i was just curious. what can i use for modelling for a6 gamestudio? i try to model with the actual editor and it frustrates me. i need help with this. can anyone help? thanks

I wrote a tutorial on how to best use the model edittor that comes with 3DGS. See category 9 on my website and view the "making levels in MED" tutorial. This tutorial needs to be rewritten and adjusted for version 6.4, but for the most part, it's sufficient enough.

Hiya.

I use Softimage XSI. I used to use 3DS MAX, but only use it on occasion now...I much prefer Softimage. If you don't have the $$$ for those (most don't), I'd probably be using gameSpace or Wings. I use UltimateUnwrap3D for my UV'ing and whatnot.

I use 3DS Max and zbrush.
If I didnt own Max, Id keep zbrush,
perhaps get xsi as its cheap and great.
You could just use zbrush but its not so intuitive for blocks such as buildings etc, but its great to paint all the gnarly details etc and make organic things for normal maps.

the all-free-soluton:
wings3d (as modeller/unwrapper)
blender3d (as unwrapper/aminator)
SharpConstruct (as zbrush-replacement)

Hello,

my first Models I did build in WED as a prefab. In WED You can easily move blocks, substract stuff, make things hollow, ... just build 3D Stuff. I save my product as a prefab.
Then I close WED and open MED. I open this prefab by choosing "A5 LevelFile". (This works with my MED 6.24). Now, if it is not too complex, MED takes it. Drag with the mouse over it, so that everything is selected. Now You only need to go for View-->Skins--> The Skin-Editor opens. In the Skin Editor You go File-->Import-->Skin Image and choose a Skin in *.BMP, *.TGA, *.PCX or *.DDS format (whatever the last thing is?!?). [You also can create an easy Skin by extracting an image in *.PCX format out of a *.WAD-File.] Then You got to go for "Create MDL mapping" or "MD2 mapping" (my choice) ... and finally close the Skin-Editor. Now the Skin is attached to Your Model. Only thing left to do is to save it as a *.Mdl5 or *.Mdl7 Model.

That is it. My little workshop on how to build a Model out of a Prefab. I must suggest pretty easy ... but it does work. Setting up 3D things in MED is not one of my favourite things to do. To make it short: I do use the WED to create my 3D Geometry and add the Skin(s) in MED.

Now I do also use GameSpace 1.6 for my 3D Contend.

Sure Maya 7 unlimited does do some more effects, but it even costs some more (perhaps about $ 5.000++). :-)

Have a nice day,

C.U. R.E.Z.