Character Model

#1 I work with 3DSMax - but it's what I know. In 3D Game Programming All-in-One Mr Finney discusses character modeling in MilkShape, so it might be easiest to do that.

#2 I use Blender ... but I'm a cheapskate :P

Anything that can export COLLADA should be fine - which is practically everything. Some 3D modeling apps do have their own DTS exporter.

#3 I have used MilkShape to build my world but characters are very hard because you can't use the 3D view to edit in. It has worked great (for the cost) for everything else. I have not attempted characters because the example in the -3D Book- mentioned above was very hard.

#4 Thanks for the help...but explain the 3d modeling apps and DTS exporter

#5 DTS exports straight to native T3D format, COLLADA objects get loaded and then exported into DTS format within T3D.

#6 In the past one was required to use a modelling application that could export to DTS (Torque's proprietary shape format). Support for these exporters was limited and only a few applications received enough community attention for someone to build an exporter. Max, Blender, and Milkshape were the most commonly used with Maya and Lightwave to a lesser extent.

Nowadays with Torque 3D's support for the collada spec, you can use almost any modelling application that you are familiar and comfortable with.

Artists will argue over the merits of their respective applications, but for me the feature set and price of Blender can't be beat.

#7 Wow you guys are so Awesome thanks for help and advice :)