I think it's possible to make an outstanding image using DS basic tools (I assume that means the basic lights too). It will be quite a  challenge as it means hours of experimentation / trail renders with different material surface settings, light combinations, settings and positioning.

Sometimes one does too quickly complain about the limitations of a program without taking the time to fully understand how to use all it's functions and their settings. As the old saying goes "a poor tradesman blames his tools".

I thought Sculptris was too simple a modeler but then when I saw what others had done I realised it was me not taking the time to experiment. Also having a good imagination helps considerably.