The Best .dif modeler for Torque

#1 No particular program is "the best". It is whatever suits what you want to accomplish, what you want to learn, and what you already know. Think of it as an MMORPG. Take World of Warcraft for example... The priest is the healer in raids. The warrior is the damage dealer. They both are extremely important roles, and without one, no raid is ever going to be successful. But, you can't be both. It's kind of like that in game development. Except, you can create the art and script, and make the game on your own, however it will take longer to finish.

Anyways, I would strongly recommend Torque Constructor. It is a very easy model to use, and it exports to the Torque Game Engine with little to no difficulty. But really, it's what you need to accomplish. If you are looking to create high detailed, high poly models, then I would go with 3D Studio Max.

Good luck.

#2 For me I use Constructor only for making my DIFs, and use other programs (Blender) for DTS. Why pay for something else when the free tools are almost as good or sometimes even better than the alternatives?

Constuctor's "Export To Dif" seems to work better for me than using any other application and having to then use map2dif which hasn't been updated for the newer versions of TGEa.

Though everything you mentioned has merit, it's mostly a personally subjective opinion based on what you like and what you're comfortable with using. For InteriorShapes/Mapmaking there is also Quark, Worldcraft, GtkRadiant, and Hammer - but all of them require going through map2dif or importing into Constructor to Export To Dif. I know that DeleD has an exporter you can purchase but I believe it is based on an old version of map2dif.

#3 I've been using constructor for a while now and I can use it fairly well I just find it's allways crashing! I thought I could find another program to take its place!

#4 Hmm. Did you try checking the log to see why it's crashing? Also, check the TDN Torque Constructor section.

#5

Quote:'ve been using constructor for a while now and I can use it fairly well I just find it's allways crashing!

Save often!

Does it randomly crash or can you repeat it? What version of Constructor are you using. The 1.5.1 update patch can be found on TDN.

#6 @Michael - Where can Mac users find this update?

Edit: Sorry, that sounded pretty snarky. If I can help make it happen, I'd be happy to. I have an Xcode and I ain't afraid to use it. :-)

#7 @Sherman: I don't believe there is a Mac update as of yet. You might be able to ask that question to Jaimi McEntire and see what he can say about it. He's the one who has been responsible for the updates that we've seen and probably knows more about Constructor than those who developed it.

#8 Yes I do try and save often which has helped alot lately! So starting out it looks like constructor is taking the lead! so what makes constructor better than say 3D world studio or Deled?

#9 nothing makes anything better then the others its all a mater of preference. like me i like xsi better then all the 3d programs but others might like max or blender its just what you like the best not what everyone else likes the best.

#10 Yea I totally know what you mean! I find XSI the most complete and functional Modeling program and I cant make heads or tails out of 3D studio max (if I gave it some time I probally could but I dont have time lol) So Yea I guess I'll just have to try the different ones and pick one I like.

#11 For creating DIF's, I would recommend Constructor, 3D World Studio, or Radiant. I would not recommend most polysoup modeling packages such as Max, Maya, Lightwave, XSI, etc. The main reason is that you will have to restructure how you use those programs to create CSG-compliant geometry. And that pisses a lot of artists off when they have to adjust their workflow.

#12 ya but you can work allot faster in the packages that cost allot more money its well worth it. i tried constructor it lacks in just about every area. like i said its a mater of preference of what the each artiest likes.

#13 Ok Were can I find Radiant I googled it and couldnt find anything?

#14 There's some history info and links about GtkRadiant on Wikipedia.

#15 Thanks!