You'll need something to make 3D models. Most people use 3DS Max, which is the one that has conversion tools for it. If you're student and have a .edu email address you can get a free non-commercial version at Autodesk. There are lots though (Maya and Softimage are the other two by Autodesk, Blender is open source [and therefor the UI makes no sense] and someone was writing a Python-based conversion tool so that might work soon).
We usually use Zbrush as well, for sculpting (high-resolution modelling, basically), but then you will have to retopologize it to reduce the poly's and use a modelling tool like 3DSM to animate it.
GIMP or Photoshop or something for textures. Photoshop is better, as it has tools to fuck up normal maps so you can use them in the game. And by buttons I assume you mean icons, which are just textures.
What sort of program(s) do I need/want to have to make new unit models? Also, what do I use for buttons?
@Halleflux: Go
You'll need something to make 3D models. Most people use 3DS Max, which is the one that has conversion tools for it. If you're student and have a .edu email address you can get a free non-commercial version at Autodesk. There are lots though (Maya and Softimage are the other two by Autodesk, Blender is open source [and therefor the UI makes no sense] and someone was writing a Python-based conversion tool so that might work soon).
We usually use Zbrush as well, for sculpting (high-resolution modelling, basically), but then you will have to retopologize it to reduce the poly's and use a modelling tool like 3DSM to animate it.
GIMP or Photoshop or something for textures. Photoshop is better, as it has tools to fuck up normal maps so you can use them in the game. And by buttons I assume you mean icons, which are just textures.
Um, is there something that doesn't cost $700? maybe?
Basically; no.
As with all things nerd-like: Crack is cheaper.