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Bryce
5
at a Glance
Maker:
Corel
Price: $299 for the full version, $149 upgrade
Trial version available? Yes
Platforms: Macintosh, Mac OS X and Windows
URL: http://www.corel.com
Overall
Impression: For new users looking for software specifically
designed for landscape/terrain modeling, Bryce is an
excellent choice. There will be a workflow learning
curve, as with virtually all 3D software, but once you
learn where things are in the program, the creation
of terrestrial features becomes a snap. For users of
earlier versions of Bryce, the upgrade is definitely
worth it for the wealth of new features you get.
Key
Benefits: The benefits of using a dedicated system
for the creation of 3D worlds is pretty self-evident.
Bryce 5 takes the concept to the next level with valuable
new and refined tools for getting the job done. The
Light Lab and Tree Lab are brilliant additions to the
program's features. And other enhancement's to the program's
other workspaces, such as volume lighting and volume
blending for both distance and altitude, bring Bryce
squarely into the realm of professional 3D tools. The
Sky Lab is highly customizable and allows for the creation
of sophisticated atmospheric and astronomical features.
And the Terrain Editor allows for easy modification
of terrain features, such as erosion, spires, height,
etc. Finally, network rendering is a critical and much
appreciated addition to this program.
Disappointments:
There are three negatives to Bryce 5, all related to
workflow. First, the interface, while attractive, can
easily get in the way. In many cases, you'll find that
functions can be accessed only through little dots or
icons not really related to the function they represent.
I would like to see a customizable interface in the
next update, including the ability to add nested functions
to the main interface and the ability to add text labels
to icons. Second, when you mouse over an icon in the
main interface, explanatory text appears in the lower
left corner of the screen; however, in subsections,
such as the Motion Lab and Sky Lab, you get no indication
whatsoever as to the function of a given button. Third,
I would like some standard interface elements added
in, such as the ability to move and resize windows,
more functions accessible via menus, etc.
Recommendation:
Strong Buy as both an upgrade and a straight purchase.
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review
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AUGUST 23, 2001
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Corel
Bryce 5
[Page 5 of 5]
Second, when
you mouse over an icon in the main interface, explanatory text appears
in the lower left corner of the screen; however, in subsections,
such as the Motion Lab and Sky Lab, you get no indication whatsoever
as to the function of a given button.
Third,
I would like some standard interface elements added in, such
as the ability to move and resize windows, more functions
accessible via menus, etc.
I'm not
saying that every interface should resemble Photoshop. Just
that icons should be linked to function in a memorable and
logical manner, that users should be able to make adjustments
to the interface to make it work better for them and that
in no case should interface design get in the way of the work.
The
bottom line
Bryce is by no means the only dedicated landscaping tool on
the market, but in its own right it has matured into an elegant
tool for composing 3D landscapes and terrestrial, atmospheric
and astronomical features. As I say, the interface will take
some getting used to for those who are unfamiliar with Bryce,
as, in my case, I would often find a feature after much searching,
only to forget where I found it the next time I needed to
access it. Nevertheless, the world of 3D is littered with
highly stylized interfaces. If you can get used to any other
3D application's workflow, you can get used to Bryce.
As for
the capabilities of the program, I have to give high marks.
As it should be, the creation of hills, plains and bodies
of water is simple but with enough customizability to allow
you to be as creative as you want to be. Beyond simple terrestrial
features, I also have to give high marks to all of the individual
workspaces (Light Lab, Sky Lab, etc.) for their ease of use
and sophistication. Animation is also very easy, with several
automatic animation features (such as cloud movement), which
can also be keyframed. In other words, you can set the rate
of movement for clouds and then keyframe the rate of movement
later in the timeline, all within the Sky Lab workspace.
Finally,
the rendering features in version 5 have gained some great
additions, particularly in the areas of depth of field and
volume lighting and atmospheres. The network renderer is also
a critical addition to this process for times when you need
to render large, complex files with maximum ray tracing (256
rays per pixel), which can take an enormous amount of time
to complete on a single machine. I really came into this review
expecting not too terribly much from Bryce's rendering capabilities,
figuring I'd focus more on the creation and editing tools.
But, in the end, the renderer impressed me. It puts out some
very nice looking images. The improvements to the quality
of the renders have made the rendering engine a bit on the
slow side, but hopefully this is a matter of optimization
for a forthcoming update.
Corel
has done a great job of taking Bryce to the next level in
version 5 and bringing it further into the realm of professional
3D tools. Long-time Bryce users will appreciate all of the
new features of the program, and new users should be delighted
by the sophistication of this program. For those who need
software for developing 3D worlds and animating them, I give
Bryce 5 a strong buy recommendation.
Bryce
5 is available for Macintosh, Mac OS X and Windows for $299
for the full version, $149 for the upgrade. For more information,
visit http://www.corel.com.
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