3ds, at the level of modeling required to make game model at the low poly level of DP2, is pretty easy.
You are going to work at the polygon level, mostly. I always start with a box, convert it to a mesh or poly, and use various extrude commands, or slicing planes, to add more geometry.
The beauty of 3ds, as far as I've seen of other modeling tools, is in its unwrapping abilities. The Unwrap UVW modifier allows you a great amount of control over your final skin.
As long as you have a good understanding of 3D space, get familiar with moving around the 3ds GUI, and understand the concept of unwrapping a model, you shouldn't have too difficult a time.
Remember, game mdeling at these low poly level is all about the face and the vertex. Unlike highpoly modeling, where you manipulate a lowpoly cage with a meshsmooth modifier on it to achieve the desired highpoly result.
Spook: If someone can paint the skins I'll see what I can do about knocking out what you have on that list. But if I take the time to make the models you better make the map.
