Yes, .x files are DirectX files. They are a simple text format and not, as the name implies, strictly tied to MS or DirectX (there’s nothing in them that requires, or even hints, at the use of DirectX).
Last week, I became needful for a modeller app since I’m at that point in my project. I wanted something “free” since money is really tight.
I played with Milkshape a bit. The interface is easy to use, but the need to switch between different tools all the time really slowed me down (it’s hard to explain). Also, the fact that it’s a limited time demo and requires payment and reg after 30 days doesn’t really make it “free”.
I downloaded and tried GameSpaceLight, and I have to agree with Kev about the interface. I couldn’t figure anything out. The tutorials are even hard to follow since all functions are accessed through little icon buttons around the edges of the main window, so when the tutorial says “select such and such”, it has a little picture of the icon to click, and you have to hunt around all the toolbars and find an icon that matches. It got tedious very quickly. The features of the app sound great. If you can get past the interface, it sounds like a cool tool. Alas, I couldn’t manage it.
I then tried Blender, even after hearing all the bad things about it’s interface and unfriendlyness to new users. I was pleasently surprised. In fact, it’s become my main modeling tool now. It took about 2 days of tuoritals to get used to the interface, but it makes sense to me now and I’m already highly productive. I can now understand why they made the interface design choices they did. It’s all a matter of opinion.
I guess this turned into a mini-review of a few modelers. Sorry about that. I hope you find something useful.
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