good to see the fans are making games, just like they're making movies.
I wish to offer you a healthy constructive suggestion, one which will save you headache.
i dont know the facts of sfc2 orion pirates, you have access to the actual engine code? or just the game code? do you have any of it?
assuming not, then stay away from C++ and that kind of environment, takes years to develop something with a full huge team of programmers working in that environment much less a fan project, with people with real liives and limited time to devote to such a project unless you let it take over your life.
theres many things out there you could use.
blitzmax, with the blitz3d sdk, best of 2d/3d game OO programming you could get. easy simple coding, for experienced programmers.
theres other stuff such as ogre3d which is open source etc...
dont let the yesteryears fool you, things like blitzmax are powerful enough speed wise etc, to get what you need done.