Several decades on, Animation Master has developed into an easy to learn modeling and animation studio, with a refined and intuitive toolset, excellent 3d animation tutorial support in the videos provided with the program, and an active forum with knowledgeable members, many of whom have provided hundreds of example models and additional tutorials that also ship with the Animation Master software.
Making Animation: Spline Modeling in Animation Master
While most leading character modeling and animation softwares use 3D polygon modeling as their basis for content creation, Animation Master adopted 3D spline modeling, and with good reason. Spline modeling defines the topology of a 3D model through curves, which can create the seamless rounded surfaces common to organic objects.
In contrast, 3D polygon modeling creates a multi-faceted mesh that can only provide the illusion of a curve. As a consequence, polygon models are subject to far more deformation than their spline counterparts when making animations in a 3D animation program.
Creating Animation: Character Animation Software Features
As both a modeling and animation studio, Animation Master provides several specific workspaces known as "modes" for the specialized aspects of creating 3D characters and making animations with them. Animation Master is broadly divided into an object modeling mode, a choreography mode and an actions mode. Each mode has its own context sensitive toolset, and each of these workspaces has additional modes associated with it. These modes include:
- Modeling Mode: For constructing 3D characters and objects using spline modeling techniques.
- Bones Mode: For rigging 3D models using the simple Animation Master skeletal system.
- Grooming Mode: For easily creating and styling realistic hair and fur.
- Muscle Mode: For keyframing muscular mass movements on the timeline during animation.
- Skeletal Mode: For keyframing skeletal movements on the timeline during animation.
- Dynamics Mode: For applying Newtonian physics to 3D objects within an animation.
Each of these areas is fully explained in the technical documentation and extensive video tutorials that are supplied with Animation Master.
Buying Hash Animation Master
Animation Master is currently sold in two forms: as a boxed set, with the software supplied on CD along with printed manuals, or as an electronic download, with the tutorial videos and other extras also available online.
The Animation Master boxed set retails for $299, and includes free updates to the software for a year, after which continued updates will require repurchasing the CD set. The program is restricted to a single seat per purchase, and is delivered via FedEx.
3D Animation Master Software Download
The Animation Master electronic download costs $79.99 for a single years subscription, and includes everything that is delivered in the boxed set in digital format. The software includes updates for 12 months, and then an annual re-subscription is necessary for an additional $79.99, as the program will expire after a year.
While at first glance this may seem an expensive option, the electronic download of Animation Master offers exceptional value when compared to its competitors. A single seat license of Autodesk Maya, 3D Studio Max or Maxon's Cinema 4D retails for between $3500 and $5000. Assuming the lower price range, an animator could subscribe to Animation Master for over 40 years for the same money as any other top end 3D computer animation program.
Animation Master: The Best Animation Software
With its simple learning curve, intuitive tool-set, impeccable support and inexpensive pricing, Hash Animation Master is the best kept secret of the world of 3D Model and animation software. Affordable to hobbyists keen to learn 3D animation and powerful enough to appeal to established animation studios, Animation Master is arguably the best animation software on the market.