Vagrant Euphoria: Revised

[Roxas]

Hey guys. I know you aren't supposed to double post in one day but since I'm still at the top of the page I figured it was ok.

I just wanted to post because I have a delehma here guys. Now, I know that the whole 3D thing is nice, but, in all honesty, the face part doesn't look nice at all. I mean, I have been trying for the last five days just to get the shape correct. Now that I have ,I look at this thing and its just, it's not great at all. I will post an image to show you guys. So, my delehma is, to keep on learning and trying to get better at this, which will probably take a very long time. Or, to do this in high quality 2D sprites. While 3D is nice, I honest to god think that the 2D sprites will look nicer. So, I am going to leave it up to you guys, the fan base, the ones playing the game. Which do you want? 3D graphics that will take a very long time, or 2D graphics that I can make nicely and will be out much faster. Its up to you guys. If I make it 2D, I can use those sprites in Flash to make the FMVs, so, its up to you guys. You make the call.

 

[divine_engage]

Really i'd prefer 2d as i really like this game in terms of plot storyline and characters.3d Cutscenes(FMV's)i think that 2d characters on a pre rendered backdrops are great.

i'd go with 2d if i were you.

 

[Roxas]

I know what you mean divine. Thanks for posting.

Now that I just learned you can add UV textures in Photoshop, I am very very seriously leaning to just making 2.5 sprites in Photoshop. I mean, it won't take half as long to make, I am much better at spritting, and lets face it, if I can get the same skin and cloth and leather effects in Photoshop in half the work, I seriously think its the way to go. Everyone else, keep posting like divine did. Let me know what you think. Until I make up my mind, work will currently be shifted from Graphics to Script(Story that is). Later, Roxas.

 

[Atnas]

If you are in fact making huge detailed sprites out of the 3d render, it wouldn't hurt at all to do it in photoshop.

 

[Roxas]

Okay guys, it has officially been decided. Vagrant Euphoria will be using, at the moment, 2.5-D sprites created in Photoshop and FMV's made in Flash Animation. I am not possitive completely on the transition, I still need to start working and see how things turn out. But, For the rest of this week, I am going to be working on the script instead of the graphics. I will update the main page to let everyone know. Later, Roxas.

BTW
This will only change the type of graphics. The Revolution Camera system and 8 Way direction is still in place, along with the completely original environmental designs.

 

[Roxas]

Atnas, this question is directed to you. I have found a picture of Zack, from final fantasy. It's from the new PSP game Crisis Core, with very nice 3D graphics. Now, here is my question. Can something like this, be done in photoshop?

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d10/U ... 0/zack.jpg[/IMG]

If it can, then that is great. If not, then I have to serious problem. Please, let me know what you think honestly. Can this be done? Thanks.

 

[Petros]

I'm bizzarely confused. What do you mean by 2.5D? The bodies will be made from 3D and the faces 2D or what, please help me out here I'm majorly confused.

 

[Roxas]

Haha, sorry Petros. No, the graphics are going to be done in Photoshop. I call it 2.5-D because even though it is just sprites, they will be textured and done in a way where they look 3-D. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[Petros]

Alright well I suppose I get what you mean, kinda like cel-shaded.. but not. Either way I suppose I'll just have to wait until you're done making them. I suppose they will essentially be 2D even if you designed them using a 3D program because of the basic system that this game maker has. So if it looks better and still gives the illusion of 3D graphics then if should be good.

 

[Roxas]

Guys, I understand that there has been a large deal of confusion, especially on my part, about what is going on with the graphics. I have been going back and forth between Photoshop and Blender, trying to figure out what is better and what will take longer to get at the correct skill level. Well, after finding an extremely good tutorial online, I can very easily say that I am much better at Blender. Don't believe me huh? Been flipping back and forth to much huh? Well, here is your proof!

Spoiler

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d10/Urashima100/vancefacerender.jpg[/IMG]
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d10/U ... render.jpg[/IMG]

So, there it is guys. Some major major progress in not only graphics but the quality of them. So, I will be sticking with Blender, and it looks like we're back on track! Later, Roxas.

 

[Atnas]

I love the face... <3

I replied to the PM without knowing you switched, so you know.

Can you PM me the tutorial page? I abandoned blender a couple months ago for a flash series' graphics base, and the 2d work isn't as consistent as I would have hoped...


(well, a little constructive criticism, the upper lip is too pointy, it should be broadened(the front view, the side is perfect.)

 

[Roxas]

Thanks, always love the support from you Atnas. Consider a section in Special Thanks to with your name on.

Here is the tutorial. Its not complete, but from what they give you its enough to get the ball moving.
http://blenderartists.org/forum/showthread.php?t=83422

EDIT: Well guys, I have some news about the FMVs. Because of the subdivision quality of the renders, my comp. can't really handle all that pressure. However, I can still use the sprites from the renders and make the cutscenes in a simple animation system. So, just to let everyone know that. Also, now that I know how to do the modeling better, I think I might actually redo the rest of Vance's body. It might take about another week to completely finish, but, I think it will be well worth it. Since tomorrow is Christmas I think I am going to take a sabatical, so work will resume on Tuesday. Later guys, Roxas.

EDIT EDIT: Well, I already started working on the redo of Vance. What do you guys think?
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d10/U ... Better.jpg[/IMG]
I like the torso, but I am thinking about redoing the lips on the face. Its the only part that I'm not liking for some reason. Lemme know what you think, Roxas.

 

[Petros]

In complete agreement with you there. The lips were my only concern but otherwise it looks awesome. How much does this Blender Program cost, I really could use some 3D-ish sprites for my game's cut scenes.

 

[Atnas]

Blender is completely free.

I'm loving how Vance is coming.

I'm fairly skilled in flash if you need any help with the cutscenes.

And I just got a program for Manga creation (MangaStudio3.0: layout, line effects, ect.) that I'm wanting to swap in for Anime studio 5.0 (with skeleton animation, which is the easiest and best way), hopefully soon. If so, I could help you with your cutscenes greatly.

Those lips are still the only thing you need to work on.

 

[Synchromesh]

The 3D is looking pretty nice, but I think you would be best served making choppier 3D graphics such as those in Final Fantasy VII rather than pull out all the stops and make something that looks really amazing. I only say this because I would imagine that making all the NPC's, etc. could get a bit tedious if the game has actual substance to it and a decent play time.

 

[Atnas]

Not necessarily. If he builds a body type, such as child, teen, adult, for each sex, he'll have 70% of the work done on each already.

 

[Roxas]

Actually, If I just make a body type, all I need to do is add different Textures for clothing and faces for each, and then just edit the hair. So really, its more like 95% of it will be done. Guys, here is the news. I am going to take a well earned break for a few days to enjoy the new christmas gift. When I resume work, probably on Friday, I will let you all know. Now, I still have the game on the brain, just not on paper ^_^. Later guys, Roxas.

 

[Petros]

Have a happy new year and can't wait to have you back. You've inspired me to upgrade my FMV's using blender too, if I can figure out how it works that is.

 

[Roxas]

@Petros: Thanks, Happy New Year to you to Petros. It really means a lot to me that my work has inspired you. If you need any help, I'm not a pro, but I'm really getting a hang of Blender, so just ask me. I also see you need mini-game help. Now, I'm a complete dufus at scripting, but if you want an nice event system mini-game, just let me know when. If I have the time, I'm definetely going to help a good fan of V.E. ^_^

Guys, I know I said I was taking a break until Friday, but hey, what the hell, who needs a break?! Lol. This game is slowly becoming my obession. I have however, not been working on the graphics. I have been working on another part of the revolution, the Revolution itseft. That is, the camera system (for those who don't know, I named the camera system Revolution). I am slowly making progress, it's only on paper though. Just started working on it today. Once I start to get further along I wil put it into RMXP and give it a nice test run. It's not the hardest system I have ever created, but it will be one of the longest and I'm going to have to think out of the box for some stuff. Well, thats all for now. Night guys, Roxas.

 

[Roxas]

Alright guys, here is some small updates on the Revolution system. First of, the system's main variable is going to start right at the beginning of the game, and will be running throughtout the whole course of it. Now, what are we going to have to keep control over in the game?

1) The Direction the character is currently going
2) The Direction the character is facing when he enters an area
3) The distance between the character and the end/beginning of the map
and
4) Where the character is currently located on the map as a whole

Now, what does all that mean. That means that the core of this system is going to be running on four main variables either in the same or four seperate automatic common events placed on each and every map within the game. The value of these maps, determined by either the key hit during movement, the number of times a key has been hit (this will determine the characters x and y co-ordinates based on the map) and their actual x and y co-ordinate in difference to the width and length of the map itself. Now, 1 and 2 aren't going to be a problem, they're simple events that will require a few if, then, elsif commands (sorry for speaking in code not event lingo) and a label/return to label. Its 3 and 4 that will give my brain the challenge. Well, thats all for now. I will start working on the code, and will post it, once I get the core of it finished in my brain. Night guys, Roxas.