The rendering options are quite adequate for a wide range of audiences. The film format can be set at the beginning of the project, and it covers sizes like 35mm Academy, 4:3 and 16.9 aspect ratios, and various CCD sizes. Resolutions can range from 320x240 to HD 1080i with allowances to make your own custom sizes. Frame rate and render visibility options can be changed too. And this all exports in AVI, Quicktime, or an image sequence, with each containing their own compression options for you to pick from. So there are little worries when it comes time to export the final product.
One feature that could come in handy when having to deal with a lot of the same commands is utilizing Antics command console to give instructions through action script. Using the command language listed within the help menu, you can give automated commands to handle primary and secondary actions for cameras or characters in your scene. A bit advanced for anyone that is new to animation, but a good way to take care of tedious operations if your knowledgeable enough.
Directing.
Performance
Overall, Antics 3D handles fine with few noticeable hiccups. It’s a lot lighter than most 3D applications, so as far as real-time viewport updates are concerned, it refreshes pretty well. The only thing I noticed on my system were some odd texture-popping at times, but usually after moving the characters or restarting my computer, the look returned to normal. I’d imagine that if there were more things piled into your scene, the more you’d notice, but it handles really well for what I would consider a normal amount of visual congestion.
Value
Antics is a bit of a strange beast, because it comes in two flavors: The Base Pack (which we reviewed here) is free while the Pro Pack is $595. Unlike DAZ3D’s base program (which is also free), the Antics 3D V3.1 Base Pack includes a pretty decent amount of content, from props and actors to backgrounds and buildings. The amount of content that comes in this set would be comparable to the number that come with FrameForge's FrameForge 3DStudio 2 or Smith-Micro’s Poser 7. This gives you a decent amount to get started and experiment with the Antics3D animation process at no cost to you. If you decide that Antics does the sort of things you want to do, you can buy individual packs of models, props, and backgrounds for between $7 - $10 USD. For this sort of use, Antics 3D is an amazing value, as it really lets you choose how much you want to invest to get into the basics of simple 3D storytelling.
Now, what do you get if you upgrade to the Pro Pack for $595? Well, the actual animation program is exactly the same as the one in the Base Pack, but you get a much larger pack of models when you download the program and you get an essentially unlimited pass to download as many of the models, props, or backgrounds as they have available at Antics3D’s website, whenever you choose. Considering they release new packs of content every month, this could be a very good way to go if you really find that you like the behavior of Antics3D and don’t mind the limits it has.
Obviously, if you find the limitations of Antics3D chafes your creativity or are really serious about learning 3D animation, then you would want to pass on getting the Pro Pack and proceed to more powerful and professional (yet more complicated) 3D programs, which range from $600 for XSI|Foundation to $900 for Lightwave to $4000 for 3D Studio Max.
The Antics 3D Timeline.
Final Comments Antics 3D does what it sets out to accomplish: to provide a piece of software for which the end user can create animated stories unencumbered by bloated controls and settings of larger 3D animation programs. It cuts straight to what I think is most necessary for someone that is either planning or creating a story. Minimal steps in executing a directive and ease of accessing attributes or components go a long way to insuring that people spend less time learning and more time doing. For those that are dedicated to 3D animated storytelling or need a fast way to do pre-visualization, this is a great asset to your toolset. For hobbyists and beginners, the base pack is an awesome way to get into 3D storytelling at no cost. Of course, if you really like its animation style and start to buy model packs, you would be wise to upgrade to the all-you-can-download ProPack. Either way, Antics 3D is a great opportunity to tell your own story.
Ease
of Use
10.0
Depth
of Options
6.5
Performance
9.0
Value
9.0
Overall
Score
8.6
Michael Muwanguzi is a graphic artist and web designer currently living in Los Angeles, CA. Apart from working on print ads, web-related advertising, and 3D design work, he is currently working on new film production work and is designing a 3D adventure game from scratch.
