GameSpace - Any comments ?

[Chman]

For those who don't know about gameSpace, it's a modeling tool for game developper which can be used for model and level modeling...

Can be find here http://www.caligari.com/gamespace/.

Does someone ever try it or use it to make a game ? Do you have any comments on using it to make game models (no level modeling) ? Or would you better recommand Milkshape3D ?

Thanks

Chman

[kevglass]

Interface from hell, couldn't even create a stick figure...

Althought it does seem to have nice support for IK.

Kev

[D.t.O]

So what's this "industry standard" .X file format?

As far I know, it's the only export for GS Light.

Games published by our own members! Check 'em out!

[Chman]

If I'm not wrong, .X format is the directX model format...

[frdfsnlght]

Yes, .x files are DirectX files. They are a simple text format and not, as the name implies, strictly tied to MS or DirectX (there's nothing in them that requires, or even hints, at the use of DirectX).

Last week, I became needful for a modeller app since I'm at that point in my project. I wanted something "free" since money is really tight.

I played with Milkshape a bit. The interface is easy to use, but the need to switch between different tools all the time really slowed me down (it's hard to explain). Also, the fact that it's a limited time demo and requires payment and reg after 30 days doesn't really make it "free".

I downloaded and tried GameSpaceLight, and I have to agree with Kev about the interface. I couldn't figure anything out. The tutorials are even hard to follow since all functions are accessed through little icon buttons around the edges of the main window, so when the tutorial says "select such and such", it has a little picture of the icon to click, and you have to hunt around all the toolbars and find an icon that matches. It got tedious very quickly. The features of the app sound great. If you can get past the interface, it sounds like a cool tool. Alas, I couldn't manage it.

I then tried Blender, even after hearing all the bad things about it's interface and unfriendlyness to new users. I was pleasently surprised. In fact, it's become my main modeling tool now. It took about 2 days of tuoritals to get used to the interface, but it makes sense to me now and I'm already highly productive. I can now understand why they made the interface design choices they did. It's all a matter of opinion.

I guess this turned into a mini-review of a few modelers. Sorry about that. I hope you find something useful.

-Tab

[Chman]

Thanks for this "review" !
I was using blender last year but I've heard that the user interface became more friendly... I'm gonna try it again

Chman

just a question to frdfsnlght, how can you remind your login name ? because it's a strange name lol... does it mean something ?

[Giddy]

Hi

I bought gameSpace (full version) a half year ago, and I love it. The interface takes some getting used to, but I guess that is the case for every 3D application out there. But the interface is very consistent, so you learn quickly.

The community on http://forums.caligari.com/gameSpace is extremely helpful, which is a big plus.

Before I bought gameSpace, I used Wings3D + Milkshape + Lithunwrap, and although they got the job done, I find the workflow in gameSpace is much faster.

For me it was worth every penny.

That said, I must admit that I am primarily a programmer and secondarily and "artist". But you can see two of my models at caligaris forums:

http://forums.caligari.com/gameSpace/showthread.php?s=&threadid=373&highlight=ziggurat
http://forums.caligari.com/gameSpace/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1035&highlight=jumpnrun

And the .COB file format is easy to parse. I have written a JOGL based COB-viewer, that can display an animated model.

http://forums.caligari.com/gameSpace/showthread.php?s=&threadid=997&highlight=jumpnrun

But try out gameSpace light and make your own opinion. I think it is very generous that they have released a fully working version without watermarks and cryptic fileformats.

[Chman]

Hi Griddy
Thanks for your comment !
I've just take a look to your models and your model loader... You've made a nice work

Are you working for a game currently ? Have you finished the "jump-n-run" game you were talking about in the gamespace forum ?

Chman

[frdfsnlght]

Chman, yes my login name does mean something (it's a secret ). Most people are taken aback with it, but it rolls off my tounge easily enough.

-Tab

[Giddy]

@chman: The jump-n-run game is currently on hold, while I make a smaller (motivation booster) puzzle game. And from time to time I work on an open source clone of Pirates http://huntforgold.sourceforge.net/screenshots.html

/Giddy