Sprites vs 3D (background layer) and effect creation

Hello

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Currently my team is working on a small PC game for exhibitions/events. Perfect Performance is not the main goal since we'll run it on a gaming PC, but who knows - maybe we want to port something to mobile phones in the future or release it for the public as well so i see it as some kind of learning project when it comes to Unity, performance and the creation of game assets since i'm pretty new to these topics. No risk, hopefully a bit of fun.

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Whatever, the setting of the game will be similar to games like Incredible Machine and Oddworld. To give you an idea, i created a rough concept (!) scene in Unity:

This has got nothing to do with the final product...random particle systems, non optimized models and so on. I just tried different mechanics to get a feeling for Unity and the upcoming task.

And here is the Oddworld trailer, the setting will be something like that:

So, the main idea: You have to guide a character over platforms and solve machine puzzles and stuff like that using a control method similar to kinect. 2D mixed with 3D, in the background there will be several layers, or scenes like in the pitch video above (halls, laboratories, factories...), maybe a front layer as well to get some kind of parallax effect.

So, here we go: What would be the best way to create the whole background scenario with a small impact on the performance? And a good way to create nice effects like electric arcs, steam, lightening and all that stuff? At the moment i'm thinking 'bout low poly 3D assets with simple animations, re-useable materials and low textures. I'll need a lot of effects though, so i have to be careful not to use too many particle systems (and check out mobile phone friendly versions).

Another idea was to use 3D rendering to sprites as well...in my 3D software (C4D) i can create some effects that i guess would impact the performance a lot in Unity and render them to 2D as well. Just a quick test i did:



... final renders would be looped with less frames ofc.

Or are there any other / better solutions? When it comes to effects i'll check out some Unity assets in the store. I'm just curious if there are any other ways when it comes to rendering to sprites. Something like using after effects, or are there any tools that would suit my demands? Our last game was pixel art with few effects so i have a lot to learn on this topic. Currently i'm studying stuff like Unity profiler and all the little values like draw calls that pop up in the stat window.

I would appreciate any kind of helpful input. English is not my native language, but i hope it suffices

Thanks and greetings,
Matthias

UPDATE
Played around with particles and sprites. Of course it needs tweaking and optimization, performance testing and whatever, but i think these tools will do the job to get what i want.

Electric arc test:

... so yeah, i guess i started this thread much too early. So many things in my head, but the project starts in 2-4 weeks so plenty of time to work on concepts and play around with different techniques and come back to this thread with concrete questions and problems. Though, you're welcome if you have general input, tipps or whatever greetings

 

You should first, decide what you really want to do.
If your going for a tech presentation/exhibit for PC - you shouldn't be concerned about mobile in any way. You'll only end up restricting the visuals to (maybe one day) port to mobile.
If your building for PC go all out and push it as much as you can until you start dipping below your desired framerate - then look where you can optimize so you can push farther in other areas.
Probably not the best suggestion - but I'm an artist - so this is my tendency.

Any sprite creation process will work - AE is a great visual effects creation tool - you just have to figure the workflow that suits your desires.

Regarding sprites vs actual 3D - I'd say it's up to you. If your main concern is fx slowing down the final application - rendered sprites is another option that can be considered - but it comes with it's own limitations. But for your needs - those limitations shouldn't be an issue.
One point to consider is where/when will the player interact with things - can the sprites be controlled to look accurate if they are interacted with - or will most of the fx be supporting background visuals.

Hope this helps a little -

 

Hello

Fleshed out a few more details on yesterday's meeting. Atm we're targeting tablets (maybe smartphones) as main platform, so focus on performance is essential. With good responsive game mechanics it should work on PC as well - the last game we created was projected onto a canvas using the player's shadow as controller. This time it will be a mix of shadow and a custom build controller, so i guess this will be the gimmick of the whole thing and not some kind of visual overkill. We will try to get the best out of both versions.

When it comes to visuals...we tend to use 3 layers. Front layer where the gameplay happens = mostly 3D. The second layer behind will in some areas interact with the front layer, so it will be mainly 3D as well, a few elements (if it fits) rendered sprites. Last layer in the far background will be a sprite. Characters possible 3D or rendered to sprites - prototyping phase so many things to learn an test. Ofc i will try to use as few polygons and mobile friendly effects as possible, maybe enhance some effects for our presentation version on PC.

@ theAnmator2b, thanks for your feedback

Will come back to this thread if there are any updates or questions, atm plenty to do ^^

Greetings