Product Reviews by KVR Members

If Macintosh-based 3D landscape generators were a solar system, first, it would be rather sparsely populated, and second, it would have two main planets: Terrragen and Vue; plus a few minor planets, such as Terraray.

And, of course, there would be a sun that would dwarf everything: Artmatic Voyager.

Honestly - when I discovered the early versions of AV by chance years ago (version 1.2 or so), I was immediately overwhelmed: finally a program that was as easy to use as the legendary Bryce (R. I. P. - your loss leaves a painful wound to this day), but in contrast to that unforgotten 3D jewel could create literally endless worlds, the sight of which took your breath away. Wow.

Meanwhile, AV has evolved magnificently. Admittedly, Terragen can also be used to create quite nice landscapes - but this is all connected with an enormous, sometimes unnerving amount of time and work. And at the latest, if you want to give your Terragen scenes a bit more magic and dreaminess (up to non-realism, for example green skies and yellow seas), the program is hopelessly overtaxed.

Vue is also quite good, but can't keep up with AV when it comes to "magic picture mood". Another disadvantage: You can only rent it, not buy it. I hate and boycott business models that enslave me financially like that.

That's why AV is by far the best thing out there for artists working on the Mac (and who voluntarily puts themselves through a torture instrument like Windows?). You can tell right away that AV was and is designed by artists: fabulously easy to use, combined with stunning results.

Just to explore the included presets alone is not enough for a human life. The same goes for Artmatic Designer. AD is a program without equal - in the Mac realm and even more so in the realm of evil (Windows). It is very easy to use and creates dreamlike images that knock the viewer off his chair.

For me an equally important plus point: For AD and AV you only have to pay a very moderate and fair one-time price. No exploitative subscription system!

Last but not least, I have to praise the personal support in the highest tones. I had a problem with the CTX version (caused by Apple's paranoid security mania), and Kevin from UI Support (assisted by Spiritus Rector Eric Wenger) personally raised heaven and hell to solve it for me. For that I say here best thanks and appreciation.

Conclusion: Both Designer and Voyager are fabulous programs that are addictive. No matter if you are a hobby user or a professional: With AV and AD the design possibilities grow to infinity!

Here is my still growing Pixabay account which is featuring my AV and AD pictures:

https://pixabay.com/de/users/interozitor-25735928/