SmithMicro's Poser 8

While the results still don't compare to studio animations built from scratch and driven by hours of hard work, Poser 8 has come a long way from its stiff, plastic origins to provide even non-animators with a way to fully realize their imaginations and see their concepts come to life.

Just to get this out of the way: the face on the software installer screen is creepy, in that not-quite-real-but-real-enough-to-be-unsettling way. That's not necessarily a bad thing. It's fairly impressive that Poser can create textures, lighting, and facial structures with such realism, and the hair was amazing. I'm still going to have nightmares about wide-eyed doll-women.

Out of the box, the best thing about Poser 8 is its immediate usability - a feature that's always been one of its most attractive. Unless you've never used a computer, you should be able to install Poser and, after poking around, figure out what's what. You have pre-made models, facial maps, walk and run sequences, and hundreds of other ready-to-go features that can quickly and easily be tweaked and individualized - with over 1GB of more content available for download. More advanced users will be able to add their own maps and environments to create truly original content.

The interface has changed drastically since I last looked at Poser. For a few minutes I actually felt like I was playing with a touch phone, as many of the functions are controlled by interesting little dials for a more hands-on feel. Overall the layout follows many of the professional 3D animation packages I've used, making it a comfortable place for old-schoolers.

Other features include morphs, dependent parameters, gravity and environmental influences, and bone systems. Sound familiar? That's because you'll find the same in professional animation packages. Poser 8 brings them to a more easily accessible level.

There is a down side; Poser's modeling style is distinctive, and there's a certain sameness that, unless you're clever, will mark your work as Poser's. But if you don't care and are looking for a quick way to see your ideas come to life in 3D, then Poser's your gig.