2d isometric tile map with 3d models (Shadowrun,Bastion inspired)

Hey everyone, this is my first real project and my first forum post. I dident find anything that specifically addressed my problem so I decided to make this post. If this is something that has been asked to death and I was simply unable to find it myself I apologize.

Game idea:

  1. As stated in the title, im trying to build a top down isometric game with
    tile based movement ala shadowrun
    121971-shadowrun.jpg
    or bastion
    121972-bast.jpg

  2. Like the 2 inspirations mentioned above, i also want my game
    to have a 2d map with a 3d PC

Problem:

Im not sure how to go about / where to start looking when it comes to the 3d integration
There is plenty of information on how to make a fully 2d game as mentioned above, however,
im not even sure if (in the case of shadowrun for example):

  • the map is 3d (like xcom) with 2d sprites in front? (or are these weird 3d models ?)

  • the map is 2d and they somehow put 3d models on top of the sprite?

  • or something else entirely

Im pretty sure there is a rather simple clarification for this, but I simply wasent able to find it.

Im not necessarily looking for a solution, but rather some insight on how to approach the issue.

Anyways, thank you for taking the time and reading my post :smiley:
Any help is greatly appreciated.

Hi,

I am not a 3d specialist, but I already tried to manage 2d sprites in a 3d scene and it did not work very well. If you choose to work on 3d, then all your assets should be 3d objects. If you want to work with sprites and only a few 3d objects, I think you’ll have a better chance by manipulating 3d objects in a 2d scene. May be you can try to do it basically creating a simple 2d scene, putting a sprite that would take a large part of the screen, and adding a simple 3d object in front of your sprite to see what it happens and if you can easily manage your 3d model, light and other things. From code you can manage the “sorting layer” and “sorting order” properties of any renderer, it is not specific to the SpriteRenderer. I made a 2d isometric game and shared my experience, maybe this can help you to build the 2d map and manage 3d objects inside: Blogs | Game Developer

The above referenced game, Bastion, was made by creating 3D models and characters, then taking screen captures of them from different angles, saved as .png files and then they make sprites out of them and make a 2D world which looks 3D.

Shadowrun, as I’ve read, does use 3D polygonal characters in a 2D isometric world - however, the characters are sculpted and shaded to specifically match the setting. This is a long and difficult task for an individual to do alone if you also have to make the rest of the game on your own.