I recently discover the 3D engine "WildTangent". It's use to create online game using applets. The speed is quite impressive, but since it's using DirectX, it's for Windows platform only.

I just want to get your opinions on this engine. I read that it's using "Genesis3D" rendering engine. How can they mix native directx library with applet using their "Web driver". The engine is installed on the client computer and the applet is using it ... I don't got it.

They also add a full API for game such as collision detection. Do you know other engine that perform at this level with a collision detection system (for online game or not).

Maybe I'm not a king in 3D, but this engine is complete, small and fast. The only downside is the DirectX dependency, but I can live with it.

Any comments ?

FF7 is exactly what I had in mind. Is anybody aware of some good tutorials to begin with Java3D ?

Also, do you think that GL4Java is a better alternative that Java3D (for performance) ?

Yes, the 3D characters must be able to move on the z axis and get smaller or bigger when moving on this axis.

I'm just thinking to start a game project and I want some advices. I want to use pre-rendered 2d backgrounds but 3d characters. Is it possible to do this using Java3D or should I have to find a way to display my 3D characters using Java2D ?

Do you know some engine that could help me with that kind of stuff ?

Any advice are welcome since I'm a beginner in 3D environnements.