ThinkingParticles 2.0 is the next generation of rule-based particle systems for 3ds max. When compared to an event-based particle system, which works on triggers and time dependent events, a rule-based system is free from constraints and instead applies simple behaviors. These behaviors govern all aspects of a particle's motion, life, death, and collisions in a true non-linear fashion.

ThinkingParticles 2.0 offers its particle system functionality through a 'programmatic' approach. This lets artists use ThinkingParticles 2's powerful Wire Setup Interface to procedurally build the rules and conditions that control the particle behavior. Artists ultimately become the master of all particle mayhem.

ThinkingParticles 2.0 offers artists these benefits:

• Newly designed and color coded Wire Setup View for easier behavior setup
• MatterWaves as a set of rule-based operators
• Advanced 'Blurp' operator to handle complex particle morph effects
• One or many particles can be accessed at any time
• Automatic and intelligent rule based object fragmentation
• Full support for character studio bipeds to do crowd control
• Advanced object tracking features to handle mesh animation
• Multi purpose complex operators for creative control
• Full support of particle/object interaction
• Rule based shatter simulation allows complex effects
• Real-time dynamic system that allows artists to interact with simulation
• Full baking of complex dynamic particle simulations for faster playback and rendering
• Any 3ds max mesh can be turned into a real particle with full control
• ThinkingParticles 2 controls 3ds max meshes, shape, size, and animation
• Texture based breaking and shattering
• Full non-linear animation, including operators and whole dynamic sets
• Includes multiple dynamics engines
• True face/shape collision and advanced real time particle collision
• All new highly optimized 3D particle draw function with recording and playback of the painted particles on a surface
• Freely adjustable sub-frame sampling for the most accurate collision results
• 'Particle Impact Paint' feature, surface accurate color/texture change on impact of particles
• Particles can be exported to standard 3ds max object removing the need of having TP in the scene to render
• Unique trackable Particle ID for selective removal of individual particles
• Advanced Particle Follow and Surface Placement rules