Another section that has had the benefit of influence by the Smart Graph is the animation portion of Vue 7 Infinite. Linking nodes and functions of different objects does not just stop at just linking parameters. These functions can be animated over time using either the time curves or dope-sheet keyframes that are familiar in most popular 3D animation packages. Transitions and interpolation has been greatly improved upon within Vue 7, offering smoother animation, and, if you’re looking for something with a more human feel, you can link your animations to simple delay nodes as well as full-on PID controls that give the animated object a sense of hesitancy and overcompensation for added realism. These are all important features that help to make your Vue 7 scene that much more satisfying in motion as it is when it’s static.
The SmartGraph brings coherence to what could easily be a tangled mess of various function nodes.
Performance
It seems as if the majority of the improvements that went into new Vue 7 Infinite had its base in better performance and rendering when constructing your scene. Starting with the overhauled OpenGL Engine, Vue 7 now supports multi-thread architecture and the more powerful GPU’s that are out on the market today. Previews are now 5x faster then before, with faster refresh rates and greater detail with anti-aliasing. While working on my 2.5Ghz Quad Core, I was able to quickly work, preview, and make changes without having to wait endlessly for render to appear. Considering the use of large procedural terrains and vegetation, it comes as no surprise that the render engine would be maximized to handle the new advancements.
For people who want the power of Vue inside of larger 3D packages, you can also purchase Vue 7 xStream for $995. xStream allows you to use the power of Vue as a module inside larger programs like Cinema 4D, Lightwave, 3DS Max, and Maya.
The terrain editor provides you with a place to import high definition terrain data, modify it with brushes, and erode it with procedural noise filters.
Value
When you consider the goal of the program, it’s fair to conclude that you are definitely getting what you’re paying for, in spades. I can think of no better way to achieve the effects that Vue 7’s ecosystems and Solid Growth technologies are able to achieve. The only reservation that I would consider is that making environments is all that Vue 7 really does -- but it does it well. To truly create a story, it stands to reason that you will need other inputs in order to make the final product complete. And in this day and age, no one really works with one tool to get everything done. So if you really want to make some background environments that quickly and effectively compliment your other characters, I can think of no better solution to add to the rest of the tools that you have at your disposal.
The spectral cloud system offers a wide range of controls for amazing results.
Final Comments Vue 7 Infinite is a truly amazing program, with results that are hard to believe until you see them yourself. The goal is to provide their clients with one powerful solution to produce background scenery that lives, breathes, and adds credibility to your story, whether its live-action or CG. Seeing the results in movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, you have to admit that it does its job well without drawing unwanted attention to itself. And even if your don’t plan on making movies with the software, I’ve had a lot of fun just seeing what types of imaginative landscapes that I can create for myself. To sum it up, Vue 7 Infinite is a very intuitive program that allows you to create nature quickly and efficiently with astounding results.
Ease
of Use
10.0
Depth
of Options
9.0
Performance
9.0
Value
8.5
Overall Score
9.0
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.
