Modeling Program

[Power Board]

Hi,
I am looking for a modeling program that is compatible for BZ2 and is easy to use.

[TheJamsh]

GSL, GameSpace Lite
TS, Truespace
B3D, Blender 3D
LW, Lightwave

to mention a few, the top three are free, and blender is the msot difficult to use, but easily the most poewrful. for gamespace tutorials speak to BNG Da BZ Fool. hes the best one for these things

[General BlackDragon]

Gmax is a good (free?) modeling program...I think GH has the details...somewhere...

[mrtwosheds]

I am looking for a modeling program that is compatible for BZ2 and is easy to use.

The above mentioned can be used to make models for bz2.
I fear none of them would fully fulfil your criteria though.

[OvermindDL1]

Depends on what you think is easy to use.

If you are big on the slower mouse (as most newer people are), get GSL.
If you are big on the faster keyboard shortcuts (as most experienced people are), get B3D.
Using the other when you are not the appropriate person will reduce your efficiency a great deal.
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[anomaly]

I'd go with GSL.  I haven't tried it yet, but BNG uses it a lot and he says its pretty easy to learn.  I'd stay far away from Blender 3d unless you already know how to use it or are prepared to spend a long time learning how to use it.  Gmax, while free and somewhat easy to learn, presents a lot of trouble when it comes to trying to convert your model into the .xsi format.

[bigbadbogie]

the best option is 3dsmax 7 or 8 -- but those cost heaps

[VSMIT]

It's amazing.  Somebody also asked about this on MD.  There's a whole (albeit old) discussion about modeling programs.

http://www.bz2md.com/smf/index.php?topic=1903.0

VSMIT.

[TheJamsh]

lol thought it may be that topic

[Nielk1]

Max 6 works, costs too

[BNG Da BZ Fool]

Ya, to start out give Gamespace Lite 1.6 a try. I've tried most of the free modelers currently available, and it's by far the simplest to learn for non-modeling peeps like the average BZII beginning modeler. It's X format works good with BZII mod tools like Threed (aka BZ2ME) and 3d Exploration 1.5. GSL, also has a built in UV map editor that's fairly easy to use to custom skin (texture) any models you make. It has some file size limitations, but making simple non-animated models is really easy to get you started actually making models for the game. I made my first Sabre type tank in less then a week verses a few months with GMAX.

After you learn the basics of modeling in GSL then I'd suggested getting the latest version of Blender 3d as this advanced 3d modeler will allow you to start making animated models like Walker types using OM's BZII exporter. Like GMAX, Blender is fairly difficult to master and may take quite a long time to comprehend. GSL, is fairly simple to master as it uses picture based icons that we're all familiar with in a typical Windows program. Once you get use to the icons you'll be cranking out models by the dozens. Trust me, GSL, was designed for non-technical idiots like me and the average BZII modeler.

Also, get GMAX and try to learn it as it's almost identical to 3d MAX only free; should you eventually decide to buy this super expensive modeling program. GMAX, is a free version of MAX, but you'll also have to download some extra things called, game packs as GMAX is not directly compatible with BZII for making models, and it requires way more patients then GSL to learn. It's well documented with help files, but expect a fairly long wait before actually making any models as it seems to be oriented towards technically minded modelers.

Also, do a web search for free 3d modelers as there are quite a few available, and give them a try too. You may just find one that you like, and that makes sense to you alone. A few other free ones to search for are: 3d Anim8tor, Alibre Design, 3d Canvas, Truespace 1.0, Truespace 3.2, Albatross, 3d Wings, Zmodeler, Aztec, AC3D, Deledit, Misfit 3d, Vmodeler, etc. There are tons, but make sure that the file formats are supported by 3DEX as they'll need to be converted to the XSI model format that BZII uses.