I have 14 years total experience when it comes to game making in game creation software (Game Maker, now Game Maker Studio. Scirra Construct, and now Scirra Construct 2).

I would like to make a Super Metroid clone which works on one screen and features things like a grappling hook.

To truely make a good grappling hook mechanic like I'm thinking in my head, my preferred software, Scirra Construct 2, might hold me back.

I also want to make this game for mobile processors, the Snapdragon 600/800 on Amazon devices most likely. The language Javascript seems most straightforward for mobile.

So should I:

Make this game in Construct 2, saving time

Make it in Javascript, spending extra time

Also, I'm very interested in getting into 3D. Utilizing shaders, etc. I have used them before but not written them. I know a substantial amount about computer hardware. But I need to put my money where my mouth is - become not just a computer hardware expert, but also one who can use that expertise in areas of graphics.

So another option is me going straight to making a 3D game. I actually know how to model. Not particularly well, but my modeling ability isn't really worse than my 2D drawing ability.

So my options then become:

Make the Metroid game in Construct 2, saving time
Make the Metroid game in Javascript
Make a 3D game in Javascript, probably building an engine as well

While Unity *could* be an option for a 3D game, it's just too expensive. I'd be paying $3000 for everything I needed.

And in case you are wondering what the overall point of this thread is, I've had a hard time deciding on my next/current game, after scrapping a couple things. I guess I'm just asking for some advice and a final kick in the butt to do something .

Also, I kind of thought I was posting this in For Beginners, not the Lounge.

Moving...

Note that the free version of Unity might be able to handle what you describe, if so, there may not be a $3000 investment. The free version can target the major mobile platforms. If you actually need some of the extra functionality in Unity Pro then you would have the extra cost, but much of those game features are available on the Internet. (Not the editor features, but game features like the fancy water shaders and such.)

If Construct 2 is what you are good at, that by itself is a strong point in its favor. But if it cannot implement a feature you absolutely require, it is out of the running. As for writing your engine from scratch, you know the mantra of making games and not engines.

To truely make a good grappling hook mechanic like I'm thinking in my head, my preferred software, Scirra Construct 2, might hold me back.

sound like its time for a rapid prototype. how many days would it take to whip up a test program in Scirra Construct 2 to test your grappling hook mechanic?

that would answer that question for you.

then its simply the "is it finally time to go 3d?" question that remains.

most devs face this question sooner or later. my gut instinct tells me that as soon as you start asking yourself this question, its time to go 3D..

then, as with any project, there's the chore of finding a suite of compatible tools that are within the budget, and capable of doing the work.

if you can't find the tools, you'll have to make your own, or choose a different project.

.

Only do one of those two things.

Go 3D

XOR

Go mobile.

Not both. It's a recipe for disaster.

Keep in mind that in both cases you're going to hit a thing often overlooked in those forums.

Gameplay mechanics and tuning.

Personally I'd suggest to look in Javascript as adding HTML5+JS to your skills can open a variety of roles. Hopefully paid.

Did you check the Unreal Engine 4?