Customer Reviews

Inside TrueSpace 4

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Programmers who want to write their own game programs are often stuck developing their own graphics as well. TrueSpace4 allows you to produce complex 3D mesh objects to be loaded directly into DirectX game applications. I am by no means an artist but I was very pleasently surprised with the great job Frank Rivera does at giving the reader clear and easy to follow tutorials allowing even non-pro artists to produce fantastic results. I highly recommend this book to game programmers and computer artists alike.

Whether a complete beginner or seasoned user this book is filled with the need to know tips and expert how to's to get the most from the superb 3D software package.

The book begins with a TS4 features overview, then proceeds gradually and efficiently into covering the basics of modelling -understanding Nurbs, character modelling, surface texturing, animating, working with advanced models and lighting, pyrotechnic effects, radiosity and finally on how to create a short film.

Also theres a valuable end section on what you need to set up an excellent and highly productive 3D studio.

All the above topics are exceptionally well covered with step by step lessons designed for the best possible learning curve. The accompanying cd has some very good shareware plugins, as well as 300 extra textures ,lesson files and inspiring imagery.

Truly destined to go down as THE TS4 BIBLE, you won't be disappointed to have added this gem to your collection.

If you're seriously thinking about adding just one book to your Truespace collection then this has to be the absolute finest offering out at the moment on the subject.

Highly recommended! Already looking forward to Author Frank Rivera's next offering.

I would give it 10 stars if I could. Pros: Couldn't find ANY typing errors. Extremely well explained. 100s of tips and secrets which would of took you years or never to find out. Cons: not for beginners just going into 3d. other: BUY IT!

I have been a fan of Frank Rivera's work since he first appeared on the CGI scene wowing everyone with his Softimage and POV imagery many years ago. He has never disappointed me with his arwork and tutorials.

I have been waiting years for him to write a book, and had given up since he suddenly vanished without a trace only to find that he has been using and supporting Truespace for the past few years. I don't use trueSpace but I had to see what made Frank leave the highend arena and write a book about Truespace. Well, I have to say the program is terribly easy to grasp with Frank's book in hand. I was creating great work in no time.

Frank deserves five stars for his efforts in this book. He gets down to business and with real world examples that can be appriciated by pros and beginners alike.

Please don't make us wait no more than a year to write another exceptional book on CGI my friend.

Timothy

I've been using a copy of this book, "Inside TrueSpace 4," through my courses at a local technical center. I just purchased the TrueSpace 4 program and just boaught a copy of your book for myself.

I think frank needs a big thank you for taking the time to create such a great and helpful book. The creative way in which he teaches is usually very hard to come by in these types of books, but he captures my interest and my creative juices very well in the fun way he has written this book.

Sincerely,

Trent Gudmundsen Vernal, UT

I read a many books about modeling and animating with Truespace and this book is tops in my book. The Author uses clear and easy to understand language. It has many tutorials that take you step by step to high end animating and modeling. It even gives you tips on planning. The only advise i can give to you about this book is BUY IT.

I have just started reading this book and i'm amaized at the amout of information the author was able to put into it. All of chapter 3 goes through most of the modeling methods. This book does not go into detail in any one subject, but if you are a beginer and have read the manual (like me) you will find this book most helpful. As long as one knows his or her way around truespace he or she can use this book to its full potential.

Inside trueSpace4 maintains the superb quality of the Inside series. Frank Rivera and his co-authors have managed to pack this volume with a lot that is useful and interesting, to both new users and trueSpace veterens.

One minor suggestion would have been to duplicate the screenshots used in the book, on the CD as a couple don't make their intended point clearly in when shown in black and white.

Many users of trueSpace4 are not 3D graphics professionals, and will find that this book will be a most helpful resource. While requiring understanding of the basics of the software, more advanced features are expertly covered and demonstrated with tutorials. The book is not just a technical manual, but a great guide to trueSpace4 and 3D modeling in general; moreover it contains several elements relating to the artistic design side of 3D graphics. If you use trueSpace4, this is the book for you.

I've read all the reviews you are reading now. After a careful comparision with other trueSpace books, I bought this one, and at the same time I bought Inside Softimage. These two books are among the best books I've ever read. You will learn a great number of skills. There are a lot of great illustrations that will help you go through each step. More than that, you will learn what the Pros know. If you really want to learn trueSpace, buy this book.