Review by Serene Night

Poser 9 is the latest release of the famous 3d modeling software which allows you to render 3d models with realistic skin, details, hair and body for use in art as well as for use as artistic reference. This software comes in a small DVD case with a quick reference card, serial number and two cd’s mac/pc. There is no manual included; however a PDF version of the manual is available on the DVD for you to download.

The software installed fine on my windows 7 64 bit notebook. It was quick to launch, and I found it easy to pick and view a character. Problem is, the interface is still horrible overdone and counter-intuitive. The software bills itself as the world’s easiest way to create amazing art and animation, however I feel there is definitely room for improvement. The dial interface for adjusting character’s features is needlessly clunky. Designing and changing features should be simple. Even videogames have mastered a better way of designing facial features and characters without THIS amount of fuss.

Attaching hair to the figure and arranging its limbs is awkward. The figure doesn’t move like a person, so you can twist the head off, move the arms at 90 degree angle. There should be a way to add spine so you can’t totally mega deform the character. Controlling multiple figures and their positions and perspective is archaic. It is a major ordeal to morph your character from a default model into something individualnnHair should be interchangeable and expressions as well. It is silly that you have to have multiple humanoid morphs for different characters. I really feel this software could be improved by adopting a more user-friendly way of modifying features, clothing, and facial attributes similar to ways avatars are created in games.

Pro’s:n* 3-d models look lifelike for the most partn* Installed ok and runs smoothlynnCon’sn* Interface too archaic. Videogames have mastered customizing features/clothing why is poser so antiquated?n* Changing features appearance of models needlessly complicatedn* Arranging models on stage for rendering cumbersomen* Seems geared for users to BUY morphs from online stores rather than create their own.n* Online stores geared towards those making porn with female models so looking for different morphs in the stores under the poser menu is kind of greasyn* Not enough selection of modelsn* Cartoon render uselessn* No anime/manga/superhero style characternnWhether poser works for you depends entirely on what you’d use it for. I am an artist, and would like the figures to be traceable and useful for cartoon work and to use them as art reference. I would like the interface to be improved so 3-d characters move realistically and pose on their own. You shouldn’t have to buy custom content mods so that you can get decent clothing, hair or figures. This software seems geared to fuel the custom content development market which I think is a shame, especially since a lot of the content seems to be geared towards the adult market.