The point....

[RJBonner]

I already Have Z brush but I keep hearing Zbrush used in tandum w/ other programs like 3dmax. should I invest in getting 3d max as well, or does z brush cover all my modeling needs?

I have 4.0.

[Snader]

Zbrush is for sculpting highpoly (organic, mostly) meshes. 3D max is more appropriate for lowpoly, or hardsurface highpoly. I'd say Max or Maya are more essential for game art than Zbrush is, so yeah get it. I think if you're a student you can use it for free.

[Justin Meisse]

or Modo, try the demo, some polycounters luv it.