trueSpace F/X Creations (Graphics Series) [Paperback]

Nick Robalik (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2000 | ISBN-10: 1584500123 | ISBN-13: 978-1584500124 | Edition: 1

trueSpace is a popular 3D animation and rendering program used to create a variety of 3D graphics and animations. It is also a great tool for creating awesome special effects. To date, however, this functionality has not been explored in any other book. Anyone involved in graphics needs to know how to create interesting, powerful effects, and they can do this with a variety of programs including trueSpace. In this book users will uncover the secrets for harnessing the special effects capabilities of TS. All aspects of F/X creation from photorealistic animated water to full 3D fire and explosions will be explained. It will also cover numerous plugins available for creating these effects.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

trueSpace F/X Creations focuses on creating effects animations by using trueSpace v4. It is not a book for users new to 3D graphics, or new users of trueSpace, because it assumes that you're already familiar with the interface and usage of the program.

The first three sections of the book provide some technical information on the nature of building effects: the fundamentals of effects, including the basic trueSpace interface and how plug-ins are incorporated into it; the plug-in interface and a description of the standard relevant plug-ins, such as Primal Particles; and using trueSpace's own scripting language, Python.

The next three sections waste no time in exploring the creation of different groups of effects: water, space and combustion, and environmental. Each section features a set of tutorials that explore these topics, often with very good results. The "footsteps" tutorial, which shows a way to create appearing and fading footsteps as if an invisible person were walking across the room, was particularly good. One grievance: color would have made the illustrations more effective.

Although the book specifically covers trueSpace v4, many of the techniques described can be translated so they work in other 3D animation programs, assuming those programs have similar feature sets. Of course, current trueSpace users will benefit most from the tutorials.

The plug-ins on the CD-ROM and the lessons in each chapter make the book worthwhile for any trueSpace user who is beyond the novice level, finished exploring the program on his or her own, and ready to move up to the next level. --Mike Caputo

About the Author

Nick Robalik is a Multimedia Designer & 3D Artist living in Philadelphia, PA. He owns & runs Digital.Soapbox, an Interactive & Multimedia design firm located in Philadelphia, PA. His previous book on 3D animation, trueSpace F/X Creations, was one of the most pre-ordered books on Amazon.com prior to its release. One of Nick¿s recent game projects, Blastorama, a puzzle game by Satellite Moon, was voted by Adrenaline Vault as being one of the Top 12 Shareware Titles of 2002. His interactive work has been recognized by the New York New Media Awards, the London International Advertising Awards, and the Golden Web Awards. Nick has recently been contacted by Delaware County Community College to help build a game development curriculum. He has also been asked to teach some classes there in the next year.

Product Details

• Paperback: 301 pages
• Publisher: Charles River Media; 1 edition (May 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584500123
• ISBN-13: 978-1584500124
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,823,130 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An invaluable, indispensable guide and reference., September 7, 2000

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: trueSpace F/X Creations (Graphics Series) (Paperback)

Nick Robalik's TrueSpace F/X Creations is a complete introduction to all aspects of using the computer to create "Hollywood Quality" special effects, animation, and imaging. Robalik shows how to create freezing effects, drifting smoke, dust storms, car exhaust, rising steam, cold breath mist, galactic wormholes, explosions, alien footsteps, and whatever else your mind can visualize or imagine. TrueSpace F/X Creations covers the various plug-ins available including Primal Particles, Wave Generator, CoolPowers4, and Dynawave. Of special note is the chapter on Python Scripting. Color sections illustrate the impact special effect images can have. A variety of scripts are included on the companion CD. Anyone seeking to enhance their computer generated project with special effects should begin with a thorough reading of Nick Robalik's TrueSpace F/X Creations!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars IT'S ABOUT TIME!, January 23, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: trueSpace F/X Creations (Graphics Series) (Paperback)

Creating disaster has never been more beautifully simple. Any True Space user will appreciate this comprehensive guide to burning, steaming, freezing and completely annihilating any object under the sun. It's a must-have for any animator who allows their destructive imagination to go wild. Also, for any True Space beginners, this book demonstrates all the capabilities and possibilities of the program with the included plug-ins. This is a great find! Cuts out all the dull excess and gets straight to the cool effects.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Desparately Needed in the arsenal of any True Truespacer, June 2, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: trueSpace F/X Creations (Graphics Series) (Paperback)

First off, No Special effects are possible in any 3D program, without plugins. Second off, Truespace has a great group of developers working on new and different plugins for this terrific program. Third, Nick does a great job tackling a very demanding subject, Kudos!