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3 Dimensional Chat / whats the best 3D modeling program for...

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Gowmars
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Posted: 20th Jul 2004 05:33
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Sorry for the title not being to specific, but i could not find a way to really explain what it was, correctly, and if I had tried the title might have made people think the question was different from what I'm trying to ask.

So right now I'm using 3D studio Max 6 for all my modeling needs. I can make objects easy and pretty decent. But they aren’t uber great, cause i suck at modeling and art and stuff like that. My strength is in programming. Anyway, while I have no trouble making simple objects that don’t require much detail. I'm having a lot of trouble making character models in this program. I know 3ds max is a pretty beefy program for professionals and all. Is there a simple easy to use 3D modeling program for beginners and people like me who cant really understand all that fancy stuff in that fancy stuff in those professional programs like Maya and 3dsmax that anyone could recommend?
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Mucky Muck Ninja
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Posted: 20th Jul 2004 05:42
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I would say, Anim8or, Wings3d, JTedit, and, for more power, Blender. Also, Milkshape is good.

Am I an Idiot...or is everyone else just really smart?
i am foonman305
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JeroenNL
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Posted: 20th Jul 2004 06:04
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Sorry for the bit of self-promoting, but maybe DeleD is something for you...

Use the free 3D modeller DeleD to get skilled in 3d editing! Visit http://www.delgine.com for more info.
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actarus
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Posted: 20th Jul 2004 22:28
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Deled sure looks better than the last I checked.

I recommend looking at Doga-L3 if you want easy 2 use,quick mechanical model hacking and export to .x

BlackBird thinks he owns the sky,
But he can't look me in the eye,
-Andy Bell
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geecee3
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Posted: 20th Jul 2004 22:53
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game space light for free, if it's low poly, failing that buy the full thing. it's so simple to use. i love it. It has all the unwrapping tools you need and for free.... well you can't complain.

I use truespace and gamespace, and have very little probs with both packages. the realtime solid render mode is nice and the animation system is very nice (once you get to grips with it)

Max is too big for it's own boots and is more for producing ARTWORKS than game models. WAY too much power for your needs.

Truespace 3.2 is free
gamespace light is free
max costs way too much.
MAYA is the ULTIMATE modeller but again too expensive.

regards geecee3.

PS. truespace and gamespace have physical simulation engines built into them. the sim can be captured to DX animation.

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Peter H
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Posted: 20th Jul 2004 23:11
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i used game space light and even after the "upgrade" my models came out as mush...

i suggest milkshape...(or deled)


Formerly known as "DarkWing Duck"
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Turoid
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Posted: 20th Jul 2004 23:14
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I suggest milkshape too but for indoor levels use carto graphy shop.

syntax error??? it isn't an error, it is a feature
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JeroenNL
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Posted: 20th Jul 2004 23:27
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Quote: "Deled sure looks better than the last I checked."


Thanks actarus! If you liked 0.85, be sure to check 0.86 which will most likely be released next weekend. It will support light objects (no actual lighting yet though), plugins and more.

Anyway, back ontopic, if you're looking for a simple editor, Wings3D, DeleD and JTEdit come to mind. DeleD has the least features of them all and as such, is most easy to learn while still enabling you to create reasonably complex lowpoly models.

Use the free 3D modeller DeleD to get skilled in 3d editing! Visit http://www.delgine.com for more info.
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Cian Rice
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Posted: 20th Jul 2004 23:33
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For humans I suggest Wings3D.

Got anime?I do.

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JimB
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Posted: 21st Jul 2004 01:28
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@Magellan Studios
Have you tried Poly Tools with Gamespace if not its well worth your while to D/L the trial tsx.
IMO these tools should have been part of Gamespace as standard because they are so essential to make modeling easier.
The registration for Poly Tools is only $20 and a real bargain
http://ckgamefactory.hp.infoseek.co.jp/index-e.html
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Peter H
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Posted: 21st Jul 2004 03:20 Edited at: 21st Jul 2004 03:21
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i think i'd rather buy milkshape for $20...

anyway i don't really like the style of Truespacegamespace i like the 3DSMax interface style better(not that i own it )

BTW what i meant by "mush" was that even though i made a normal model when i exported it to DBPro it came out as a "pile" of polygons...nothing like the original model...


Formerly known as "DarkWing Duck"
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Ilya
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Posted: 21st Jul 2004 04:04
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Don't Export To .x
Catography Shop Works Well With .x
If You Make A Complex Model, Export To .3ds

-Ilya
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zircher
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Posted: 21st Jul 2004 04:26
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If you want a quick and easy way to make character meshs, either go with Poser for humans or Creator Creator Pro for humanoids.
--
TAZ

History did not begin with PONG. -- Greg Costikyan

Game Beavers
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Peter H
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Posted: 21st Jul 2004 05:28 Edited at: 21st Jul 2004 05:28
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Quote: "Don't Export To .x"

But that's what DBPro works best with


Formerly known as "DarkWing Duck"
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AlecM
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Posted: 21st Jul 2004 07:52
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Quote: "Max is too big for it's own boots and is more for producing ARTWORKS than game models."


What the hell are you on about? Max is the most widely used program by game artists.


Buy it
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Cian Rice
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Posted: 21st Jul 2004 11:00
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Indeed it is, that's what's used for Panzer Dragoon Orta, GTA, and many other modern games...

Got anime?I do.
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dj BlackDragon
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Posted: 21st Jul 2004 11:11
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well i use maya and its is a really good program(already stated but i thought id say it again) but it is for people who have big wallets.
Bye,
Ian

current project:Quest for the Five Staffs of Draconia
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Shadow Robert
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Posted: 21st Jul 2004 15:49
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Quote: "What the hell are you on about? Max is the most widely used program by game artists"


yeah but unlike Maya and Softimage isn't really love-ed by many of those artists.

It is all down to preference really.
There will always be ALOT of love lost between Maya and Max users... the main reason for this is actually they're the game industries main players.

The reason is they're both great at high/low polygon modelling as well as extended animation and rigging plus built-in uv mapping and skinning abilities.

For almost a decade both Maya and Max have had what most of the other programs haven't... Easy to pickup, Simple Work Pipelines and almost everything an artist requires to create full artwork for any project.

At the top end for developers we have:
SideFX Houdini (Beta 7 now out) $8,000
Alias Maya (6.0) $2,500-$7,000
Discreet 3D Studio Max (6.0) $3,500
Avid Softimage|XSI (4.0) $6,000-$12,0000
(those prices are per licensed unit)

Mid-range
Newtek Lightwave (8.0) $700
Caligari trueSpace (6.2) $650
? Cinema4D (not sure) $150?
? 3D Canvas Pro (not sure) $150?

Low-end
Chumblum Soft Milkshape 3D (1.7.1) $20
? Wings3D (can't remember) $Free OpenSrc
? Aztec3D (1.72) $Free OpenSrc
? Mirai (not sure) $80 OpenSrc

there are more like Anim8tor i missed out, but really that's the main choice on offer.

Personally I'd recommened all of the low-end.
Do not get the high-end software unless you *need* it, and remember software doesn't make your models great... you do.

However this said i'd recommened sticking far away from the Mid-Range; as they're often a pain in the ass. enough features to make professional work, not enough features to make them well-rounded. Add to this each of the requires you to learn a completely unique modelling style... something the low-end and high-end products don't do.

Personally I have and use all of the High-End software. This said, I also have all of the low-end software and also use it constantly.

Personal preferences:
Aztec3D, trueSpace, Maya

they each suit my modelling style. but this isn't tue for everyone.
just because the 'pros' use it doesn't mean it is easier to use or is necessarily better.
Remember unlike professionals your the ones who get to make the ultimate decision on what software you spend your hard earnt cash on; professionals don't get a choice.

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dark coder
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Posted: 23rd Jul 2004 10:30
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will there ever be a topic where JeroenNL, doesnt mention deled

<a target="_blank" href="http://www.darkcoder.co.uk"><img src="http://www.posergallery.com/wip/20040402-darkcoder16525.gif" border=0 /></a>
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MikeS
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Posted: 23rd Jul 2004 11:25
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Quote: "Caligari trueSpace (6.2) $650
Cinema4D (not sure) $150?"


Truespace 6.6 is now out on special for $299

Some key features to consider...
-Texture baking
-animation
-uvmapping
-modeling
-fast and flexible UI once you know what you're doing.

Cinema 4D is around $500 for the light version.

Always be sure to check for student discounts though. Don't believe how cheap it comes?


http://www.academicsuperstore.com/market/market.html?id=255474&cname=Animation+%26+3D
(Do a google for more)

My recommendation is definitly Truespace, but search around for the package that suites you.



A book? I hate book. Book is stupid.
(Formerly known as Yellow)
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Dark_ITheI _Angel
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Posted: 23rd Jul 2004 11:50
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Gowmars,

First, I would not be writting out loud,3ds max6 is an expensive app,did you give the 3000+ dollars just to find out it dosnt fit (your needs? dont think so) to You?
I "assume" its a warez version and i dont think you want some troubles with discreet do you?
I heard they are working even more hard to catch the pirates,this include looking in game development forums etc.

and second,3ds max is the most used app and the very best out there and easy as hell!
No matter if you work with milkshape or max,if you do not lern it you will NEVER do something worth.
therefor,No matter wich app you use,everything has to be lerned and if you are good at programming WHY lerning modelling?
Not that there´s something bad about it,but stay in the earth or in the air,both are just stupid imho.


Just a fan of art!
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Shadow Robert
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Posted: 23rd Jul 2004 16:43
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Quote: "First, I would not be writting out loud,3ds max6 is an expensive app,did you give the 3000+ dollars just to find out it dosnt fit (your needs? dont think so) to You?
I "assume" its a warez version and i dont think you want some troubles with discreet do you?"


There is a free 30-day full functional trial which you just need a key to activate (purchaseable online) from Discreet.
And as the link Mike shows above, the student version is a damn sight cheaper but your restricted to non-profitable work only.

Quote: "and second,3ds max is the most used app and the very best out there and easy as hell!"


I would sorely disagree with that.

Quote: "Truespace 6.6 is now out on special for $299"

Last i heard it was 6.2, and they're always doing $200/300 specials; god knows why they even bother selling it full price.
Seriously they have been doing that for almost a decade now. hehee

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JeroenNL
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Posted: 23rd Jul 2004 17:09
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Quote: "will there ever be a topic where JeroenNL, doesnt mention deled "


lol Dark Coder! Well, as long as there are people asking for opinions on 3D modelling packages, I'll mention DeleD..... Or any other package that I'm familiar with for that matter.

Use the free 3D modeller DeleD to get skilled in 3d editing! Visit http://www.delgine.com for more info.
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ALPHA ZERO PRODUCTIONS
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Posted: 23rd Jul 2004 18:03
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GOOD LORD

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ALPHA ZERO PRODUCTIONS
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Posted: 23rd Jul 2004 18:04
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hey mike when will your site get new stuff ???? its been ages

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MikeS
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Posted: 24th Jul 2004 01:41
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Read at the forum and you'll see that I've been working on a new site for quite a while.



Quote: "Seriously they have been doing that for almost a decade now."

I feel bad for the poor suckers who do pay full price.



A book? I hate book. Book is stupid.
(Formerly known as Yellow)
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Max Wolf
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Posted: 24th Jul 2004 03:10
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i got light wave 3d can i use with drak basci pro?
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Gowmars
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Posted: 27th Jul 2004 05:09
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Dark_ITheI _Angel

For all you know I could be using it at school, or a trial version. Or maybe I know someone who's in that line of work so has access to these tools so allows me to use it at their work. It’s not like I said I downloaded it and used it. I just said I was using it. And I see no reason why anyone would try to arrest me or take me to court just cause I asked a question about using it.

Next I appreciate all of your feed back. I tried out some of the other programs you guys suggested. I was having trouble using 3ds max and was looking for an alternate and easier program to use. But in the end I found that they all operate in pretty much the same way, and like many of you have mentioned 3ds max is a really good program. So I decided to stop being lazy and just try to lean it. I went though all the tutorials and spent a good bit of time making models in it. Now I’m having no trouble at all using it to make my character models.

So I have decided to continue to use 3ds max for making all of my individual models. But I have discovered from your suggestions that there are some programs out there that I find will be easier and more efficient for making the actual levels for the game, like cartography shop and deleD

So thank to all for your feedback!!!

Gowmars
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General X
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Posted: 27th Jul 2004 11:32
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I'm big fan of Gamespace, I think that would suit you, GS were made by sample people who made 3d max therefore its quite strong for anything basically!

have you tried it, really good from characters to indoors. weapons, transport to small things can be done with GS.

what's more you can animate you characters using skeletons, you can also focus on half side of the character then mirror it, this all sounds tought but trust me, once you get into those things, you can't stop, I wanted to study programming (c++) then get a degree but now, I'm kind of doubting it, I want to get in 3D things!

only my opinion!

Gamespace 9/10

whooooooo!

The general! X

think once play twice sleep third
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