It is a very powerful program with a steep learning curve. Sub-d modeling & character animation tools as good as anything out there - high end or not. The $495.00 deal they are offering now was $1995.00 just last year. So it was way overpriced then or under priced now. Either way free market competition has brought the price down into the (serious) hobbyist user's level. If you drive a Mac you are out of luck. They have a demo so you can take a look at the gui for your self. It is nothing like RDS/Carrara. I have Carrara 4 and XSI - like and use both. wayne k guam usa