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Which software should I get

by Thomas Buffon · in Artist Corner · 09/17/2007 (11:47 am) · 3 replies

I consider myself a skilled artist when it comes to drawing, however I'm completely new to 3D modeling. What I want is a 3D program for making models I can render and use in 2D games. I would like a program which has a user friendly interface. Hopefully there is program out there that would not require months of practice before I can produce usable models. What I'm looking to model is futuristic buildings and structures. Later I will move into characters, vehicles, rigging and animation, but for starters static structures is what I will build. Price is not really an issue, but Max might be a bit too much. The structures I'm planning to build will be used in a 2D rts game, hope someone can point me in the right direction for which software would be most suited for someone like me. Remember I have no skill with 3D tools, but I don have artistic skills.
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Torque Owner Thak
#1
09/17/2007 (11:54 am)
Heya thomas.

While I prefer Max myself the best alternative with a very decent price but alot of horsepower is XSI:

http://www.softimage.com/

As an aside: for your use as described above this works perfectly. However should you want to make and export 3d models to TGE then XSI's exporter is not yet fully functional I believe.

However XSI can natively export to the Halflife2 Source Engine, or at least theres a Plugin for free.

Cheers

Associate David Montgomery-Blake
David MontgomeryBlake
#2
09/17/2007 (12:39 pm)
I'd recommend testing out several of the biggies to see which fits your workflow.

3DS Max
Maya
Lightwave
XSI

Since you are looking at 2D rendering, I'd also strongly recommend taking a look at Modo. I love it. And 301 RAWKS hard!

Blender's free as well, and there are a number of great video tutorials out there for free for it.

EDIT:
I thought I would note that 3DS Max, Maya, and Lightwave have great DTS exporters for 3D models for TGE. XSI's is in a beta state, I believe. Modo does not have a DTS exporter. Blender has an excellent exporter.

Torque Owner Paul Langridge
#3
09/24/2007 (7:52 pm)
Hi Thomas

I use Rhino 3d and Flamingo for my 2d rendering, I'll post some shots once Neo is ready with the iso pack, I get some good results for RTS style graphics, vehicles, buildings boats etc.

@David

Had a squiz at Modo today after reading your post, once I resolve a registration issue I'll be downloading the demo, it looks awsome, especially the UV mapping capabilities. I coulndt find any info on what formats it saves and exports, any chance you could let me know?

Cheers