Recently I discovered that the “foundation” edition is no longer available. The next edition is simply not even close to being affordable – we’re talking thousands of dollars. (approx. $5k NZD)
Frustrating. Y’see when Softimage partnered with Microsoft for XNA and gave us the superb XSI Mod Tool for FREE it came with a non-commercial-use license. Not a problem, I thought – the “Foundation” edition was nicely priced and I figured a worthy investment when I was ready.
BUT, there’s hope in sight…
Hidden away in a Dream-build-play winners announcement was this…
…Softimage is now building on their relationship with XNA by offering a special version of the free Mod Tool for commercial use by Creators Club Members. GarageGames is releasing a brand new 3D editor for their Torque X3D game engine. Both the engine and the new 3D editor will be completely free to all Creators Club members….
I had already been remodeling my stuff in Blender, but perhaps I don’t need to now? Until I see an “official” announcement I guess I’ll continue remodeling just to be safe.
Speaking of which, here’s where I’m at…
Hawker Tempest
… and in-game!
The Tempest is a faster than both the Spitfire & BF109. And it’s rate of turn will be close to the Spitfire’s.
The next planes I plan to add will be the german FW-190, and American P-51 “Mustang”.