My choice is WW, but that's becuase I like the ease of use of it. I have particles one and 2 and yes indeed, you can do that. They are, however, not quite as flexible as some might think. For more flexibility, you'd want some sort of morphing particle system. I don't like the talior of CC becuase they are needlessly complicated and involve a great deal of tweaking using difficult to use controls. But then, I dislike Lightwave, as well, for the same reasons, so, eh.. GOod luck!

thou and I, my friend, can, in the most flunkey world, make, each of us, one non-flunkey, one hero, if we like: that will be two heroes to begin with. (Carlyle)