Learning to Model

What program should I use?

from Sins Forums

I want to learn to model and was wondering what program I should start with.

Some reasons/examples and pros and cons would be good. I was thinking of trying Blender first, but am looking for input.

modding
12,350 views 19 replies
Reply #1 from Sins Forums Top

Note that I want to work with sins.

Reply #2 from Sins Forums Top

I would recommend using XSI or blender... I prefer XSI, but there is no real reason other than I just got used to it...

Multiplicity - Control multiple PCs using one keyboard and mouse
Reply #3 from Sins Forums Top
If you are learning specifically to model for Sins. Then yes XSI is the best tool to start learning with since Sins was developed using XSI Pros: It is the same modeling tool the developers used to create sins, and the modding documentation assumes you are working with XSI (mainly XSI 6.0). Cons: A higher learning curve than say 3D Studio Max. Professional modelers generally have some knowledge of multiple modeling programs.
Reply #4 from Sins Forums Top

Yeah... My brother actually does 3D modeling professionally and when he gave me his old laptop, I found that it had twelve or so modeling programs including 3D studio max, XSI, and Blender...

Oh, and random comment, but when you model, make sure that none of the polygons have more than five sides as the game engine doesn't like hexagons (minidumps and more)

Reply #5 from Sins Forums Top

Games in general dont support anything higher than 3 point polys (triangles). That is why in the sins docs it shows you how to check for 4 point polys then convert them to 3 pointers without messing your mesh up.

Reply #6 from Sins Forums Top

Its 3?  I thought it was 5...

Reply #7 from Sins Forums Top

Nope Three

Reply #8 from Sins Forums Top

cool, thanks. Started with blender, making good progress. Also, will XSI 7.5 (now Autodesk softimage) work with sins? More specificly the mod tool? Is the mod tool actually OK for Sins?

Reply #9 from Sins Forums Top

I recommend the mod tool.. Its much easier to use as far as interfaces go (and its free).  Besides, its a mod tool.  You make mods with it...

Reply #10 from Sins Forums Top

Yes softimage 7.5 will work.

Reply #12 from Sins Forums Top

Thanks everyone.

Reply #14 from Sins Forums Top

Just FYI..

You can model a ship for sins in ANY modeling program you want to use. However to finish the model off, and export to "dotxsi", the format required buy convertxsi in the the forge tool set to convert to sins mesh format. You MUST use XSI. Version 6.0, and up should be no problem. I dont know about versions under 6.0. Mod Tool works but i have had issues with conversion using mod tool (mesh errors).

The things that a model needs for conversion to sins is its materials set up in XSI in accordance with the forge tool documentation (-cl, -da, and -nm texture in proper links). With Phong glossiness set to 32. Tangents need to be done in XSI as well or your model will look like crap in game. Tangents are similar to "smoothing groups" in 3d studio max. The method is to create a duplicate set of UV's in XSI and remap them to where when you view a model in "constant" mode. The colors blend in. This is also explained in the forge tool documentation. You can do similar settings for phong in 3dsmax or blender easily however when you import to XSI those settings may be lost. Along with your smoothing groups.

Regardless of all things you need XSI to convert the model to dotxsi format. Using other file format converters like deep exploration, or exporting from another modeling program to dotxsi will NOT work.

Reply #15 from Sins Forums Top

Thanks.

By the way, are the conversion errors show-stoppers or just annoying?

Reply #16 from Sins Forums Top

Quoting Major, reply 14
Just FYI..

You can model a ship for sins in ANY modeling program you want to use. However to finish the model off, and export to "dotxsi", the format required buy convertxsi in the the forge tool set to convert to sins mesh format. You MUST use XSI. Version 6.0, and up should be no problem. I dont know about versions under 6.0. Mod Tool works but i have had issues with conversion using mod tool (mesh errors).

The things that a model needs for conversion to sins is its materials set up in XSI in accordance with the forge tool documentation (-cl, -da, and -nm texture in proper links). With Phong glossiness set to 32. Tangents need to be done in XSI as well or your model will look like crap in game. Tangents are similar to "smoothing groups" in 3d studio max. The method is to create a duplicate set of UV's in XSI and remap them to where when you view a model in "constant" mode. The colors blend in. This is also explained in the forge tool documentation. You can do similar settings for phong in 3dsmax or blender easily however when you import to XSI those settings may be lost. Along with your smoothing groups.

Regardless of all things you need XSI to convert the model to dotxsi format. Using other file format converters like deep exploration, or exporting from another modeling program to dotxsi will NOT work.
End of Major's quote

 

Thanks very much for this info. I was am to start in 3DS Max 2008 but I am a beginner when it comes to modelling.

This Mod Tool though, is that part of Forge Tools?

Thanks again.

 

Reply #17 from Sins Forums Top

This Mod Tool though, is that part of Forge Tools?
End of quote

No. You will have to download the program from "AutoDesk". the "Forge Tools" does have a helpful tutorial on how to use it though.

There is also a free tutorial online which can be accessed from the pop up window that pops up when you first run the program, Softimage XSI 7.5 this is(latest version). I found this to be quite helpful also.

You may also buy a  training kit from "digital-tutors" for around 60 bucks. There are several differnt kits. Personally I found the "Introduction to XSI 6" very helpful.

Reply #18 from Sins Forums Top

The Mod Tool is a free version of autodesk softimage, which is also known as XSI

Reply #19 from Sins Forums Top

Double Post