SOFTWARE REVIEW: iClone 8

iClone, now at iteration 8, is a real-time 3D animation software targeted at professionals working within various industries including film, games and education. In version 8, Reallusion has reworked and greatly improved its motion tools, including the core editing suite and the addition of something completely new – the Motion Director system.

- Paul Hatton

PRICE £500/$599 

COMPANY Reallusion 

WEBSITE reallusion.com

This is particularly impressive because artists who were previously only able to control their animations using a standard keyboard or mouse are now able to do so using a game controller, such as those found on the Xbox and PlayStation. This enables animators to be much more closely connected to their creative work, and thereby create more natural movements and transitions. Alongside characters, it is also possible to control the cameras with a gamepad. This makes setting up cinematic camera movements much simpler and more intuitive. Such an option might not be for everyone as becoming adept at using a games controller will take a lot of practice, but the connection between the users’ fingers and their animations will, on the whole, yield much more natural results. It is likely to make setting up more complex movements simpler and quicker, which will be a win-win for most artists.