B3d supports everything ( including all Blitz's brush properties ) except mesh deformation.
3ds and X are basically the same for Blitz purposes. They don't support bones animation and they've been known to have problems with smoothing groups. Though I've never had a problem with my smoothing groups. I believe .x only supports one UV channel, but I suspect that won't be a problem for characters.
I would discount 3ds and x for animated characters, if I were you. There are very few games using segmented, hierarchical character animations these days. I would prefer MD2 over both 3ds and X, since that format at least supports bones and/or vertex deformation. But it has some disadvantages compared to B3d, since the vertices have been known to wobble and the lighting does not always look right.
Having said that, the Quake 2 engine made some pretty impressive games ( including Soldier of Fortune.. my fave ) so it can't be all that bad.
3ds and X are basically the same for Blitz purposes. They don't support bones animation and they've been known to have problems with smoothing groups. Though I've never had a problem with my smoothing groups. I believe .x only supports one UV channel, but I suspect that won't be a problem for characters.
I would discount 3ds and x for animated characters, if I were you. There are very few games using segmented, hierarchical character animations these days. I would prefer MD2 over both 3ds and X, since that format at least supports bones and/or vertex deformation. But it has some disadvantages compared to B3d, since the vertices have been known to wobble and the lighting does not always look right.
Having said that, the Quake 2 engine made some pretty impressive games ( including Soldier of Fortune.. my fave ) so it can't be all that bad.