Fantasy maps of dungeons and natural caves come to life using this powerful add-on to ProFantasy Software’s CAD (computer assisted drawing) program, Campaign Cartographer 3. With a little practice and a lot of imagination, DD3 allows anyone, regardless of artistic talent, to create detailed maps using a series of beautiful graphics and easy-to-use design tools.
System Requirements:
- A licensed and working copy of Campaign Cartographer 3
- A DVD drive or internet capabilities
- 737 MB Hard Drive Space
DD3 can be purchased at several gaming stores in DVD format or downloaded from several online sites. If downloaded from ProFantasy directly, a user may also request that discs be shipped at a small additional fee.
DD3 seamlessly meshes with Campaign Cartographer’s interface, making the program easy to use for anyone familiar with CC3’s tools. Those familiar with CAD drafting will find the tools instinctive, though several key features of the program are distinct due to the fantasy/science-fiction theme of the program. With a little practice, all the tools are easily understood and used.
Dungeon Designer offers several pre-made templates for a quick start. Each of these templates boasts a dirt background and a pre-made grid, which is ideal for making maps for any type of grid-based miniatures game.
In the Dungeon menu, several features allow for quick creation of rooms, hallways, walls, floors, and caves. In addition, underground lakes can also easily be added by using the Default Water tool. With these tools, any texture can be added either by hand or using the drawing aids to create curved rooms, straight-edged rooms, or even a mixture of both.
A menu of pre-fabricated icons makes placing rugs, symbols, and items into dungeons and caverns extremely easy, and the wide variety of graphics that come with the program allows for a lot of variation between maps.
Continue on to page 2 of this review where we will discuss the graphics and available technical support for Dungeon Designer 3 in addition to giving our overall recommendation for the software.