Released in the early nineties to multiple platforms by the Danish publishing company, Domark, the 3D Construction Kit is not so much of a game as it is an entertaining application. It was created by Incentive Software and was released under numerous titles, including the Virtual Reality Studio and the 3D Virtual Studio. The 3D Construction Kit is a program that allows the user to create his own games in Freescape. A year later, it spawned a sequel, simply entitled, the 3D Construction Kit II.
Since it is a means to create a game as opposed to a game itself, the user is going to wonder what types of games the 3D Construction Kit can be used to create. It is not going to be something as basic as a shooter, that is for certain. At its most basic, this application allows the user to manipulate three dimensional images to create objects in an environment. Blocks and pyramids can be put together to form houses with peaked roofs, for example. All of the shapes can be manipulated by changing their sizes, stretching them, or rotating them into multiple angles until an appropriate one is found. Details can be added and subtracted, and entire areas can be saved so they are easy to go back and edit. In this manner, a gamer can create an entire town, with as much or as little detail as he wants…right down to the insides of buildings.
So once you get an environment created, the next step is to access the conditions menu which more or less translates the user’s wishes into a programming code and allows the gamer to start writing video games with it. With this code, the player can do anything from create secret passages in the environments to hide objects or items around an area for the characters to stumble upon as they explore. The gamer can add text to help with plot, sound effects from a fairly large compilation of bits and so forth. When it is all said and done, the user will have his very own freescape game that is complete with all the elements of a successful adventure game. This application is limited only by the gamer’s creativity.
This is a program that everyone should try at least once. It isn’t going to come right to you the first time you sit down to play with it, but as the gamer explores the options available and becomes more familiar with what the program can do, he will make bigger and better things.
Written by:
~Shannon
