I've got a friend who wants to make a game. The budget is mildly unlimited, and so I've posted here to ask you people what you think the best applications to get are (apart from obviously coldstone.).
So if you know of a very easy to use or efficient graphics creator/editor, or anything else that's useful in the coldstone gamemaking process, please post.
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Poor little Johnny, of whom we'll see no more, for what he thought was H2O was H2SO4.
Well, it does depend on exactly how unlimited the budget is. Be that as it may, a few nice programs to have (without links, as it's too late to think much) are:
Photoshop
AnimationMaster
Poser
ProTools
....and many others. That's just a few I remember at the moment, not that I necessarily possess/use. As I'm rather poor, I don't actually have any of them.... sigh. But I hear that they're good. 
-Andiyar
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"Any good that I may do here, let me do now, for I may not pass this way again"
(url="http://"http://www.adobe.com/products/aftereffects/main.html")Adobe After Effects(/url)
This is one of the best programs to use for quicktime movies. Also, if you get a high-end 3D program such as Maya, you may also wanto to have After Effects to put the frames together.
(url="http://"http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/main.html")Photoshop(/url)
Photoshop. What else is there to say? Ya got to have Photoshop.
As far as computer programs go, this should give you the best of the basics for around $1600 USD.
Also, you may wish to get a good mac, a dual 867 with 1 gig of ram should do just fine.
With these three things, plus a little of your own personal favorite programs and tools, you can get a very good machine set up to produce a coldstone game for about $3500 USD plus whatever you would want to spend on a 3D program if you use one. If your budget is substantially higher than this, I would reccomend that you spend the remainder on people to do stuff for you (artwork, audio)
Naturally, if you're going to use a 3D program for your graphics, you should just use whatever you know best. Also in 3D, ram is more important than processor power. Since this is for a coldstone game, I doubt you would ever need to know what a render farm is, but if you plan on making a LOT of 3D or movie stuff, you may wish to get several computers and several licences of the programs you use, so you could divide the rendering time between several computers.
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"This time, the effect was that of putting out a fire with a barrel of gasoline. And that's the moment when I said to myself, NO, I'm not playing this game anymore."
—Assaf Oron, IDF
Photoshop indeed - we cannot stress that enough
But beyond that I'd advice him to talk to us himself in #Coldstone, but also to go to gamasutra, hang around the gameplanet network (planetrpg) etc...
If he needs to be told, he's not up to it yet - a month of preparation and research now could do the trick and will save valuable time later.
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Not to mention training. If you don't know photoshop as well as the basics of animation with programs like flash or after effects, then you should learn to do so if you're going to be making graphics. Also, if you're going to be spending good money on a project like that, I would advise you to get a few fans before you even start work on the game.
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"This time, the effect was that of putting out a fire with a barrel of gasoline. And that's the moment when I said to myself, NO, I'm not playing this game anymore."
—Assaf Oron, IDF
Mr. Nero,
I've heard several people talk about (url="http://"http://www3.corel.com/cgi-bin/gx.cgi/AppLogic+FTContentServer?pagename=Corel/Product/Details&id;=CC1M72VRBAC")Bryce(/url) which is a 3D graphics program. You might check it out.
Also, if your budget is truely "mildly unlimited" then I think you should give serious consideration to purchasing a shiny new (url="http://"http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/72/wo/vPYog0aktlaTirMDHe/1.3.0.3.27.21.1.3.19.3.1.1.0?50,6")Dual 1.25GHZ G4 PowerMac(/url) and then shipping it to me. You know I'll be answering some questions for you, and it would just be plain decent of you to do.
(edit) Fixed an error in the offer of support, because a beg like that just deserves to look good (/edit)
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(url="http://"http://stark.evula.net/pogwalkthrough.htm")PoG Walkthrough and Compendium(/url) | (url="http://"http://stark.evula.net/plugins/dev_tools.htm")PoG Dev Tools(/url) | (url="http://"http://stark.evula.net/plugins/spells_expander.htm")Spells Expander(/url)
(url="http://"http://stark.evula.net")Stark.evula.net(/url) now on (url="http://"http://www.evula.net")EVula.net(/url)
(This message has been edited by Stark Bledfast (edited 10-22-2002).)
Quote
Originally posted by nero:
**I've got a friend who wants to make a game. The budget is mildly unlimited, and so I've posted here to ask you people what you think the best applications to get are (apart from obviously coldstone.).
So if you know of a very easy to use or efficient graphics creator/editor, or anything else that's useful in the coldstone gamemaking process, please post.
**
PhotoShop Infinite Photoshop(which i only got it in exchange for (url="http://"http://www.timberridgemagnet.net")designing a website(/url)),while this is the obvious only other thing you'll ever need application, there are better cheaper ways to go(for the exquisitely broke developer);
2D
Apple Works
GraphicConverter
3D
(url="http://"http://www.geocities.com/ellrx/download/clayscape3d.sit")ClayScape3D (free)(/url)
(url="http://"http://www.codenautics.com/meshwork/")MeshWork ($30)(/url)
Remember its the skill not the tools that make a game good...
Random PhotoSHop TIp when using scanned in art, try the 'cutout Filter' in combination with the magic wand to speed up the conversion.
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(url="http://"http://www.geocities.com/ellrx/index.html")eLL' softWare: updated 10.15.02(/url)
(url="http://"http://www.geocities.com/ellrx/download/index.html")CGE related PDFs(/url)
(This message has been edited by ellrx (edited 10-22-2002).)
I recommend:
(url="http://"http://www.adobe.com")PhotoShop Elements(/url) ( pretty much the full photoshop without some goodies useful for print work like CMYK I believe...An essential tool for 2d graphics)
and for 3d modeling:
(url="http://"http://www.strata.com")Strata 3D Pro 3.8(/url) ( Strata has the best interface for 3d that I've ever tried - easy to get into but still extremely powerful! Reasonably priced as well.)
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lala i need a sig...maybe i should put random snippets of code from my "undisclosed project" down here 
Quote
Originally posted by Stark Bledfast:
**Mr. Nero,
I've heard several people talk about Bryce which is a 3D graphics program. You might check it out.
Also, if your budget is truely "mildly unlimited" then I think you should give serious consideration to purchasing a shiny new Dual 1.25GHZ G4 PowerMac and then shipping it to me. You know I'll be answering some questions for you, and it would just be plain decent of you to do.
(edit) Fixed an error in the offer of support, because a beg like that just deserves to look good (/edit)**
A slight but serious variation on this, every time you feel that you are not getting enough out of work made for hire, you should get some new piece of equipment, software, or plugin that makes your work easier, and charge the client for it. Ya gotta enjoy what you do for a living, ya know!
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"This time, the effect was that of putting out a fire with a barrel of gasoline. And that's the moment when I said to myself, NO, I'm not playing this game anymore."
—Assaf Oron, IDF
Oh, one thing that I should DEFINATELY point out to everybody that reads this.
If you are skilled with one 3D program in particular, then use THAT program. The same goes for just about any computer skill, but especially for 3D graphics. Chances are, if there is one 3D program that you use a lot, then you probably:
a) bought that program
learned a thing or two about using that program's tools
c) gotten used to that program's layout and interface
If any of these three things apply to one spesific program, than chances are you can produce more with that one program than you can with a super-expensive high end 3D program like Maya unlimited. There are a lot of skills that are simply related to 3D itself, but if you're comfortable with a tool, then that is the tool you should use. Unless you like the experience of buying, learning, and getting a handle on a completely new and complex program just for a single project.
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That's mighty white of you, Mikee. Hate to break it to you, but not everyone is so shallow and prejudiced that they fear being shot by "black people".
—Andrew Welch
Let's see here...
Poser
Bryce (Not essential, if your good enough with Photoshop. I don't own it.)
Photoshop Elements (If you can't get the full version)
You can do quite a bit with this combination, but you could do similar things with cheaper programs and more skill.
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Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.
"Logic is futile"-Scott Adams
(This message has been edited by spitfire (edited 10-25-2002).)
I'd have to say....
Poser
Bryce
Photoshop
ProTools
Freeplay Music
And giving me 25 bucks so that I can buy another Ambrosia program... ah come on please...
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What stands before us
today is a meer foreshadow
of tommorow, fight hard or
die trying.
Quote
Posted by everybody:
poser poser poser poser poser poser poser poser poser
I'm guessing that a lot of mac users use poser. I just looked up poser, and it looks like it's shareware. heheheh.
I'd like to remind everybody here that nero has a budget to work with 
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That's mighty white of you, Mikee. Hate to break it to you, but not everyone is so shallow and prejudiced that they fear being shot by "black people".
—Andrew Welch
Quote
Originally posted by Madman:
**
Quote
Posted by everybody:
poser poser poser poser poser poser poser poser poser
I'm guessing that a lot of mac users use poser. I just looked up poser, and it looks like it's shareware. heheheh.
I'd like to remind everybody here that nero has a budget to work with
**
Poser is NOT shareware.
That said, it is cheap and simple. That said, base Poser is not much for making custom characters -- particularly non-human characters. You need to purchase lots of stuff from 3rd parties, and/or get another application to do your own modelling.
If you are thinking of something like PoGs graphic set, with lots of strange-looking creatures, you should look at a mid-range all-in-one application. Animation Master is often mentioned in this context. There are real advantages for this kind of work in being able to model, bone, animate and render within the same application.
By the way, even though it is more of an "artists" software (as in, large-format still and broadcast quality animations), Carrara Studio 2 is making some pretty big waves. It is also frighteningly cheap. Go to Eovia.com and try out a demo.
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"I know the stranger's name."
Turandot
Quote
Originally posted by Stark Bledfast:
**Mr. Nero,
I've heard several people talk about Bryce which is a 3D graphics program. You might check it out.
(edit) Fixed an error in the offer of support, because a beg like that just deserves to look good (/edit)**
Why does the form NEVER submittable for me? It always says "We're sorry....We cannot process your form. Please return to your registration form and try again."
I mean what the heck?! I tried about 6 times and it still doesn't do it.
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"Perish in flames!"
Ghostbusters
Let us all scream that as we pass a windows users on the street, then point and laugh at them.
My game's (url="http://"http://www.evula.org/pfbgames/")site(/url)
I normally use Macromedia's Fireworks. I have found it usefull in all of my projects.
You can buy it at (url="http://"http://www.macromedia.com/software/fireworks/")http://www.macromedi...ware/fireworks/(/url)
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Thanks,
GrahamVH
(This message has been edited by GrahamVH (edited 10-26-2002).)
(This message has been edited by GrahamVH (edited 10-26-2002).)
Quote
Originally posted by PinkFluffyBunny:
**Why does the form NEVER submittable for me? It always says "We're sorry....We cannot process your form. Please return to your registration form and try again."
I mean what the heck?! I tried about 6 times and it still doesn't do it.
**
You could try Vue D'Esprit Instead, (url="http://"http://www.e-onsoftware.com/")http://www.e-onsoftware.com/(/url)
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Just pimpin' my (url="http://"http://www.thejbfc.com")fishing skills(/url),(url="http://"http://www.renderosity.com/gallery.ez?ByArtist=Yes&Artist;=dampeoples")gallery(/url), and (url="http://"http://homepage.mac.com/dampeoples/Sterling/Menu19.html")other stuff(/url)
Quote
Originally posted by Commander Arashi:
**Poser is NOT shareware.
<snip>
**
Correct, Poser requires plenty of add-on characters, materials, clothing, etc to make it useful, but keep in mind that simply owning Carrara, A|M or other such software does not automatically endow you with the ability to draw and clothe a person. There are tons of sites with tons of free content for use within Poser, be sure to read the liscensing agreement, as some require nothing for their use, some require a link back to the artists site, etc. Examples: (url="http://"http://www.renderosity.com")www.renderosity.com(/url) (url="http://"http://host1.bondware.com/~syydr/")http://host1.bondware.com/~syydr/(/url) (url="http://"http://www.3dcommune.com/")http://www.3dcommune.com/(/url)
If you didn't know, (url="http://"http://www.daz3d.com")www.daz3d.com(/url) sell the Michael and Victoria character, what does this mean to you? 90% of the free stuff available requires these figures, sad but true. Anyway, hope this helps you guys make a decision, I bought most of the above
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Just pimpin' my (url="http://"http://www.thejbfc.com")fishing skills(/url),(url="http://"http://www.renderosity.com/gallery.ez?ByArtist=Yes&Artist;=dampeoples")gallery(/url), and (url="http://"http://homepage.mac.com/dampeoples/Sterling/Menu19.html")other stuff(/url)
Quote
Originally posted by dampeoples:
**Correct, Poser requires plenty of add-on characters, materials, clothing, etc to make it useful, but keep in mind that simply owning Carrara, A|M or other such software does not automatically endow you with the ability to draw and clothe a person. There are tons of sites with tons of free content for use within Poser, be sure to read the liscensing agreement, as some require nothing for their use, some require a link back to the artists site, etc. Examples: www.renderosity.com http://host1.bondware.com/~syydr/ http://www.3dcommune.com/
If you didn't know, www.daz3d.com sell the Michael and Victoria character, what does this mean to you? 90% of the free stuff available requires these figures, sad but true. Anyway, hope this helps you guys make a decision, I bought most of the above
**
I hear you there. The HTML credits page on my last Poser image was three screen-heights long. All free, at least. It is far too easy to double or triple your original purchase price -- especially with the Millenium figures.
Noted about the training needed for a modeller. I'm making slow headway at best, myself. But in the long run cheaper and you get much more artistic control. And isn't what this is all about?
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"I know the stranger's name."
Turandot
(quote)Originally posted by dampeoples:
**(QUOTE)Originally posted by PinkFluffyBunny:
**Why does the form NEVER submittable for me? It always says "We're sorry....We cannot process your form. Please return to your registration form and try again."
I mean what the heck?! I tried about 6 times and it still doesn't do it.
**(/quote)
You could try Vue D'Esprit Instead, (url="http://")http://www.e-onsoftware.com/(/url) ** (/QUOTE)
I need a trial version of something. My parents think a lot of stuff is crap and I'll never use it again. /me scorns the stupid not-working bryce download site
Not poser though. It doesn't allow you to do enough in the trial. It doesn't even let you save.
(/B)(/QUOTE)
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"Perish in flames!"
Ghostbusters
Let us all scream that as we pass a windows users on the street, then point and laugh at them.
My game's (url="http://"http://www.evula.org/pfbgames/")site(/url)
