ThinkingParticles as a replacement for ICE

[jonmoore]

I have a client that currently relies on Softimage for most of their output but doesn't want to move to Houdini (based on artist preference at their studio). On that basis we've been looking at the suitability of both C4D (inc X-Particles) and 3ds Max (inc ThinkingParticles) as a long term replacement.

On balance it's a very close run thing as each package combination has it's own merits. However at the moment we're siding with Max/ThinkingParticles even though C4D Broadcast edition and X-Particles would work out far more cost effective per set.

I wondered if anybody else in this community has any input based on the experience of moving from XSI to TP or from XSI to XP?