ACS 3.0 IS OUT!
This is it! After almost 4 years of development the final ACS 3.00 build is available!
This is a big release with a lot of changes since the last beta build:
Python 3.x is supported. ACS3 now works with Python 2.7, Python 3.7 and Python 3.9.
Big overhaul of all the rigging assets. Joint modules palette was consolidated and simplified. There are now 3 basic types of joint: Standard (former FK joint), Aim At and Advanced. Advanced joint combines both the Standard and Aim At joints functionality and you can switching between these modes seamlessly during animation.
Many properties were added to modules to make them more robust and customizable. For example rigid type of joint (joint with no deformer) is no longer a separate asset and can now be achieved by disabling deformation in joint module properties.
Space switching support added to more modules (enabled via module properties).
Stretching capabilities added to all modules (enabled via module properties).
Eyes module added - includes setup for eyeballs and eyelids (enabled via eyes module properties). Eyelids submodule supports corrective morphs for eyes closed pose (corrective morphs can be enabled and edited via tools in eyelids modules properties).
Muscle Joint module added - this is simple stretchy joint that has 2 attachment points: head and tail. The joint automatically stretches between head and tail points, it also has an option to maintain volume while stretching.
Limb modules (leg, arm, quadruped leg) can include holder joints to improve deformations. A holder joint can be added to hip/shoulder, knee/elbow and ankle/wrist (via module properties). Holder joints are fully automatic and do not require any fitting. All you need to do is paint a weight map for each of them.
Advanced biped rig asset added - this is standard biped rig but it has muscle joints added for chest muscles and shoulder pads.
Seamless IK/FK switching method was overhauled and should be much more stable now.
Fixed issues with standardizing some of the rigs.
Biped leg reverse foot setup now has all the controllers that ACS2 one has (it was missing a few).
Car rig has a new multi pivot controller to rotate car body around 4 pivot points: at the front, rear and on right and left sides.
Rig clay support fine tuned, all missing regions added to rig assets.
Bug fixes!
It’s not all rosy though. Because of time constraints I have not been able to update the documentation with new features yet. I wanted to get the build out sooner though so you can still benefit from new features and bug fixes. I will be adding documentation gradually as the time permits, please bear with me.
Also, as with every substantial release please note the following.
WARNING: Older rig assets are not compatible with this release! You can still animate existing rigs built with Beta 0 but trying to modify older rigs or module properties will most likely end up in ACS3 throwing errors.
If you are existing customer you will find the final build in your Gumroad account.
If you are new to ACS - there’s a promo right now allowing you to get ACS3 license with 30% discount. It lasts until end of November, check out the Buy page :).