Who says sequels are not as good as the original? Dynamic RealitiesÆ sequel to the worldÆs most advanced particle system for LightWave makes the original look like a mini-series. With upgraded features, a new OpenGL interface, and many new controllers, PS2 fills a niche created by PS1 two years ago. With two versions available, Pro and Jr., you can choose the level of sophistication you want and the level of pricing that fits your budget. (Pro only available for LightWave, Jr. available for LightWave or Inspire).

Particle Fields*: Puts an attraction or repulsion radius around each particle, allowing them to flow together or avoid each other. Used with HyperVoxels, (Figure 2), you can get realistic ooze and water effects. Used with object replacement or Sub-Objects, your particles wonÆt go through each other.

Hair*: This first of two new emitter types allows you to create responsive hair, string, streamers, etc. (Figure 3) This hair reacts to all forces, including Wind, Gravity, and collision objects. Spin the emitter to make it curly!

Spawner*: The second new emitter type turns particles into emitters upon collision, or reaching a certain age or speed. Great for fireworks and waterfalls!

Sub-Objects and Sub-Polys: View your particles as LW objects or shapes right in the PS2 interface!

Mimic*: Particles can follow the path of an object in Layout or an envelope, and change their size and orientation.

Assembler*: Assemble objects or shapes out of particles or their polygons

Envelopes: Now envelope almost every parameter.

Layout Integration: Use Layout items to control particle parameters right in Layout.

Sticky Particles: Particles can stick to collision objects, allowing spray-painting effects.

Bounding Shapes: All controllers can use bounding shapes to specify areas of influence.

Collision Detection: Use LW objects, boxes, or ellipses as collision objects. Particles can also see ahead in time to avoid colliding with the object.

OpenGL Realtime Preview: The resizable window has drop-down menus and a new tree-control interface. Camera movements have keyboard shortcuts, and many actions are performed with the right mouse button.

Gravity, Wind, Flocking & Swarming, Drag, Force Fields, Death Wish: TheyÆre all still here, now with Bounding Shapes, Envelopes, and parenting to Layout reference items.

Particle Shader: Enhanced with separate keyframes for color and Alpha channels.

Parenting: Control each individual channel with Envelopes or Layout reference items.