Reviews of Blender for Windows

1. 
   SuzzyWoozy

   Reviewing 2.5 Alpha (Nov 24, 2009)

   well, I did't want to about this Alpha, but unfortunately there seems to be some misconceptions regarding blender that I really want to clarify: if you need to start playing with a 3D program (and you don't have any previous experience in 3D) then you should know that this is the most user (noob) friendly program, hands down. Note: this reffers to version 2.49 and not 2.5, tough.
   2.5 will get there eventually, but will need some time.
   
   Netean: it is a shame that you had to waste hours learning the interface, when you could easily get through it in 20 minutes, using the right tutorials (youtube or blender manual) giving also your previous experiece in 3d.
   I suggest starting from here: http://showmedo.com/vide...rms&fromSeriesID=31
   
   If someone needs to follow up this 2.5 version, here's the roadmap:
   
   http://www.blender.org/d...nder3d.org:+Latest+News)
2. 
   netean

   Reviewing 2.5 Alpha (Nov 24, 2009)

   Undoubtedly Blender is a very capable program, just looking at the features, and the gallery of users' work attest to that.
   
   However it's interface... oh dear, what a disaster.
   I'm sure if I just spend "some time" with it and numerous tutorials, I'll get the hand of the interface, but I really shouldn't have to. Having grown up using Original DOS 3d Studio, then lightwave, then 3ds max, Alias, Maya and Cinema 4d, I've used 3d programs before. I know how to do stuff Having learned the interface of methodolgy of one app I can move reasonably easily to another, sure I might not know how to use it completely, but I'm familiar enough to pick up most 3d modelling/rendering applications, build a model and render it.
   But not with Blender. I shouldn't need to sit down and spend literally hours, wading through tutorials just to learn how to use the interface, I should be able to transition easily to it, knowing the basics of how to get stuff done and picking up the unique features of the app as I go.
   As it stands right now, the interface is a barrier to learning the app. It's impenetrable lack of intuitive features mean it can't get a good rating.
   
   If you're willing to invest a lot of time, and I do mean a lot of time, learning the interface then I'm sure you'll be rewarded with a capable application, but if this is your first exposure to 3d modelling and rendering you won't be able to transfer your newly learned skills easily into another application.
   
   Yes it's free and that is great, but with such a monumental barrier to wide adoption it will (sadly) always been as the poor persons 3d option.
   
   now having said all that. 2.5 goes a LONG way to addressing some of those issues, the interface has made major inroads and now resembles a lot of other 3d apps. It's not there yet, still a lot of work to do, but finally, the interface is getting usable-ish..
   
   On my machine the UI was new UI was hideously unresponsive, very slow. quite buggy too, (but it is alpha software so that's expected)
3. 
   SuzzyWoozy

   Reviewing 2.49a (Aug 7, 2009)

   hope this will also help understant where this program stands:
   
   http://toastbusters.blog...ual-to-competition.html
4. 
   anomoly

   Reviewing 2.49 (Jun 2, 2009)

   Take a look at this page for a real understanding of it's capabilities
   http://www.blender.org/f...-gallery/feature-videos/
   Or even this one
   http://www.blender.org/features-gallery/movies/
   Pretty nice for free
5. 
   SuzzyWoozy

   Reviewing 2.49 RC2 (May 12, 2009)

   I was reading through all the below reviews and it seems to me that most of the reviewers are people not familiar with any 3D designer tool. Complaining about the interface is (to say at least)... superficial. It is not more complicated than others, just different and trust me it is quite ergonomic one you spend some time learning it. Same goes for 3D Max, and all the other competitors.
   The issue with this program is not the interface (I could say that is a plus, but is just a matter of preferences after all) but what this gem is able to do:
   
   This is not PBrush... if you're able understand more than 3 of the below comparison criteria, you are ready to properly review this program, otherwise please refrain from it:
   
   http://wiki.cgsociety.or.../Comparison_of_3d_tools
   
   Please also review bamby1983's review somewhere below for some strong points in reviewing this program; for me it is a 5 star worth.

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