Blender 3D

If you are even slightly interested in delving into the land of 3d modeling and animation, but don't have several hundred dollars to spend on pro software like 3ds max and Maya, you should download and install Blender 3D (www.blender3d.org). Although it tends to have a fairly long learning curve (slightly longer than other programs of the same type), it is free which makes up for it. Blender has some very good points when it comes to the way it handles mesh modeling, unlike 3ds max you do not have to convert your meshes to editable polys, they are already ready to be edited in blender.

There are many good features about blender, including hotkeys for just about every function you would need to use on a regular basis, and a robust materials editor. It does, however, lack much of the advanced functionality of cloth, water, hair, and physics simulations that other packages offer, but it's free price easily makes it the best choice for the aspiring 3d animator on a budget.

Overall score: 9/10