I made a 3d model of my Fasmo character... though I probably won't do the next game in 3d. I made it in blender. The one on the left has a subsurf on, the one on the left is the actual model.
(http://files.e-marvels.net/png/1201468676.png)
Looks really good! Like some kind of ice-cream insect, like those old FAB bars hehe... At first I thought it was a homage to the feeble files. Anyway, I like it.
I think lighting and texturing will be a big part of this characters appeal, but before you engage with lighting and texture too seriously, I think you should spend a little more time on the mesh.
Try adding a couple of edgeloops running around his front and side vertically, and another two around his face:
(http://www.2dadventure.com/ags/wiretest.gif)
This should allow you to make his arms and his head rounder and more organic.
I worked on the mesh some more and here's what I came up with. no subsurf. What do you think?
(http://files.e-marvels.net/png/1201566196.png)
Quote from: gonzo29 on Tue 29/01/2008 00:27:40
I worked on the mesh some more and here's what I came up with. no subsurf. What do you think?
I don't know what it is but I want one. =] The upper torso area looks better now, as it connects with the neck and head. Heh, green lips.
Looks nice, I especially like colors. But your character lacks a bit of originality and design.
How do I say this... it's like a box with hands and feet, looks clumsy and robotic, not like animals in real life.
Further, the limbs are like cylinders with fingers. That's what makes it look so lifeless. Give things some shape and curves, don't go so uniform!
Pity that you're 3d-izing an existing character, otherwise I would (or suggest to) totally redesign it to look more like alien insectoid.
I suggest - for other characters, draw some sketches first to get design in place.
And for this one, meshsmooth (subsurface as you called it) the second version to get best out of it.
Some good textures (and why not bumpmaps) would improve alot too.
I like it! It's simple and it's really cute (and resemble closely the 2d fasmo)
OOC, which program did you use to model it? (k, missed the first line) How long did it took?
It took around 5 hours to make.
The problem with making it look more like an insect is that insects are gross, and the fasmo character is supposed to be cute. But I see what you mean, and agree that building 3d models based on 80*50 pixel sprites is somewhat limiting.
The goal I'm trying to work towards is to make models for games (a subject which at present I admittedly know very little about). I was hesitant about using meshsmooth because I thought it would add too many unnecessary verticies. I'm also just barely starting to learn about shaders and bumpmaps and the like.
there is nothing wrong with insects. look at bugs life. one of the easier parts with insect characters is usually that they are segmented and therefore they dont really need to be skinned, the character itself can be the bone rig.
http://www.elfpro3d.com/Turtles/Colonel_Control.jpg
http://www.elfpro3d.com/Turtles/colonel_scene.jpg
these are shots of a character from my film where his whole body is segmented
http://www.calshop.biz/gol_2005-2006/immagini/Psx/FICHE%20A/COVERS/A_Bugs_Life_Pal-front.jpg
here is the bugs life guy.
Quote from: gonzo29 on Tue 29/01/2008 22:50:21
The problem with making it look more like an insect is that insects are gross, and the fasmo character is supposed to be cute.
To get your insect looking cute, make the eyes much bigger. Part of the appeal of babies, puppies, etc, comes from the fact that the eye is fully sized from birth, making it look proportionately bigger in a baby than in an adult. You can exaggerate this effect to increase the cuteness factor. See the third picture from A Bug's Life mentioned above - the eyes are much larger and much more human than in a real ant.
I like how it looks, but he looks imbalanced. Like he can fall backwards any moment. Maybe put his legs a bit more to the back? (Not on the tail part though) Dunno.