Amorphium Pro 1.1

by Electric Image

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005B5CC
• Item model number: 21-0010
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 10, 2002
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #33,194 in Software (See Top 100 in Software)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Amorphium Pro takes the original version of Amorphium to the next level while adding some professional features. An important new option is the ability to export 3-D animation as a Flash movie, broadening Amorphium's appeal to Web designers. The program also features better import-export functions. Amorphium includes tools for building models, adding texture, animating, and rendering out to a QuickTime, AVI, or Flash movie. Thus it works well as a complete standalone application for creating animated graphics. However, the application's import and export abilities allow Amorphium to work with other programs such as 3ds Max and Electric Image Universe, making it an excellent organic modeler that works in conjunction with these and other applications.

Amorphium works in modes, and only one portion of a model can be adjusted at a time. This is both good and bad, as it allows the modeler to focus on only one segment. Making changes to one section without seeing it in the context of the whole model can be difficult. For that, you need to switch back to the Composer mode, where all pieces are assembled. Composer is also the stage where models are arranged, lit, and animated. Other modes include Materials, where textures are applied, Painting, Mask (for protecting areas of a model), HeightShop (for applying bump maps), and Mapping (for adding decals to objects).

Output formats include QuickTime, still images, and, now, Flash animation. The Flash output options included settings for rendering with outlines, solid shapes, gradients, background color, and quality. File sizes for animation can be large if the animation isn't designed correctly, but there are some tips in the manual for keeping a lid on sizes.

For better or worse, the interface itself has changed only slightly, with the important addition of multiple views. A Windows button at the bottom of the screen will arrange the windows in a preconfigured quad view, single view, or two-window view. All windows can be resized. The unique interface, however, is also the weak spot of the application. It is inconsistent with other applications on either platform, and is even inconsistent with Electric Image's own Universe, the big brother to Amorphium. It's a good thing that the program is so easy to use and encourages experimentation, because the thin manual is of minimal help.

Still, Amorphium Pro offers an ease of use and a sense of immediate feedback that is unique to 3-D modeling programs. Flash output is a major strength, as is the interactive painting mode. There is something addictive about building things, and when you can build something and bring it to life through animation, the thrill is magnified. Amorphium Pro is an addictive little application, and an ideal introduction to computer modeling and animation. --Mike Caputo

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for 3-D beginners, October 31, 2001

By 

William J. King (Reno, NV United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Amorphium Pro 1.1 (CD-ROM)

Being proficient at Photoshop and Illustrator for 4 years soon wasn't enough. I found the need to break into 3-D modeling. My first attempt was to teach myself 3D Studio Max. I know, I know: Good luck, buddy. I gave up. But by advice I purchased Amorphium Pro. It is great for beginners. Don't be fooled because you still have to practice at it and work your rear off to get better. But Amorphium is the best step for 3-D beginners. It is like modeling electronic clay. My best software purchase ever!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Modelling Program, August 11, 2001

By 

Jenna Hoffstein "Jenna Hoffstein" (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Amorphium Pro 1.1 (CD-ROM)

I purchased Amorphium Pro 1.1 as my first 3D modelling program. I've been working on it for about a month, and I am constantly amazed by the limitless features & the incredible ease. I have found, however, the Amorphium Pro is more suited for creating models - not for creating environments or worlds. A tip for anyone who has purchased Amorphium: though there are no tutorials in the manual, there are some good ones in the program folder and on amorphium.com. Overall, a great program!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for modeling, June 24, 2001

By 

Michael T. Wilson "wilsoniya" (Neenah, Wisconsin United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Amorphium Pro 1.1 (CD-ROM)

Even if you are new to the 3d software Genre, this is really a good program to start on. It is the first program where I was really able to get good looking results. It helps if you are familiar with the layout of the average 2d graphics program, as the layout is somewhat similar. The layout of the interface is unlike any windows or mac software that I have seen, but that doesn't make it bad. I was able to learn the software and produce decent results within a few days. If you are a young, or aspiring 3d artist this is definitly one to consider; and the price certainly makes it more appealing than some choices.