Social networking sites have been buzzing today with artists celebrating the release of modo 601, the newest version of Luxology’s polygon and subdivision surface modeling, sculpting, 3D painting, animation and rendering package. modo 601 includes built-in dynamics and character animation tools, as well as a general purpose system of deformers, support for retopology modeling and rendering enhancements.
Watch an overview of modo 601 below:
From Luxology’s press release, here’s a look at some of the specific features of the modo software:
Character Animation: modo offers a range of character animation functionality from easy-to-use posing tools to the creation of fully articulated character rigs that can be manipulated through a full-body inverse kinematics solver and a general purpose system of layered deformers.
Dynamics: Rigid and soft body dynamics, based on Version 2.79 of the Bullet Physics engine, are now a standard part of modo and provide realistic simulations of mechanical and organic motion.
Retopology Modeling: Focused tools and a new dedicated retopology modeling layout simplify the rapid creation of clean models on top of imported geometry.
Rendering and Shading: New photorealistic rendering capabilities include volumetric rendering, render booleans, hair and skin shaders, and rounded edge control for hard surface models. Cel, contour and halftone shaders offer enhanced non-photorealistic rendering opportunities.
3D Paint: The multi-purpose paint system in modo 601 is extended to paint, scale, erase and smooth vertex (weight) maps on meshes.
Rendering Workflow: The Preview Renderer can now be used for final image production as it will progressively render an image to the desired resolution at full quality. A comprehensive render pass system, plus new interactive image processing and comparison tools, speed image refinement.
Modeling: modo’s Pixar Subdivision surface modeling now includes the ability to crease individual vertices and control display resolution while rendering at full quality. Soft and lazy selection options enable rapid, yet precise isolation of model components while modeling. Price-wise, modo 601 comes in at $1,195 for Mac and Windows with an upgrade price of $495. Existing modo owners can upgrade for $395 for the next two weeks. Users of Maya, 3ds Max, SoftImage, Houdini, CINEMA 4D, and LightWave 3D will be able to crossgrade to modo for $795 for a limited time.
For more information, see Luxology’s modo website.