Adventure Game Studio

Creative Production => Critics' Lounge => Topic started by: Xadhoom on Sat 14/06/2003 12:00:16

Title: Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Xadhoom on Sat 14/06/2003 12:00:16
Hey guys...hope some of you still remember me...heh. It's been a while since I've posted anything, and it's because my fantasy project has been more or less scrapped. There was a number of reasons, but mainly because of problems between me and the guy who originally made the world the game was to take place in.
SO...I've started all over, new game, new setting...or more specifically, MY game, MY setting. Oh yes.
-----------
The game will take place during World War II, and will be sorta Indiana Jones-esque, but slightly more comic-book-over-the-top. It WON'T be another FoA (I wouldn't even dare trying to make something even resembling that, that game CAN'T be surpassed in my opinion.). The game will somewhat resemble old war movies in that it won't be historically correct in some places, and the characters will be very stylized, almost charicatures. I won't reveal any of the story yet, as it is still being thought out...

But here's draft one for the hero and one of his outfits...
(http://www.opusserver.dk/galleri/albums/userpics/10012/01.png)
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Scummbuddy on Sat 14/06/2003 12:02:09
I really was wondering where you went off to.  We always love seeing your game art, as well as your other styles.

If you could not make your last game, any chance of releasing it for others to toy around with?

Nice character.  Can't wait to see more.
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Flippy_D on Sat 14/06/2003 14:58:26
Firm buttocks.
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: AndersM on Sat 14/06/2003 15:03:45
He looks just like someone in 'Village people'...  ::)

(http://images.art.com/images/products/large/10038000/10038723.jpg)
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Archangel (aka SoupDragon) on Sat 14/06/2003 16:06:45
Flippy: lol
Xad: as always, it looks awesome. Reminds me of Sylvester Styllone, if that's the kind of hero you're going for.
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Nacho on Sat 14/06/2003 16:26:03
Hey Xadhoom! Glad to see you again! I want to see more of that game of you asap.
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Darth Mandarb on Sat 14/06/2003 17:29:37
I was wondering where you had gotten to.  That stinks about scrappin' the other project.  I was really looking forward to that!

About the character ...
He looks like Brendon Frasier in the Mummy ... but that's cool.  I don't really like Brendan Frasier but I dug the character in the Mummy!

About the story ...
I think WWII is a great setting!  I'm a history major and I've studied WWII extensively ... if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask (if you're interested in historical accuracy at all).

Keep up the great work!

dm
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Neole on Sun 15/06/2003 12:09:47
Looks great! But I wouldnt want to play him as the hero, I would want him to be the villain who also has the girl's affections that the hero wants to win. A more bumbling less muscular less handsome less smart hero is always more fun to play in adventure games.
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Erwin_Br on Sun 15/06/2003 16:50:48
I agree with Neole.

The quality of the sprite itself is great, though.

--Erwin
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: veryweirdguy on Sun 15/06/2003 17:18:55
Depends much on the style of game. If it's a comedy then yeah, a bumbling idiot is good. But look at FoA. It stars Indiana Jones, a very cool hero, which is who this sprite kinda reminded me of, in a weird way. Probably just the Lucasarts style though.
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: MadReizka on Sun 15/06/2003 17:39:07
Quote from: MrMasse on Sat 14/06/2003 15:03:45
He looks just like someone in 'Village people'...  ::)

(http://images.art.com/images/products/large/10038000/10038723.jpg)

Oh my dear dear god what a pic. I feel sick!
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Xadhoom on Sun 15/06/2003 17:40:37
Thanks for all the replys, guys. Good crits throughout.

Scummbuddy: Sorry, man. That's the whole problem. After our whole disagreement, the guy won't let me use his world. However, if it's just the sprites I made that you want, sure, help yourself to them...just tell me what you're gonna use it for. ;)

Flippy_D & MrMasse: Hey! Now wait a minute! You two go wash your mouths with soap! Lol!  ;D

Archangel: Thanks man. This IS only a first draft, so anything is still possible...more on this later.

Darth-Mandarb: Yeah, it was pretty sucky when that got scrapped. I really liked what we had on that.
You got good eyes, my man. This outfit was greatly inspired by one of those Brendan wears in the Mummy. I really like that outfit; has a great "adventure!"-feel to it, and it could also act as a sort of homage to the Mummy...that is, for those...like you...that knows their movies. :D And yeah, WWII makes for a great setting...especially if you're prepared to "bend" history a little...Castle Wolfenstein-style, if you catch my drift...hehehe

Neole: Good point, but I would really like the whole mood of this game to be sorta like an old 50s comicbook, where you've got the squarejawed hero, the damsel in distress (who of course will kick butt at some point), and the skeletony nazi villain running amock with some kind of superweapon. Nothing original in that department, but I think I've got a pretty good storyline so far...more on this later. ;) That said, this doesn't mean that said squarejawed hero will have everything his way...

Erwin_Br: Thanks. :)

veryweirdguy: Also a good point. I'll strive to make it pretty serious, but in a comic book fashion. Meaning: No falling on banana peels or bumbling sidekicks making bad slapstick, but humor isn't at all out. Take FoA again for example: Excellent atmosphere in that game, dark and pretty serious, but it still has time for humor, but in an intelligent fashion.

Mad_Reizka: Yeah, but damn it's funny!  ;D

Anyways, this is a first draft. Reading all your comments have kickstarted my creative 2 pounds of lard, so I'll jump right back into Photoshop for some fun! :D
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Xadhoom on Mon 16/06/2003 02:47:15
A little more pixelling...
Sat doodeling today...here are a couple of outfits for a lady that may or may not be used in the game.
(http://www.2dadventure.com/ags/Heroine01.gif)
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: n3tgraph on Mon 16/06/2003 08:31:42
USE HER !!11

Great artwork :)
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: evenwolf on Mon 16/06/2003 08:44:55
His ass looks like a crotch.
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Nacho on Mon 16/06/2003 08:46:32
I want that pixels! :o mmm... cute pixels!
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Renal Shutdown on Mon 16/06/2003 08:54:29
*fap* *fap* *fap*..
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Xadhoom on Mon 16/06/2003 11:47:19
Lol, glad you liked her, guys. :D And Iqu...shame on you...;D
EvenWolf: Check.
-------------------
More pixel-doodeling, however these guys will definately be used in one way or another...this is in no way the final version, but more a test to see how the uniforms would look as pixelart.
Oh, and let me know if anyone has any problems with me uploading pics of nazis. Never hurts to be careful.

(http://www.2dadventure.com/ags/Nazi-5.gif)
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Renal Shutdown on Mon 16/06/2003 11:49:56
*fap*
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Xadhoom on Mon 16/06/2003 11:57:06
EWWWWW!!! :-X
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Nacho on Mon 16/06/2003 12:27:08
I see no problems with nazi pixelart because they are going to be the bad guys and we will kick their ass when playing the game.

I see a lot of coincidencess with the nazi icons and the Empire by George Lucas. We must recognize that the nazis knew how to create that atmosphere we all know (Nüremberg, Berlin 1936...)

That icons will result disgusting for many people if used as a propaganda, but they will just be backgrounds, even Spielberg used them (in indy 3, for instance...), and Steven is jew, so...

No probs for me!
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Renal Shutdown on Mon 16/06/2003 12:49:16
Hey

The only prob I can see with uploading pics of nazi's is the slave driving exploitation of the poor bugger who had to shine those guys' boots.

Hugs
Iqu

Mm.. Uniforms..
..get me a tissue.
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: n3tgraph on Mon 16/06/2003 13:41:36
wow xadhoom your pixelart is great

but watch out for those double pixels :o
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Miez on Mon 16/06/2003 13:45:11
Make the game ... MAKE THE GAME! - your sprites look kick-ass cool!
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Darth Mandarb on Tue 17/06/2003 01:03:54
I LOVE the german soldiers, officers, and doctor.

The chick is great too.  I always like the addition of a female into the story.

Sorry, the 'Female' ... don't want to offend anybody ;)

dm
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: OneThinkingGal and ._. on Tue 17/06/2003 02:52:25
Really nice sprites. I'll just make one small crit, the female looks a bit odd in that pose in the dress. Its just a really aggressive pose.

Aside from that (http://web.ecomplanet.com/X2923/ServerContent/MyCustomImages/X2923CustomImage1383012.gif)
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Renal Shutdown on Tue 17/06/2003 08:55:20
Darth, I got "Eeeew"-ed for liking the Nazis.

OTG, why's that little guy giving me the finger?
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Fizz on Tue 17/06/2003 12:09:14
watch out for them double pixels... otherwise, im loving you chars. i fuckin love nazi doctors. are there going to be any zombies?
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Miez on Tue 17/06/2003 12:19:49
The look of the sprites and the game you describe remind me a lot of Rocket Ranger ... aaah! the games of yesteryear ... yestermillenium I mean ... [melts into a pathetic puddle of nostalgia]
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: agsking on Wed 18/06/2003 06:30:04
Woah! Great nazi sprites! Except the highlights on the shoes are a tiny bit too bright.
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Neole on Thu 19/06/2003 18:03:04
Good job! The characters look perfect (the girl's pose is a lil odd).
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Xadhoom on Fri 20/06/2003 11:19:51
Heheh, thanks for all the replies and crits, guys. And don't worry, I'll change the pose on the girl.
Fizz: What are these double pixels you speak of?
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Evil on Sat 21/06/2003 17:15:35
Wow, great work... Why does the girls breasts change sizes?
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Scummbuddy on Sun 22/06/2003 17:05:48
Double pixels are when there is the addition of one more pixel, it just makes the leg or arm or whatever look jaggy and blocky.

For instance her hip, on the right side (her left) has double pixels.
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Erwin_Br on Mon 23/06/2003 00:29:17
Double pixels is kinda like double parking your car.  ;D

--Erwin
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: jannar85 on Mon 23/06/2003 00:55:53
Amazing... Absoutely amazing... :o
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: agsking on Mon 23/06/2003 07:16:50
Could you please make some more fantasic sprites?  ;D
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: prototyp3 on Mon 23/06/2003 07:27:27
Great sprites!

I don't think I'm following this double pixel talk, however.  Are you guys talking about edges/outlines where you have pixels arranged like a staircase? (as opposed to having the pixels only touch at their corners; and not being adjacent to one another?)  

Explanations, or illustrations,  on this matter would be appreciated!  :]
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: n3tgraph on Mon 23/06/2003 08:17:32
hey Xad, this cool tutorial by mr.Colossal(c) handles the double pixels:

http://www.sylpher.com/kafka/tutorials/igbackgrounds.htm (http://www.sylpher.com/kafka/tutorials/igbackgrounds.htm)
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Xadhoom on Tue 24/06/2003 14:18:46
Evil: Well, if you must know, she's wearing a bra when she's in the dress. She doesn't when she is in the action outfit...
Scummbuddy & N3TGraph: Ohhh, now I see. You're right, gotta be careful with those. Good tutorial, by the way.
agsking: Working on it, working on it. Perhaps I might even make a (gasp!) animation soon! Damn, those things are hard!

Thanks for all the comments, guys. :)
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Visti on Tue 24/06/2003 15:08:51
Wehoo! Another dane!

Anyway, bloody nice sprites! I hope you're gonna finish a game with those in it. I can't wait to see backgrounds. Give use more before we choke in our own drool!
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Xadhoom on Fri 27/06/2003 01:51:50
Hey Visti! Nice to know there is another dane in here too! Where are you at in Denmark?
--------
Ack, busy, so busy. Have only had time to make this little animation while waiting for someone: A nazi guard being bored at work:
(http://www.2dadventure.com/ags/Nazi-anim-test-1.gif)
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Xadhoom on Fri 27/06/2003 02:38:23
Had a little more time to work on one of my old models and modyfying it a bit for the game. Mind you, this is not one of those /¤#"/)!! Poser models; I made this from scratch.
I intend to handle the dialogue in the game like they did in the terrific Fallout games, with an animated close-up head with changes in expression and such. I'll build these heads in 3D Studio and then make keyframes of those models.
(http://www.2dadventure.com/ags/faces.jpg)
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Darth Mandarb on Fri 27/06/2003 02:47:11
...

** that's what it sounds/looks like when Darth Mandarb is struck speechless **

Impressive ... most impressive.

dm
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Gregjazz on Fri 27/06/2003 04:08:01
Xadhoom: As a 3d Studio user myself, I must say that the face is quite impressive! (Though the shine may need a little work, so it isn't too much like Toy Story)

How did you create such a model? Did you use NURBS? Did you use a skin plug-in? Did you use MetaReyes?

It would be cool if you could use 3d models as characters in the game. They'd take a lot of time to make, but they'd definitely cut down on animation time. As it is now, the 3d faces might be a bit jarring when compared to the hand-drawn sprites.

Anyways, keep up the good work!
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: prototyp3 on Fri 27/06/2003 04:18:51
Really cool stuff!

A comment on the animation though, I think some movement in the heel would help sell the toe tapping.  Right now it looks exaggerated and detached from the heel.  Otherwise it's excellent.

And that head model is very nice.  I would suggest a slight edit to the cheek area.  I see you're going for a stylized hard cheek, but it's distracting from an otherwise awesome model.  I'd make it a bit more subtle; by bringing out the jawline, and adding a bit more flesh to those cheeks.  (I build characters in Max all day at work, so I'm picky)  ;]
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Neole on Fri 27/06/2003 05:57:25
Cool animation and great model!
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: HappyHobo on Fri 27/06/2003 07:11:52
Holy crap man! That 3d face is amazing! Maybe one day I will posess the 3d sk1llz of you.
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Nacho on Fri 27/06/2003 13:37:19
Ooooh! I love that 3-d faces... That guy remembers me General DuGalle from Starcraft Broodwar...I am right?
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Eggie on Fri 27/06/2003 16:23:47
mmmmehhhh  :'( I can't see the heroine....
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Flippy_D on Fri 27/06/2003 18:54:06
I can't see anything hosted at 2dadventure/ags (neole's imgae bank upload thingy). Methinks it's down for a while.
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Xadhoom on Sat 28/06/2003 20:47:42
Thanks for the comments, guys. :)
Geoffkhan: Yeah, it is a bot shiny. Will have to look into that. As for the modelling method, I used good old fashioned box-modelling. No skinning or NURBSing, and definately no MetaReyes (would never dare use anything as complicated as that! ;D). Nah, I prefer boxing it anytime. :)

prototyp3: Good call on the animation. Will be corrected. As for the 3D model: Oooooh, but I really like those cheeks! In fact, I'm working on making him even more skull-like. Any insight from fellow MAXers highly appreciated.
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Scummbuddy on Sat 28/06/2003 22:33:49
will you be having full 3d animation cutscenes in your game? At least proposed to doing that?  that would be amazing especially if they are even close to that character head.  

holy jeez, and yeah, it reminded me of starcraft too
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Xadhoom on Sun 29/06/2003 15:51:08
I doubt that I will have full 3D cutscenes, but who knows. Maybe I'll do two versions; one for easy download and one for people with bad-ass connections. Dunno, time will tell. :)

And hey, I'm flattered you guys can see some Blizzard influence in my style. ;D
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: on Sun 29/06/2003 22:20:39
Quote from: Xadhoom on Fri 27/06/2003 01:51:50
Hey Visti! Nice to know there is another dane in here too! Where are you at in Denmark?
--------

Aalborg :D


On a sidenote, those 3d-faces are blowing my mind. I've fiddled a tad with 3d Studio Max and I have to say that I'm utterly in awe of you. That's insanely good work.
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Xadhoom on Mon 30/06/2003 20:54:26
Visteh: Heheh, I'm from Copenhagen. :)
---------
Anyways...I'm leaning more and more towards making a lot of stuff in the game in 3D...or at least pseudo 3D. Sat and modelled some more today, and here's what I came up with. The player will (of course! ;D) be required to infiltrate a nazi weapons research plant at some point in the game, and here is the prize he's supposed to steal: The newest in aviation technology, a prototype jet fighter bomber. This model is still very early in development, but you can start to see the general shape of things. The thingy looking like a sled below the front is actually a secondary rudder. I figured it needed one, since the jet technology is very new at this point, and they are still experimenting with findig the optimal design of things. Plus, it looks cool. Heh. ;D:)

(http://www.2dadventure.com/ags/plane01.jpg)

And an updated version of the expression sheet of the nazi guy:
Made this for a portfolio, so I removed the nazi insignia.
(http://www.2dadventure.com/ags/armydude.jpg)
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Xadhoom on Tue 01/07/2003 10:24:37
Update on the airplane:
(http://www.2dadventure.com/ags/plane02.jpg)
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Darth Mandarb on Fri 11/07/2003 07:18:53
Xad - When do we get to see more??

dm
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Ginny on Sat 19/07/2003 02:36:26
:o :o :o :o :o

Wow! :o Wow! :o Wow!

That is incredible. I now completely idolise you and your art, even more than after the wolf (which is still the best hand drawing I've ever seen, and just amazing!). I wish I could do that!
Could you write a tutorial? Or more like a book... :P
*gets idea*

I repeat: :o :o :o :o :o
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Ben on Sat 19/07/2003 04:27:02
Those 3d models are amazing.. I'm a bit skeptical about how they'll look next to the sprites though. I'd suggest editing the 3d models after rendering to make them look more like the style of the sprites.. Or edit the sprites to make them more like the 3d models  :)
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Xadhoom on Sun 10/08/2003 22:29:51
Darth: Soon, my friend, soon...heh. I've just emerged from one the worst creative slumps of my life...lasted for a month, hardly got anything made...ack. But I'm feeling good again now. Expect to see some updates soon. :)
Ginny: Argh! Praise overload! Easy now, I'm not worthy!  :D
But seriously, the best advice I can give you is practice, practice, practice and use lots of reference. Feel free to ask if you have any specific questions. :)
Ben:Good points, my man. At the time of writing, I've more or less decided to simply use rendered 3D stills for spirtes and rendered backgrounds with photoshop editing as frosting.
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Darth Mandarb on Mon 11/08/2003 03:43:13
I've been down those slumps before!  But welcome back!

Look forward to seeing your stuff!

cheers,
dm
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Ginny on Mon 11/08/2003 12:57:50
Ok, practise, reference.. :)

I do have one specific question though- When you sketched the wolf on paper, it looks like you used several different pencils. I read a tutorial on what supplies to buy for drawing on paper somewhere, but I was wondering what you use, if there's anything you reccomend for drawing.

Also, have you improved a lot since you started out? Or rather, were you much worse (:P wrong choice of words, but you know what I mean, lol) when you started out?

:)

Looking forward to more :).
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Xadhoom on Mon 11/08/2003 17:57:04
Different pencils, indeed:

Initial shaping and sketch: H pencil.
Roughing it out: B pencil
Hard shadows: 2B-8B pencil

That's what I do, at least.

And yes, of course I have improved. I didn't start out one day and told myself "Hey, now I want to draw!" and drew like I do now. It has taken years upon years of practice, and I have still only scratched the surface. Drawing is like any other artform...start out at the bottom and work your way up. It takes patience and hard work, but it's worth it, every second of it.
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: ratracer on Tue 12/08/2003 09:08:57
I probably arrived a bit late at this thread but...
wow - you rock, man, in all depts ...
your lores sprites are up with to Indy FOA and your 3d modeling is inspirational...
no critics whatsoever - they're perfect in my eyes...
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: ratracer on Fri 15/08/2003 00:03:01
I really can't stop coming back to your drawings once in a while... They really hit MY spot - I don't remember being that impressed in a long while (and there are some really talented guys here)...

That nazi guy is amazing - beats Pixar in my book

Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: Xadhoom on Fri 15/08/2003 17:18:38
Heheh, well thanks alot, Ratracer. Glad to hear it. :) If you want and you like my stuff that much, you might consider a visit to my gallery. I got all sorts of different trash in there, I'm pretty proud of it, lol.
Gallery: http://xadhoom.deviantart.com
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: on Fri 15/08/2003 23:48:15
Your plane reminds me of a movie I've seen a long time ago...
It's the Nazi Plane from Raiders of the lost arc but without propellers.

And one thing about your closeup of the Nazi: It's amazing, but a monocle might add something to this "pseudo-aristocratic" touch he seems to have (at least for me).

Offtopic:
And if you're ever going to dub this character - who is supposed to be a german (as far as I can imagine) - use a german. Nothing against anybody else but native english speakers tend to sound not really german (because of the umlauts and several typical pronounciation faults). "Ã,,nd ä tschermähn huu spieks inglisch tännds tuh saund sätt weh" (This is how a german would write 'And a german who speaks english tends to sound that way' phonetically. At least I would. I think.)

Back on topic:

Keep up the good work - I'd do it!

TheKork (just listened to a badly done german grunt)
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: taryuu on Sat 16/08/2003 05:21:22
i reccomend you ditch the black outlines.  try it with just a darker colour of the uniform and see if you like it better.  just my preference i guess.  stellar work.
Title: Re:Right...from the top, people!
Post by: agswannabe on Tue 26/08/2003 10:08:55
the 2d is fabulous. you should definately go with that for the ww2 game. looking at your 3d skills you might try to make a 3d game someday (or help me  ;D) . oh yeah, don't forget to put a 2d atlantis indy-like fights in the game. looking good.