model animation; what is the best way?

What is the best way to create human motion without motioncapture? I want to create the animations by myself to use them in a game.
3DS files have a very complex animation system and I dont know how to to handle them.
Is there an easier way to create animations for an existing model? What is a good file format? What are good tools?

thanks

please help!

[This message has been edited by TB-Rex (edited 05-30-2001).]

1. Define a skeleton.

2. Weight your mesh to the skeleton.

3. Create skeletal animations.

4. (optional) modify the animations with specific IK goals.

Good tools, though pricey, for 1-3 include 3DSMax with Character Studio.