[Black Squirrel]

All the models in Sonic the Fighters are pretty much perfect. I mean obviously there's the issue with low polygon counts but if that were fixed you'd have a definitive classic Sonic model, straight from Japan.

The west seemed to go through this phase where they couldn't quite make a good-looking Sonic model. Perhaps it's because they were scared of it looking "Japanese", or were using the weird proportions from western Sonic art of the early 90s, but either way

this is ugly.

Granted, they were probably experimenting and the technology wasn't there, but if you can't render a 3D model, stick to 2D.

These days they've got a reasonable Sonic model. I prefer the classic design but for a modern Sonic, it's pretty much spot-on.

[W.A.C.]

I'd be bothered if they used the lifeless and disgusting look Sonic '06 character model, but I loved Sonic Unleashed and how well Sonic was portrayed in that game so I really can't complain.

vs.



Don't get me wrong, the Unleashed model definitely looks better but I don't see why you love the Unleashed model but think the other model looks lifeless and disgusting.



vs.



Now, if you're referring to how he actually looked in the game, then that's understandable as he looked much, much better in Sonic Unleashed. I do wish the edge of his quills in Sonic Unleashed looked sharper though. It looks too soft and bouncy. >_>

[Blue Blood]

Just saying, but both of those in-game screenshots are very early. The final 06 model has a smaller forehead and the final Unleashed one has a less classic face structure.

[Mr. Pictures]

It adds plenty of entertainment value for people with television resolutions capable of showing it. Enhances the immersion aspect, you know. And it makes the CG scenes that much more fun to watch a second time. A lot of the time, the first time I watch a cutscene, I'm just watching what goes on during the scene, but I like to watch them again later—either in the cutscene theater or during a second playthrough, and just take it all in. It's not that I completely ignore the detail the first time, it's just that it makes a second watch all the more interesting.

I have no idea how anyone is entertained by threads on gloves, or dirt and scratches on shoes (unless it really calls for it in the story). I can understand someone thinking that a lot of work was put into those things, but I still don't think it makes it more fun or gets a reaction out of anyone. Not to get off topic, but in comparison, the pores on Shrek's skin don't make his design any better or fun.

This post has been edited by Mr. Pictures: 16 May 2010 - 05:25 PM

[Clutch]

Pores on Shrek's skin help keep him from looking creepy. Doesn't really seem to matter if the CG guys go the extra mile, since it doesn't seem to have much influence on the actual game's development.



Also, there's plenty of Unleashed renders that Don't make Sonic look lifeless. You can't totally judge a 3D model on just a few still images.

[Mr. Pictures]

Pores on Shrek's skin help keep him from looking creepy. Doesn't really seem to matter if the CG guys go the extra mile, since it doesn't seem to have much influence on the actual game's development.

I'd say he still looks pretty creepy and I think it's a wasted effort to begin with. Why would any CGI artist add it if it doesn't have any influence?

Also, there's plenty of Unleashed renders that Don't make Sonic look lifeless. You can't totally judge a 3D model on just a few still images.

In relation to Sonic's design, I think it's very difficult to make him look expressive or lively. His design doesn't really call for a whole acting because it's actually quite limited. Most of the time he wears the same face too.

[Solaris Paradox]

Nobody is specifically entertained by just those small details in and of themselves—rather, all the little details add up to make the larger picture look all the more beautiful.

It's how art works.

By the way, as for the '06 model, don't even count the CG model and the in-game model as being the same. They're not. The in-game model is quite a bit uglier than the CG model used in the opening and ending cutscenes, not to mention lazily-animated.

[Mr. Pictures]

Nobody is specifically entertained by just those small details in and of themselves—rather, all the little details add up to make the larger picture look all the more beautiful.

I see what you mean but with Sonic I think it's a different story. I'm not saying the classic model was better than modern one, but the classic design didn't have the added detail and was just as effective in getting his function across. Sonic is running around at high speeds in his games, so you don't have time to look at all of those small elements and it doesn't enhance him in any way. You could still have the modern design without all of the added minutia.

By the way, as for the '06 model, don't even count the CG model and the in-game model as being the same. They're not. The in-game model is quite a bit uglier than the CG model used in the opening and ending cutscenes, not to mention lazily-animated.

I wasn't talking about '06, I was talking about his general design.

This post has been edited by Mr. Pictures: 16 May 2010 - 06:24 PM

[Solaris Paradox]

I see what you mean but with Sonic I think it's a different story. I'm not saying the classic model was better than modern one, but the classic design didn't have the added detail

The classic design was used before such detail was even possible. Of course it didn't.

and was just as effective in getting his function across. Sonic is running around at high speeds in his games, so you don't have time to look at all of those small elements and it doesn't enhance him in any way. You could still have the modern design without all of the added minutia.

First off, he isn't always running around at high speeds, and second, the fact that you could have it doesn't mean you should or that it would be better in any way if they didn't have those details.

I wasn't talking about '06, I was talking about his general design.

I was addressing the general thread, sorry.

[Mr. Pictures]

I see what you mean but with Sonic I think it's a different story. I'm not saying the classic model was better than modern one, but the classic design didn't have the added detail

The classic design was used before such detail was even possible. Of course it didn't.

I'm completely aware, which is why I think it's odd that they added needless detail later on. Maybe it was to show what the graphics engine was capable of, but we know that now, so I don't know why minor additions are still included (after SA2 specifically).

and was just as effective in getting his function across. Sonic is running around at high speeds in his games, so you don't have time to look at all of those small elements and it doesn't enhance him in any way. You could still have the modern design without all of the added minutia.

First off, he isn't always running around at high speeds, and second, the fact that you could have it doesn't mean you should or that it would be better in any way if they didn't have those details.

The primary focus is for him to run around fast, that's his function. I find the emphasis on adding such detail to be unnecessary, even in promotional images where he's just standing around and not doing anything he does in gameplay.

This post has been edited by Mr. Pictures: 16 May 2010 - 07:03 PM

[Introversive]

I see what you mean but with Sonic I think it's a different story. I'm not saying the classic model was better than modern one, but the classic design didn't have the added detail

The classic design was used before such detail was even possible. Of course it didn't.

I'm completely aware, which is why I think it's odd that they added needless detail later on. Maybe it was to show what the graphics engine was capable of, but we know that now, so I don't know why minor additions are still included (after SA2 specifically).

What is the harm in Sonic keeping his green eyes and soles? I can see a bit about why some people would complain about his eyes, since Sonic's newer eyes have a different mood to them than his classic eyes. However, Sonic's new shoes are definitely better and more suited to him than the ones he originally had. I would love to see what classic Sonic would look like with modern Sonic shoes and a mix between his classic and modern eyes.

[Mr. Pictures]

What is the harm in Sonic keeping his green eyes and soles?

I wasn't talking about that. Although why his eyes are green and why they added soles is beyond me, and I would like to know why myself.

[Introversive]

What is the harm in Sonic keeping his green eyes and soles?

I wasn't talking about that. Although why his eyes are green and why they added soles is beyond me, and I would like to know why myself.

Sonic's artists probably have thought of some ways they could to improve how their character looks. It's a pretty natural process, and it has happened to most recurring fictional characters to some extent. Mario had red overalls before it was decided that he should wear blue overalls instead, Spider Man probably had his main suit changed up a bit, etc. It's very rare for an artist to not touch up on a character sooner or later.

[Solid SOAP]

Don't get me wrong, the Unleashed model definitely looks better but I don't see why you love the Unleashed model but think the other model looks lifeless and disgusting.

I'm talking about the in-game model. Why the fuck should I give a shit about some CG models that aren't even in the actual game? In-game and during cutscenes in Sonic '06, Sonic and every other character has a blank, emotionless expression on their face the entire time, while in Sonic Unleashed, Sonic is always brimming with energy and enthusiasm. Compare these cutscenes.

Sonic '06
Sonic Unleashed

Sonic looks significantly better in Sonic Unleashed than he does in Sonic '06. He animates better, is shorter with a more friendly looking appearence comparable to that of Mario, as opposed to Sonic '06's Sonic which is more comparable to a slightly more tame "Loonatic" from that shitty Loony Tune knock-off.

[Clutch]

Man, whatever becomes of Sonic's next 3D outing, I really hope the character animations stay that good. It's really awesome when characters have a range of movement similar to that of the pre-rendered cut scenes and not seemingly a handful of stock animations and/or gestures and mouth movements so stiff that it's like watching an animated action figure.