. I liked the fact it's script based and not C++ and also accept most formats of 3D imports without any need to use a import tool to convert. You said you just started to fiddle around with it, is it easy to work with?

For what I've gathered from the C4 and Beyond Virtual sites it seems like the features and performance are about equal. Only difference I can see right now is the C++ vs. C-script. And the prices are very competitive.

Would appreciate some feedback from you,

Noob65

Hiya

C4: For a total neophyte at C++, it might be a bit much at the start. That said, however, from what I gather the code is "well organised, logical and easy to understand". So, if you were to jump into the deep end and learn C++ 'as you go', I would give C4 a shot. At least with it you won't be trying to figure out C++ *and* trying to figure out what the heck the creator of the program was trying to do.

BV: I've only just scratched the surface with it. Theoretically, it is easy to use. From my first impressions, it looks fairly well organised from an artists standpoint (my forte). Importing is pretty easy, the world editor is a bit 'odd' if you ask me...gonna take some getting used to (strange placement of some tools, and a couple of naming conventions I'd have to get used to). However, I haven't used it with Windows XP 64-bit...so I guess I'll have to see. (I just switched to XP-64 from my old Windows 2000 Pro).

There is another 3d engine that I'm keeping my eye on...haven't really used it though...called "Truevision3D" ( http://www.truevision3d.com/home.php ) The pricing is Free, $150, or $500. I've heard some good things about it.

Another program, more specifically geared towards MMORPG's is the "Nebula Device" ( http://www.radonlabs.de/nebula.html ) ...but you will definitly need to learn C++ with this one too. I tried their 'Project Nomads' game...I was quite impressed with their environment rendering. Nice stuff!

Lastly, you could take a gander at "Neverax Engine" (NeL... http://www.nevrax.org/tikiwiki/tiki-index.php?page=HomePage )It is another one that is focused towards MMORPG's...but it is also GNU licenced! (re: free)

Oh, and if "money is no object", the "Quest3D" engine looks fantabulous! ( http://www.quest3d.com/index.php?id=15 ) Check out the example demos!

Paul, thanks a million. You are a fountain of information, I'll spend my day checking out the links. If you don't mind I might have some other questions for you.

Best,

Noob65