Hey I'm currently assigned a small side project of developing a 2.5D Isometric rpg/mmorpg. I'm a graphical designer, so i don't have that much knowledge about game engines, just basic programming skills. My question is: What game engine do you advise / what tips/ advise could you give for for developing a 2.5D isometric rpg (doesn't have to have mmorpg capabilities initially or at all)? To give some examples: the product will be in the style of; Conquer online http://images.mmosite.com/photo/2008/08/25/conquers29_a776603m08d.jpg Eudemons http://www.play-free-online-games.com/listmachine/uploads/image_eudemons_online_1.jpg Phoenix Dynasty online http://images.mmosite.com/feature/news/2007_08_21/phoenix/big/phoenix_04.jpg I've started with a very basic relatively unknown engine/interface called "RPGstudio", but i can't get a lot working :S The more basic the engine the better :P even though a little basic conding wouldn't hurt me. The main idea is to incorporate basic rpg elements + mmorpg grinding in a 2.5d isometric graphical style, with the camera being fixed on the player & the background scrolling in xyz axis'. Thx in advance for any replies, if you guys need additional info feel free to reply here. Grts

You could always use Flash which would make life simpler... or you could look at the FIFE engine as well. Mind you you'll have to actually script your game, it is just going to give you the tools and framework.

Most of the images look like their just using pre-rendered graphics.

Thanks for the info,..
and yeah you are right :) i used to work on Conquer graphics with
Nvidia tools and Photoshop pro, it are basically 2d meshes with alphas etc to make them look more 3d. It's a fairly old style of handeling graphics but very effective and i like them.
and as far as flash goes, srry i hate flash (A)

Honestly if you are looking to code something yourself, Id start with a simpler top down NES Legend of Zelda screen to screen type engine. Your game mechanics can be the same as what you have planned, but you will be dealing with a simpler, easier to understand engine.

Isometric game engine look very cool, but if you dont yet have solid knowledge of how to make one, it could prove a very frustraiting experience.

i could be missing teh point, but have you looked at rpgmaker xp?