This page last edited: 03 June 1999
Although Genesis3D is free, and Open Source, many of the tools needed to use it are expensive. As a hobbyist I can't afford to pay thousands of pounds for 3DStudio, and judging by the posts on the Genesis3D forums I am not alone.
| Modelling | |
|---|---|
| TrueSpace | 4.x Much
cheaper than 3DSMax ($595)and has support for bones. To
convert files to G3D format use Klaus Zerbe's TrueGene
program. 3.0 Caligari sell off older versions of their software. This comes in cheaper ($395), but doesn't have as many features. 2.0 Still sold by Caligari for $199, but full versions turn up regularly on magazine cover disks. Recent sightings include PC Plus and Computer Arts |
| Animation Master | Cheaper than 3DS. Has support for bones. To convert files to G3D format use Martan's converter. |
| Soft F/X | Budget modeller. (Price?). Pro version only has support for bones. To convert files to G3D format use Klaus Zerbe's fx2act program (static actors only at the moment). |
| Programming | |
|---|---|
| Visual C++ | Not really many other
options here, although with G3D being open source, I'm
sure other compilers will work. You're on your own though... 6.0 What G3D was written in, so the most compatible. Standard edition is fine, and much cheaper (~75UKP here). Student editions can be a good deal. 5.0 Some issues with FP performance. Probably best to steer clear. 4.2 First versions of G3D were written with this, so you may be able to compile the source OK. |
| Borland C++ Builder | As above, you're on your own
with the source... 3.0 Keep an eye out for this on magazine covers. A full version of the professional edition is on June 1999 PC Plus. |
| Graphics | |
|---|---|
| PaintShop Pro | King of the shareware PhotoShop clones. Newest version is more commercialised I believe. |
| Wally | Designed for producing graphics for FPS such as Quake, this will be ideal for many uses. |
| Terragen | The most photorealistic skies available. See my tutorial for use in G3D |
| SkyPaint | Specifically designed for 3D panoramic views such as G3D skies. |
| Bryce | Ideal for backgrounds. Version 4.0 just released, but earlier versions are appearing an magazine covers (sources?) |
| Map Editors | |
|---|---|
| Quake Editors | Any Quake map editors will
save in map format, but textures and entities will not be
transferred. This must be done in GEdit. Try BSP, QERadiant, Tread, Qoole etc.. |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Free Models | |
| Free Textures | http://www.freetextures.com/ |