iClone Editor's Review

3D animation program, iClone, has released its latest version 5.3 with some new updates, from developers Reallusion. iClone allows you to create stunning 3D animations either from scratch or you have the option to work from various templates or pre-made designs.

This latest version includes a variety of new features including Seamless Motion Connection, creating more fluid, vivid and realistic movements with your 3D characters, and Ambient Occulism, a lighting feature in the program that adds a wealth of realism to your designs. The attention to detail with iClone's features are what make it an ideal program for 3D animation, and is worth giving time to explore the 30 day free trial and seeing if it's the right choice of software for you.

Trust us, you will need to give the trial a great deal of attention as the full software clocks up a price in the region of $80 for the Standard version and $200 for the Pro version, so make sure you know what you are getting. There are other options for the software; however they do not come with as many features. There is also a great deal of add on tools and content available from Reallusion, if you're looking to expand the software's capabilities but these, of course, do not come free. As a result of this, iClone limits its users to animation professionals and bigger companies that would use the software.

Pros: Great results in 3D animation and modelling, comprehensive and meticulous features

Cons: Slightly complicated interface that will take a while to get accustomed to, expensive purchase, some issues depending on operating systems, seems to work slightly better with Windows XP opposed to Windows 7. 

Conclusion: iClone 5.3 is an impressive piece of software and it's worth checking out the free trial at the very least. If you're working in the field of 3D design and animation then iClone is definitely something of interest.