Mecha animation
by Radoslaw Marcin Kurczewski · 02/16/2006 (11:46 pm) · 3 comments
Looking back at design IK is working quite well and smooth rig on rubber joints was a good idea- it removes mechanical stiffness of movement making it more fluid and natural. Probably not always most desired thing when it comes to machines but I can't help thinking about mech as about fast, mobile fire platform- more like Jurassic Park velociraptor then enything else.
Using HL2 I managed to test movements, shaders, look and feel etc- now I am in dobt: should I use Torque and go for fully fledged app or just continue with HL2 MP. I do not have illusions- it's not going to be commercial product, more likely an interactive demo reel. Using HL2 I have advantage of having acces to all this nice shaders- on the other hand it uses STEAM system so app will not be independent and in case they will cut off support I'll be unable to use reel- on the other hand considering how fast engines evolve after two years it will be useless anyway...
Using HL2 I managed to test movements, shaders, look and feel etc- now I am in dobt: should I use Torque and go for fully fledged app or just continue with HL2 MP. I do not have illusions- it's not going to be commercial product, more likely an interactive demo reel. Using HL2 I have advantage of having acces to all this nice shaders- on the other hand it uses STEAM system so app will not be independent and in case they will cut off support I'll be unable to use reel- on the other hand considering how fast engines evolve after two years it will be useless anyway...
About the author
#2
Although you could record a video of your demo to send out, it wouldn't be the same as people been able to run it, and not everyone has HL2 or has it installed. I own it, but I wouldn't go through the trouble of installing it plus steam just to watch a demo, even if I was recruiting, it would just take too much time.
02/17/2006 (12:29 pm)
Using HL2 for an interactive demo is fine, but do you really want to require people to own HL2 just to be able to watch your demo? Although you could record a video of your demo to send out, it wouldn't be the same as people been able to run it, and not everyone has HL2 or has it installed. I own it, but I wouldn't go through the trouble of installing it plus steam just to watch a demo, even if I was recruiting, it would just take too much time.
#3
Also, even though I'm using TGE for my primary project, I would probably recommend TSE for showing off your modeling/animating skills. Everything just looks so much better with shaders. Unfortunately, dynamic shadows aren't in yet, but hopefully they will be added soon.
By the way, I've loved your concept and meshmaking work since I first saw some of your samples. Amazing stuff!
[Edit: clarified one point]
02/18/2006 (12:43 am)
As much as I like HL2, I must say that I hate steam. Using a standalone platform will allow you to reach more people and save them some frustration in the process.Also, even though I'm using TGE for my primary project, I would probably recommend TSE for showing off your modeling/animating skills. Everything just looks so much better with shaders. Unfortunately, dynamic shadows aren't in yet, but hopefully they will be added soon.
By the way, I've loved your concept and meshmaking work since I first saw some of your samples. Amazing stuff!
[Edit: clarified one point]
Torque Owner Treb Connell (formerlyMasterTreb