Neil Reed

I'm at the stage of the game where I would like to start using character animations.

Usually this would be a simple case of a spritesheet, but the workload vastly increases as I want isometric graphics / animations.

This means generating the animation 4x for each direction :(

Thankfully there would appear to be a simpler way, if I used 3D models and render out the animations to a sprite sheet the workload could be reduced.

I believe this is common practice in many games such as diablo etc.

I therefore need to review some 3D software and the export process.

• Mixamo a website that allows you to use prebuilt 3D models and animate them using prebuilt poses.
  Not very cheap!
  
• Daz3D free software that allows you to animate and customermie characters on your PC. You download additional features at a cost such as outfits, props etc
  
  
• Blender3D free but very time comsuming, not for beginners
  
• OpenGameArt free but limited to the models and animations provided by the users

First on the list is Daz3D, the software is free but you need to purchase objects such as clothes, hair, animations etc.

Once I have had chance to experiment with it I will post up a better review.