Isometric Sorting

Sorting refers to the idea that certain objects get rendered in front of others in order to create the illusion of depth. Sorting objects in an isometric 3D engine is one of those pesky tasks that is taken for granted when it works like it's supposed to but sticks out like a sore thumb when it doesn't. The two furnaces below are sorted correctly. The one on the right appears to be "in front" of the one on the left, just as it is supposed to. Good deal. But the words "in front" have scare quotes around them for a reason: in reality, neither furnace is closer to or further from the hypothetical camera that captured the image. After all, the depicted scene is 2D, so depth is only implied and perceived.

Therefore, if we move the right furnace "back", flawed sorting rears its ugly head! The furnace looks like it has moved UP instead of back, which won't do at all.

And...sorting to the rescue! The illusion of depth is preserved, and the day saved. Stay tuned for more updates!