is the best or easiest 3d software to model a character for a 3d game? <--- new guy here

They all have potential in that regard.  Personally, I do all my modeling in Silo these days but that's not for everyone. Interfaces and workflow plays a big part in deciding which is "best" or "easiest"  for you.

Try 'em all and let your own opinion sort 'em out. :) 

Welcome to the nuthouse ewxz,

Try out some of the freebies and see what you like and dont like doing. Wings3d is my favourite but I also like caligari truespace, bryce and recently sketchup from google. I am only new to all this as well so I am not familiar with all the different programs.

Maybe giving an idea of what you want to model may narrow down the field. EG: realistic, toon, anime,  animals,  fantasy characters etc.....

I've been lightwaving for almost 7 years.  It was easy for me when I first got it....(I came from Rhino....1...lol).  All of them have different strengths and weaknesses.  I guess what I'm saying is....go with the one that you find easiest, most intuitive.

Also, regardless of which modeller you choose...look into getting a copy of zbrush.   HORRIBLE INTERFACE.....but, I think it actually has the "make art" button.

I love 3ds Max and Blender, blender in particular has what many regard as an interface from hell, but I love it (and it's free...)

Easiest and best for a 3D game, hence relatively low poly, I'd definitely add my voice to the Wings3D suggestion. It's actually used by a lot of modders (just check the forums of  the Mount&Blade game, for exemple), and even some professionals.

Softimage XSI has a free mod tool. Blender does almost everything and is free. Like Gog said, it takes awhile to master. If all else fails try demo versions of different things until you find something comfortable.

Use whatever program has the best interface and workflow for you. They all model in essentially the same way. It all depends on which is easiest for you to use. I prefer Max, but Maya, Lightwave, XSI, Cinema 4D, any of them are just as good. I've seen tremedous work done in all of them.

I use Hexagon mostly because I can model things quickly in it using just a few tools and I've been using Amapi for years which has a similar user interface.

many people say 3DS Max is good, so is Maya. i'm currently using Maya for my modelling...but i guess each person has his/her own preferences.

I trust 3dsmax with all my modeling requirements, and these days I even do most of my displacement and nomal map sculpting directing in-program instead of exporting to zbrush.  However, many of the more affordable applications seem to be able to get the job done just as well, especially for lower poly game models.  Wings seems to have some really good tools.