I want to make a game. What engine should I use?

[D0C H.]

I want to make this a short and to the point thread. I want to make a zombie game (GASP! Not another carbon copy zombie game. WE HAVE SEEN IT ALL!!!) Well you may think that, but I want to give it a shot. I'll explain what i want from the engine.

I want to be able to have a large play area. Whether that be from a plain sandbox, or cells that need to be individually loaded. I want to be able to make the game characters interact with single items. I want music to be able to be played. I need it to handle scripts of either C++ (Of which I learned a little bit a long time ago) or javascript (Of which I learned just a little bit). I need it to have pathfinding (or have pathfinding be able to be integrated via scripts)
Also basic game stuff like sprites, sounds, projectiles etc.
What I don't need is good graphics. I would love an adaptable engine in 3D, but 2D will work so as long as its not a simple engine. (The only type of 2D I can think of would be top down anyways)

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I have already tried the Unity engine. I am looking for something else.
Would an RPG maker work? What about the cube engine? I know very little about either. Thanks for reading.

Also if you would like to help with this (As in you know coding/modeling or something) let me know. You will have to be patient with me because I will have to learn whatever engine I find from start. Also, you more than likely wouldn't get paid. I want it to be released free. So after that and risking it being the classic "I want to make a game. You guys do all the work and I'll be 'the ideas guy'" scenario, and you still want to contribute. PM me. Otherwise, just let me know of any engines you know of.

[shatteredwindow]

Internal combustion.

[Raneman]

Id Tech 3

[Fire Kracker]

game maker's engine

[Chezburger]

Don't know how much experience you have with this, but you might want to start with some simpel 2D engine, like LÖVE, a simple 2d engine with an open source.

[legolover122]

source. you know you want to. :v:

[Amaurus]

Source would work nice considering you wouldn't need a license I think.

Also, when making your game, play-test a SHITLOAD!

[dude2193]

Udk

[lapsus_]

-snip-

[Numidium]

UDK, go for it. Best free graphics you're gonna get, large levels and shittons of possibilities for your zombie game.

[D0C H.]

I love the responses guys. Thanks a bunch. Now Im going to check them out. :buddy:

[HazzaHardie]

use a fire engine

[Pringles.]

A v8 :v:

[redback3]

RPG Marker VX
-It's almost like cheating

[Swilly]

I would have to either say Source...or hell, Gold Src, which is still being modded.

[sa2fan]

CryEngine free

[Shellman Deluxe]

If you want an engine that could run C++ and doesnt focus so much on the greatest graphics. try
"Unity"
if i were you, i would go for Unity
(Unity doesnt cost so much if you want to license your game for commercial use as well)

Also take a look at the "TES Construction set/BYOND engine" wich can load in maps in Cells
(I am not sure if BYOND engine i cheap or not to license, but you might want to take a look at it)

UDK is somewhat cheap to License for a private person, though it doesnt use C++ or Javascript, it uses its own Unrealscript, but that scripting language is based on Java and C++

Cryengine is free as well (Im not sure about the licensing part though if you want it for commercial use) but the cryengine can use a very big level space and uses Cells very well.
but i think its language is LUA.

Oh and about Source, my personal view of it, is that it is Outdated and i would be waiting for Source engine 2 instead. but its one of the very commonly used game engines and it has very great possibilities. it wouldnt be my "weapon of choice" if i were in your seat, since it cannot load as big levels as the other engines

[Nerts]

[QUOTE=shatteredwindow;27265520]Internal combustion.[/QUOTE]

You made me literally laugh out loud, well done.

[gk99]

Source.

[koeniginator]

Java

[D0C H.]

UDK is looking really good. Just about to start a simple level tutorial.

[bull04]

I've always wanted to see zombies with Euphoria. I think it would look funny.

[Vollybomb]

[QUOTE=D0C H.;27267226]I love the responses guys. Thanks a bunch. Now Im going to chem them out. :buddy:[/QUOTE]

Make sure you don't get addicted

[Fire Kracker]

[QUOTE=bull04;27271096]I've always wanted to see zombies with Euphoria. I think it would look funny.[/QUOTE]
go and play red dead redemption undead nightmare then

[D0C H.]

[QUOTE=Vollybomb;27271297]Make sure you don't get addicted[/QUOTE]

:downsrim:

[Saucy]

A car's?

[Ninjarooster]

Gamebro

[grandpajenki]

Gamebr[B]y[/B]o

[Doome]

HPL Engine, they used that engine to create Amnesia The Dark Descent

[Numidium]

Gamebryo sucks for everything except Oblivion, it won't work for a zombie game. And it ain't free.