3D Modelling Utilities

[Quicksilver]

Yea i think this needs to be started again.
well heres my $.02.

You can use worldcraft (valve hammer editor) to make models. Just use a white texture (you need to have the hl.wad for this to work). I find this an easy way to make models because of the simplicity of it all. Then just export to .dxf and that .dxf can be imported into gmax, 3dsmax, and others. (i don't think it works with milkshape 3d)

So post what you use and something about it. (like what Jellybelly did)

-Quicksilver

[Kaliyuga]

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[KTottE]

I use 3D Studio Max for my modeling. And before you start shouting about warez:
I do have a legal version.
I managed to come across a very cheap version through a friend, who was selling his. So now I'm modeling away in 3DSM ;D

3DSM is by far the best modeling program I have used, and I've used (not just played around with: Used) AW: Maya, Lightwave and Cinema 4D.
And also the free tools like OpenFX, Blender, Anim8or, Milkshape and that lot.
None of them really compares to 3DSM when it comes to poly-modeling, texturing and game animations. Not that we can make our own animations for OFP, but I have worked on other projects which needed animations.

[sniper_c1]

What's the required version of 3DSM for modelling in OFP?

[KTottE]

That's up to you.
Everything from 2.5 up seems to work perfectly.

[Messiah]

i have version 4  

and KTottE - milkshape isnt free - $20 after 30 days - i use milkshape then export to O2 - cos i find milkshape easier since ive used it for so long.

[KTottE]

Anything below $100 is free  

[1B1KSniper]

That is if you have money, unlike me.
I just use GMax.  But I haven't figured out how to export yet.

[KTottE]

There is no export function, unless you have a Game Pack.
I've already made a post about this here so go check it out.

[teaCup]

I use Maya for modeling. And before you start shouting about warez:
I do it at work (call my boss, see if he cares).
It's a high end 3D package; used to be real expensive.
Today, you can buy "Maya Complete" for $1,999.
3DSM 5.0 costs $3,495.
And if you ask me, there's no contest.
For games, both can do pretty much everything. But Maya's
workflow and feel are superb. Can't say the same thing
about 3DSM.
I see no point in perpetuating the myth, of 3DSM being THE
game developer's 3D package. (did I just say "package" again?).

[quakergamer]

I had a legal version of max 3.1 then I upgraded to max 4.0 and 2 weeks ago ive recieved my max 5.0 upgrade .


So I use 3ds max 5(VERY NICE). It got new poly tools who are awesome.

Buy that program NOW

[KTottE]

@teaCup:

I have to hand it to Alias|Wavefront. There's no tool (package ) that has quite so streamlined interface as Maya.
But, as I said, I'm used to using both Maya and 3DSM, (Not at work, but in school) and once you get used to it, 3DSM can be faster than Maya.
Maya is, however, much better when it comes to animation. Think "Making the Final Fantasy movie" (which they, on a side note, did use Maya for, as does Pixar and all those other folks that make 3D animated movies).
That's where Maya is much better.
But you can achieve the same result with 3DSM, it just takes a little longer.
But, since this question was asked on a computer game forum, I take it the poster wants to make graphics for games. And then, there is no contest. 3DSM is the most favoured tool on the market, and rightfully so.
I won't delve into why 3DSM is better, since a comparative article of that kind would be a pain in the arse to type here on the forum.
But trust me, for his  purposes, 3DSM is way better. And with time and patience it's just as good as Maya when it comes to making 3D Animations.

Oh, and 3DSM is the game developer's tool/package. There are far more games created with 3DSM than with Maya (OFP being one) and the only game developer I can name right now that I know uses Maya is Westwood Studios.

Cheers, KTottE

[teaCup]

..a die hard 3DSM fan I see.  

Arguing over which one is better, on this forum, might be
a bit futile. So I won't..
Anyway, any of you rich kids, wanting to buy
3D software for games, you should consider Maya.
It's true, 3DSM is currently the most widespread tool in the
gaming industry. But that's just beause, until now, it wasn't
expensive, and it wasn't picky about the hardware.
Maya's price, was prohibitive, until recently.
In my view, 3DSM hasn't any "intrinsic" virtue, that would
make it, the game creator's obvious choice.
Just wanted to say that.

[KTottE]

Actually, I have been a die hard Maya fan for ages.
I still use Maya in school, (that's where I use 3DSM as well) and I think it's superb in some fields, but is lacking in others.

But, if you want to get into game models, there's really no other option than 3DSM in my opinion. Lightwave might rival 3DSM a bit, or at least put up a good fight, but Maya is not suited for game models.
And that is aside from personal preference.

Anyways, I won't continue this discussion, because as you said it will be a bit futile.

But, 3DSM for games, Maya for animation is the general rule to follow. And that is not just me talking, ask anyone out there and they'll tell you that (in general) 3DSM is better for games.

Cheers, KTottE

[FW200]

But i think that milkshape 3d is the best for p3d hex editing...

I always use it to make p3d edits of all sorts of planes etc...

I have succesfully edited:
Hawk    >> MIG 25
Hawk    >> MIG 23
MP C47 >> Fokker T.V
MP C47 >> Fokker G.1A
And a lot of other models which i cant remember but the prob is the textures are f*cked up... But milkshape really is the best... for p3d editing  
 
 ;D

[Cedaie]

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