What is the best 3D graphics program to use if I only want to create inanimate sprites and not animations. 3DSM seems like it has more features than I need.
Um, I would like to warn you that if you're making sprites, not animation, good old pixel-by-pixel is a hell lot faster, even for simple guys like you and me. Modeling a sprite in 3D is much harder than actually animating it. Well, not really hard but quite time-consuming.
But IMHO, 3DSM is probably one of the best if you go for quick, cute models. I heard 3DSM is one of the best for the box polygon shaping style or whatever you call it. With a few of the gals I drew in 3DSM, I don't need porn anymore .
ShadowCaster insists that Maya is the best, but I've never had the chance to test it. Besides, 3DSM and Maya are pretty expensive... sure you got the money for it?
Disclaimer: Any sarcasm in my posts will not be mentioned as that would ruin the purpose. It is assumed that the reader is intelligent enough to tell the difference between what is sarcasm and what is not.
I don't know about Maya, but 3D Studio Max has a really easy to use and flexable cell-shading option. For example, the beach scene linked to below is completely 3D, but rendered using 3DS Max's cell-shading procedures. It's not perfect, but it should give you an idea of what it can do. Keep in mind it's my first time using the technique and I'm sure there are many more features that I'm overlooking.
I heard 3DSM was among the hardest among those with the price range. It is easy, but how long did it take to model and render? I could probably have drawn that scene in say... 20 minutes, but would've taken about twice longer with 3DSM. But if you were gonna take several other views of the same scene, I suppose 3DSM is the way to go.
Disclaimer: Any sarcasm in my posts will not be mentioned as that would ruin the purpose. It is assumed that the reader is intelligent enough to tell the difference between what is sarcasm and what is not.
OK the only reason I need this is to create isometric sprites for my RTS. I figure that in the time it would take to draw 16 2D images, I can draw one 3D one and change the angle for every direction. Get it?
It was a joke? Anyway, I did buy 3D Studio Max 5 last summer -- for only $480, student edition. The scene took about 45 minutes to make, but I'm still a beginner in terms of skill. 3D Studio Max is really easy to learn, but an absolute bitch to master.
I realize that if it were top down I'd only need to make 1 image and rotate it, but I really want to take my time on this game and get everything as good as it can be. No matter how long it takes, 3D could solve a lot of problems.
omg student edition, ur so lucky! I can say I'm more than a noob when it comes to 3d.. but I'm not good at all.. if u want to see "good" go check stuff at www.cgtalk.com now that place is full of pros.
Yeah, those guys are amazing. They are where I would like to be in about 5 years. Getting the student edition is really easy. All you have to do is go through a place like www.studica.com and order the software. They send you a contract to sign saying you won't use it for commercial purposes and you send them a copy of your transcript/student ID card. The next thing you know, you have great software for pennies compared to what the pros pay.
Still, $480 is a bit steep. I downloaded Blender becuase it's free, but it has a very confusing interferance, so it scared me! I guess I'll steer away for 3D for now!
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