Thinking of switching to BMax from Blitz3D

simple question.

What advantages do I get with BMax in terms of speed, ease of use, readability of code, etc....

I know I can't do native 3D code, but I'm mainly hoping to get 2D effects such as transparency, rotation and zooming free of charge, is this true?

Yes although seriously look at keeping B3D and checking out Sprite Candy or NSprite 2.
The native 2d in 3d and OO side of Bmax is fantastic plus it's X-Platform and you get the source code. However, the functionality of B3D such as streaming audio, image/texture buffers etc for 2D is very useful.
If you're not looking for X-platform, are happy with B3Ds procedural programming, are not going to edit or extend the source and are happy to use a 2D-in-3D package for B3D then I don't know what Bmax has to offer you.
If it wasn't for the OO side of Bmax I would be going back to B3D with SpriteCandy and still might.
<edit> Although having both options means I get to pick and choose which to use.

Yup another vote for Sprite Candy, another satisfied user here.

wow I just read the sprtie candy website and it look spretty impressive. I'm looking to do snes style graphical effects for RPG games like zelda and final fantasy (old style), I'd also be looking to write overhead space shooters and platformers, so yeah sprite candy looks like the thing for me.

Telesto,

Yeah I agree, keep with B3D for now, when there is a proper 3d solution for BMax I'll be in the queue.

For now B3D allows for pretty much everything you describe and with Sprite Candy and Particle Candy you just cannot go wrong. X-pressive have a FANTASTIC after sales service too.

IPete2.

I'm sold, I'll buy it this evening, I takje I can download it straight away?

okay got it. What's the best game to demonstrate sprite candy in use, are there any commercial games released which use it extensively?

IPete2, you mentioned Particle Candy. I've used them together BUT never quite worked out how to position 3D Particle Candy in 2D mode for Sprite Candy. Do you use Particle Candy in 2D?

Most (if not all) of the games at X-pressive site are done with Sprite Candy. Get the demos and try them out. You definitely must try Plobb. 2D in 3D at its best :)

Barney

I have Sprite Candy and Particle Candy, best software purchase (second only to B3D) I have ever made. If there is anybody out there that still does not have these products, Sprite Candy is almost a "must have" when doing 2d work in B3D.

Damn I'm too late I would have recommended Max.