Lightwave

This software first appeared on the Amiga computer. It is also a part of Newteks Video Toaster software. This software is slightly different to the others in use. Whereas in the other programs you model, animate, texture and render all in one program, Lightwave is made up of two seperate programs. The Modeller program and the Layout program. The Modeller is as the name suggests where you make your models and assign areas for textures to be added. When this is done you then import your models into the Layout program for texturing, dynamics, animation and rendering. This isn't as bad as it sounds as the swapping from one program to another is handled by what is I suppose a third program called the Hub.

This Hub allows you to change a model in the Modeller and if it's already been sent to the Layout program it'll be updated in there as well.

What's it like?

Despite it sounding like a bit of a hassle to use Lightwave is still a very good program to use. It offers good animation features, a particle system, dynamics and even cloth and hair systems. The hair system is a lite version of Sasquatch hair but it still does a good job for no extra cost. Lightwave uses its own renderer rather than using Mental Ray like Maya, XSI and 3D Max.

Lightwave has been very popular with TV and Film animators. If you're a sci-fi fan you'll have heard of Babylon 5, the effects for this were originally done using Lightwave on Amiga computers. It's also been used on the latest Firefly film so I think that proves it can more than hold its own against the likes of Maya, XSI and 3D Max.

Theres only one version of Lightwave available, no advanced or unlimited type versions, at £499 + VAT. This is definitely a program to consider if you are starting out and aren't loaded with cash.