Feedback on walk cycle needed

[danbuddle]

Hello again everyone,

I have taken the step I've dreaded most on my journey of AGS learning: Animation.  As I am starting to get my head around coding I thought I'd take a break from that aspect and focus on the graphics of my game again (plus I was getting sick to the stomach of the site of Roger.) Anyway, here is the attempt which has no real shading yet (not too sure how to apply this) and lacks detail generally. Any feedback greatly appreciated as always.


http://tinypic.com/r/9ros2a/8

[Anian]

I believe it actually helps to do the side walking animation first, because it it's more noticeable when it's wrong/off. Then, when you got it right, you have a guide to the height/position of the arms, hands, legs, feet, knees and even head bobbing. There's tons of videos and pictures of walk cycles, I suggest you choose something that fits your style (a character in a comedic game won't usually walk the same way as in a drama and also there's a differnce between walking in high heels and regular shoes etc.) and trace/draw over it with your character, then do the same for front view.

Plus it'd help you put .gif of the walk cycles as well, that way people can see it instantly and not have to work on just viewing it.

[danbuddle]

Noted Anian and thanks. I'll do a side animation next then. If anyone knows a good video or site for a more serious/dramatic walk cycle I'd be very grateful. All I could find were comedic, bouncy animations this morning.

[Anian]

Well if you don't find anything googling "walk cycle", try "Muybridge" (NOTE: googling this may, or actually will, expose you to photos of naked people, shot with artistic/scientific intent), those are actual photographs of people walking.

[danbuddle]

LOL, so many naked people. You should provide a health warning before suggesting the googling of Muybridge.

[Anian]

LOL, so many naked people. You should provide a health warning before suggesting the googling of Muybridge.

...it's actually scientific/artistic, but I added a "warning".

[danbuddle]

Scientific boobs are still boobs

[danbuddle]

OK, following advice (some of which was PM'd) I have focused on the side walk cycle and made a few changes.

http://tinypic.com/r/2wox9io/8

Which look like this as individual frames:

http://tinypic.com/r/r2nk9g/8

I am struggling with detail at this resolution (notably the hands.)

[Cassiebsg]

I'm no expert, so I'm sure you'll be getting some more and better replies from others, but at first glance, I would say that your arms need to be slightly longer (hands placed about half the upper leg).
As for the hands, try removing a pixel or two from the middle of the back (left on the picture).

And maybe adjusting the coloring slightly so the back arm and leg are a bit darker than the ones on the from (of the picture).

Hope it makes sense and that it helps.

[danbuddle]

http://tinypic.com/r/2ilxy6v/8


http://tinypic.com/r/2q1vuvl/8

Thanks cassiebsg, that seems to have added a little depth and tidied it up a bit.

Also just started toying with this one:

http://tinypic.com/r/2usiglu/8

http://tinypic.com/r/2qlh5ap/8

[Monsieur OUXX]

In the front view you might want to keep his feet closer to each other, otherwise ti looks like he's running/walking an overly manly walk.