Archive notice: This article was originally published on August 2, 2005. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Compared with the previous version, 3ds max 8 brings improvements primarily in four areas: character development, expanded modelling and texturing, a more comprehensive development framework and the management of complex data and resources. Customers with a 3ds max subscription, however, already know many of the new features from the intermediate version 7.5.
The Unwrap modifier is among the most interesting new features: With Pelt Mapping, the user defines texture edges, then 3ds max relaxes the mesh and generates distortion-free mapping, which the user can then save via the new UVW export.
Character Studio has received several improvements, for example limbs can be subdivided more highly and Sooth Twist and Bend links make twisted muscles possible. Nonlinear, nondestructive animation with filters, weighting and time warp is now available throughout the program.
Autodesk has also put a great deal of work into cooperation with other applications and into teamwork. For one thing, there is improved integration with its own products Combustion and Toxik during rendering; for another, integrated asset management that enables server-based version control.
Finally, Autodesk has also significantly expanded the scripting functions: Max Script has received a major update and now offers the user a debugger. Nice for German users: Software and documentation will also be available in German localisation.
Autodesk 3ds max 8 is expected to be available from autumn 2005, initially in an international version. The German-language version is to follow. The full price for 3ds max 8 is US$3,495; the upgrade from 3ds max 7 costs US$795. German prices are not yet available at the moment.
DP will provide a detailed overview of the new version and its functions in issue 05:05 (available in stores from 12.8.).
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Further Links:
- 3ds max 8 (Autodesk website)
