| In this 3+ hour training DVD, “Riki Babington - Sr.”, a 3D Environment Artist for Sony Online Entertainment teaches viewers how to create a next gen 3D model (damaged pillar) in high and low poly with texturing. During this journey Riki used various softwares like 3Ds max, Mudbox, Photoshop, Crazy Bump, Unreal Editor and Poly cruncher. This DVD divided into three parts: a) Modeling in High Poly b) Modeling in low Poly and c) Texturing the model. There is always a pleasure to learn anything from such a talented artist whether in any seminar or through DVD at your own convenience. The DVD, published by Eat 3D, is aimed at Max users interested in learning the professional techniques used in the game industry. Little knowledge of the max is required before trying this DVD. This is not for totally newbie in 3D field. This DVD using the wide-screen (16:9) video format for viewing and videos compressed in 1280 x 720 pixels and converted into high quality flv format and packaged with flash 9. This DVD does not contain Flash player installer and you need to download the free installer from the adobe.com if not already installed on your system (according to adobe this is already installed on 800 million Internet-connected desktops and mobile devices). The interface of the DVD is quite simple and creative and can be easily understood by anyone. In full screen mode the videos quality is very good and if you are using a wide screen monitor it looks like you are running a max on your own system. Part 1 i.e. High poly modeling focuses on the modeling of the pillar in 3ds max 2008 from the basic box. In this chapter beginners can learn how to use the max standard primitives to model any object effectively without wasting too much time in extrusions, beveling with little increase in the poly count. In simple words it shows many tricks, fast ways to complete anything in timely manner. Some steps are showed quite fast and you need to drag the timeline back to understand them properly. Later in this part, model exported from max to mudbox where he has explained and done all the detailing in the pillar to make it destroyed. If you are a ZBrush user then there is nothing for you from the Mudox part. We were hoping may be after explanation in Mudbox, Riki shows some tricks in the ZBrush so both software users hxxe something to watch. Part 2 i.e Low Poly modeling focuses on the reusing high res model to make low res model and used Poly cruncher plug-in to convert a high-res model into low poly. Pelt mapping in max and creating bump map from Crazy Bump software also explained. As mentioned before, this part is again not for newbies when comes the Pelt Mapping, and laying out the UV’s, because required more explanation for those which are totally new to Pelt Mapping. But this part is really good for intermediate users which looking to learn next gen art without getting bored in process. Part 3 i.e. Texturing the Damaged Pillar. Riki first creates the textures in Photoshop and then applies in Unreal Editor 3. Later, he creates a shader in Unreal Editor 3 and adds the detail maps on pillar to improve the quality. This is must look tutorial for every artist to understand the power of Diffuse, Normal and Specular maps and how to view the changes in real time. But adding lights in the scene is the weakest part in this tutorial as it doesn’t give much detail, may be because out of the scope of this DVD but as you know we always hungry for more. You can buy the DVD for $59.95 or Download the DVD with project files for $49.95. We think the price is little on higher side, so we recommend you to download the DVD instead of ordering for shipment and sxxe $10 + shipping - WOW. Shipping for the US its priority 2-3day mail for $4.95 and for Canada its priority 6-10day mail for $9.95. But remember, the DVD is much better quality (even though the download is great quality). For example, the download video files are around 1.5GB while the DVD video files are 4.5GB, also the DVD using QuickTime h264 instead of flash flv. So, if you are hungry for more visual quality or on slower internet connection then DVD will be the best option. When you order for downloading the DVD then you will hxxe 5 days to download the files, and you will only be able to download each file up to 3 times. Payment will be processed through Paypal, so you can pay through Paypal account and if you don’t hxxe one then through Debit/Credit card. We think you guys are waiting for the criticixx because nothing is perfect under the sun but we already mentioned the critiques side by side, so no need to mention more. If you are an intermediate/advanced user and like to learn next gen art then we recommend this DVD to you and if you are a newbie then skip this DVD for now until you become the intermediate user. Thanks to Riki for bringing the production skills on our computer with your expertise |
