Chrono Compendium

Bend of Time - Inactive Projects => Darkness Beyond Time - Dead Project Discussion => The Chrono Volumes => Topic started by: Magus on July 10, 2007, 10:35:22 pm

Title: Magus - Progress Images
Post by: Magus on July 10, 2007, 10:35:22 pm
Magus - Progress Images

Im quite into 3D Animation, and decided to have a go at modeling Magus. Here is what I got so far


Set I: 1 hour in: I did not use a reference image for this. ( Reference image is a invisible background image that you can use to reference while modeling, asides from the standard look and copy from a picture.) And honestly, its crap, but its only a hour in.

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/4434/000pb9.jpg (http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/4434/000pb9.jpg)

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/7866/001am4.jpg (http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/7866/001am4.jpg)

Set II: 2-3 hours in The moment I started using a reference image, there were major improvements I think.

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/9715/0015nt6.jpg (http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/9715/0015nt6.jpg)

Set III: 3-5 hours in The basic shape did not change. But great amounts of detail were added to nose, eyes, ears, and mouth.

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/6259/002oe5.jpg (http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/6259/002oe5.jpg)

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/2456/003ox7.jpg (http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/2456/003ox7.jpg)

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/2098/004no5.jpg (http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/2098/004no5.jpg)

http://img379.imageshack.us/img379/9981/005og0.jpg (http://img379.imageshack.us/img379/9981/005og0.jpg)

http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/8938/008zp2.jpg (http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/8938/008zp2.jpg)

Set IV: 5-7 hours. ( current works ) Well, I think this is a match on, Im still working on minor details, such as eye lids, better lips, eyes, and ear detail, but its pretty good...or is it?

http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/2799/014nf4.jpg (http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/2799/014nf4.jpg)

http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/5516/011cs8.jpg (http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/5516/011cs8.jpg)

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/5999/013la9.jpg (http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/5999/013la9.jpg)

http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/6581/015kl8.jpg (http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/6581/015kl8.jpg)


And then some latest stuff


(http://img362.imageshack.us/img362/8210/026yr3.th.jpg) (http://img362.imageshack.us/my.php?image=026yr3.jpg)
(http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/4863/027ju0.th.jpg) (http://img384.imageshack.us/my.php?image=027ju0.jpg)
(http://img472.imageshack.us/img472/5246/031dw5.th.jpg) (http://img472.imageshack.us/my.php?image=031dw5.jpg)
(http://img456.imageshack.us/img456/4867/028fu0.th.jpg) (http://img456.imageshack.us/my.php?image=028fu0.jpg)

http://img472.imageshack.us/my.php?image=029dp6.jpg (http://img472.imageshack.us/my.php?image=029dp6.jpg) - Arms Side

http://img354.imageshack.us/my.php?image=030vu1.jpg (http://img354.imageshack.us/my.php?image=030vu1.jpg) - Unfinished boots

further notes:
The model has almost reached 3000 polygons, Im hoping it wont get larger than 5,000 because I still would like to use it in games like Jedi Academy. If I can find it someday. ( But something tells me 5000 is already bigger than Jedi Academy limits )

More Updates
Well, here is a quick, 5 min. UV Map job to see if I got anything remote to Magus' head...I think the UV is pretty good...for a 5 min rush.
(http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/5721/033sj8.th.jpg) (http://img353.imageshack.us/my.php?image=033sj8.jpg)
(http://img458.imageshack.us/img458/9025/034kv9.th.jpg) (http://img458.imageshack.us/my.php?image=034kv9.jpg)
Note, its not the actual UV Map Im going to use. I just wanted to try it out.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Freakyfrankie on July 10, 2007, 11:53:47 pm
Wow that looks great! You've got some major talent in 3D animation, man!
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Magus on July 11, 2007, 01:12:51 am
Thanks. I've always been into 3D animation, and I was really disappointed when I heard the CT: Resurrection was canceled. So I decided to re-make the Magus model from that game using the provided concept art.

I've been into animation for a few years now, and want to fully animate the Magus when its done. Maybe maybe a few short video's with him to. Or better yet, make a simple interactive demo with him using Python programming. :D
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: satchel_dawg on July 12, 2007, 08:01:00 pm
Wow, now that's talent.
you should definetly do something with this.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Magus on July 12, 2007, 09:36:33 pm
Thanks. I do plan to use Magus for alot of CT Based movies. I plan to model the whole crew eventually.

Well, things have been going good as far as the project goes. I got a good, 15-20 hours into this model over the past few days, and got a lot done in terms of Face, Hair and Cape.

Face Wise:
I re did a large portion of Magus' mouth over the days. I did this because i didn't like the low-poly mouth, so I switched it with two separate lips. This means he can now talk, (if I lip sync him via morph targets )

I also added almost 100 polygons worth of extra detail to the nose. Making it match the concept art better.

I still did not get to the eyes yet, and they are still fairly low in detail, only 50 polygons as of now, but I'll be adding more soon enough.
(http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/4084/039dp8.th.jpg) (http://img219.imageshack.us/my.php?image=039dp8.jpg)



The Cape:
Cape wise, I figured out something interesting. Apparently Magus does not posses a Silk / Cotton cape that I thought he had, instead its more Wool like, meaning that instead of cutting off at the end, it rolls in. I had to cut over 150 more polygons of detail just to do this, but I think it looks awesome.
(http://img481.imageshack.us/img481/9742/036qh3.th.jpg) (http://img481.imageshack.us/my.php?image=036qh3.jpg)



The Hair
Ah, now the hair. This is turning out awesome. At first I just had, plain, boring straight hair that goes down. Not magus like at all. Ive started to make more detail today. In just today, look what I got hair wise.

Im guessing at least a extra 125 Polygons so far, still many more to add.
(http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/3388/038zy2.th.jpg) (http://img374.imageshack.us/my.php?image=038zy2.jpg)





More to come soon
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Freakyfrankie on July 12, 2007, 09:54:00 pm
Looking GOOD! ^___^ I like the Hair 2.0!  :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Magus on July 12, 2007, 09:57:02 pm
So do I. ( Not to envy my own work to much )

I really like how it turned out that well in only a few hours of work. ( 3-5 I think, all today )
All I got to do now is add some volume, re-organize the vertex coordinates and such, and the hair is done.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: nightmare975 on July 12, 2007, 10:26:24 pm
What editor program do you use? I use Maya, just wondering.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Magus on July 12, 2007, 10:48:37 pm
Blender 3D. Excellent program, with the ability to be expanded via Python programming, has a built in Game Engine that also uses Python for programming.

Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: satchel_dawg on July 13, 2007, 04:51:11 pm
Blender?
i used to work with that, but i sucked and couldn't make anything past a low quality sphere.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Magus on July 28, 2007, 05:12:52 am
Got alot more updates today...especially the hair.



And last but not least: The very latest Stuff ( as of today)

Further updates on the face and cape.
(http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/9362/045le9.th.jpg) (http://img440.imageshack.us/my.php?image=045le9.jpg)Legs almost done. The boots fight tight on the "loose jogging" style pants of his, along with the Leg brace on his right leg.
(http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/8484/046kx4.th.jpg) (http://img440.imageshack.us/my.php?image=046kx4.jpg)

Gloves fit to arm as well.
(http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/5797/047tp0.th.jpg) (http://img53.imageshack.us/my.php?image=047tp0.jpg)
New hair!
I re did his stupid hair 3 times in total. This time, I got it right. Check it out. ( It's also 300 polys more than the last version...which isn't good, but oh well. It's worth it )
(http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/3388/038zy2.th.jpg) (http://img374.imageshack.us/my.php?image=038zy2.jpg)(http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/8899/043zt9.th.jpg) (http://"http://img53.imageshack.us/my.php?image=043zt9.jpg")

And a wireframe to finish the day. ( The model will probably just go over 5000 polygons. Making it pretty high poly for the game engine. But oh well, Im using it for animated movies as well. )

I'm really excited to begin skinning. The cape and hair will be excellent challenges for armatures, as well as the body. This will be first advanced character animation in blender. Ive did little stickmen animations, but this will be pretty complex.
(http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/3328/048zz6.th.jpg) (http://img207.imageshack.us/my.php?image=048zz6.jpg)
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Freakyfrankie on July 28, 2007, 05:44:04 am
Wow looking great <3!!!! After this you should do a quickie of Marle, lol
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Magus on July 28, 2007, 07:24:34 pm
Thanks.

Not to worry, I plan to Model the entire CT Cast, and make a few short movies on YouTube with them.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Kebrel on July 28, 2007, 08:42:09 pm
You are truly skilled at what you do. But I think the hair should be somewhere between version 2 and 3. Just because version 3 is too rounded.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Freakyfrankie on July 29, 2007, 01:23:21 am
I kind of thought what Kebrel thought, but I wouldn't worry-- Version 3 is just something I got used to fast and I think others would too if they saw it more, or saw it textured. Can't wait to see the videos though. <3 If I knew how to make textures I'd totally make some for you. I've edited textures on some PC games, like FFXI, and the Sims 2. So I kind of have a vague idea of how it would work, but good textures can't really be made without the measurements of the model I think. >.> Not sure. 3d stuff's not my forte, lol.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: nightmare975 on July 29, 2007, 01:54:10 am
Thanks.

Not to worry, I plan to Model the entire CT Cast, and make a few short movies on YouTube with them.

Then you'd better watch out for a C&D. lolz jk
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Magus on July 29, 2007, 04:19:40 am
C & D? . . . Oh... Cease and whatever.

I don't think Square can do that for videos. If a company could do that, all the 8-bit theaters and such would be getting C&Ds everyday. Artistic freedom I think, game programming is a bit different for some reason.

Anyway, thanks you all. I got some more stuff to show you.

I begun skinning the upper body. ( Skinning = Making vertex groups and assigning them to bones, for animation )

Due to my laziness though, I wont post any video renders until tomorrow, until then, heres a image showing the upper body skeleton.

(http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/8978/049ut4.th.jpg) (http://img209.imageshack.us/my.php?image=049ut4.jpg)

I kind of thought what Kebrel thought, but I wouldn't worry-- Version 3 is just something I got used to fast and I think others would too if they saw it more, or saw it textured. Can't wait to see the videos though. <3 If I knew how to make textures I'd totally make some for you. I've edited textures on some PC games, like FFXI, and the Sims 2. So I kind of have a vague idea of how it would work, but good textures can't really be made without the measurements of the model I think. >.> Not sure. 3d stuff's not my forte, lol.

Textures hey? I would be very interested if your serious about this. My textures skills...to be frank, are below par. ( I can still make them fine, just don't find it that enjoyable. )

Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Freakyfrankie on July 29, 2007, 02:26:17 pm
If you could make a texture base, I could just go over it sort of like a comic artist inking a pencilled sketch and stuff.^__^ Then I know where like, the eyes go, and the mouth goes, and how far the image of his face extends before stretching into the hairline and back of his head. (That way we don't have any eyeballs over his ears, lol...)
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: deniz2099 on July 29, 2007, 03:17:00 pm
Wow, your work is great, keep it up man.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Magus on July 29, 2007, 04:51:57 pm
Thanks Deniz.

Alright FreakyFrankie, I got the UV Map for his Face. Its all labeled out as well:

(http://i15.tinypic.com/52lgivo.jpg)

It's up to you if you want to actually attempt this or not. Its a fairly complex UV Map.

I sorted out all the colored parts of his head, His eyes, and eyebrows are seperated, and his face is as well. So there is no "Blur" when the colors switch.

I'll still be doing a UV Map myself, but it would be neat to get a comic version of Magus as well  :D

EDIT: My god I hate Imageshack.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: stingrayiii on August 01, 2007, 02:08:56 am
Looking good. I also have been working on magus in 3d. But I lost interest. If your interested I can send you my work if you want to compare or modify. Might give you some ideas. Email me if your interested, Stingrayiii@hotmail.com.
Keep up the good work.
I also have Schala, Frog, Flea, Slash, Ozzie, and the queen zeal.
Here is an example.
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/stingrayiii/4.gif)
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Freakyfrankie on August 01, 2007, 03:40:51 am
Oooh I wanna see Schala and Flea~!  :jiraiya:
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Magus on August 01, 2007, 08:24:27 pm
Hey, thats pretty good stingrayiii, but the polycount must be in the 10,000s at least.

I got alot to show you since I last posted, Heres some stuff:


Well, I started the UV mapping. But, I also finished rigging out the skeleton for his Hair. Take a look.

http://i12.tinypic.com/534vsp1.jpg (http://i12.tinypic.com/534vsp1.jpg)


And. . . I begun Texture mapping. Here is some various Texture related images related Magus' Head.

(http://i17.tinypic.com/6bvkbkp.jpg)
The UV Face layout. I managed to get it all crammed in a 256x256 map, but decided to resize it to 512x512 for better shading.

(http://i16.tinypic.com/505gu2e.jpg)
The Light map. Shading and other helpers pre texturing. Although alot of Shading still had to be done manually.

(http://i16.tinypic.com/5x5ki6e.jpg)
The UV Map itself. Not to advanced.

http://i19.tinypic.com/4l46zhv.jpg (http://i19.tinypic.com/4l46zhv.jpg)
Magus' face so far. The texture fits awesome, just needs some skin work and more doodads like face wrinkles and such. The shading it coming well if I might say so myself.

http://i18.tinypic.com/63ihude.jpg (http://i18.tinypic.com/63ihude.jpg)
Another shot. Rendered actually, body is not textured yet.



Tan vs. Pale skin. I decided to stick with Pale, since it fits Magus better :

(http://i18.tinypic.com/63ihude.jpg)
(http://i12.tinypic.com/4qolqj9.jpg)

I re did the eye. Made it more Toon like, and in the process, more Magus like. All I did was make the pupil much larger, and made two shine marks on the eye, it looks a lot better, see if you agree:

(http://i12.tinypic.com/66viy4p.jpg)


Arms In progress


(http://i11.tinypic.com/54cxv1v.jpg)

and to those interested, the texture map.
(http://i14.tinypic.com/4liacmb.jpg)
A very nice, clean 256x256 ( tiny I know ) texture map. Shading almost complete.



Recent Stuff

(http://i10.tinypic.com/4ujq4g4.jpg)

Quickie texturing. Although I consider the arms and face almost done texture wise, the other parts are not. They are just simple textures with color and shading. Lots to do still.

More to Come Soon. . .

Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: stingrayiii on August 02, 2007, 03:21:01 am
Yeah your right. It is up to about 23,000 poly's and he is still naked. lol.
I like your textures that your doing. The pupil looks really good.
I also like how you did his cape. Folds are so hard to do, I think anyway.
I hope to see some animated stuff soon.
I could never animate or texture. I just model.
What kind of scene's do you think your going to be doing?

Here ya go Freakyfrankie
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/stingrayiii/5.gif)
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/stingrayiii/2.gif)
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/stingrayiii/1.gif)
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/stingrayiii/schala.jpg)
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/stingrayiii/Schala4.jpg)
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/stingrayiii/Schala3.jpg)
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/stingrayiii/Schala2.jpg)
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Magus on August 02, 2007, 04:12:58 am
Thats not bad, I would suggest lowering the polygons a lot however, there are so many polies that its starting to look like clay. Which isn't a bad thing, if thats what your were aiming for  :D

My Magus and the rest of the CT cast will be low-Med poly, mainly because I plan to make a simple walk-a-round engine with them. Plus, movies and scenes will render faster if the characters are under 10,000 polies each.

What program do you use? Im using Blender 3D. I plan to put him in various poses in various CT scenes. I plan to release, low res, 800x600 screenshots of him posing and such, for public wallpaper and sig creation purposes, while me and a few friends keep the 4096x2048 versions for ourselves. ( Not greedy or anything, just to prevent stealing. )

The cape was very difficult as was the hair.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Glennleo on August 02, 2007, 10:53:29 am
Both of you are truly amazing. I commend both for your great work!

Keep it up! I wish I had the time and patience(mostly patience I'm sure ><) to do something like this.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: stingrayiii on August 02, 2007, 09:46:34 pm
I use Modo. I might lower the polys if I ever get around to it. Been super busy with other things.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Magus on August 02, 2007, 11:06:30 pm
Modo...never heard of it.



Well, I just checked the Modo official site, and I see a fairly simple 3D Suite that actually COSTS money! Wow, Glad I use Blender. You can do alot more with Blender than you can with a closed source Suite like Modo. Especially the Python expansion.

But a modeler is a modeler. Can't convert a 3D Artist.



Well, I got his Scythe done. Who wants to see?

Here it is in a low light scene:
(http://i9.tinypic.com/66cf4ec.jpg)


and here it is with Intense light.  Like I mean intense, you never see light this bright in Chrono Trigger or any other game)
(http://i14.tinypic.com/53om4bm.jpg)

And to those interested, heres the Texture map, although the Scythe uses a texture, the majority of the scythe is Materials and lighting effects.
(http://i13.tinypic.com/4pn0r49.jpg)

It still got a few things material wise to work out, like making the shiny parts shiny-er and the darker parts darker.

A Body-Scythe comparison. Did I get the size right?

(http://i16.tinypic.com/4qyihw3.jpg)
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: nightmare975 on August 03, 2007, 12:45:30 am
I think I'll attempt to make something from the Chrono Series now.

Might take me a while, so don't get your hopes up.

Here's some of my work.

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: justin3009 on August 03, 2007, 01:28:53 am
Wow.  I didn't know you did 3D stuff Nightmare O_o...And That Flea and Schala 3d thing..I swear i've seen that somewhere before :|
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: nightmare975 on August 03, 2007, 01:32:11 am
Wow.  I didn't know you did 3D stuff Nightmare O_o...And That Flea and Schala 3d thing..I swear i've seen that somewhere before :|

Yeah, I started during school last year.

I've seen the Queen Zeal before, I think it was an old topic.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: stingrayiii on August 03, 2007, 03:59:07 am
Yeah it was a very old topic. I never got around to finishing them. But now this forum has sparked my interest once again. Will have to do them when I have extra time.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Freakyfrankie on August 05, 2007, 07:44:07 pm
Wow this is lookin' great!

Sorry i never got around to doing the texture map it was a lot more complex than I thought it'd be and kinda scared me off, lol. ^_^;; So how bout I send my love instead? lol <3
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: satchel_dawg on August 06, 2007, 06:59:27 pm
i think you guys should make an actual show for Chrono trigger.
you have a good graphic design, and i doubt you'd get a cease and desist, mainly for the fact you're not duplicating the game.
the reason ressurection and remake were shutdown is because they were remaking the exact game.
you should talk to the chrono cinema group for script and the group the does the radio version of chrono cross for voice talent.
and if you look in submissions you might find some good concept artist. and for music you could contact that chrono sympony group.
you have a really good shot at making a great chrono trigger animated show.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: stingrayiii on August 07, 2007, 02:50:31 am
You know if some one wants to finish my models and use them in a project, I would be fine with that. I don't have time to finish them myself, I even have world maps started just never finished. Im bad for doing that. So if anyone is interested let me know. The only condition is when you got done finishing the models I would get the finished models back. And credit of course
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: satchel_dawg on August 07, 2007, 03:32:11 pm
you guess should ask for a forum for the project.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Magus on August 10, 2007, 07:43:14 pm
WOW! Lots of talking took place while I was gone! :D

Anywho, Sorry for absence the past week, but I got lots done Magus wise as well as some photoshop wallpapers and such.

Hmm, I never thought about actually making a Forum Project satchel_dawg, but It sounds very interesting. I got two good friends who are very interested in joining me, and actually making the entire CT Cast, and making a few short movies with them.  ( mainly 3-7 mintues in length each, covering important tasks that happened in CT ) They are not Internet friends, they are actual neighbours, and we can get together quite often to work on this project. With that said, I should PM Zeality and get a forum. ( Once its official that is )

Stingrayiii, the offer of the unifinished models is tempting, but I could never take your work. Mainly becuase the vast differences in Blender 3D and your 3D Modeling Suite. Plus, the animation Rig and Texture mapping would all be lost in the transfer, and all this complicated stuff.  :lee:

FreakyFrankie, thats alright you didn't get around to the Comic Texture Map...It appears my own Texture mapping turned out quite well, and your love and dare I say, Support for Magus is good enough  8)

And. . . With all that said: Who wants to see what I've been doing this past week?



(http://i19.tinypic.com/6bvwvmv.jpg)

^First off, I nearly got all the texturing done, I only have his Cape, and the earrings left and then the Texturing is completely done. You may also notice I got the hair almost done for texturing, lets take a look.


(http://i10.tinypic.com/4lotswp.jpg)

^ Is blue. Very blue. Some people ( form other forums ) say its alright like it is, others say it needs to be more silver. I'm not sure myself...So I really need opinions on what color his hair should be.


(http://i17.tinypic.com/52ned6o.jpg)

^Boots. The Boots got a fairly tiny, yet detailed Texture map. They also looks pretty neat to :D And are only 321 Polygons each.


(http://i19.tinypic.com/680akk6.jpg)

^The boots UV Map. Various shading done, and coloring and such, nothing special.

More to come soon . . .
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: stingrayiii on August 10, 2007, 08:17:45 pm
Looking really good....
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: satchel_dawg on August 10, 2007, 08:49:45 pm
i still insist you should make a ct show. 23 minute long, 12 episode season. if you find enough people to help on the compendium it would be really easy. :D :D :D
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Magus on August 10, 2007, 09:13:38 pm
You Know, that actually sounds really interesting.

So, how to I go about gathering the proper help to make this possible? Do I make a project forum and ask for help?
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: nightmare975 on August 10, 2007, 09:16:56 pm
You Know, that actually sounds really interesting.

So, how to I go about gathering the proper help to make this possible? Do I make a project forum and ask for help?

I'd help with the modeling. And any voiceovers you want.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Kyronea on August 10, 2007, 09:23:22 pm
I would suggest making a thread for it and gather at least a few helpers first for various things. You'll need animators, voice actors, script writers, and so on and so forth.

I'd be willing to pitch in from a script writing/voice acting standpoint.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Magus on August 10, 2007, 10:05:57 pm
Hmm, alright. I could use all the help I need. I'll be the animator, but I could always use helpers making scene Doodads ( as in tree's, pillars, rocks, stairs, doors, houses, ect.ect. ) and scenes themselves. If your really interested, PM me and we could plan even further in terms of modeling and animation.

Voice work and other things could be very tricky. If there is lack of voice actors, we could always just go with the modern Silent Text movie like you seen in some games like Paper Mario. . .

I got  the cape done: ( Well, Version 5 (yes, the 5th remake I know. . .) of the cape anyway. I think its pretty good. )


(http://i17.tinypic.com/6d1a6pd.jpg)

^The version 4 color


(http://i12.tinypic.com/52ohflx.jpg)

^The version 5 coloring...Hit the nose with this one I think.


(http://i15.tinypic.com/4ms4h0i.jpg)

^The version 5, from the back. . . Hair still deep blue. ( still got to make it a bit more silver )


(http://i19.tinypic.com/4tgip2x.jpg)

^ The version 5 UV Map. . . Nothing special really.

Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Kyronea on August 10, 2007, 10:25:52 pm
Very nice stuff, lemme tell you.

And if we lack for enough voice actors, there's always the Voice Acting Alliance board. It's full of voice actors, if you couldn't tell from the name.

The real key is finding decent script writers. I'd LIKE to think I would be good, but that's up to you.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Magus on August 10, 2007, 10:38:00 pm
Well, if your a good script writer, It'd be great if you could join.

So far, me and my two neighbors, and good friends, Ras and Vinm ( More Chrono Cross Freaks than CT ) would serve as the project heads, since we all live right next to each other, and would be able to manage all the clips, voices, scripts, and such and put it all together.

However, 3 people isn't enough, and we'd need all the help we can get from you. . . I'll later make a topic somewhere and give all the details.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: nightmare975 on August 10, 2007, 10:52:46 pm
However, 3 people isn't enough, and we'd need all the help we can get from you. . . I'll later make a topic somewhere and give all the details.

I sent you a PM.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Kyronea on August 10, 2007, 11:03:32 pm
I'll watch for the thread. This project looks like it should be a lot of fun. It's the sort of thing that I keep expecting from the fan community but never see. Now...we'll finally see it.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Magus on August 11, 2007, 12:55:36 am
Yes.

Ever since I was about 12yrs. old I always loved Chrono Trigger, CT, being the first RPG I ever played, really changed me and made me fall in love with the Chrono series. I always used to imagine other stories or video re-makes as a kid, and now, being 17 and fairly experienced in animation and film design, I can finally make those mere " Kid thoughts" into a reality. With some help, this project can really take lift. I hope. I'll PM Zeality about getting a board opened.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: stingrayiii on August 11, 2007, 12:56:17 am
I could help with some modeling if you need it. What poly count do you think you need for a complete scene? Or what can you handle anyway? What count for characters, trees, so forth? And what file format do you save your files as?
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Magus on August 11, 2007, 01:03:17 am
Hmm, see, this is where it gets problematic. Me and you use two VERY different 3D Suites. And the big thing about 3D Modeler's is they tend to get to screw up or loose Data when converted from one file format to another, and I wouldn't want you doing all this work only to have it show up as a blank poly-mass when I load it.

We could give it a shot, maybe PM me and we could organize a simple text object and if it works, then you could indeed join in.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: nightmare975 on August 11, 2007, 01:07:34 am
Hmm, see, this is where it gets problematic. Me and you use two VERY different 3D Suites. And the big thing about 3D Modeler's is they tend to get to screw up or loose Data when converted from one file format to another, and I wouldn't want you doing all this work only to have it show up as a blank poly-mass when I load it.

We could give it a shot, maybe PM me and we could organize a simple text object and if it works, then you could indeed join in.

Yeah, I use Maya, and I'm also going on vacation this sunday, and will be gone for the week.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Magus on August 11, 2007, 01:13:10 am
Hmmm. . . Can Maya export to the OBJ format? If so, then you guys can make doodads and scenes. Since the OBJ format keeps the mesh, as well as UV Coordinates. The only thing you couldn't do is Character animation, since animation, skeletons, IPO's, as well as Action NLAs don't transfer completely from format to format.

However, doodads and maybe even scenes would still work.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: stingrayiii on August 11, 2007, 01:19:43 am
I can export to OBJ format. I will send you something for a test.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Magus on August 11, 2007, 01:26:23 am
Alright.

For the test, lets do this:

Add several objects on a plane, have everything texture mapped, then export it all in a single file. I want to make sure I can still click every individual object.


And to everyone who tunes in on this topic:

Feel free to email me, PM me, or add me on MSN...my email address is my MSN address, so add it up. * A slight note, I go by the username " Reno " on MSN as well as everywhere else, so don't be shocked to see someone else ( who is just me really :D )
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: nightmare975 on August 11, 2007, 01:38:54 am
I'm able to export to obj format, but I'm unable to texture map from this computer, usually crashes (poor graphics card). When I get back to school in three weeks, I'll be able to Texture map.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Kyronea on August 11, 2007, 01:44:30 am
For the script writing, I've got a couple ideas already but I'll need a couple days to think on it. In the meantime we need to get other details hammered down first, like the limits of our animation capabilities. (After all, what good is the script if it can't be animated?)
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Magus on August 11, 2007, 01:49:07 am
Sounds good.

OBJ is a fairly universal format when it comes to Mesh's and UV Coordinates.

We could also try the Direct X format if anyone is interested. Blender here can import dozens of formats, so I'm pretty much good to go.

In terms of Rendering, This computer I got will be rendering the video's. Its a

Intel Core Due 2, 1.7 Ghz ( 3600+) processor with 1 GB of DDR2 RAM with a NVIDIA Geforce 7700, 256MB Video Card. ( It can handle textures up to 4096x4096! ) And renders Magus at 2.5 seconds.

Not to worry in terms of animation. I've recently learned a great deal in animation and I already have Magus' upper body fully rigged for animation. Blenders Particle engine is also fairly advanced, and would make excellent Spell effects.



I was thinking of the Chrono Trigger episodes, and came to this idea:

How about we make a 10-20 minute episode on every chapter in the game? We could call the project something like:

Chrono Trigger ~ Chapters or something.
And make a episode for every episode. Sure it would take along time to do, but we could release the episode every time it finished, and if the response is good, we could keep making them.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Kyronea on August 11, 2007, 01:53:23 am
Hmm...we definitely want to lean more towards the twenty minutes. We do need to include all dialogue, as well as our own little spin on certain events, and battles and the like.

Though we probably shouldn't set a specific amount of time. Some chapters, like the first, are relatively short, but others, like the one before the last, are pretty long...we will want to do the sidequests, I think, since they're part of the overall storyline.

We'll see. As I said, I'll need a couple days to think, and meanwhile you guys can get the rest of the stuff sorted out. (We'll worry about voice acting later. The essentials need to be done first.)
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Magus on August 11, 2007, 01:57:25 am
Alright, so that Is the plot plan then? Just remake all the chapters? If so, then I can get my two friends, Ras and Vinm, to come and help script write and such ( becuase they know CT from start to finish, literally )

Also, what about the name? I'd like to have us decided on a name before I PM Zeality to open a project forum.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: stingrayiii on August 11, 2007, 02:15:13 am
Chrono Trigger Animated?
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Vinmaleth on August 11, 2007, 03:20:43 am
Oh please Magus, call me Vinmaleth. This project holds much interest to me and I see potential in it. I offer my services as music creator.

I have an idea in mind for the name, but whether its along the lines of what you are searching for is for you to decide: "Chrono Trigger-Lavos Beckons" Another idea is the "Chrono Volumes".

Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Magus on August 11, 2007, 03:34:59 am
Sound great, I like The Chrono Volumes.

I have a idea for the story. Lets have the story in 1000AD, right after Chrono and Marle's wedding. Each chapter can be a direct flashback to certain chapters.

For example, for chapter one, Marle can sit next to Chrono and ask "Remember when we first met. . ." and she can go on talking or whatever as it fades to the 1000AD Fair when they first ran into each other, beginning chapter one.

The Chrono Volumes title would work well with this idea. Maybe even Chrono Flashbacks, but thats a much lesser title I think.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Vinmaleth on August 11, 2007, 03:42:57 am
An excellent idea you have there Magus. Even more impressive that you made it fit with my last name.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Kyronea on August 11, 2007, 12:11:11 pm
I like the name Chrono Volumes, though I'm not so certain of the flashback idea...it feels a little trite unless we're only showing the "after Chrono and Marle's Wedding" bit in the first episode and not again till after the whole story is over...that would be a lot better, in my eyes. Maybe an intermission dipping back into the future after Chrono and Marle's wedding or two would also be good.

As for the epilogue...well, we probably shouldn't plan too far ahead, but in my mind it ought to lead into the Chrono Cross...fall of Guardia and all that. But we can get to the specifics of that later.

Through the actual story we'll want to trim anything very gameplay like, as well as improve upon certain events that went too fast or did not have enough emotion invested in them, and so on. Also, we'll want to give a couple nods to the Chrono Compendium in the form of mentioning Chrono Compendium theories in vague ways.

But two or more scriptwriters is a good idea...they can bounce ideas off each other, correct each other's mistakes, and generally improve the overall script much more than just one scriptwriter could have. (Or we could even split duties, like, say, one scriptwriter writes the first episode, the next writes the second, and so on, while serving as a beta editor for the other scriptwriter(s) on their individual episodes.) And if we want to keep it down to twenty or so minutes, we'll want to have several chapters of the game split into parts to fully do them all.

One more thing: we must try to keep to the Retranslation as well so we don't put in many of the translation errors and the like, especially when it comes to chapter/potential episode titles. "The Queen is Gone" for example, should be "The Princess is Gone." But we'll get to that once we start writing.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Magus on August 11, 2007, 03:28:20 pm
I like the name Chrono Volumes, though I'm not so certain of the flashback idea...it feels a little trite unless we're only showing the "after Chrono and Marle's Wedding" bit in the first episode and not again till after the whole story is over...that would be a lot better, in my eyes. Maybe an intermission dipping back into the future after Chrono and Marle's wedding or two would also be good.

As for the epilogue...well, we probably shouldn't plan too far ahead, but in my mind it ought to lead into the Chrono Cross...fall of Guardia and all that. But we can get to the specifics of that later.

Through the actual story we'll want to trim anything very gameplay like, as well as improve upon certain events that went too fast or did not have enough emotion invested in them, and so on. Also, we'll want to give a couple nods to the Chrono Compendium in the form of mentioning Chrono Compendium theories in vague ways.

But two or more scriptwriters is a good idea...they can bounce ideas off each other, correct each other's mistakes, and generally improve the overall script much more than just one scriptwriter could have. (Or we could even split duties, like, say, one scriptwriter writes the first episode, the next writes the second, and so on, while serving as a beta editor for the other scriptwriter(s) on their individual episodes.) And if we want to keep it down to twenty or so minutes, we'll want to have several chapters of the game split into parts to fully do them all.

One more thing: we must try to keep to the Retranslation as well so we don't put in many of the translation errors and the like, especially when it comes to chapter/potential episode titles. "The Queen is Gone" for example, should be "The Princess is Gone." But we'll get to that once we start writing.

^ Although that sounds like a great idea, that would be literally impossible for any fan base to ever complete. You would need a team of 50 people+ to successfully pull that off. 20 mintues IS A LOT of time, I did A Documentary long ago on 3D Animation, and that alone was only 10 minutes and to properly animate it, as well as get all the effects in, took well over 3 months.

Your idea's are good, but well over limits of any group of 3-5 people. Most people see things like Chrono Trigger: The Movie, or Chrono Trigger: After Effect and wonder why it was abandoned, "It was way beyond their limits."

I'll be lucky if I can make a few short 4-5 minute music videos ( Certain events with Remixed music done by Vinmaleth ) let alone a entire series of 20 minute movies.

Then theres the voice acting. You would need a willing voice actor for Marle, Lucca, Magus, King Guardia, Ozzie, Flea, Slash, Frog, NPC's, Enemies.

Then you need sound effects like explosions, spells, background noise.

Then you need all the scenes and doodads added in.


^ To be honest, that sounds bigger than Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. ( especially if its 20 episode, of 20 minutes+) and Square had a team well over 100 working on AC. We got 3-5 people.

Thats why I'm going to stick with my original Idea that I had from the beginning, remake the entire CT Cast, and use them in a few short videos, that alone will take months.

Any ideas are welcome, and help with modeling and such is always nice, but remember, as a artist, I always have a hard time using other peoples work. :D But if I do, you'll be fully credited of course.

Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Kyronea on August 11, 2007, 04:19:41 pm
Yes...I suppose you're right. I have a bad habit of thinking big and not thinking through what's actually required.

Too bad, too...but hey, we'll do what we can do, right?
Title: Re: Magus - Progress Images
Post by: Magus on August 13, 2007, 02:09:31 am
Don't worry Kyronea, I think ALL creators have a bad habit of thinking big and not thinking through whats actually required, It's called Imagination, and all creators get carried away. I know I have, more than once I must say.

And whatever you guys can do to help, will be greatly apperciated.



Alright, the time as come. For Magus: Beta!

Firs off, what does it mean? Nothing. It just means I will be posting no more images, until Magus is 100% done, that means he is fully animation ready, all the proportions are right and textures are good.

Now, take a good look, at Magus: Beta. And the wait begins until I dish out the High quality Renders.

(http://i11.tinypic.com/5xze4gy.jpg)
Title: Re: Magus - Progress Images
Post by: satchel_dawg on August 13, 2007, 11:22:53 am
i think you still could do a show, but you need to find more members, and it would be easier if we condensed plot's down to a certain point. look at ct ressurection they had few members but made tons of progress.

in order to properly make a show of ct, the first thing to do would be finish the characters.
second test out there movement abilities.
third contact the chrono cross audio team for sound effect's and voicing.
then have some develop a concept for area's.
then create the area's
after that create a script for only one episode at a time.
then have voice actors record.
then animate the scene.
and so on.

to make this good quality but easy to make you have to at least have ten people.
divide the responsibilties of the project into smaller groups.

i do think the project could work as long as you take it one chapter at a time.

i'd love to do concept art and some script. and possibly storyboarding.

and plus if you finish one episode then you've accomplished somthing no other group has before.

you have to consider other than boss fight, alot of scenes would be talking. so it wouldn't be to hard.

if you try doing the show start with a five episode season, that way you can pace yourself and can perfect the animation.
also episode's should vary in time.
Title: Re: Magus - Progress Images
Post by: Vinmaleth on August 16, 2007, 07:36:18 pm
Perhaps it would be better just to think ahead to only 1 episode. That alone will take much time and effort. From there we could expand if we see fit to do so.
Title: Re: Magus - Progress Images
Post by: satchel_dawg on August 17, 2007, 06:08:28 pm
if we would start one one episode with the events at crono's house and the millenial fair, it would be fairly easy to produce because it's mainly conversation.
Title: Re: Project: Magus
Post by: Zakyrus on August 17, 2007, 11:49:32 pm
Yes...I suppose you're right. I have a bad habit of thinking big and not thinking through what's actually required.

Too bad, too...but hey, we'll do what we can do, right?

Just revise wherever necessary. ;)
Title: Re: Magus - Progress Images
Post by: Magus on August 25, 2007, 01:08:53 am
if we would start one one episode with the events at crono's house and the millenial fair, it would be fairly easy to produce because it's mainly conversation.

Even that would take forever, Magus has taken me over 2 months to make, image the entire cast, scenes and talking alone. Plus, I would need to depend on too many people, and I'd like this to be a solo project with some help now and then.