ThinkingParticles™ Release 2.0 is a full-blown rule-based particle system for 3ds max 6 and 3ds max 7. With its true Non Linear Animation (NLA) approach from right within 3ds max, it breaks new grounds in 3ds max animation technology.

The real power of ThinkingParticles comes from its unlimited combination of conditions and operators to define the behavior of each single particle in a particle system. Like C++ opens up an unlimited world for a software developer, ThinkingParticles offers the same unlimited power to the 3ds max artist.

ThinkingParticles is an event-driven particle system. The difference between event-driven particles and rule-based particles can be summed up quite simply. An event-driven particle system usually works based on "triggers" or events that must happen to activate an effect. This implies some kind of key frame related effects while ThinkingParticles is totally independent of any timing and key framing! ThinkingParticles offers true Non Linear Animation technology. Rules and conditions control the particle effects and not timers or events that happen at certain key frames in an animation. A particle system created with ThinkingParticles will always work regardless of the timing or number of frames that may change in an animation.


Features:

ThinkingParticles™ Release 2.0 is like no other product from cebas Computer GmbH. It is the only plug-in that offers an unlimited amount of features. This is due to the fact that ThinkingParticles has the flexibility of a programming language and its usability is limited only by the creativity of the 3ds max artist. Remember, you do not need to learn programming or write a single line of code to use ThinkingParticles in 3ds max. Everything is done through a visual wiring interface.

Below is a short list of the main features:

• the shipping product includes several hours of Training Videos
• fully rule-based particle system
• complete particle baking option into 3ds max objects
• Dynamics Simulation Recording for all particles
• full support for Non Linear Animation
• MatterWaves as rule-based operator included
• any 3ds max object may be turned into a particle
• full hierarchical Condition and Operator workflow
• one or many particles can be accessed at any time
• automatic and intelligent rule-based Object Fragmentation
• advanced Object Tracking features to handle mesh animation
• Multi Purpose Complex Operators
• advanced and highly optimized Particle Dynamic Engine
• full support of Particle/Object interaction
• complete object parameter access "through" particles
• dvanced "Blurp" Operator to handle complex particle orph effects
• ultra fast Real-time Particle/Object Collision Detection
• particles may be affected by 3ds max geometry
• full support for Character Studio 2.2 Bipeds to do Crowd Control
• instanced and morphable Skin or Physique Modifier support
• special IK handling routines for real-time Crowd Control
• advanced Wire Setup View for easier behavior setup
• real particle Paint Support (particles carry color information)
• extended PyroCluster support to access individual particles
• 100% integration into 3ds max workflow
• all particle Space Warps are supported
• enhanced and real-time rule-based Dynamics Engine

This feature list represents only a fraction of the real features you can use to create effects with ThinkingParticles. The possibilities are endless.