Hard Light Productions Forums

Community Projects => The FreeSpace Upgrade Project => Topic started by: mjn.mixael on January 25, 2011, 05:17:25 pm

Title: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on January 25, 2011, 05:17:25 pm
Calling all modellers!

The current and greatest need for several of my projects is character models. My progress has been slow, but steady on the Marine. It's becoming quite clear, that if I have to do this myself, it's going to take an unusually long time.

I NEED help. Straight up.

Now you may be thinking... "I've never made characters before.." or "I'm not a good enough modeller for that.." Well, the news for you is that I bet you'd surprise yourself. If you have experience working in 3D, then chances are you can grasp character modelling pretty simply. The good news is that you DO NOT need to worry about rigging or anything else of that matter. I've got that taken care of. Also, for the human characters, I have a dummy you can start with and you would essentially just be clothing a dummy!

The goal of this is to finish with a set of characters that the whole community can use. I'll use them for my mainhalls as well. I'm going for quality here. We've already seen the incredible talent around the community, so I know it's possible.

Without further ado.. the list.

Unclaimed | Taken | Modelled & Textured | Rigged & Ready

Shivan
Vasudan Pilot
Marine
Officer
Pilot
Scientist
Engineer

Honestly, I fully expect this thread to fall into oblivion as I struggle to keep going... but here's hoping!

EDIT: The other option is to set up some sort of donation so that I can pay either my own studio or some freelance designer to make a few. While I do all this for fun.. the other guys in my studio are less enthusiastic about it all.

EDIT2: Donation poll added by Goober5000, for information-gathering purposes

EDIT3: Donation button added by Sandwich and Goober5000.  Go donate!

EDIT4: Donation goal reached!  But please, keep donating. :)
Title: Re: MjnMixael Begs For Help
Post by: jr2 on January 25, 2011, 08:15:16 pm
/me has nothing to offer, so jr2 pats mjn.mixael on the back and congratulates him on a swell job so far.

Keep it up, mate!   :yes:
Title: Re: MjnMixael Begs For Help
Post by: Goober5000 on January 25, 2011, 10:02:21 pm
You forgot Miss Vasuda Prime 2332. :nervous:

What?  Scroll needs a nearly-nekkid Vasudan so we can have it wear a ceremonial robe!
Title: Re: MjnMixael Begs For Help
Post by: rscaper1070 on January 25, 2011, 10:54:00 pm
So where is this dummy you speak of? And when we create clothes do we have to keep the puffy style of the originals?
Title: Re: MjnMixael Begs For Help
Post by: Goober5000 on January 25, 2011, 11:31:26 pm
I am inspired to add a poll. :yes:  I'm hoping this is something that people can get behind.  If you've seen mjn.mixael do great things with existing assets, think how much he'll be able to do with finished character models!  We could see Hall Fight in hi-res! ;7
Title: Re: MjnMixael Begs For Help
Post by: mjn.mixael on January 25, 2011, 11:37:37 pm
So where is this dummy you speak of? And when we create clothes do we have to keep the puffy style of the originals?

I'll hand it out to people who want to help out. And no, you don't need to keep the puffy style of the originals.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Begs For Help
Post by: Black Wolf on January 26, 2011, 12:55:58 am
The scientist is pretty generic, right? Surely there must be downloadable Lab coats and safety glasses you could add on to your dummy?

Personally, I'd love to help, but I tried and failed to model FS type clothing when I was doing head anis - it's not something I do well. :(
Title: Re: MjnMixael Begs For Help
Post by: mjn.mixael on January 26, 2011, 11:28:13 pm
I've been working on this bad boy for a long time. I started with an old model Styxx had lying around and graciously allowed me to use. I've been tweaking and changing and reforming to fit it to my human model and then to make it look better. I'm in the final stages for the Marine. Just need to add details like the eyepiece and some stuff to the belt, etc. Textures, rigs, and it'll be ready for animation.

So... who's gonna help with a different model?

[attachment deleted by ninja]
Title: Re: MjnMixael Begs For Help
Post by: CommanderDJ on January 26, 2011, 11:33:42 pm
That stacked shoulder armour looks pretty badass. The model really stays true to the FS style. As always, excellent work. I wish I had something to offer in terms of modelling, but I've never modelled anything before. So in the meantime I'll post encouraging words.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Begs For Help
Post by: Asteroth on January 26, 2011, 11:48:38 pm
Isn't it supposed to be ... better? Don't get me wrong, it looks good, but it looks about the same quality as the originals.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Begs For Help
Post by: Kolgena on January 26, 2011, 11:53:56 pm
It's not textured yet, so I'd wait until we get that layer of detail before passing judgment.

Just from the mesh though, I must say that you've done a great job keeping natural proportions and avoiding uncanny valley.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Begs For Help
Post by: mjn.mixael on January 27, 2011, 12:00:03 am
Isn't it supposed to be ... better? Don't get me wrong, it looks good, but it looks about the same quality as the originals.

I'm gonna go ahead and tell you to take off the nostalgia glasses...

The original models are not good... go watch the briefing cutscene again. He looks like a puppet. Someone already asked in this thread, but they are all kinda poofy and feel like they stuff their clothes before going out on the job.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Begs For Help
Post by: Asteroth on January 27, 2011, 12:14:07 am
Isn't it supposed to be ... better? Don't get me wrong, it looks good, but it looks about the same quality as the originals.

I'm gonna go ahead and tell you to take off the nostalgia glasses...

The original models are not good... go watch the briefing cutscene again. He looks like a puppet. Someone already asked in this thread, but they are all kinda poofy and feel like they stuff their clothes before going out on the job.
If am going to nostalgia it sure as hell won't be about the models, I've had errors which have forced me into playing without the MVPs, and I really can't see how I was able to play without them. I'm not saying it was good, perhaps it will be more in the animation, or the textures as Kolgena said, but that picture doesn't actually look any better than what was already there. Particularly the shin guards, forearm guards, and shoes.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Begs For Help
Post by: mjn.mixael on January 27, 2011, 12:28:58 am
Isn't it supposed to be ... better? Don't get me wrong, it looks good, but it looks about the same quality as the originals.

I'm gonna go ahead and tell you to take off the nostalgia glasses...

The original models are not good... go watch the briefing cutscene again. He looks like a puppet. Someone already asked in this thread, but they are all kinda poofy and feel like they stuff their clothes before going out on the job.
If am going to nostalgia it sure as hell won't be about the models, I've had errors which have forced me into playing without the MVPs, and I really can't see how I was able to play without them. I'm not saying it was good, perhaps it will be more in the animation, or the textures as Kolgena said, but that picture doesn't actually look any better than what was already there. Particularly the shin guards, forearm guards, and shoes.

hmmm, may YOU should model the marine and show me how it's done.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Begs For Help
Post by: Goober5000 on January 27, 2011, 02:01:22 am
All right, who are the jokers who voted for Snuffleupagus? :p  You cheapskates can be bothered to vote, but can't be bothered to spare even $1?

I'm otherwise very encouraged by the results of the poll.  So far, we're 2/3rds of the way toward commissioning the Vasudan model!

I will see about setting up a dedicated model fund.  Sandwich can probably help with that.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Begs For Help
Post by: mjn.mixael on January 27, 2011, 12:25:12 pm
A HUGE thank you the Peterv for the jump start on the officer mesh!



[attachment deleted by ninja]
Title: Re: MjnMixael Begs For Help
Post by: peterv on January 27, 2011, 12:57:47 pm
A HUGE thank you to Mjn.Mixael for he's FANTASTIC work!
Title: Re: MjnMixael Begs For Help
Post by: Rga_Noris on January 27, 2011, 01:05:53 pm
Yes, he IS fantastic work!
Title: Re: MjnMixael Begs For Help
Post by: Galemp on January 27, 2011, 01:56:32 pm
I don't suppose you have a cloth dynamics system on your rendering rig, do you Mike?
Title: Re: MjnMixael Begs For Help
Post by: lostllama on January 27, 2011, 03:02:23 pm
If it's of any help, I know that Krallis is or was working on FreeSpace character meshes for his Unreal 3(?) mod (he displayed some pics of a marine - not sure if he's done any other models), and dragonsniper seems to still be working on his FreeSpace: Assualt Force mod (http://www.game-warden.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=93). Maybe it would be worth contacting them for assistance?

According to his profile Krallis last posted about his progress last October and was last active on 29 Dec.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Begs For Help
Post by: mjn.mixael on January 27, 2011, 06:26:19 pm
We recently picked up Poser for the studio, and as such, I was able to use it to get assets from all over the internet to make this job MUCH simpler. I grabbed pieces and chunks of various outfits here and there. Then I started clothing my human mesh from scratch each time. I don't think I've moved from my office since I posted this thread except to eat and sleep.

The results are below. Now I need to add detail such as eyewear and other fun things Then a real texturing job. Last is rigging and animation. Of course I still don't have a pilot.... Some need fixing in places and some don't. You can make your suggestions if you feel you need to, but I'll probably ignore them and do what I know I need to do/want to do. I say that cause some of you just don't have a sense of "good enough" when you aren't the one putting all the work into it.

....... aaaaanywho......

I present to you Jules, Rick, Sebastion, and Harper respectively. (Note: They'll get different faces soon).

[attachment deleted by ninja]
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Goober5000 on January 27, 2011, 07:28:39 pm
I present to you Jules, Rick, Sebastion, and Harper respectively. (Note: They'll get different faces soon).
You'll need an Adam as well. ;)  Here's a more recent picture for you: http://www.volition-inc.com/Staff/AdamPletcher

There's also a series of old hi-res renders from the original game floating around somewhere, which you've probably found already.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on January 28, 2011, 01:40:24 am
Getting closer and closer for the Marine...

[attachment deleted by ninja]
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Kolgena on January 28, 2011, 09:51:56 am
Just going off the FS2 intro cinematic, the eyepiece is supposed to be a lot thinner/rectangular. It doesn't look as square as you have it there.

I can't remember if the eyepiece is seen in anything FS1, since I didn't play that much, but if it's presented as squarish there, I'd definitely agree that your model should follow the FS1 variants.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on January 28, 2011, 10:18:20 am
So.. I'm just curious, regardless of which game it comes from... what in the world makes you think that the shape of the eyepiece is going to make any said cutscene better or worse?

That's almost like saying that EndGame isn't good enough because the Ursa flies slightly lower at 00:37 in the original...  :nervous: or that the cables or too thick...
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Rga_Noris on January 28, 2011, 10:23:21 am
What marine was visible in FS2? Pilot, sure, but marine? And yeah, youtube freespace hall fight for a better reference.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Kolgena on January 28, 2011, 10:25:49 am
When I first saw it, it kinda looked blocky and tacky, like a kid's toy, so I went to the only source I could think of to check what it looked like from before. I saw something in the "original" (even though that cutscene contradicts canon in so many ways) that was somewhat less tacky, and suggested it as a possible thing you could look into. I'm not quite sure that's a cables-too-thick type of feedback.

Something akin to cables-too-thick would be me ranting several paragraphs about how your model sucks because the eyepiece's lens isn't centered on the user's pupil.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Kolgena on January 28, 2011, 10:26:55 am
What marine was visible in FS2? Pilot, sure, but marine? And yeah, youtube freespace hall fight for a better reference.

Dead marine, desert planet of FS2 intro cinematic "32 years since the great war..."

You see the eyepiece up close on a skeleton.

Edit: Sorry for double post, and I just watched Hall-fight. While the shape is different from the FS2 cutscene, it's definitely less square than the new model's. However, there's really only one scene of 2 seconds where you get to see a relatively still eyepiece close up, so it's like, no big deal unless we're rendering at higher resolutions than the original.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Rga_Noris on January 28, 2011, 10:28:54 am
Oh yeah, I totally forgot about that.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on January 28, 2011, 10:32:28 am
Well sorry to disappoint you, but you are wrong about the eyepiece. I'm using hi-res renders of each character from :v: to make them and the render of the marine clearly shows a "squarish" eyepiece with rounded corners. In fact, I just checked the FS2 intro and the eyepiece looks just as square... it's just from a top angle where you can't really tell anything about the shape.

I think it's fine how it is.

Kolgena: Based on your many recent posts.. it really seems to me that you always try to find something... anything to say is wrong about a given model. It needs to be said that we modellers are not required to make an exact copy of the geometry. Our job is to make a brand new model that looks fantastic but still captures the feel of the original design.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Kolgena on January 28, 2011, 10:35:46 am
You've got to realize that I try to contribute more than "hey, sweet. It's awesome". It goes without saying that I think all of the stuff here is awesome, but I try to provide whatever feedback I can. (Why else would people post up WIP shots?) I expect most of it to get no followup, but I imagine people would appreciate an extra set of eyes to look out for details.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on January 28, 2011, 11:02:58 am
Meh...

Like *sorta* I said a few posts up, I don't rely on feedback from the forum anymore. People are either way too picky or way too rude (not saying you were rude). I get reliable feedback from specific individuals around HLP that I have already worked closely with and who understand my work flow. In this way, I end up far less annoyed and with a much better finished product.

I post these so the community can at least see what I'm working on.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Rga_Noris on January 28, 2011, 11:32:56 am
I personally agree. The Sath was pretty much made with the input from the FSU Internal Board before being unleashed on the public. This obviously caused an issue, so now modellers are under pressure to come out of the closet. I pretty much just explain why I did things on models now as opposed to trying to integrate every users needs and wants.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Luis Dias on January 28, 2011, 03:47:38 pm
Meh...

Like *sorta* I said a few posts up, I don't rely on feedback from the forum anymore. People are either way too picky or way too rude (not saying you were rude). I get reliable feedback from specific individuals around HLP that I have already worked closely with and who understand my work flow. In this way, I end up far less annoyed and with a much better finished product.

I post these so the community can at least see what I'm working on.

Yes, I think this is the best approach ;)
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Sushi on January 28, 2011, 04:03:27 pm
Meh...

Like *sorta* I said a few posts up, I don't rely on feedback from the forum anymore. People are either way too picky or way too rude (not saying you were rude). I get reliable feedback from specific individuals around HLP that I have already worked closely with and who understand my work flow. In this way, I end up far less annoyed and with a much better finished product.

I post these so the community can at least see what I'm working on.

Atta boy! :)
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on January 28, 2011, 04:46:52 pm
It's ALIVE!

[attachment deleted by ninja]
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: sigtau on January 28, 2011, 08:33:18 pm
HOLY **** ON A **** SANDWICH

YOU DESERVE MORE THAN MY $10 I WAS PLANNING ON CONTRIBUTING
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Rodo on January 28, 2011, 08:49:27 pm
WIN.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Droid803 on January 28, 2011, 09:13:02 pm
Yeah! He looks like he's ready to kick ass with his downsized ML-16.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Goober5000 on January 29, 2011, 12:47:35 am
HOLY **** ON A **** SANDWICH

YOU DESERVE MORE THAN MY $10 I WAS PLANNING ON CONTRIBUTING

Well, now's your chance for you (and everyone else) to put your money where your mouth is. :)

I've added a button to the first post in the thread.  Go donate!

EDIT: If everybody who pledged money in the poll donates what they pledged, we'll raise $322, enough to automatically get another model. :)  I've already sent in my pledge.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Black Wolf on January 29, 2011, 01:32:15 am
I'm in - I wish I could have sent more, but I'm supposed to be saving for my trip.

[EDIT]This is for a Vasudan, right? Do we get just a nekkid one, or will we get the armour in there as a bonus?
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: MatthTheGeek on January 29, 2011, 06:19:33 am
Well, Zods in pilot suit are seen in the cutscene planning the attack on the Taranis, so not-naked Zods will have to be made.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: pecenipicek on January 29, 2011, 07:46:15 am
if i could get money out of country by anything other than western union money transfers, i would.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Goober5000 on January 29, 2011, 02:17:27 pm
if i could get money out of country by anything other than western union money transfers, i would.

HELLO FRIEND,

i have arangd with my client and all the details have been approved, pleas send me $3000 via Western Union Money Transfer and I will send you the balance wich is $2700 via Certified Cashier's Check therfore you will be donating $300 wich is the cost of on model.  please sent me your'e full name, bank numbber, date of birth, and nam,e of firstborn child so that i may facilitate the transaction.  my client has preapproved thias arranngemtn and your transaction will be gaurenteed by HARD LIGHT PRODUCTIONS.

please to be replyng to me asap.  thanks and your's sincerly.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Snail on January 29, 2011, 02:36:50 pm
if i could get money out of country by anything other than western union money transfers, i would.

HELLO FRIEND,

i have arangd with my client and all the details have been approved, pleas send me $3000 via Western Union Money Transfer and I will send you the balance wich is $2700 via Certified Cashier's Check therfore you will be donating $300 wich is the cost of on model.  please sent me your'e full name, bank numbber, date of birth, and nam,e of firstborn child so that i may facilitate the transaction.  my client has preapproved thias arranngemtn and your transaction will be gaurenteed by HARD LIGHT PRODUCTIONS.

please to be replyng to me asap.  thanks and your's sincerly.
Matobe? Is that you?
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Kolgena on January 29, 2011, 04:09:39 pm
 :lol:
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Cobra on January 29, 2011, 05:34:09 pm
Wow, Mike, I wish I saw this before I posted in the FSPort upgrade. You're doing awesome work here. Hope I can see more soon!
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: pecenipicek on January 30, 2011, 08:58:34 am
if i could get money out of country by anything other than western union money transfers, i would.

HELLO FRIEND,

i have arangd with my client and all the details have been approved, pleas send me $3000 via Western Union Money Transfer and I will send you the balance wich is $2700 via Certified Cashier's Check therfore you will be donating $300 wich is the cost of on model.  please sent me your'e full name, bank numbber, date of birth, and nam,e of firstborn child so that i may facilitate the transaction.  my client has preapproved thias arranngemtn and your transaction will be gaurenteed by HARD LIGHT PRODUCTIONS.

please to be replyng to me asap.  thanks and your's sincerly.
*smacks goober*
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on January 30, 2011, 10:24:56 am
He works.. MAUAHAHAHAHA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVLF50dbpeg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVLF50dbpeg)

EDIT: I wasn't going to work over things like the hands and whatnot for a quick test to make sure the rigging is set up right. I already know the hands work from trying them out.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: peterv on January 30, 2011, 10:28:54 am
Looking good  :yes:
Is the hand - fingers set already?
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on January 30, 2011, 10:30:48 am
Yup, I did a manual check on those cause I wasn't going to waste time animating them for this.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Mongoose on January 30, 2011, 12:29:47 pm
WAAAAALK THIIIIIIS WAAAAAY!
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Black Wolf on January 30, 2011, 01:04:38 pm
Looks good Mjn, my only gripe would be the hands, and you pre-empted me on that. Will you be puttign this guy up for DL? I'd love to get him into poser for some head anis, as I know they'd likely not be a priority for you at this point.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: pecenipicek on January 30, 2011, 09:58:02 pm
(http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/1061/marineml16likeweapon000.jpg)


Somebody is modelling weapons, and somebody likes to pose things :p


 :warp:
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: sigtau on January 30, 2011, 10:59:06 pm
Terran pride at its finest.

Well done on the downscaled ML16.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on January 30, 2011, 11:13:55 pm
Haha, cool! Those textures didn't really transfer well though..

Regardless, this is gonna be awesome.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Mongoose on January 31, 2011, 02:03:34 am
As the FringeSpace description says, "Whoa, that's a big gun." :D
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Pred the Penguin on January 31, 2011, 04:38:00 am
Freespace is all about big and overpowered weaponry. :D
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Kolgena on January 31, 2011, 09:38:44 am
This is my ML16 Impaler gauss rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Asteroth on January 31, 2011, 05:24:40 pm
Wow, that looks really cool. As I had half-expected, it really comes together when put into context, lighting, shading, and eventually a setting will make it come alive, even if (to me) it looked rather bland by itself.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Kolgena on January 31, 2011, 07:01:41 pm
Just noticed a minor clipping issue on the right elbow. Not sure if it's worth fixing, since it's hard to see and possible to avoid with animation.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on January 31, 2011, 07:34:21 pm
I felt like he needed to be wielding a slightly under-scaled Prometheus.

[attachment deleted by ninja]
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: bobbtmann on January 31, 2011, 07:40:57 pm
It's nice, but I think he needs an armor plate over his junk. Some sort of protection. Also, it feels like his forward wrist is overextended. If his elbow has such a shallow bend to it, he'll be carrying it with his fingers, and not his palm.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on January 31, 2011, 07:42:04 pm
Sorry, no plating down there.. I don't want him looking like he is wearing his underwear on the outside...

Also, you're right about the wrist there. But regardless, this was a test pose to make sure everything is morphing properly. Good thing too since the test revealed some vertecies that weren't morphing right and they are now fixed.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: bobbtmann on January 31, 2011, 07:43:23 pm
Those poor soldiers.  :(
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: pecenipicek on February 01, 2011, 02:51:59 am
I felt like he needed to be wielding a slightly under-scaled Prometheus.
it almost looks like he's gonna club somebody with it XD
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Luis Dias on February 01, 2011, 01:25:41 pm
With better textures, that thing will kick ass pretty badly!

That's a very important work you got there. What they will be used for? For your animations? Perhaps the people out here who are making 3D scenarios of the hangars could use them too, idk...
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Goober5000 on February 03, 2011, 12:50:29 am
Come on, guys, the poll shows that people would donate $322 to the modelling fund, but only $180 has been donated so far.  Show some follow-through! :D
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Galemp on February 03, 2011, 08:53:08 pm
I donated to the PCS Collada fund. Has Spicious been paid yet? :nervous:

And where's Carl these days?
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on February 03, 2011, 09:28:09 pm
Carl isn't good enough anymore.. sorry. he's getting a serious overhaul.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Goober5000 on February 03, 2011, 09:57:37 pm
I think chief1983 still has him.  Or Hippo.  I'd have to find out.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: FreeSpaceFreak on February 05, 2011, 02:26:05 am
Setekh must have had a pretty decent one... (evidence (http://staff.hard-light.net/setekh/shivstar-gen2.jpg))
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on February 05, 2011, 09:38:02 am
Er.. that is awfully similar to this render by  :v:.

Note each  :v: render came with a wireframe version. A little bit of photoshop knowledge and you could make that nice looking image you posted.

[attachment deleted by ninja]
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Snail on February 05, 2011, 11:05:54 am
I still find it awesome that the Shivans used knives.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Rga_Noris on February 05, 2011, 03:30:02 pm
Lazor knives!
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: FreeSpaceFreak on February 06, 2011, 02:15:44 am
Note each  :v: render came with a wireframe version. A little bit of photoshop knowledge and you could make that nice looking image you posted.

Oh, they did? Didn't know that...
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Goober5000 on February 06, 2011, 02:36:19 am
Funds are now up to $260.  Just a little bit more and we'll have this in the bag!
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Scourge of Ages on February 08, 2011, 12:40:46 am
Emergency! The donate button ist kaput!
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Goober5000 on February 08, 2011, 08:37:24 am
I just clicked on it and it seems to work.  Make sure you don't have Javascript disabled.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Scourge of Ages on February 09, 2011, 10:55:54 am
When I click it, it goes to paypal and says: "Sorry — your last action could not be completed"
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Goober5000 on February 09, 2011, 02:13:49 pm
Try clearing your cache and cookies first.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Scourge of Ages on February 09, 2011, 03:19:35 pm
Wow. I did that, and now in the little box where the button is it just says, "Fatal Error" when I click it. It doesns't even go to Paypal anymore.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Sololop on February 09, 2011, 08:00:33 pm
Well heck, here, I'll donate for the cause.

Didn't have any PayPal trouble myself. Maybe a browser issue?
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Scourge of Ages on February 09, 2011, 09:00:23 pm
Didn't have any PayPal trouble myself. Maybe a browser issue?
Deerrrrrp. I didn't even consider that. And ayup, Firefox worked just fine. I guess for whatever reason it just didn't like IE8.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Goober5000 on February 09, 2011, 09:30:11 pm
woot!

I shall ping Sandwich for the update.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: kruai on February 09, 2011, 09:35:53 pm
Didn't have any PayPal trouble myself. Maybe a browser issue?
Deerrrrrp. I didn't even consider that. And ayup, Firefox worked just fine. I guess for whatever reason it just didn't like IE8.
Whaaaat. Nobody likes IE8. There's your problem right there :P
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Goober5000 on February 09, 2011, 09:39:24 pm
Congratulations everyone... we now stand at $325!  Hooray! :D  Thank you to all who donated!

Now to decide what to do with the extra.  If we can hit $600, maybe we can commission a second model. :)  If not, we can probably dump the excess into the HLP donation bucket.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Black Wolf on February 10, 2011, 12:54:46 am
It may yet cost extra for both the Zod and the armour.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: sigtau on February 10, 2011, 08:57:29 pm
So now that the money is in posession, what's the status of getting the character made?
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Rga_Noris on February 10, 2011, 09:10:33 pm
MjnMixael is on vacation. I'm assuming it is as simple as sending him the donated money via paypal and then he pays one of the guys in his studio.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on February 12, 2011, 05:02:55 am
Yup, that's what we'll do. Goober, I'll email you the details in a couple days when I get back to the office.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Galemp on February 13, 2011, 12:10:02 pm
Is this a tax-deductible contribution to a non-profit organization? :nervous:
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: rscaper1070 on February 13, 2011, 03:27:42 pm
My accountant Guido says yes.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on February 15, 2011, 04:36:23 pm
You $300 at work!

My studio's modeller (I call him Big C) has spent the day working on this. He sent me an email with a screenshot that I will share with all of you.

He says "I really wish there was a straight on reference image I could use for this. It's a bit difficult to judge some of the proportions. I'm working to finish the basic overall shape of the creature. After that I'll spend a few days adding in the muscle forms and tweaking proportions"

I already gave him all the hi-res Volition renders of the Vasudan and some screens from some of the cutscenes. But he's right, there isn't any good reference images in terms of getting the proportions right.  :doubt:

However, it's a fantastic start! He is going to texture and rig him too.

Just a note: Save your breath, he doesn't read the forums. I'll be working with him to make sure we get a quality model for the community to use.

[attachment deleted by ninja]
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Rodo on February 15, 2011, 04:53:20 pm
I don't know who rendered this one, but it might be of help to you (if you don't already have it).

[attachment deleted by ninja]
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Snail on February 16, 2011, 01:41:27 am
Tell Big C that he just made a lot of people on the internet very happy. :P
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Mars on February 16, 2011, 02:20:39 am
Red Rover to Big C, Red Rover to Big C - They named a big water gun after you, over?
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Black Wolf on February 16, 2011, 04:14:46 am
How much more for the armour?
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on February 16, 2011, 08:32:32 am
Wut?

The Armor is included. He just hasn't gotten that far yet.

EDIT: He apparently finished up a lot more yesterday afternoon!

[attachment deleted by ninja]
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Asteroth on February 16, 2011, 09:55:47 am
That's looking pretty nice. Is he going to be doing the textures too?
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Rga_Noris on February 16, 2011, 11:10:01 pm
Jesus H at least read the post before you ask.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: lostllama on February 20, 2011, 06:33:17 am
Regarding proportions, you may find the Terran vs. Vasudan and 'Headz' videos from the Silent Threat supersecret folder useful, but you are probably already using those for reference anyway.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41uNqxpAN68 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41uNqxpAN68)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7lL3ymasbA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7lL3ymasbA)
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on February 24, 2011, 04:33:15 pm
With this, he says.. "Extreme detail work shall now commence! Might be a bit before I send you another screen."

[attachment deleted by ninja]
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Asteroth on February 24, 2011, 04:51:00 pm
Sad zod is sad.

Really, though that's looking great. Heck, I think we'd be pretty lucky to get something as nice as it is now.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on February 24, 2011, 05:05:18 pm
 :lol:

He does look sad!

Let's all point and laugh at the zod!  :lol:
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Goober5000 on February 24, 2011, 05:28:08 pm
Don't, you'll make him even sadder. :(

Otherwise this is terrific work. :nod::yes:
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: JCDNWarrior on February 24, 2011, 05:36:17 pm
Excellent work indeed, I really want new custom anims to use for briefings. BP introduced several of them for the voices. Gotta say I'd love to have more command briefing videos this way too.

Looking forward to see more progress done.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Mongoose on February 24, 2011, 05:38:23 pm
First request when this thing is fully modeled and rigged: someone re-create the dance from Headz. :D
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Black Wolf on February 25, 2011, 05:44:52 am
Wut?

The Armor is included. He just hasn't gotten that far yet.

Excellent :D
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Galemp on February 27, 2011, 01:45:52 am
Mike, didja want this moved to your own forum?
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Rampage on February 27, 2011, 08:00:53 am
He does look sad!

Let's all point and laugh at the zod!  :lol:

Give him a break; the poor zod lost his homeworld (and possibly his family).

Otherwise, great work!  Can't wait to see you do some movie magic!
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on February 27, 2011, 01:53:38 pm
Mike, didja want this moved to your own forum?

Hmm, I dunno. If this were to be moved.. then by definition, the Cutscene Upgrade thread and the Anim Party thread should also be moved... Not really sure that's appropriate. These are about upgrading FS1 and 2 animation assets. Whereas my board is all about being a resource for modders wanting to upgrade their campaign to include anims and cutscenes.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Rga_Noris on February 27, 2011, 10:44:40 pm
Actually I find your board oddly misplaced as a child board for FSU. Should go under modding.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on February 27, 2011, 10:50:29 pm
Hmm.. good point. Not up to me though.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on March 02, 2011, 02:10:39 pm
New Vasudan image.

Everything below the chest is pretty close to finished.

[attachment deleted by ninja]
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Mongoose on March 02, 2011, 05:05:44 pm
Man, :v: did a great job at coming up with a really freaky-looking design for those Vasudan extremities.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Raiden on March 06, 2011, 10:28:38 pm
I wanna see the sword-wielding marine version from War in Heaven.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Mars on March 07, 2011, 04:29:11 pm
It's gotta be some kind of bayoneted pew pew rifle.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Kolgena on March 07, 2011, 05:28:46 pm
FLY ME CLOSER! I WANT TO HIT THEM WITH MY SWORD
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Asteroth on March 07, 2011, 09:19:18 pm
 :lol:

Oh god, I know what that's from too.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: pecenipicek on March 08, 2011, 07:02:50 am
:lol:

Oh god, I know what that's from too.
I remember a certain fanfic about a certain somewhat hapless trouble-seeking commisar, which starts with him making a bra-raid on a Adepta Sororitas compound, blaming said raid on fellow commandos, later in life being put in charge of a penal regiment, blowing up a huge ork compound with said penal regimen, witnessing the death of the penal regiment after running away from the ensuing waaaagh that was chasing them, meeting the warboss 1 on 1, killing him with a melta or krak grenade which he put in said warboss's mouth, with his hand, with predictable results, and befriending a space marine chapter (was it salamanders or something?) and getting what basically amounts to "avoid-inquisitorial-questioning-for-free" card (later he became an inquisitor himself if memory serves?).I think his name started with M or something, i'm not sure.

The "DRIVE ME CLOSER I WANT TO HIT THEM WITH MY SWORD!" part was somewhere around.. dunno, the raid on the ork compound, before it blew to all hell?


if somebody has a link to that fanfic, i'd be grateful.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Droid803 on March 08, 2011, 01:13:00 pm
(http://www.monkeyboobies.com/gallery/d/221-2/drive+me+closer_+i+want+to+hit+them+with+my+sword.png)

This?
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Ravenholme on March 08, 2011, 05:57:54 pm
:lol:

Oh god, I know what that's from too.
I remember a certain fanfic about a certain somewhat hapless trouble-seeking commisar, which starts with him making a bra-raid on a Adepta Sororitas compound, blaming said raid on fellow commandos, later in life being put in charge of a penal regiment, blowing up a huge ork compound with said penal regimen, witnessing the death of the penal regiment after running away from the ensuing waaaagh that was chasing them, meeting the warboss 1 on 1, killing him with a melta or krak grenade which he put in said warboss's mouth, with his hand, with predictable results, and befriending a space marine chapter (was it salamanders or something?) and getting what basically amounts to "avoid-inquisitorial-questioning-for-free" card (later he became an inquisitor himself if memory serves?).I think his name started with M or something, i'm not sure.

The "DRIVE ME CLOSER I WANT TO HIT THEM WITH MY SWORD!" part was somewhere around.. dunno, the raid on the ork compound, before it blew to all hell?


if somebody has a link to that fanfic, i'd be grateful.

It sounds like someone took the Cain novels and made them even more ridiculous.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: pecenipicek on March 08, 2011, 08:54:21 pm
(http://www.monkeyboobies.com/gallery/d/221-2/drive+me+closer_+i+want+to+hit+them+with+my+sword.png)

This?
No, thats derived from the meme that the fic spawned.
:lol:

Oh god, I know what that's from too.
I remember a certain fanfic about a certain somewhat hapless trouble-seeking commisar, which starts with him making a bra-raid on a Adepta Sororitas compound, blaming said raid on fellow commandos, later in life being put in charge of a penal regiment, blowing up a huge ork compound with said penal regimen, witnessing the death of the penal regiment after running away from the ensuing waaaagh that was chasing them, meeting the warboss 1 on 1, killing him with a melta or krak grenade which he put in said warboss's mouth, with his hand, with predictable results, and befriending a space marine chapter (was it salamanders or something?) and getting what basically amounts to "avoid-inquisitorial-questioning-for-free" card (later he became an inquisitor himself if memory serves?).I think his name started with M or something, i'm not sure.

The "DRIVE ME CLOSER I WANT TO HIT THEM WITH MY SWORD!" part was somewhere around.. dunno, the raid on the ork compound, before it blew to all hell?


if somebody has a link to that fanfic, i'd be grateful.

It sounds like someone took the Cain novels and made them even more ridiculous.
You have no idea. I need to dig around Spacebattles.com's creative writing archives. i know i read it there.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: MasterWandu on March 21, 2011, 07:25:32 am
Hey mjn.mixael

Fantastic work on the cutscenes so far! Incredibly impressed with what you've been able to achieve, given the time and resource constraints (no talent constraints obviously!).

Blessings man!

btw... would love to be able to contribute to the project, but my skills lie squarely in the realm of software engineering (Delphi, .NET, C++, PHP), so very little experience with modelling. Can anyone point me through to a "Modelling for dummies" site, or possibly even a beginners thread on HLP?

Thanks guys!
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Pred the Penguin on March 21, 2011, 10:46:51 am
http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=70249.0
This is a good place to start.
Also be sure to check the Freespace Wiki
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Rodo on March 21, 2011, 10:50:17 am
Depends on what you want to start learning.

Just making models/texturing or maybe rendering and image editing? (maybe you could check on the modding section, there are a few tuts already started there).

Also, if you are actually gifted with c++ you could consider giving the modders like Mjn a hand by developing the different modifications they ask to the source code project, I know Mjn was waiting for a better cbanim format IIRC.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Scourge of Ages on March 21, 2011, 10:50:46 am
http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=70249.0
This is a good place to start.
Also be sure to check the Freespace Wiki
It's a good start, yes. You may be interested also in FSF's new! shipbuilding tutorial here: http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=74591.0 and the whole FreeSpace Modding board.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on March 21, 2011, 12:31:46 pm
Also, if you are actually gifted with c++ you could consider giving the modders like Mjn a hand by developing the different modifications they ask to the source code project, I know Mjn was waiting for a better cbanim format IIRC.

THIS. Or even more urgently, this. (http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=74650.0)

PM for further details if you wish to take a look at these projects.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: MasterWandu on March 21, 2011, 08:36:46 pm
Thanks for the tips guys!

Mjn, I can't promise much on your 2 coding requirements, but would like to take a look at utilities / their source code and at least familiarize myself with them a bit.

Will PM you...
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on April 22, 2011, 05:09:31 pm
Cory is still tweaking the Vasudan mesh, however he has started to try some various textures. I'm guessing he hasn't really UVed it yet because this looks box mapped, but here you go.

I know he was trying several things to try to get the right scale type look. This looks pretty close to me. Thoughts?

[attachment deleted by ninja]
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Raiden on April 22, 2011, 05:20:39 pm
I can't offer any useful technical advice but that looks awesome to me, I love the detail.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Goober5000 on April 22, 2011, 06:41:48 pm
:yes:
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Rodo on April 22, 2011, 06:56:34 pm
He sure knows how to make us happy haha, looking really good so far :yes:
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Jadehawk on April 22, 2011, 09:24:21 pm
Wow! I bet someone can sell the Vasudans some Skin lotion and make a fortune! :) All -in-all, looking great!
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: SypheDMar on April 22, 2011, 11:31:25 pm
Epic
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: FreeSpaceFreak on April 23, 2011, 01:43:16 am
:yes2:
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: pecenipicek on April 27, 2011, 08:13:49 pm
Just for folks to know, that this part of the project didnt die :p

modelling is at around 70-ish% complete for the weapon.

(http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/7048/ml16thingbigweapon0011.th.jpg) (http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/7048/ml16thingbigweapon0011.jpg)


Feedback much much appreciated.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: FreeSpaceFreak on April 28, 2011, 02:31:53 pm
Lookin' good! Especially the back end drawings... How do the barrels end?

The arm-like thingy in the concept art, on top of the barrel, looks kinda flimsy to mount on a weapon. It'll also be in the way of the visor.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: pecenipicek on May 06, 2011, 03:24:22 pm
(http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/7489/mlgunside.th.jpg) (http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/7489/mlgunside.jpg)
(http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/2109/mlgunfront.th.jpg) (http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/2109/mlgunfront.jpg)
(http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/2206/mlgunback.th.jpg) (http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/2206/mlgunback.jpg)


The back part is unfinished as of now.


FSF, sorry for not responding earlier, i've made these three to show off the whole mesh.

As for the side handle, i've got a different way of dealing with that one in particular. you'll see once i get to it.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Goober5000 on May 06, 2011, 06:13:52 pm
Cool, it's the HTL GTC Damocles. :yes:
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Rga_Noris on May 09, 2011, 03:10:03 pm
So Mjn has been storing me in his basement, forcing me to make a shivan. Here's some progress:

(http://i999.photobucket.com/albums/af118/RgaNoris/ShivanShow1.png)

Open Fire!
(http://i999.photobucket.com/albums/af118/RgaNoris/ShivanShow2.png)
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Rodo on May 09, 2011, 03:37:20 pm
oh that horrible beam weapon that made me wake up from a nightmare more than once....

HTL'd Carl?  :yes:
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: X3N0-Life-Form on May 09, 2011, 03:45:17 pm
I want HTL Shivans on a plane !
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: CommanderDJ on May 09, 2011, 06:14:34 pm
I don't think there's anyone on FSU that I would trust to make an awesome Shivan more than Rga, except maybe Mjn himself.

Really looking forward to seeing how this turns out.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Retsof on May 16, 2011, 11:15:41 pm
Ehehehe.  It has a helmet.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on June 29, 2011, 04:01:29 pm
Ok.. how many of seriously thought this had died? Be honest!

(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/mjnmixael/Private/MikeCreatureRender3.jpg)
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/mjnmixael/Private/MikeCreatureRender2.jpg)
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/mjnmixael/Private/MikeCreatureRender1.jpg)

Say it with me...

Vah - soo - din

Very good, now just wait till he has a better skin texture.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Rodo on June 29, 2011, 04:03:47 pm
Big fish.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Mongoose on June 29, 2011, 04:32:41 pm
Bup bup, bup-bup bup bup!
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Angelus on June 29, 2011, 04:42:09 pm
That's a great right there.  :yes:

You gonna make a Miss Vasuda version?  :nervous:
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Kolgena on June 29, 2011, 09:21:48 pm
Looking awesome.

Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: sigtau on June 29, 2011, 09:35:13 pm
Bup-bup badup bup bup bup!

Fixed.

Also, this looks incredibly awesome.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on July 06, 2011, 11:46:57 pm
Ok, everything is pretty well complete except the face. It's not quite right, but we can't seem to put a finger on it. I've rendered some comparisons.

I tried to place the camera in a place that will help the face match the comparison's pose. The open mouth makes it difficult, but it's that way so it can be easily rigged later.

(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/mjnmixael/Private/Compare06.jpg)
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/mjnmixael/Private/Compare05.jpg)
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/mjnmixael/Private/Compare04.jpg)
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/mjnmixael/Private/Compare03.jpg)
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/mjnmixael/Private/Compare02.jpg)
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/mjnmixael/Private/Compare01.jpg)
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: achtung on July 06, 2011, 11:52:19 pm
http://www.nukelol.com/images/forumimages/Compare01.png

What I see as off.

Quote
<achtung> basically, the lower lip needs to be squared off
<achtung> the cheeks fuller
<achtung> the bow division more abrupt and closer together
<achtung> brow*
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: bigchunk1 on July 07, 2011, 12:14:08 am
Something looks a bit off about the face... not sure what exactly, but other than that, dang good job! We've got a freakin professional at the wheel.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on July 07, 2011, 12:17:12 am
Something looks a bit off about the face... not sure what exactly, but other than that, dang good job! We've got a freakin professional at the wheel.

Yeah, we know something is off.. that's why I put up the images. We needed extra eyes.. because we have been staring at this thing for months.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Cobaltred on July 07, 2011, 12:53:19 am
What sticks out to me is that the angle at which the neck approaches the skull appears to be a bit off.

Your model is more similar to a typical biped (aka human) where the neck and vertebrae enter the skull from below.  The renders seem to have the neck entering from somewhere between the bottom of the skull and the back of the skull, more similar to a quadriped mammal (think dog or wolf).

This causes the head of the Vasudans in the render to sort of "hang"  in front of the chest, creating a noticeable change in perceived overall posture as well.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: swashmebuckle on July 07, 2011, 01:08:25 am
That looks awesome!

Differences I noticed:
-Missing some knots on the outer ribcage area
-Cheekbones are more flared out than those on the original
-The "cuts" into the sides of the two main head ridges go in further on the original, making it seem like there is more definition between the protruding forehead segment and the twin ridges on top of the head
-The point where the brow segments meet at the bottom between the eyes is more pinched together on the original
-The cheek flaps have more of an axe-blade appearance on the original, with sharper points at the corners
-The knobs sticking out of the sides of the head (ears?) don't seem to protrude more at the bottom on the original--they seem to go more or less straight up and down
-Parts of the neck structure at the throat seem like they might be a little different, but it's hard to see due to the lighting on your renders
-Original model seems to have more protrusion of the upper lip, and less of an outward bulge in the area directly above that (where a human's nose would be)
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Pred the Penguin on July 07, 2011, 03:39:46 am
The brow and 'cheek' are the most obvious IMO. The neck also looks different but everything else is super. :yes:
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Water on July 07, 2011, 07:16:08 am
It's not the best but I hope it helps.
(http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee67/waternz/mesh/vasudan.jpg)
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Luis Dias on July 07, 2011, 07:18:57 am
Why don't zods dress up? Their bodies are ugly as hell.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Snail on July 07, 2011, 07:36:40 am
Because they look worse when they do (http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a5/julianthemighty1/Vasudan800.jpg).
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Kolgena on July 07, 2011, 09:38:15 am
Yeah, I'm seeing the brow line, upper mouth ridges (the parts sticking down that look like saggy jowls) as needing some touchup. Your Zod looks about right, but as if it is permanently surprised or sad or something. The bottom half of the face also looks longer than it should be, giving it a sort of slack-jawed look. Or at least, the upper lip should stick out straighter, instead of rounding down. Cheekbones are also a little off too.

Also, keep in mind that you probably won't be able to exactly duplicate the face, in the same way that it's damn hard to duplicate a human one. "Uncanny valley" gets in your way even if you have the most minute differences. I guess that just comes down to how well human brains notice the tiniest differences between different faces.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: lostllama on July 07, 2011, 09:59:45 am
Having looked at Water's comparison pics, the 'shoulder muscles' (not sure what to call them) just to either side of where the neck protrudes look like they need to be bulkier to me. But this could probably be explained by this Vasudan not having done much upper body exercise.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Black Wolf on July 07, 2011, 10:16:02 am
It doesn't matter if it's not exactly like [V]'s Zod anyway, does it? Not all vasudans are going to look exactly the same, so the model doesn't need to be perfect. It's clearly, recognizably vasudan (will be even more so if some of the suggestions in this thread are taken, I'll grant) and personally I'd rather see it released sooner rather than later, especially if it avoids "wires are too thick" type arguments.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Snail on July 07, 2011, 10:17:44 am
I agree with BW.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Rodo on July 07, 2011, 10:31:12 am
yes, but they are actually asking for advise about the model looks, and IMO those features noticed already are important.. they make the character look more aggressive.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: pecenipicek on July 07, 2011, 10:33:48 am
marine weapon is up into its texturing phase...
(http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/4065/clipboard01uf.th.jpg) (http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/4065/clipboard01uf.jpg)
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on July 11, 2011, 01:00:34 pm
Progress

(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/mjnmixael/Private/MikeCreatureRender.jpg)
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: T-LoW on July 11, 2011, 01:04:16 pm
The cheeks remind me of the Ming-beard ;)

(http://www.wearysloth.com/Gallery/ActorsV/18992-6420.gif)
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Cobra on July 11, 2011, 05:59:58 pm
Angry Vasudan is angry.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Pred the Penguin on July 11, 2011, 08:14:32 pm
He looks ready to rip some headz off. o_o
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on July 11, 2011, 08:49:49 pm
Most recent based on Cory's work today. (Should look slightly less angry  :lol:)

(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/mjnmixael/Private/MikeCreatureRender-1.jpg)
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Hades on July 11, 2011, 08:59:47 pm
Lookin' good.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: sigtau on July 11, 2011, 09:42:38 pm
Eagerly awaiting the suit of armor to be put on him, getting tired of seeing a naked Zod. :P
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Kolgena on July 11, 2011, 09:54:45 pm
Looks quite a bit better.

The "nose/upper lip" part looks a bit too round and long. Maybe it's just because the head isn't tilted far back enough. The face is pointed in a way that you'd expect in a human, not the upward slope you see on vasudans.


@peacenik: Gun looks good. Look forward to next update.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Snail on July 12, 2011, 10:56:03 am
Eagerly awaiting the suit of armor to be put on him, getting tired of seeing a naked Zod. :P
It also needs a ****ing sword.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Cobra on July 13, 2011, 01:03:02 am
Honestly the mouth should look more catfish-like. Right now he has no lips (what the Zod has in the science screencap on page 8 reminds me of lips). D:
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Goober5000 on July 13, 2011, 03:18:51 am
These comments are overdue and I shouldn't be up this late, but mjn.mixael is going to get ticked off the more tardy I am. :p


So those are my current thoughts. :)  It looks very, very good already; the only thing, IMO, that needs just a little more refinement is the face.

[attachment deleted by ninja]
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on July 13, 2011, 11:13:04 am
Notes taken and passed on, but people really need to stop worrying about the 'pose' of the Vasudan (head or otherwise) until later. kthx.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Black Wolf on September 13, 2011, 12:15:31 am
Any movement on the Zod? I'm really keen to get this beast into Max and make some head anis. :nod:
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on September 13, 2011, 12:18:48 am
Goober.. and now you..  :lol:

We are trying to get the face right.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Black Wolf on September 13, 2011, 12:22:51 am
No worries, looking forward to it.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on November 19, 2011, 03:21:57 pm
Here's another go at getting the face right.

[attachment deleted by a basterd]
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Black Wolf on November 19, 2011, 04:57:03 pm
I've been happy with the last three iterations, though I think this one is the closest and best so far. I'd be perfectly happy with this as the final version.. :yes:
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Cobra on November 19, 2011, 08:04:27 pm
I've been happy with the last three iterations, though I think this one is the closest and best so far. I'd be perfectly happy with this as the final version.. :yes:

This.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: T-LoW on November 19, 2011, 08:07:05 pm
Looking really organic now but I still think the cheeks break the pattern a bit. They look too sharp and not... fleshy enough. Hard to describe. Besides that: Awesome! :yes:
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Cobra on November 20, 2011, 12:16:24 pm
They don't look fleshy enough because there's no texture on it. :P
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Goober5000 on November 20, 2011, 12:24:14 pm
Very, very good. :yes:

The only thing that struck my eye this time was the parts of his brow between his eyes: they look a little flat, as opposed to fleshy curves that meet in the middle.  So it looks really good at an intuitive/perceptive level.

Checking the source images, as shown in the below two attachments (stills from the Vasudan animation), I have two additional comments.  First, push the side protrusions back into his head a little... only the very tips extend beyond the side boundaries of his face.  Second, maybe make the lower part of his cheeks slightly more puffy/fatty, as mentioned above.  (What I mean, and what I think T-Low means, is that in the first picture the cheeks look too flat and not very rounded.  Interestingly, this isn't as noticeable in the other pictures.)

But this is really good now.  You've passed through the uncanny valley of Vasudan faces and arrived at the other side. :)

[attachment deleted by a basterd]
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: hundeswehr on November 20, 2011, 06:18:11 pm
pilots are a tackey addition to the craft. among other things, the hidden pilot was what made the aesthetics of fs1 and 2 brilliant.

in space, the less glass, the better. what's even better is if the pilot isn't visible.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: The E on November 20, 2011, 06:23:21 pm
How nice of you to have an opinion on something that you completely misread. Please read the thread properly. These are character models for cutscenes, not for ingame models.

Also, visible cockpits are awesome.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: SypheDMar on November 20, 2011, 06:46:48 pm
pilots are a tackey addition to the craft. among other things, the hidden pilot was what made the aesthetics of fs1 and 2 brilliant.

in space, the less glass, the better. what's even better is if the pilot isn't visible.
Moron.

I do think that there's something whacky with the flaps at the cheek, but it's amazing! If we can have the files for the model once it's finished, it'd be great! If not, it's still great.

EDIT: Is there any way we can also have Angry Vasudan when y'all are done, or is he already gone? Snail is right that he needs a sword. :nod:
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Cobra on November 20, 2011, 08:45:49 pm
I do think that there's something whacky with the flaps at the cheek, but it's amazing!

Yeah I noticed that too. The flap things need to be a bit shorter and a little more forward; compared to the CBAnim stills they're too far away from the mouth... And the Zod needs an overbite. :nervous:
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Black Wolf on November 21, 2011, 03:02:16 am
I do think that there's something whacky with the flaps at the cheek, but it's amazing! If we can have the files for the model once it's finished, it'd be great! If not, it's still great.

Given that we paid for it, I'm fairly sure it'll get released. :p
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on November 27, 2011, 09:15:30 pm
Emailed to me only moments ago.

(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/mjnmixael/Private/Render4.png)
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/mjnmixael/Private/Render3.png)
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/mjnmixael/Private/Render2.png)
(http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk264/mjnmixael/Private/Render1.png)

And yes, the community will get the model since you payed for it.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: LordMelvin on November 27, 2011, 10:49:46 pm
...and now for my obligatory 'Ooooh, Shiny!'

Ooooooh, Shiny!
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Ulala on November 27, 2011, 11:30:52 pm
:yes:
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: rscaper1070 on November 27, 2011, 11:35:06 pm
Awesome! He looks like he's break dancing.  :lol:
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: bigchunk1 on November 28, 2011, 03:19:23 am
You can move him(her?) around right? Is he(she?) done?
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Rodo on November 28, 2011, 08:20:32 am
cool! we've got a vasudan! :D
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: jr2 on November 29, 2011, 06:52:05 pm
You can move him(her?) around right? Is he(she?) done?

..you didn't know?   It's plastic!
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on November 29, 2011, 07:35:12 pm
You can move him(her?) around right? Is he(she?) done?

It is very, very close to being completely modelled and textured. However, it can't be animated yet, because it will need to be rigged.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on May 29, 2012, 11:50:01 am
Figured I'd go ahead and update this with this. (http://p3d.in/g7jv0) That may take a few moments to load. You guys can get a better look at the mesh, but you'll have to forgive the texture work. P3D only allows 1024x1024 textures which severely cuts down the quality on a model like this.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Kolgena on May 29, 2012, 12:22:25 pm
Looks very nice!
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Rodo on May 29, 2012, 01:18:17 pm
wow! 400k faces, damn job right there.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Kobrar44 on May 29, 2012, 01:28:10 pm
1 question. Is this
(http://i50.tinypic.com/140caqd.jpg)
...arse?
Anyway, this is really... quality vasudan.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: mjn.mixael on May 29, 2012, 03:35:54 pm
Took me a minute to figure out where that was...

Looks like a simple error that occured with Symmetry, easy fix.
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Asteroth on June 05, 2012, 04:16:39 pm
wow! 400k faces, damn job right there.
I can only see one face. How can you even have an alien with 400 thousand faces anyway?
Title: Re: MjnMixael Makes Characters
Post by: Rodo on June 05, 2012, 04:44:16 pm
'cause... Beer.  :P