Good/ cheap 3d program (X format support)

Well, I never used 3D Metafile (3DMF format), but I know that Deep Exploration supports it (and exports in X format). Actually, I only used it once, in the past, to convert a X to 3ds file. It was a trial version. Deep Exploration is not so cheap (US$149).
On the other hand, MilkShape 3D costs US$25, but it doesn't support the 3DMF format. Maybe would be a good idea to use MilkShape 3D for modelling [smile].

I hope helps.

Thanks, I'll definitely check out MilkShape. If anyone knows of other good inexpensive (under $200) modeling programs, please post a link.

It has only worked once but you may have better luck. You can use blender which cannot export the x files but if you export from blender in a .raw format you can import it into MilkShape and export again into x finally.
Good Luck and I hope that helps a little

Caligari Gamespace is a pretty good game-oriented, inexpensive 3D modeller. Right now, they have a bundle (here) for $250. Although it is a little out of your price range, if you think you would use it for a while, I think it would be a good investment [smile].

Also, here are some in-depth Gamespace reviews on Gamedev:
- here
- here

Thanks for the link.
I think GameSpace is exactly what I'm looking for. $250 isn't bad at all for the package they're offering.

Quote:

Original post by csharp Thanks for the link. I think GameSpace is exactly what I'm looking for. $250 isn't bad at all for the package they're offering.

Yea, I agree. I bought Truespace4 (another modelling package by them), and it's not really like other traditional modelling packages out there (ie Maya or 3ds Max). As you can probably see from the screenshots, the user interface is much more visual than others.

Does anyone know what the main differences are between Calgari's GameSpace and TrueSpace prducts are. The GameSpace special offer (until march 4) costs 250, and includes some other stuff, whereas TrueSpace is only $99. I think TrueSpace is all I need and that GameSpace has stuff for those wanting to customize current popular games. On the gamespace page, it says:

"Game formats like HalfLife, Quake 3, Unreal Tournament 2003, & more
Game engine formats, such as for 3D Game Studio, Blitz Basic, DarkBASIC, & more"

Can someone explain what the purpose of these "formats" are?

All in all, I think I really only need TrueSpace, but I just wanted to make sure there wasn't something in GameSpace that I'm overlooking. My main goal is to create custom 3D objects for custom games, and nothing else.

Thanks for any recommendations

Oops,
I now see that TrueSpace is actually the more expensive program.
http://www.caligari.com/store/trueSpace/default.asp?Cate=STtrueSpace
I was looking at an offer that had for an older version (probably all I need).

Here's the link for the special offer ($99) for the older version
http://www.caligari.com/Store/Special/cabinfever05.html
This offer expires Tues, Mar1, 2005

Quote:

Original post by csharp "Game formats like HalfLife, Quake 3, Unreal Tournament 2003, & more Game engine formats, such as for 3D Game Studio, Blitz Basic, DarkBASIC, & more" Can someone explain what the purpose of these "formats" are?

These are probably useful for modders, who are creating models for existing games. They probably won't be of much use to you, unless you decide to use that format with your application. If you want to use another format, I would find out if these Caligari products have an SDK, so that you can write your own exporter. These packages may be quite useless without having a way to get the data out in your own format.

Gamespace is a watered-down version of TrueSpace, mostly aimed towards the modding community and hobbyist developers. TrueSpace5 has a lot more features than GS (it is aimed for the more professional artist), so getting it that cheap may be a steal. I would take advantage of that cheap offer, since TS5 usually costs $400.

I would download the trial versions of both and try them out. You don't want to waste your money on software that you don't like or can't use. Unfortunately, you only have a few days before that big sale runs out, so you have to act quickly. It would also be beneficial to look around some artist forums to get their opinion on the product - usually they know all about the quirks of each individual application.

Also, I just noticed that there is a 30-day money back guarantee - so you could probably buy it with the deal, then try it out for a month.

Thanks for the feedback. I decided to go for the $99 offer on truespace 5.2, which also contains a good number of training videos. This was too good to pass up.