From what I know so far a game engine is useful not for a particular game but for a particular TYPE of game. I suppose that Ross C is talking about special libraries he will need for a specific game.
I didn't read the articles of Grey or Gamedev.net but I believe that the key to a smooth line of production during code writing is the as much as possible detailed analysis of the goal.
For example you must think all possible states of your main character:
Does he gonna to walk, run or jump in the game?
Are there any cases where these states are not acceptable?
What will happen after he will lose?
Having these answers you can forecast the futures needed for your 'game engine'.
I didn't read the articles of Grey or Gamedev.net but I believe that the key to a smooth line of production during code writing is the as much as possible detailed analysis of the goal.
For example you must think all possible states of your main character:
Does he gonna to walk, run or jump in the game?
Are there any cases where these states are not acceptable?
What will happen after he will lose?
Having these answers you can forecast the futures needed for your 'game engine'.