I am trying to make an evil villain in my game, with a custom character animation. What programs do you prefer to use in order to do character animations, and can I download them? I need to download something free, or a demo, because I don't want to buy an expensive system just for one character. Thanks.
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"Look, a distraction!" -Fletcher Dostie
Hi,
Depends, are you an experienced modeler? If so, do a search for graphics or 3d, as there are several extensive lists of free/demo modeling programs, and some even have excellent descriptions of their abilities. If you are experienced, and in need of a basic program, Eovie.com has just released Carrara basics for $99. I have not read all the specifics, but i believe it comes with everything needed.
If you don't have experience modeling, your best bet would be Poser, (url="http://"http://www.curiouslabs.com")www.curiouslabs.com(/url) I don't think it allows saving, but with Snapz, that problem is fixed. This also leads you to the problem of dressing your character, as Poser is, in short terms, an electronic Barbie/Ken set. So you would need to peruse one of the many Poser-related sites out there that offer clothing, props, etc.
I have assembled a rather crude listing of links for my own purposes, but being a nice guy, I share. In it you will find links to free models, textures, tutorials, etc, to help you on your way. (url="http://"http://homepage.mac.com/dampeoples/artlinks/stuff.html")http://homepage.mac....inks/stuff.html(/url)
Good luck
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Just pimpin' my (url="http://"http://www.thejbfc.com")fishing skills(/url),(url="http://"http://www.renderosity.com/gallery.ez?ByArtist=Yes&Artist;=dampeoples")gallery(/url), and (url="http://"http://homepage.mac.com/dampeoples/Sterling/Menu19.html")other stuff(/url)
If you want a custom animated character, then you will need to spend some money or contact someone to do it for you. Meshworks is relatively cheap though. Only $30. Although you might find some free modelers, there is ultimately no solution for animating for free. A bone system is almost essential, but Meshworks has a decent one, from what I here. I wish I had a link, oh well.
(edit)Found you your link. (url="http://"http://codenautics.com/meshwork/")http://codenautics.com/meshwork/(/url) (/edit)
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Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.
"Logic is futile"-Scott Adams
(This message has been edited by spitfire (edited 12-16-2002).)
I find that I am utterly useless at making characters. The worst thing about it, is there are hardly any for download on the addons section either. Ah well, I'll figure out something...
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"Look, a distraction!" -Fletcher Dostie
look at (url="http://"http://www.idevgames.com")www.idevgames.com(/url). There stuff is for use if you're a member, and as long as whatever you are releasing is mac first. There are also some links there to other resources.
Also, check Straytoaster's links out: (url="http://"http://homepage.mac.com/straytoaster/")http://homepage.mac.com/straytoaster/(/url)
he's got some nice links
Edit: Wouldn't you like to know
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Just pimpin' my (url="http://"http://www.thejbfc.com")fishing skills(/url),(url="http://"http://www.renderosity.com/gallery.ez?ByArtist=Yes&Artist;=dampeoples")gallery(/url), and (url="http://"http://homepage.mac.com/dampeoples/Sterling/Menu19.html")other stuff(/url)
(This message has been edited by dampeoples (edited 12-16-2002).)
I'm digging this up from the grave, but there's a (url="http://"http://homepage.mac.com/mr_somebody/.Pictures/EvilMage.jpg")link(/url) to a pic of my character sprite. He doesn't look great, but he's not bad for an incompetent artist. Made in Carrera Basics. Edited in Photoshop Elements.
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"Look, a distraction!" -Fletcher Dostie
Nice, remember one thing (and i'm not talking junk): the characters are going to be in the neighborhood of 70-80 pixels tall, so a highly detailed model is not necessary 
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Just pimpin' my (url="http://"http://www.thejbfc.com")fishing skills(/url),(url="http://"http://www.renderosity.com/gallery.ez?ByArtist=Yes&Artist;=dampeoples")gallery(/url), and (url="http://"http://homepage.mac.com/dampeoples/Sterling/Menu19.html")other stuff(/url)
