[java] which graphics api

Judging from the way you started your note, I will make an assumption that you are fairly new with Java. If you are familiar with OpenGL, you might want to use JOGL. If not, Java2D would be my choice. Using it will teach you alot about java itself, not only its graphics, - how things work and how they don't. In addition, there are heaps and heaps of resources on Java2D and game programming, including a couple of decent books. You can go a long long way in creating 2D games with Java2D. I've never needed anything else for pure 2D.



Book 1:

Developing Games in Java

Book 2:
Killer Game programming in Java

I don't know enough about Java to recommend anything, but you should DEFINATELY check out this site.

[EDIT] oops, beat to the punch!

If the special effects you mentioned are important, 2D programming in 3D might be right for you, as you can use the graphics hardware to very quickly and efficiently create effects that would take a long time to write and execute in 2D. Of course, you'll sacrifice some simplicity (in some areas) and perhaps a little compatibility, but depending on your needs that may or may not be important. For 3D programming (which I've never done in Java so take this with a pinch of salt) JOGL seems to be quite popular. For 2D (and I say this from personal experience) the Java2D API seemed very programmer friendly and Sun's tutorials are very helpful. If you're just starting with Java, you probably should start with Java2D just to get a grasp of how Java works, and then if that suits your needs stick with it, if not move onto a 3D alternative.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

use Java2D, it is distributed with the JRE, unlike JOGL or other libraries. Java2D does plenty of good stuff like image rotation. Check my showcase for a game I made with Java2D (Showdown).