Softimage Mod Tool

Program used to make models for HL2. There are three commercial versions, XSI Foundation, Essentials, and Advanced.

XSI Mod Tool (Based on SOFTIMAGE|XSI Foundation 4.2) is available for FREE.Official Website

• Save scenes in .exp file format which commercial XSI can't read
• Can import .xsi, .3ds, .x files
• With Valve Source addon
  • Import/export .smd files(7,500-triangle limit for exported models)
  • Import/export .vmf files
  • Valve rigs(default, male, female, guide) included
• See also Version Limitations

Tutorials

Generic XSI Tutorials

• xsibase.com

• edharriss.com

• XSI Beginner Tutorial

• XSI Texturing

• XSI Animation

Source Tutorials

• Overview of Model Creation

• Compiling Models Basics

• Creating Characters

• Creating Viewmodels

• Replacing HL2DM player models with XSI Mod Tool

• Converting brush structures in your map into a prop_static with XSI Mod Tool

• Creating a 'prop_physics entity' by yesukai

• Creating a Custom Character for Half-Life 2 Using the SOFTIMAGE XSI Mod Tool by Dominic Laflamme

• Getting Static Props into Source via XSI|EXP for HL2 by Joseph Spataro

note: File Structure in this tutorial is outdated. Replace sourcesdk/cstrike_sample_content with sourcesdk_content/cstrike. See Source SDK Files and Directory Structure for details.

• Setup Guide for Half-Life 2 Modeling by Veazie

• Creating a Simple Half-Life 2 Model Using XSI (A Simple Texture Mapped Cube that can be used as a prop_static) by Veazie

• A Simple Animated Model Using XSI (Create a "Pump" Model to Use as a prop_dynamic) by Veazie

• Create a Custom Sequence for the SDK Character Model (Using XSI animation capabilities) by Veazie

• Creating a Custom HL2 Character Using XSI by Veazie

• Adding Eyes to Your Character Model by Veazie

VTM

Colt 1911 XSI Video Tutorial by desty - 5 hour video tutorial which shows the whole modeling process. Reference pictures and renders file are also available.

3D Buzz - "Introduction to XSI" 5 hour VTM series

3D-Palace

Digital-Tutors - XSI free turorials

Samples

SourceSDK contains various character/weapon/vehicle sample scenes (.scn) for XSI. See "sourcesdk_content/<game name>/modelsrc/..." You can replace the model to make your own characters/weapons/vehicles.

Also there is Korin XSI Mod Tool Scene data released by nkinta. It shows how to make an Alyx replacement model with full facial animations.