Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I consider myself a reasonably smart guy. While still relatively new to the wonderful world of computer animation, I've nevertheless been able to become resonably proficient in a number of programs in a short amount of time. I've learned Animation Master, Poser, Bryce, and Vue, and will soon be learning Carrara Pro, which by all accounts is wonderful and easy to use. While I'm not a master at any of these, each program has been easier to learn than the one before it.
I bought Shade 7 because it is sold by Curious Labs, the same people who produce Poser. They advertise it as "companion software" to Poser (Poser fusion), and they offered it for half off with my Poser serial number. I naturally assumed that it would have a similar interface and controls as Poser.
WRONG! Wrong wrong wrong wrong wrong! Shade was developed in Japan, by a completely different team of programmers. The only thing it has in common with Poser is that it was bought out by Curios Labs, who now market it. Poser fusion? I don't get it. Any 3d modellling software that will allow you to export into DXF, 3DS, or OBJ can be used to create props for Poser, so this is NOT a strong selling point. Importing Poser characters? Vue and Carrara Pro will allow you to import the entire animation!
So, how is the software? Let me just say that Shade is about the most UN-user friendly software I've ever attempted to use! People who are used to doing 90 percent of their work by pointing and clicking with a mouse will be instantly turned off. Not only are keyboard commands used as shortcuts, THEY'RE MANDATORY! I'm not kidding. Even simple commands like moving the camera or rotating your model require you to memorize which key (or KEYS) to hold down while dragging your mouse. Keep in mind, this is just to do basic functions that should be intuitive.
Try doing a simple boolean function. Go ahead. I dare you. In Vue or Bryce, its so ridiculously simple that a four year old could do it. In Shade? Go into the PDF manual that comes with the software and try to decifer it. It gave me a splitting headache just trying to make sense of it. Who wrote this manual? Maybe its just a literal traslation from the Japanese one.
I'm sure that a person who's proficient in Shade can make stunning 3d models. The free models that come with the software are also useful, so its not a complete waste of money. The "magical draw" software is quite useful. For these reasons, I give it two stars. As far as actually using Shade to create models to populate my 3d universe? Forget it! I just want to make movies. I don't have time for this crap!
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Have fun making a world of 3D art! Enjoy the power of 3D today at a great low price!With Shade art projects come to life in 3D! If you dream of creating cars, buildings, or creatures you can in Shade. Unique easy-to-use design tools makes getting started in 3D a snap. As your imagination grows so does Shade, with a rich toolset to explore and enhance your art. Make movies and produce breathtaking images to show off your creations. Shade is ideal for those new to 3D and aspiring graphic designers.
Click here for more information about Curious Labs Shade 3D Graphics Designer 7.0 LE
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