ParticleIllusion is a stand-alone particle effects application that utilizes Open GL hardware acceleration to produce near or real-time renders. It has been used in big-budget studio fare such as The Italian Job and Final Destination 2. Animators who have a hard time learning 3D programs and their particle tools will be surprised by the ease and practicality of ParticleIllusion. The clean user interface is logically organized and categorized and features just enough tools to get the job done. You can even change the size of the folders/thumbnails inside the program if you want to. The software’s key strength is in its modifiable options. You can start out with a certain effect, and after you’re finished manipulating the settings, you can create a new effect that matches your project. You can also animate paths and have deflectors or blockers for an effect.
The Good News: ParticleIllusion allows you to import your image sequence or Avi as a background image and match your effects to it. Another advantage of ParticleIllusion over similar packages is that it comes with a huge library of effects, ready for real-time preview.
The Wish List: ParticleIllusion needs to develop a comprehensive on-line help component. It would also be useful if Wondertouch would add 3D import and export features in the next version of the product.’
The Bottom Line: ParticleIllusion 3.0 is fantastic when it comes to creating visually arresting particle effects. Plus, you can really start using it without any experience.
Web Address: www.wondertouch.com
Animation Magazine’s Seal of Excellence
Final Score: *****
Ease of Use: ****
Interface: *****
Power of Tools: *****
Quality and Depth: *****
Win a Funko X Lilo & Stitch Prize Pack!
