There are 2 ways to go 3d.
One is to just draw 3d bots but keep the whole thing on a 2d plane.
The other is true 3d which would involve quite a bit more programming to caclulate collisions in the extra dimension.
I have been learning to use DirectX over the last few months so it is quite possible that even the VB version could go pseudo 3d (2d calcs but 3d bots) with no loss in performance if you have a decent graphics card.
yeah ...
seems like the next logical step to dress it up ... make it a bit more appealing graphics-wise.
now I'm into graphics for sure ...
love all the 3D stuff ...
but ...
first and foremost ...
'tis supposed to be about exploring evolution/alife, eh?
so the graphics can become a distraction.
examples:
I used to run a couple of old sims on Amiga systems ...
one was Silent Service ... being a submariner myself ...
and another Earl Weaver Baseball ...
as I grew up playing that game.
And then there was Frontier.
these were excellent strategy games ...
the graphics sufficient but not overwelming ...
it was the 'game' behind the 'scenes' that was of importance.
well ...
since those daze ...
there have been many very 'flash' sub/baseball/space sims put out ...
and although the graphics are awesome and very realistic ...
the 'game' behind them sucks!!!!
not one of them has come close to what those old games were.
it's all about the 'bells and whistles' and appearance ...
lookin' good ... but without depth.
imo. ime.
your mileage may vary. ;)