CompuServe Messages

Stay tuned for a new Metaball PXP/AXP combo coming very soon. Features will include: 1) User configurable mapping coordinates. This will allow you to apply any kind of material, reference, bump, relfection, etc. map to the metaballs, just like any other 3DS mesh object. 2) It will include both a PXP and an AXP. The PXP portion will allow you to create mesh objects with the same parameters as the AXP so you'll be able to "preview" the objects or use them as regular mesh objects. In other words, you can play with the blob parameters and get immediate results in the 3D Editor until you get the effect you're looking for, then these parameters can be passed to the AXP for animated metaball rendings while still maintaining low face counts in your scene. 3) You can set any detail level you like from both the PXP and the AXP. No need to "scale" you scene numerous time to get the mesh resolution you need. I typically play around with blob settings at a low detail level until I get the shape(s) I like using the PXP, then I transfer the values to the AXP and set the detail level to a higher setting for rendering. 4) Parametric animated metaballs! What this means is that you'll be able to modify the parameters assigned to the metaball source objects over time in an animation. You will be able to assign values to source object parameters and then have these values change from frame to frame. This will give you absolute control over the metaballs and wil allow you to create effects that no one else even comes close to! To my knowledge, no other program on the PC platform lets you do this. It will allow you to create the weirdest, most organic animations you've ever seen! All this is accomplished using a very intuitive spline-based envelope dialog. 5) Speed! To my knowledge, this is the fastest metaball generator for 3DS out there. Danny…