I like what our associate did with his Pooper Scooper game. Pre rendered 3D animations and exported them as .png frames. Essentially giving the 3D look but using the 2D GS coding.
If you want to go the 3D route, well Blender is free but I understand has a considerable learning curve.
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If you want to go the 3D route, well Blender is free but I understand has a considerable learning curve.
I've used Cheetah3D for modeling/rigging and animating at $149. http://www.cheetah3d.com/
Also you might get more out of 3D Coat at $285. http://www.3d-coat.com/
Not free but they sure beat the thousands of dollars the mainstream 3D programs cost.
Hope that helps and good luck with it. I look forward to seeing what you end up with.
Mike