Free Stratavision

[Back]
Presumably, Strata is making this older version of their product available for free in the hopes that it will interest us in upgrading to the current version. The free 4.0 version is more than adequate for creating visuals for HeroQuest, but that doesn't mean we won't be tempted...
The best place to get the software is MacAddict magazine. See if your local software store keeps back issues of MacAddict. The CD-ROM disc bundled with the November 1998 issue includes the complete working version of StrataVision 3D version 4.0 along with complete disc-based documentation. If you can't find the November 1998 MacAddict in your local store, you can order it from the publisher directly. The cost is $9.95 (US) for orders within the United States and $12.00 (US) for orders outside -- well worth the value of StrataVision 3D, even if it is an old version with disc-based documentation.
Strata is also offering the software from their website for free, but they do charge shipping and handling. Their shipping charges actually make the price higher than MacAddict's, although they may have inexpensive versions of the product that includes printed manuals. It's probably worth noting again that it helps to have a fast machine. A PowerPC processor is absolutely required for the program to run. My 200 MHz 604e-based machine took several minutes to render my designs in high quality. Of course, you only have to do that when you're finished with each design.