Is there really a need for another engine due to Irrlicht's power and development?
Yes. That's like saying now that there's a Steven Colbert ice cream do we really need other flavors? Is this a i heard that someone heard that...or does anyone know if development of max3D has really been stopped and/or there are doubts on continuing the development of it?
I'm sure it will be finished eventually. From what I understand the 3D module has had a couple of "false starts" - if I where a gambling man I'd say it's a second-system effect thing - which of course doesn't bring the release date any closer. I'm sure the 3D module will show up eventually, until then I'm going with Truevision3D, when it does arrive, if I'm still using BlitzMAX by then, it'll be something to evaluate at the time.