Mojoworld relies on experimentation. It is difficult to write a review on what is really such a open ended product. Terrain, skies, water and clouds are all created the same way, with access to the same assortment of algorithms. There really isn’t that much more to it. The power and complexity lies in the depth and breadth of it’s fractal functions. To master them would take hours of experimentation and practise. The only drawback being that most of the fractals can take a very long time to render, particularly when shadow calculations are included in the equation.
All of which leads me nicely onto the software’s renderer. I tried to approach this review from the angle of using the software as a professional, with real production issues in mind. Considering that point, if you don’t mind compromising self shadowing, the render times are at best, reasonable. Many would argue that the extra detail shadows provide is negligible, personally I always turned them on for the realism they were capable of providing. Unfortunately, render times go through the roof. Fine for stills, but animators may find it takes too long to render a reasonable number of frames. There are options for reducing fractal complexity, which inevitably speeds up render times. But, the compromises you have to make always make it seem so heartbreaking. Make no mistake about it though, if you have a fast pc, the software is capable of some truly breathtaking renders.
Camera animation is currently only really supported via a rather novel interface. Using a variety of simulated motion: Walk, Flying and UFO mode, it is possible to record flythrough’s in realtime, using the keyboard and mouse as a motion capture device. A fun, although not entirely accurate method of creating animated cameras.
Animating the fractals themselves, is unfortunately, destined for a future release. It is currently possible via the Pro UI, but is by no means supported or easy to use. Animation of bodies of water is just about worth attempting, but I longed for a nice friendly UI, that the rest of the package sports; to be able to do so. |
