Halo Reach

Since 6337 Days

The animations are staying, that is pretty much guaranteed. They haven't formed their own in-house motion capture studio for nothing.

In reply to

Optimusv2

Since 6898 Days

Posted by blmbox

The animations are staying, that is pretty much guaranteed. They haven't formed their own in-house motion capture studio for nothing.

True, you're probably right. It would be a total waste to have a state of the art motion capture studio and then the animations not be there. I hope the great animation also carries into gameplay, but then I don't see much reason for why they shouldn't.

That feeling of weight to their movements makes such a world of difference. Now they truly appear as if they're wearing those armors of theirs.

In reply to

Hironobu Sakaguchi is coming back to reclaim the throne :)

Seeing it in motion on your HDTV, will blow your mind!!

Don't ask any questions just shut up and buy Halo : Ghosts of the Onyx one of the greatest books ever.

pssh! more like electronic g

Optimusv2

Since 6898 Days

You know what I find to be pretty impressive, but can easily be missed? The part in the trailer where that female spartan places her hand in front of the other one, keep a close look at her face as she cedes the floor to the Commander. She makes very subtle changes to her facial expression that gives a slight sense of mistrust in the new Spartan.

That's how you know Bungie's facial modeling and animation has been given a significant boost in the right direction. Subtle things like that were practically impossible to do in Halo 3, and it's a sign of how much Reach is improving things :)

Even though Halo 3's cutscenes looked better than the actual gameplay, the actual gameplay's models weren't super far off from what you saw in cutscenes, it's just that in cutscenes they focus much more on the models and may add in extra effects to further show things off. If that Reach cinematic is truly a piece of the game, then I guess there's nothing to be concerned about with the overall look of the game as the models, just as was the case in Halo 3, should for the most part be identical aside from the nice touches that will be added in the cutscenes.

In reply to

You know what I find to be pretty impressive, but can easily be missed? The part in the trailer where that female spartan places her hand in front of the other one, keep a close look at her face as she cedes the floor to the Commander. She makes very subtle changes to her facial expression that gives a slight sense of mistrust in the new Spartan.

That's how you know Bungie's facial modeling and animation has been given a significant boost in the right direction. Subtle things like that were practically impossible to do in Halo 3, and it's a sign of how much Reach is improving things :)

Even though Halo 3's cutscenes looked better than the actual gameplay, the actual gameplay's models weren't super far off from what you saw in cutscenes, it's just that in cutscenes they focus much more on the models and may add in extra effects to further show things off. If that Reach cinematic is truly a piece of the game, then I guess there's nothing to be concerned about with the overall look of the game as the models, just as was the case in Halo 3, should for the most part be identical aside from the nice touches that will be added in the cutscenes.

Hironobu Sakaguchi is coming back to reclaim the throne :)

Seeing it in motion on your HDTV, will blow your mind!!

Don't ask any questions just shut up and buy Halo : Ghosts of the Onyx one of the greatest books ever.

pssh! more like electronic g

GrimThorne

Since 6878 Days

Posted by Optimusv2

Well, I'd like to think that's what he meant, but if I did that I'd be doing a terrible job of trying to remain skeptical until they show us what Reach is really made of.

Honestly, I'm setting myself up for possible disappointment, but if Reach still ends up being a very noticeable jump over Halo 3 or ODST, then I'll be satisfied. I just hope we don't lose the amazing animations. That I couldn't accept.

I don't think we'll lose the animations, Bungie would have to be insane to drop that. The problem is that the Reach dev team added all of these stunning features to this trailer while they may not (I emphasize may not - none of us knows for sure) have an idea how the final build will actually perform. This teaser has gotten everyone hyped, there will only be disappointment if Bungie doesn't do their damnedest to bring as much of the IQ from this teaser into the final build. And there's really no way to avoid that anymore, the fan base is simply too excited now. That trailer has truly blown alot of gamers minds, some are already declaring it the best looking console game EVER if you can believe it.

While I admit that the trailer's deconstruction has been fun and has made for great discussion, the trailer itself is actionless. And with no action or gunplay going on, we can only draw the conclusion that after it's viral significance is explored, the Reach trailer would have no further worth accept to show off it's new game engine. That would seem most logical wouldn't it? But because it's so early we have to guess at how much of this is going to be playable. All of it? Some of it? None of it?

Alot of gamers are riding their high expectations.........all over again. Hopefully Bungie won't let them down.

In reply to

[quote=Optimusv2]Well, I'd like to think that's what he meant, but if I did that I'd be doing a terrible job of trying to remain skeptical until they show us what Reach is really made of.

Honestly, I'm setting myself up for possible disappointment, but if Reach still ends up being a very noticeable jump over Halo 3 or ODST, then I'll be satisfied. I just hope we don't lose the amazing animations. That I couldn't accept.[/quote]

I don't think we'll lose the animations, Bungie would have to be insane to drop that.   The problem is that the Reach dev team added all of these stunning features to this trailer while they may not ([i]I emphasize may not - none of us knows for sure[/i])  have an idea how the final build will actually perform.  This teaser has gotten everyone hyped, there will only be disappointment if Bungie doesn't do their damnedest  to bring as much of the IQ from this teaser into the final build.   And there's really no way to avoid that anymore, the fan base is simply too excited now.  That trailer has truly blown alot of gamers minds, some are already declaring it the best looking console game EVER if you can believe it.

While I admit that the trailer's deconstruction has been fun and has made for great discussion, the trailer itself is actionless.   And with no action or gunplay going on, we can only draw the conclusion that after it's viral significance is explored, the Reach trailer would have no further worth accept to show off it's new game engine.   That would seem most logical wouldn't it?   But because it's so early we have to guess at how much of this is going to be playable.   All of it?  Some of it?  [i]None of it?[/i]

Alot of gamers are riding their high expectations.........all over again.   Hopefully Bungie won't let them down.

icemanufc

Since 5672 Days

I have no doubt the game will end up looking close to the trailer, i just hope the magazine feature in jan does not just talk about the mp beta, but also about the gameplay mechanics of the sp too.

In reply to

TheFuriousOne

Since 7005 Days

Here is my first Halo Reach wallpaper, more to come over the next few weeks. Comments & constructive criticism welcome.

REACH Ver.1

REACH Ver.2

REACH Ver.3

In reply to

(F-1) Graphic Artist 360style.net
The Don Barracuda

Slabs

Since 7036 Days

Very nice! Especially the first one.

One thing I would definitely suggest is keeping the horizon flare but losing the other flare circles, lens flare like that works best with a moving camera otherwise it distracts from the rest of the piece.

In reply to

Ronsauce

Since 6991 Days

This teaser has gotten everyone hyped, there will only be disappointment if Bungie doesn't do their damnedest to bring as much of the IQ from this teaser into the final build.

I could understand people being disappointed if the game doesn't live up to what they've built it up to be in their heads regardless of the trailer, but I don't get how anyone could be disappointed in the event the gameplay doesn't match the trailer. It's already been mentioned...like how Halo 3's cutscenes looked better than Halo 3's gameplay, Reach's cutscenes will look better than Reach's gameplay. Are there honestly people who don't think this will be the case?

And with no action or gunplay going on, we can only draw the conclusion that after it's viral significance is explored, the Reach trailer would have no further worth accept to show off it's new game engine.

I'm not sure I'd place much more worth in a trailer filled with action or gunplay either...

In reply to

Zapp Brannigan: If we can hit that bull's-eye, the rest of the dominoes will fall like a house of cards...Checkmate.

GrimThorne

Since 6878 Days

Posted by icemanufc

I have no doubt the game will end up looking close to the trailer

you have no doubt? hmmm............

Posted by Ronsauce

I'm not sure I'd place much more worth in a trailer filled with action or gunplay either...

Ok Ron, you're not being real anymore.

In reply to

TheFuriousOne

Since 7005 Days

Thanks for the input Slabs

REACH Ver.1 no flare

REACH Ver.3 no flare

In reply to

(F-1) Graphic Artist 360style.net
The Don Barracuda

ManThatYouFear

Since 6949 Days

The black spots make it look like its got tea stains on it.

In reply to

I think i have stood in poo

Slabs

Since 7036 Days

Great stuff, first one is now in my wallpaper rotation :)

In reply to

TheFuriousOne

Since 7005 Days

ManThatYouFear lol I know what you mean, I will remove them. I wont spam the thread anymore so just check my deviantart page for the updated changes.

REACH Ver.5 FINAL

In reply to

(F-1) Graphic Artist 360style.net
The Don Barracuda

icemanufc

Since 5672 Days

Yep no doubt.

sweet.

In reply to

LEBATO

Since 7128 Days

You know what's sad.....

This.....

Was in 2004........and looks better with mods (better textures).

Something tells me they won't be able to achieve something that I think should be trivial for any game trying to convey any sort of emotions from characters. They certainly looked stiff in that video.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s146/orlon_kaza...

In reply to

Mods, stop changing my SIG! I'm going to end up banning you!

Optimusv2

Since 6898 Days

Posted by Ronsauce

This teaser has gotten everyone hyped, there will only be disappointment if Bungie doesn't do their damnedest to bring as much of the IQ from this teaser into the final build.

I could understand people being disappointed if the game doesn't live up to what they've built it up to be in their heads regardless of the trailer, but I don't get how anyone could be disappointed in the event the gameplay doesn't match the trailer. It's already been mentioned...like how Halo 3's cutscenes looked better than Halo 3's gameplay, Reach's cutscenes will look better than Reach's gameplay. Are there honestly people who don't think this will be the case?

And with no action or gunplay going on, we can only draw the conclusion that after it's viral significance is explored, the Reach trailer would have no further worth accept to show off it's new game engine.

I'm not sure I'd place much more worth in a trailer filled with action or gunplay either...

True, Halo 3's cutscenes did look better than actual gameplay, but for the most part, the gameplay graphics and stuff you saw in cutscenes were about 95% identical, aside from improved lighting, the more cinematic camera angles to show things off and perhaps a few added details to the armor.

If this supposed Reach cutscene that is actually from the game is really a true cutscene from the game, then we're guaranteed to get a game that looks close enough to that cutscene from a visual standpoint, as was the case with Halo 3, and I guess previous Halo titles. In the cutscenes they probably improve shadows or add them all together along with a bunch of other cool atmospheric effects, but if that cutscene is legit, then the game will look pretty close to that.

That facial animation in that half life 2 scene is still better than a large number of new games out, and that criticism of Reach's facial animation is probably a bit unfair to begin with. First off, these are supposed to be hardened super soldiers, what would be the point in going too far in showcasing a whole bevy of emotions on their facial expression, unless we are looking at moments of intense, happiness, anger, pain, suffering.

At the other end of the spectrum, there may have been complaints that the facial animation is way overexaggerated and it just makes you wish all the more that the spartans kept their helmets on, although some are saying that now already. Ultimately, I don't mind. As long as it doesn't look outright terrible.

I mean, in that very cutscene i already pointed out the subtle facial expression changes from that female spartan, and how well done it was. Others may disagree about that, but I thought it was very very well done.

In reply to

[quote=Ronsauce][quote]This teaser has gotten everyone hyped, there will only be disappointment if Bungie doesn't do their damnedest to bring as much of the IQ from this teaser into the final build.[/quote]
I could understand people being disappointed if the game doesn't live up to what they've built it up to be in their heads [i]regardless[/i] of the trailer, but I don't get how anyone could be disappointed in the event the gameplay doesn't match the trailer. It's already been mentioned...like how Halo 3's cutscenes looked better than Halo 3's gameplay, Reach's cutscenes will look better than Reach's gameplay. Are there honestly people who [i]don't[/i] think this will be the case?

[quote]And with no action or gunplay going on, we can only draw the conclusion that after it's viral significance is explored, the Reach trailer would have no further worth accept to show off it's new game engine.[/quote]
I'm not sure I'd place much more worth in a trailer filled with action or gunplay either...[/quote]

True, Halo 3's cutscenes did look better than actual gameplay, but for the most part, the gameplay graphics and stuff you saw in cutscenes were about 95% identical, aside from improved lighting, the more cinematic camera angles to show things off and perhaps a few added details to the armor.

If this supposed Reach cutscene that is actually from the game is really a true cutscene from the game, then we're guaranteed to get a game that looks close enough to that cutscene from a visual standpoint, as was the case with Halo 3, and I guess previous Halo titles. In the cutscenes they probably improve shadows or add them all together along with a bunch of other cool atmospheric effects, but if that cutscene is legit, then the game will look pretty close to that.

That facial animation in that half life 2 scene is still better than a large number of new games out, and that criticism of Reach's facial animation is probably a bit unfair to begin with. First off, these are supposed to be hardened super soldiers, what would be the point in going too far in showcasing a whole bevy of emotions on their facial expression, unless we are looking at moments of intense, happiness, anger, pain, suffering.

At the other end of the spectrum, there may have been complaints that the facial animation is way overexaggerated and it just makes you wish all the more that the spartans kept their helmets on, although some are saying that now already. Ultimately, I don't mind. As long as it doesn't look outright terrible.

I mean, in that very cutscene i already pointed out the subtle facial expression changes from that female spartan, and how well done it was. Others may disagree about that, but I thought it was very very well done.

Hironobu Sakaguchi is coming back to reclaim the throne :)

Seeing it in motion on your HDTV, will blow your mind!!

Don't ask any questions just shut up and buy Halo : Ghosts of the Onyx one of the greatest books ever.

pssh! more like electronic g

blmbox

Since 6337 Days

LEBATO: if you actually watch the Reach trailer, instead of capturing a still from it, you can see emotions being conveyed through the characters - Optimus gave one example of her expressing concern after addressing the Commander, which I noticed as well when watching.

It's a difference of opinion as much as anything, but I don't think the animations looked stiff.

In reply to

deftangel

Since 6874 Days

Different games focus on different things. Valve made a conscious decision to chuck a load of resources at facial animation because they knew what they wanted to do with Alyx. Halo is predominantly a game where the lead character never takes his helmet off and the player pretty much shoots aliens from a first person camera.

Bungie opt to focus on AI as their differenating factor instead. Their choice and makes sense for them if you ask me. If you want both, double the budgets and wait five years between games but then people wouldn't like that either would they?

Honestly, how did I know this thread would turn into a gfx bitchfest. Some more observations;-

It's an unusual trailer that might make more sense in context when we see the next one/others
It's different, but good
In-Engine != Real time != In Gameplay != Pre-rendered
In short, basing conclusions on this has less mileage than most are giving credit for
It's likely a pre-alpha build at this stage
Bungie outsource a lot of art assets
They also typically finish their games well ahead of RTM

In reply to

Different games focus on different things. Valve made a conscious decision to chuck a load of resources at facial animation because they knew what they wanted to do with Alyx. Halo is predominantly a game where the lead character never takes his helmet off and the player pretty much shoots aliens from a first person camera.

Bungie opt to focus on AI as their differenating factor instead. Their choice and makes sense for them if you ask me. If you want both, double the budgets and wait five years between games but then people wouldn't like that either would they?

Honestly, how did I know this thread would turn into a gfx bitchfest. Some more observations;-

It's an unusual trailer that might make more sense in context when we see the next one/others
It's different, but good
In-Engine != Real time != In Gameplay != Pre-rendered
In short, basing conclusions on this has less mileage than most are giving credit for
It's likely a pre-alpha build at this stage
Bungie outsource a lot of art assets
They also typically finish their games well ahead of RTM

XBL/PSN: deftangel. Views are my own and not representative of my employers. Boulets aren't the end of the world, you will get over them! Reading and constructive discussion classes are available, enquire via PM

BLackHawkodst

Since 5892 Days

Cool wallpaper.

In reply to

Prepare To Drop!!

Ronsauce

Since 6991 Days

Posted by Optimusv2

If this supposed Reach cutscene that is actually from the game is really a true cutscene from the game, then we're guaranteed to get a game that looks close enough to that cutscene from a visual standpoint, as was the case with Halo 3, and I guess previous Halo titles. In the cutscenes they probably improve shadows or add them all together along with a bunch of other cool atmospheric effects, but if that cutscene is legit, then the game will look pretty close to that.

I know it will look relatively close, but because of things like better lighting(which to me, along with animation, is one of the elements that goes the longest way to making a game look great), the gameplay will simply not look like the cutscene. Most people know this, and as such, won't be disappointed that the gameplay doesn't live up to the trailer. I worry about the other people though...the ones who think they'll be getting a playable version of the cutscene essentially. They're just setting themselves up for disappointment.

In reply to

[quote=Optimusv2]If this supposed Reach cutscene that is actually from the game is really a true cutscene from the game, then we're guaranteed to get a game that looks close enough to that cutscene from a visual standpoint, as was the case with Halo 3, and I guess previous Halo titles. In the cutscenes they probably improve shadows or add them all together along with a bunch of other cool atmospheric effects, but if that cutscene is legit, then the game will look pretty close to that.[/quote]

I know it will look relatively [i]close[/i], but because of things like better lighting(which to me, along with animation, is one of the elements that goes the longest way to making a game look great), the gameplay will simply [i]not[/i] look like the cutscene. Most people know this, and as such, won't be disappointed that the gameplay doesn't live up to the trailer. I worry about the other people though...the ones who think they'll be getting a playable version of the cutscene essentially. They're just setting themselves up for disappointment.

Zapp Brannigan: If we can hit that bull's-eye, the rest of the dominoes will fall like a house of cards...Checkmate.

Optimusv2

Since 6898 Days

Yep, I do however expect some noticeably better gameplay animations than the stuff we saw in Halo 3. I want to see elites and other covenant getting shot and writhing in pain or just reacting in very realistic ways to being shot, well they sorta already do that, but like I want to see some cool death animations :)

In reply to

Hironobu Sakaguchi is coming back to reclaim the throne :)

Seeing it in motion on your HDTV, will blow your mind!!

Don't ask any questions just shut up and buy Halo : Ghosts of the Onyx one of the greatest books ever.

pssh! more like electronic g

Ronsauce

Since 6991 Days

I'm definitely expecing a lot of elements to look noticeably better than Halo 3. Animation better be up there. The "flying through the air, arms flailing" animation is getting pretty old by now. Also, the way enemies just fall out of vehicles when they are killed is pure laziness. I'd absolutely love for physics to take over, so if they are killed in a Warthog that is hit with a rocket and sent spinning, the dead body will get tossed out violently. Otherwise, the body should remain in the vehicle until an animation occurs where the player removes the body hijacking-style. And like you said, better reactions to gunfire would be a welcome addition.

In reply to

Zapp Brannigan: If we can hit that bull's-eye, the rest of the dominoes will fall like a house of cards...Checkmate.

Optimusv2

Since 6898 Days

You know what I think? I think we'll have a bit of third person in Reach. Not during a lot of the shooting segments, it will be purely a first person shooter, but I think that in moments where you go in for one of those cinematic melee knife kills or something, it'll pan out and give us a cool looking third person view that shows off the models.

In reply to

Hironobu Sakaguchi is coming back to reclaim the throne :)

Seeing it in motion on your HDTV, will blow your mind!!

Don't ask any questions just shut up and buy Halo : Ghosts of the Onyx one of the greatest books ever.

pssh! more like electronic g

Ronsauce

Since 6991 Days

I'd absolutely love that. It was easily the best part of the latest Turok game. And with how nice the Chief looked in 3rd person in Halo 3, I'd be all about a bit of 3rd person cinematic goodness.

In reply to

Zapp Brannigan: If we can hit that bull's-eye, the rest of the dominoes will fall like a house of cards...Checkmate.

SimonM7

Since 7029 Days

Haha, the funny thing is that what you're describing is sounding more and more and more like the original Killzone.

Gritty, bleak squad based first person shooter with different playable characters each with their own unique abilities, complete with canned animation melee kills. Muted colour palette, realistic art direction set against the backdrop of a planet on the brink of destruction.

That's totally Killzone 1!

I sincerely hope someone somewhere remembers that this is Halo and lets it be a bit Halo too. Tom Morello has confirmed purple guns, and that's a good sign. :)

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http://modeseven.blogspot.com | Dominic and Simon - dyanamic games blog duo!
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