Sandcrawler Network

Unreal Modder's Haven => News and Announcements => Topic started by: Sandcrawler on April 07, 2012, 09:54:16 PM

Title: Free 3D Software (Update, looks like it was extended)
Post by: Sandcrawler on April 07, 2012, 09:54:16 PM
Daz 3D has made three programs free for the remainder of April. These are for the Pro version, with serial keys that would cost over $800 at the retail price.

To download go to the Daz 3D website (http://www.daz3d.com), you will have to register an account, then buy the software (for free) No credit card of payment information is required.

What you get:
Daz Studio - A 3D character/scene creator, that can create some nice renders easily. You can also use it to render interior scene, or even outdoor (but Bryce is better for Outdoor)

(http://sandcrawler.net/junk/girl_lounging.png)

Bryce - You can use Bryce to create an outdoor landscape scene , and even place the characters you pose in Daz Studio inside your outdoor setting. You can also use Bryce to generate heightmaps that you could then import into Unreal Engine, Ace of Spades, or any other Game engine that uses Heightmaps for terrain.

(http://sandcrawler.net/junk/highlands.jpg)

Hexagon - a 3D modeling application, that allows you to create 3D models in an intuitive way. Its one of the easiest ones that I have used (even easier than Wings3D) and seemed to have a good amount of power behind it.

(Maybe if I learn patience soon enough and manage to model something decent I'll post a screenshot.)


I think it is worth the few minutes it takes to register and get the software.

Update: As of 5/4/2012 it looks as though the Saz Software is still free, they haven't given a expiration date for it this time.
Title: Re: Free 3D Software (until the end of April 2012)
Post by: Tycon on April 08, 2012, 05:01:12 AM
Just wondering- is the Hexagon software RC-compatible?
Title: Re: Free 3D Software (until the end of April 2012)
Post by: Sandcrawler on April 08, 2012, 08:33:10 AM
Yes and No (mostly no)

To import a model from Hexagon you would have to use Blender, or another software to convert the model to .lwo or .ase. Blender has plugins that will save to both of these formats. Then you could import the converted model to Republic Commando.
Title: Re: Free 3D Software (until the end of April 2012)
Post by: Tycon on April 09, 2012, 03:17:26 PM
How would you compare Blender and Hexagon for modeling?
Title: Re: Free 3D Software (until the end of April 2012)
Post by: Sandcrawler on April 09, 2012, 06:48:15 PM
Well...its not really fair for me to compare them, I found Blender confusing as hell, and never made anything more interesting than a box in it.

Hexagon I've watched several tutorials on recently and I think I can model decently with it. The user interface is way easier than Blenders. It reminds me quite a bit of using the Unreal Editor. With that said, there are some things I don't care for, the mouse navigation is kind a pain, there are tools at the bottom center to rotate or pan the model (still better than Wings3D or Blender had) and as I use it more I'm learning to like the camera controls more and more. You can just click and hold the tool to rotate or pan. Rather than changing the tool from the manipulator (the one you use a lot) to one of the camera controls.
Title: Re: Free 3D Software (until the end of April 2012)
Post by: Tycon on April 10, 2012, 03:52:19 PM
That's kinda handy. I've seen poeple make some nifty stuff with Blender, but that might be a result of experience. If you know some tutorials for Hexagon, and it's normally something you would buy, and the interface is as easy as it sounds, it would be the better choice. Except that it's not compatible with UE2. Which would be pretty much the only thing I would use it for. XD. And I got a buddy who knows how to use Blender, but he's also german. Pros and cons on each side. I'm leaning towards Blender though.
Title: Re: Free 3D Software (until the end of April 2012)
Post by: Sandcrawler on April 10, 2012, 04:08:34 PM
I'd say grab it, and try it when you have time. Blender doesn't really support UE2 either, but there is a .ase plugin to save them that way.

With Hexagon to use it with UE2 you would just need a converter I believe BitTurn will do it http://mirex.mypage.sk/index.php?selected=1

You just save/export from Hexagon to a .obj format, then use BitTurn to convert .obj to .ase
Title: Re: Free 3D Software (until the end of April 2012)
Post by: Tycon on April 11, 2012, 02:12:21 PM
Mmm, in that case...But then again, I'm also a lazy modder who barely does anything and hardly needs a modeling system. XD I'll look into Hexagon, if I'm getting anything at all.