What is a game engine (i.e. ureal, quake)?

When a game is the first to use a new software platform to build the game game around, this new software platform is called the engine. Future games may be built on this engine and basically drawn in the same manner.

Quake4 is based on the Doom3 engine, you will find that the look is very similar. There were some Star Wars games based on the Unreal engine, they will look very similar to Unreal Tournament. All they do is put different skins and textures on the objects. Far-Cry is another unique game engine.

In theory if a company does not have to develop there own engine, they can concentrate on making they game play better. The engine is just the mechanism they use for delivery. It usually is the code basis for the AI, graphics subsystems, physics engine, and mapping software. With these things already in place a developer can then focus on the story they want to tell.

its the games format. its what the games bast on. its like its own personal style. its kinda hard to explain but its like how donkykong is 3D bast and its side scrolling action ( moving the player from side to side in 2D). this is what this games engine is. also like how roller coaster tycoon is. its bast on 2D graphics and is a all around side scrolling game. bascly and simply... its the games style, look, and feel of the game.

hope this answers your question