574 people found this review helpful
6 people found this review funny
9
1
Recommended
0.0 hrs last two weeks / 51.9 hrs on record (46.4 hrs at review time)
Posted: 8 Jan, 2014 @ 6:48pm
Updated: 24 Nov, 2014 @ 7:18am

Ok here is what I think of the engine

Pros:
- It is really easy to use once you get the hang of it
- Is a good start for newbies to mess around with
- Cheap royalty free engine (This is hard to come by now)
- Lua is a simple language to start out since it's a scripting language and the engine has a built-in IDE.
- Very easy to build basic maps without any modeling skills
- Come with a few simple scripts for doing simple tasks (Doors, Platforms, Character Controller, Etc)
- Easy to use lighting
- Supports OpenGL 4.0 (Same as Directx 11)
- Steam Controller Support
- Steam Workshop (In beta)
- Option to upgrade to C++ Version (Uses C++11 and works with VS2013)
- Demo (Please for the love of god try it before buying)

Cons:
- No built-in protection for assets when compiling
- No native network support built-in (You can use Raknet)
- No vegetation painting system in Terrain Editor (Only Ground)
- Limited support and documentation (It's growing and has good starter videos)
- Doesn't support older version of OpenGL (Give it a few more years and it won't matter anyways)
- Needs more announcements on whats going on with the development of the engine.
- No Mobile Support (I'm sure in time)

Like any engine starting out I'm sure it will have it's ups and downs. Some of you are asking, is this worth it? Well that depends on what you want to do with the engine. They give you a blank slate to work with and you start building. You can build any type of game you want but it will require some effort to do so.

Q: Can I sell the game I make?
A: That is a big Yes

Q: Is it fun to play around with even if I have never built a game before?
A: I'd say yes

Q: Can I build any game I want?
A: Sure

Q: This or Unity or Another Engine?
A: Well I'm sure some of the other engine has more features but they do come with a price and not royalty free. If you want to be cheap then this is a good engine. New features are being added every few months.

Q: Can you model inside the engine?
A: We it's not a modeling tool but you can place primitive shapes and texture them. (like a wall or floor)

Q: Do I have to code?
A: Well yes, if you want to do anything besides walk around then you'll need to know Lua or C++ if you have the upgrade version.

Q: What type of models can I import?
A: FBX file type

Q: Does the engine come with some Assets?
A: A few but you'll need to provide most of the stuff for your game.

Q: Can I run this if my video card doesn't support OpenGL 4.0?
A: No, Check your support OpenGL version with this http://www.ozone3d.net/gpu_caps_viewer/

Q: Does the free version of Visual Studio Express 2013 work with Leadwerks Standard?
A: Yes it does Visual Studio Site[www.visualstudio.com]

Q: Well I'm using linux so what compiler can I use?
A: Codeblocks http://www.codeblocks.org/

Q: What are accepted file types for the workshop?
A: (As of May 20, 2014)
For any type of asset:
"mat","pfb","phy","tex","mdl","lua","shader","wav","ttf","map","meta"

For add-ons:
"luo","lib","a","so","h","c","cpp","dll","pdb","ini","html","htm"
Was this review helpful? Yes No Funny Award
12 Comments
regamox 6 Jul, 2022 @ 2:47pm 
"Limited support and documentation (It's growing and has good starter videos)" Well it didn't really grew that much did it? :P
Donut 16 Mar, 2019 @ 10:14pm 
where is the demo?
DeadPoolX 18 Dec, 2018 @ 1:44am 
Great review! Answers all my questions and gives a good idea of the software's benefits and drawbacks.
Mr.Jc 2 Oct, 2018 @ 3:09am 
can always check out amazon lumber yard which is a free game engine
Holden_Mcgroin 1 May, 2015 @ 4:10pm 
thanks, a very helpful review
[unassigned] 2 Dec, 2014 @ 12:51pm 
Can ya make Cars, buses and train etc, that function?
ege 22 Nov, 2014 @ 5:20am 
everything easy once you get the hang of it
Pink Variety 3 Jun, 2014 @ 2:05pm 
thanks
Kavex 3 Jun, 2014 @ 1:15pm 
I know you can use .wav
Pink Variety 3 Jun, 2014 @ 12:24pm 
Q: can i import sounds?