That's like using a concorde to go to McDonalds 2 blocks away. Zbrush is intended for extremely high resolution model creation. plus it's not a good tool to use early on sicne it uses a "2.5" interface that would prove usless when using another program.
I personallyy recommend XSI 4.2. It is awwesome for mesh creation. use milkshape (30 measily bucks) to vessel stuff in and out of it.
Id disagree that its overkill. Perhaps slightly (as you're never going to need some of its possible outputs on N64 games) but its practice building for more complex engines. Also, I wouldnt also say its only to be used for hi poly models.
But thats splitting hairs; maybe using it
early on isnt as good an idea as Id thought, but it doesnt "prove useless" at all when using other programs. Working between 3DSmax and zBrush is easier than people make out, and if you get that down then Im sorry but I personally think that for prerendered models, it'd be (Read; I find it) quicker to use both programs in tandem.
Thats just my thoughts, and with my workflow it certainly is easier; I was just suggesting, like you did with XSI - personal opinions. Obviously people have different techniques; its the in-game results that matter.
And moving off this off topic discussion, I will further say that it does indeed still look good, how youve done it. I like that, for once, someones sticking to the style of the game and just making it look crisper and a bit more detailed. Are you going to do the whole game, or just use parts as practice building?
