Proof that Crystal Graphics is still alive and kicking is shown in the exciting new product, 3D IMPACT! If Topas is "the world's easiest 3D animation software" in modeling/rendering, then IMPACT is the world's easiest to use software for web animation, titling, and more.

IMPACT v1.0 isn't a full fledged 3D solution like Topas, but rather it is a Windows 95/NT based 3D tool for logos, banner ads, presentations, or whatever application you decide upon. With the Windows standard type menus the different functions of IMPACT are easily accessed. The moveable tool bars on the top and left sides of the work place present quick visual cues to the most used tools.

There are a number of "Preview" modes which include the standard wire frame, shaded, and also real-time rendering if you have an Open-GL card. IMPACT automatically takes advantage of 3D acceleration if present. IMPACT is quite progressive in it's implementation of various graphics formats. I was impressed with the variety: JPG, PNG, GIF, AVI, TIF, TGA, and more.

Now, let's get down to brass tacks. (Tack at right rendered and animated in IMPACT)

You can use any installed True Type font (no Postscript fonts installed on the test computer to check with). It is also possible to import Illustrator files, and Corel draw objects. Beveling these is as easy as hitting the tool bar or Ctrl-B, there are 4 quick bevels to choose from. Unfortunately IMPACT is unable to extrude fonts or shapes that are self intersecting (where the lines forming the outline cross within a single object). However, you can always edit your fonts and shapes and re-type or import them again.

I feel that the ease with which groups can be made, or broken up is one of IMPACTS strengths. Simply select what you want grouped (holding the shift key), press the tool button, and your done.

Enlarging or shrinking entail moving easily accessible control points. Rotating along the X, Y, and Z axis only take the press of a button and drag of the mouse. Texturing and coloring are also about as difficult to do as every other function in this program -- which is to say not difficult at all.

Animation is as simple as can be. Just select your object, press the animation tool button, and select one of the 12 motion paths. Since most of us only use simple spin or rotate, these options more than fill most needs, and if we decide on a slide or an orbit these can be done as well. Each object in a project can easily be assigned a separate motion path. All of this, along with a quick shaded or Open-GL animated preview, and 6 animation output options, works together to round out IMPACT.

The most impressive portion of IMPACTS animation extends beyond all the above. With all the animated output formats you get a preview box to ensure that your creation is as you intend before actually writing to disk. At this point if you've saved in .gif format you can adjust your color depth, and get nearly instantaneous response. The tack animation above has only 27 colors, cutting it's size down to 20k from 56k at 256 colors.

For such an affordable price you get a lot of bang for your buck.

The demo available for impact can be obtained directly from Crystal Graphics