I wouldn't call pathfinding, 2d physics and shader-based special effects all there before you start nothing. Doesn't particularly appeal to me because I don't make 2D games, but I would think that it would be quite appealing to many, particularly judging by the popularity of the BlitzMax 2D Physics modules. To be able to throw shader-based effects into the mix as well would only sweeten the deal, I'd have thought.
Sure SM2 isn't required, but without fallbacks, you either have to require it or ignore those features altogether, and if you ignore those features altogether, it becomes considerably less appealing. I can see why people would take that sort of stance with 3D games now ( although most indies don't ) but the logic with 2D games is a bit sketchy for me.
Sure SM2 isn't required, but without fallbacks, you either have to require it or ignore those features altogether, and if you ignore those features altogether, it becomes considerably less appealing. I can see why people would take that sort of stance with 3D games now ( although most indies don't ) but the logic with 2D games is a bit sketchy for me.