Mutant term was created by Marvel Comics creators Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, involving humans with the X-gene, leading to superhuman abilities. Mutants, known as Homo Superior, are seen as the next stage in human evolution. The concept was developed by Stan Lee in the early 1960s, with characters like Namor, Sub-Mariner being among the first superhero mutants.
For those on the lookout for alternatives to Mutant, options include MetaHuman, Superhuman, Reallusion, iClone, Daz 3D, and CC4.
MetaHuman
Probe into the MetaHuman universe, where augmentation is extended beyond reality into the genetics and evolution of fictional superhumans.
MetaHuman Top Features
Enhanced abilities: Experience augmented attributes like strength, speed, and control over elements like fire and electricity.
Unique capabilities: Each MetaHuman variant is marked by distinct skills, distinguishing one from another in interesting ways.
Universal powers: Tap into the realm of universal superhuman powers – telepathy, telekinesis, flight, and more.
Physical transformations: Depending on the MetaHuman type, you could witness dynamic physical changes – wings, gills, or even altered skin color.
Scientifically rooted: Meticulously linked to a genetic variant, the metagene, that is responsible for these transformative abilities.
Feature
Description
Metagene
Genetic variant leading to diverse metahuman abilities
Exo-gene
Created by LexCorp for enhancing power control
D&D Inspiration
Closely hinged on the gothic horror setting of Ravenloft
MetaHuman Limitations
Unstable heroes: The Exo-gene developed by LexCorp is controversial, often leading to development of unstable heroes.
Mutable nature: Activation of mutation relies heavily on external factors, often abrupt and dramatic.
Potential threats: Certain in-game threats range from mind manipulation to physical harm, posing potential risk to users.
MetaHuman Pricing
Information pertaining to MetaHuman’s pricing model has not been provided in the company summary.
MetaHuman Use Cases
Use case 1: Interactive Gaming
Experience a dynamic environment with immersive, superhuman abilities and unique physical transformations – taking gaming to an entirely new level.
Use case 2: Role-Playing Games
Dive into the realm of Dungeons & Dragons, leveraging the unique traits of MetaHumans for creating enhanced, augmentative experiences for players.
Use case 3: Horror Campaigns
Institutionalize horror elements through the lens of augmented MetaHumans, infusing psychological torment and monstrosities in D&D campaigns.
Superhuman
What’s more enticing than being human? Being Superhuman.
As a concept, Superhuman takes human abilities and cranks them up to eleven. It thrives on the ideology of individual betterment, as fixed by philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, and hits a spin on the philosophy of unity between God, nature, and man.
Transcending typical human feats and venturing into the extraordinary, this concept has been widely popularized in fiction, a play of imagination echoing our innate desire for ultimate abilities and transformative power. Interestingly, Superhuman does not restrict itself to the world of fiction but spills over into the real world, coloring our performance in athletics and science.
Superhuman Top Features
Natural or self-actualized abilities – these can be inherent or obtained through rigorous training and conditioning.
Genetic modification and cybernetic implants push beyond natural abilities, leading to enhanced humans.
Posthuman AI and bioethics are considered integral parts of superhuman capabilities.
Breeding and coercive eugenics are projected as methods to evolve the human race.
Visions of a super-race created through genetic engineering are proposed for the future.
Physical and mental superiority through advanced technological innovation and genetic alteration is the final aim.
Category
Tools/Means
Natural superhuman abilities
Athletic performance, mental conditioning
Enhanced superhuman abilities
Genetic modification, cybernetic implants
Posthuman Artifical Intelligence
Bioethics
Superhuman Limitations
Superhuman abilities can be ethically controversial due to implementations like performance-enhancing drugs, genetic manipulation, and cybernetic implants.
The ideology of creating a super-race tends to concentrate power in a select group, potentially leading to social stratification and imbalance.
Superhuman Use Cases
Use case 1
From a diesel-powered athlete with unattainable records to a chess grandmaster who could outwit a machine, any individual can embody a range of superhuman abilities.
Use case 2
For dreamers envisioning enhanced beings with advanced mental and physical abilities, superhumanism presents a concept where humans can not only modify but override their existing limitations with technology.
Use case 3
For technologists and scientists in the fields of AI, bioethics, and genetic engineering, superhuman abilities give a futuristic vision that drives innovation.
Reallusion
Enter the arena of Reallusion, the all-in-one solution with its signature product iClone 8, revolutionising 3D Animation by integrating facial performance, character animation, mocap production, scene design, to storytelling.
Reallusion Top Features
Mocap cleanup and motion editing for precision.
A unique wrinkle-blending system for truly lifelike characters.
Enables realtime production, including lighting, shadow, camera systems, and more.
Impressive compatibility with other 3D apps fostering a seamless design-to-animation character platform.
Extensive library of premium characters, morphs, skin, outfits, etc.
Fruitful integration with some key plugins like Unreal Live Link, PopcornFX, Iray, Omniverse Connector, and more.
Realtime Render
Supports Supersampling (up to X times).
File Formats
Wide range from OBJ, FBX, Alembic Animation, iAvatar, iCloth, iShoes, etc.
While Reallusion extends an abundance of features, its notable downsides are yet kept hidden beyond the public eye.
Reallusion Pricing
iClone 8 is priced at $599, including partial 3DXchange Pipeline integration, Curve Editor, and Motion LIVE.
Reallusion Use Cases
Use case 1
Architecting lifelike characters for gaming applications with its unique wrinkle-blending system.
Use case 2
Enabling remote capture of live dances for creating stinting music videos under lockdown, within a 5-week timeframe.
Use case 3
Designing seamless and realtime production sets inclusive of lifelike lighting, shadow, and camera systems. No more hours spent on post-production.
iClone
iClone is a real-time 3D animation and rendering software perfect for professionals looking to produce animations for various domains, including film, pre-visualization, animation, and video games.
iClone Top Features
Intuitive face and body animation tool
Accurate facial muscle-based control and iPhone facial capture
Ability to import and export popular industry file formats like FBX, OBJ, BVH
Real-time particle animation and material effects
Customizable cartoon body style avatar and 3D facial control system
Feature
Advantage
User-friendly production environment
Enhances simulation and control capabilities, making it easier to control animated scenes
Availability of royalty-free content
Users can freely use all created content, aiding businesses in creating expansive worlds, complex characters, and effects
iClone integration options
Support for Maya, Omniverse Audio2Face, Blender, MetaHuman Creator enabling seamless work across platforms
iClone Limitations
Requires purchase of additional content from the Reallusion Content Store for iClone, adding to costs
Partial 3DXchange Pipeline integration might limit some functions
iClone Pricing
iClone is available for $599 along with partial 3DXchange Pipeline integration, Curve Editor, and Motion LIVE features.
iClone Use Cases
Use case 1
iClone is vital for cinematographers who want to blend character animation, scene design, and storytelling without needing spread across multiple software solutions.
Use case 2
In educational settings, iClone can be used as a 3D simulator to visually explain complex concepts.
Use case 3
For businesses looking to improve projects with intricate character detailing and expansive sets, iClone’s animation tool and library of royalty-free content provides a robust solution.
Daz 3D
Founded in Utah’s digital hub, Salt Lake City, in 2000, Daz 3D has grown into a powerhouse in the realm of 3D content development and software. Offering a premium toolset for amateur and professional graphic artists alike, Daz 3D enables the creation and rendering of realistic human models to enrich various fields like film, TV, animation, video games, web design, and more.
Daz 3D Top Features
Genesis Platform: Starting from 2011, every few years, Daz 3D has been enhancing its Genesis platform, making morphing of human figures more diverse, realistic, and compatible with other 3D software and game development platforms.
Daz Bridges tool: This transfer tool allows for the seamless transportation of content to third-party applications like 3DS Max, Maya, Mudbox, Blender, Cinema 4D, Unity, Unreal Engine, and more.
dForce physics: Simulates natural cloth and hair movements providing an enhanced sense of realism to 3D models.
Feature
Description
3D Character Morphing
Offers the capability to build and render realistic and sophisticated 3D models.
NFT Collection
In January 2022, they launched a unique NFT collection, pushing the boundaries of metaverse utility.
Marketplace
Operates via a licence-based pricing model, with a vast array of high-quality, customizable assets to select.
Daz 3D Limitations
Lack of full backward compatibility with significant changes in recent iterations.
Potential difficulty in adapting to the constantly evolving Genesis platform.
Daz 3D Pricing
While the product is accessible for free, Daz 3D operates through a license-based pricing model in their marketplace.
Daz 3D Use Cases
Use Case 1: Graphic Artists
Daz 3D provides a robust set of tools to create realistic and complex 3D models. Whether for professional projects or personal hobbyist pursuits, their vast library of assets and intuitive software proves invaluable.
Use Case 2: Gaming Industry
The capabilities offered by Daz 3D and its compatibility with game development platforms make it the perfect tool for game designers developing intricate characters and environments.
Use Case 3: Animation Industry
The realistic character morphing and dForce physics provide animators with the ability to create more natural, believable animation, enhancing the viewers’ experience.
CC4
Introducing CC4, an innovative AR platform that aims to revolutionize complexity in character animation by leveraging advanced AccuRIG technology. CC4’s capabilities excel in transforming static models into animation-ready characters, promising cross-platform support.
CC4 Top Features
Features the advanced AccuRIG function which auto-rigs humanoid models, even handling complex multi-mesh structures.
Introduces enhanced subdivision export and Levels of Detail (LODs) that boost real-time performance.
Facilitates compatibility with all render engines, ensuring accurate rendering of facial morphs.
Provides character scalability to suit different application needs.
Offers Blendshape import and assignment for any character model, boasting support for detailed facial animations and lip-sync with iC8 AccuLips.
Key Features
Beneficial Information
Auto detection feature
Excels in detecting imported character types including Maya HumanIK, 3ds Max Biped, and Daz3D G3/G8 characters.
Subdivision Export
Optimizes outlines and shades of accessories, clothes, and props for low-res, quad-based characters. Characters remain nimble for live performances.
Turntable Feature
Improves character display for portfolio presentations or showcases.
CC4 Disadvantages
Possibility of specific licensing requirements for mass distribution of games featuring purchased content.
Need to obtain a Mass Distribution License for games featuring purchased content.
The use of purchased content from the Reallusion stores may require an Extended License.
CC4 Pricing
Please visit CC4’s official website for specific details on pricing as it may vary based on specific features and requirements.
CC4 Use Cases
Use Case 1
CC4 offers invaluable benefits for small teams as well as AAA studios, simplifying their character setup and animation process. These features enhance creative storytelling options.
Use Case 2
Film production can make use of CC4 to produce high-res characters suitable for extreme closeups. This is achieved through the support of subdivision export for animated characters.
Use Case 3
For the gaming industry, CC4 offers customizability in developing game characters, from blockbuster games to mobile games or crowd simulations.
Grant Sullivan
Content writer @ Aircada and self proclaimed board game strategist by day, AI developer by night.
