LPC vol2 #01 - transformers, robots in disguise!

[hawken]

Greetings ladies and gentlemen.

This months low poly challenge, for those who might accept it, is to make a fully converting Transformer. With the new Transormers film just around the corner, this should provide your portfolio with something topical.

The rules are these:

no more than 500 triangles per entry.
1x 128 texture map, 256 colours. (8-bit)
1x 128 specularity map, 16 colours. (4-bit)
1x 128 alpha map, 16 colours. (4-bit)
1x 32 env map, 16 colours. (4-bit) (for use with the specularity map)

oh, and you should decide if you are autobots, or decpticons.

Although your model doesn't have to be an existing transformer.

Challenge ends june 1st.

[Valandar]

But does it have to transform? And legitimately, or with a "cheat" of a hidden vehicle mode? :D

[butt_sahib]

I dont think fully converting would be possible? :/ wo we will have to make shit in pieces? :)

[Valandar]

Oh, trust me, fully converting IS possible. Just have to stick to the simpler figures (and modern ones - the original G1 figs, while simple, just don't look as good as their toon counterparts).

This is a lot higher poly than the contest, but this one does transform - and has a chest that opens and fires lotsa missiles:

http://valandar3d.fools3d.com/armorhide04.jpg

http://valandar3d.fools3d.com/armorhide06.jpg

I've forgotten how many polys it has, prolly around 1.5k tris, but the engine it was for (the old RTS/RPG Freedom Force) only supported diffuse, alpha, ambient, and reflectivity with an environment map... it was also done amost two years ago, and I've gotten LOTS better since then. :D

[Vailias]

So I forget, do we post all our work in this thread, or all in a new thread of our own making?

[Muzz]

Hells yeah. Sounds like fun :).

[e-freak]

working on mine :D

edit: wip r8 mutant
http://www.abload.de/img/r8p5dz.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=r8p5dz.jpg)

[hawken]

So I forget, do we post all our work in this thread, or all in a new thread of our own making?


You can do either!

I always advocated posting in the main thread, but maybe it's clearer to make your own.

[hawken]

I dont think fully converting would be possible? :/ wo we will have to make shit in pieces? :)

doesn't have to convert, but many many bonus points if it does!

[Valandar]

And is the 500 tris an absolute, or can we 'fudge' by 20-30 or so? :D

[seforin]

oh yes you can keep it really REALLY low and still have it transforms, I made this around 2-3 years back at this point, but it was around 500-600 tris I believe? (have to dig the file up)

but proof it can transform if designed smart ahead of time :)


http://seforin.com/misc/soundwaveChange.gif

[Valandar]

Oh, and are Go-Bots okay, or are they right out? :P

[achmedthesnake]

seforin - HEY! thats cheating you hax heh lolz, i can't ever remember the robots using the x/y scale tool

thinking of doing a rendition of this lovley vehicle:
http://scrappingal.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/pink-vespa.jpg

planning to go pro and make it transformable - AND all still in scale peices :P

..oh and it'll be a fembot HAWT!

[Valandar]

So basically this guy with a sex change?

http://www.tfu.info/Gobots/Guardians/Scooter/scooter.htm

[Valandar]

Started work... and bonus points to anyone who can identify it!

http://artzone.daz3d.com/azfiles/gallery/v1/62/yqjv74r3asvbkwpkdcs0wq9kk5jyew-full.jpg

[hawken]

And is the 500 tris an absolute, or can we 'fudge' by 20-30 or so? :D

fudging allowed.

go-bots allowed.

dino-bots never really existed.

[Valandar]

Well, I didn't need to fudge - ended up with exactly 500 tris. :D And that's an honest to gawd Transformer ther, by the way, so the GoBots are staying on the shelf. :D

[achmedthesnake]

...except pink, and not gay :)

what's weird is that he has no back tyres - kinda of a moped/tracks hybrid, i'mm still trying to figure out how i'll deal with her/it transforming and her wheels....

[Microneezia]

Transforming in progress!

[Muzz]

animate your uvs.... why are you posting this here?

[RickFX]

since the decepticons had something like a hi-fi system i thought this should be legit,
for now the placement is just a little test, and i made the high poly one because i was bored..., im not quite sure of the "transformation" yet, might use the other side of the blade as 2nd arm and part the handle to 2 parts to function as a leg, i might need to make some alignments to the polycount since its almost at 500.
http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/7444/wip1.jpg

- Rick.

[Valandar]

My first thought was "Dayum, that's a well-hung 'bot!"

[achmedthesnake]

just starting to block out ma shapes :

http://www.achmedthesnake.com/images/vespa/progress01.jpg

*insert transformers noise here*

[Valandar]

About 50% done... and a proof that it transforms, as well:

http://artzone.daz3d.com/azfiles/gallery/5e/8w/jtj1n5wwfaqtru802x0ydp22bgfakk-full.jpg

http://artzone.daz3d.com/azfiles/gallery/i9/xz/i7h8intqmt6wq8v5oo0jjx799t2zqm-full.jpg

Still gotta add what details I can, especially on the helmet, then make the specular and environment maps.


So... anyone able to guess who it is, yet?

[Vailias]

I think its the cybertron version of Jetfire.

(I was going to post my wip first, but went to go see NIN with the wife instead.)

<- will be making assorted decepticon jets as a warmup.

[Valandar]

Close... it's the Cybertron / Galaxy Force version of Starscream, though stylized a bit more to make him closer to the triangular shape the Seekers had in the first episode of G1...

http://www.tfu.info/2005/Decepticon/Starscream/starscream.htm

[Muzz]

fun fun

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/muzzoid/lol.png
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/muzzoid/transform-2.gif

[Valandar]

That resembles the new movie version of Starscream quite a bit, Muzz, 'cept taller and thnner. :D

[Muzz]

lol not quite. http://www.visualfxblog.com/images/tf_6_starscream_large.jpg

[Valandar]

In terms of HOW it transforms it's very close.

Though to be honest it IS closer to the actual toy versions of Movie Starscream (I have a couple on my shelf behind me...

[hawken]

very nice indeed

[butt_sahib]

impressive :D

[Vailias]

ok jet bit is done and segmented, just need to chop in arms, model thighblocks, head, and foot/toes. Should have enough tris left to make an interesting face
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e28/vailias/Starscream_LP.jpg

[Muzz]

Cools :D.

I think i might finish this first one as a test, then once i do that ill try something a little bit more ambitious for the final :). Multi bot transformer anyone?

[Valandar]

Multiple bot modes, or multiple alt modes? Or do you mean a combiner? Or a duocon, who has one robot mode made from two vehicle modes?

[Muzz]

lol.... Combiner or duocon... Man do you like grind up transformers and snort them or something?

[Valandar]

What does this tell you, Muzz? :D

http://artzone.daz3d.com/azfiles/gallery/2f/vf/lp4t28qobpta9hzz3gv5e9qfu5i318-full.jpg

[Muzz]

:poly122:...!

wow, you love your transformers. one hell of a collection that is.

[Vailias]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhxqpnOSka0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGieffgbaPc

Needs an unwrap and skin.

537 tris.

[Muzz]

Man its so hard to see how that animates on a 2 sec long youtube vid?

Wouldnt it have been easier to make a short animated gif?

You can do it in photoshop.

[Vailias]

.. yeah good point. I thought of it, but was lazy. Will fix.

edit: Here
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e28/vailias/Starscream_anim.gif

getting anims out of photoshop cs 4 is really kinda annoyingly lacking in documentation.

[genericnamedave]

Thought I'd take a stab at this contest. Was able to get below 500 tris, but my 128x128 textures...you need them to have a 4 colour range? Thats it? Whats an env map?

The animation isn't done for my Ectobot! Work in progress!

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s184/originaldave77/Ectobot.gif

[RickFX]

haha ecobot, that IS awesome!

- Rick.

[Muzz]

Hmm, what settings are ideal to get the lighting and speculars working right for low poly in max?

no sm shading, no antialiasing , no texture filtering and standard display with maps? Also i have no idea how to apply the enviro map :|

[hawken]

Thought I'd take a stab at this contest. Was able to get below 500 tris, but my 128x128 textures...you need them to have a 4 colour range? Thats it? Whats an env map?



Hi Dave, lovely work!

more on the textures:

1x 128 texture map, 256 colours. (8-bit)
1x 128 specularity map, 16 colours. (4-bit)
1x 128 alpha map, 16 colours. (4-bit)
1x 32 env map, 16 colours. (4-bit) (for use with the specularity map)

An Env (environment) map is the "world" that is reflected in your specularity. The shiny bits ;) So you use that for things like wind-screens and windows and head-lamps and peadobear penis heads etc etc.

The colours can come from any 32-bit range but must be indexed to a palette of 256 for the main texture and, well, see above. 4-bit just means the bits per pixel, not 4 colours. For more on bit colour depth, check wikipedia.

cheers and nice entry!

I may extend the deadline, as the forum layout is a little fuxxored which makes it a little hard finding this months challenge.

[Valandar]

I'd like to see what people could whip up with a full 10k tris and 2048 maps, meself. :D

[genericnamedave]

Getting there...and yeah he is supposed to have his own proton pack, and has an EK Meter for a head. I'm a geek alright. Ah, the sacrilege of Transformers crossovers...might exceed the TRI's a few hundred to get him the blaster and cord, and some more joints...

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s184/originaldave77/ECTOBOT2.gifhttp://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s184/originaldave77/ECTOBOT7.jpghttp://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s184/originaldave77/ECTOBOT6.jpghttp://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s184/originaldave77/ECTOBOT4.jpg

[genericnamedave]

I'd like to see what people could whip up with a full 10k tris and 2048 maps, meself. :D

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s184/originaldave77/BumbleCarprofile.jpghttp://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s184/originaldave77/quickbee2.jpg

[genericnamedave]

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s184/originaldave77/ECTOBOT2.gif Hope this doesn't double post (earlier one didn't appear)! 'Ectobot' is coming along nicely. The top siren and electronics serve as his Proton pack, and he has an EK Meter for a head. I can post some wireframe images if anyone wants. He clocks in at 496 tris.

I also think it would be great if Hasbro released a line of Transformers based on famous cars, like the Batmobile, General Lee, A-Team van (it's famous to me!), Mach 5, etc etc.

[Valandar]

We've been begging Hasbro for that for YEARS. The only thing they gave us was the Star Wars and Marvel Transformers "Crossovers", and Takara gave us an Optimus Prime that turns into Mickey Mouse and (soon) a Donald Duck that turns into Bumblebee.

I mean, JEEZE, they can't even give us a GI Joe crossover toy set, and Hasbro owns both properties and there have been several such crossovers in the comics - and even one in the G1 cartoon (implied)...

[genericnamedave]

Yeah, why doesn't Hasbro make some GI JOE crossovers? The brands have been joined at the hip since the mid-80's. Although I can see now not being a good time...the market is a bit oversaturated with TF lines (Universe, Movie, Animated, Masterpiece, etc)

[cptincognito]

Used to be a huge transformers fan, Soundwave was my favorite. Put this guy together, no textures and needs a bit o' pruning.

http://a.parsons.edu/%7Eevan/polycount/lpc_transformers/soundwave.jpg
update: the goons
http://a.parsons.edu/%7Eevan/polycount/lpc_transformers/frenzy_rumble.jpg
http://a.parsons.edu/%7Eevan/polycount/lpc_transformers/buzzsaw.jpg

[Valandar]

Basing them on the toys instead of the animation models, eh? :D

[cptincognito]

Yep, using that as a start at least.

I'm having a lot of fun starting out with a basic block, then slicing it up based on how it's going to transform and unfolding it into the humanoid shape. It's like Christmas 1985 all over again.

[genericnamedave]

Yep, using that as a start at least.

I'm having a lot of fun starting out with a basic block, then slicing it up based on how it's going to transform and unfolding it into the humanoid shape. It's like Christmas 1985 all over again.

I know the feeling! I'll never forget getting Sideswipe then. Ahhhh :)

I recommend classing yours as 4 separate entries (Soundwave, Ravage, Rumble, and Frenzy) that all happen to transform into one. It's not like there is prize! (or is there?)

And don't beat yourself up over scaling. Zoom the camera out for the animation.

[Valandar]

And don't forget Laserbeak / Buzzsaw. "Soundwave! Play back Laserbeak's findings!"

[genericnamedave]

Well how about that? He went and added Lazerbeak. I think we have a winner!

[Valandar]

Let's see how far he can go!!!

Keeping only with the Decepticons:

Beastbox:
http://www.tfu.info/1988/Decepticon/Beastbox/beastbox.htm

Squawktalk:
http://www.tfu.info/1988/Decepticon/Squawktalk/squawktalk.htm

BONUS: SquawkBox:
http://www.tfu.info/1988/Decepticon/Squawkbox/squawkbox.htm

Overkill:
http://www.tfu.info/1987/Decepticon/Overkill/overkill.htm

Ratbat:
http://www.tfu.info/1986/Decepticon/Ratbat/ratbat.htm

Slugfest:
http://www.tfu.info/1987/Decepticon/Slugfest/slugfest.htm


I didn't include Glit, Garboil, Howlback, or Sundor, who were all repaints (and Sundor called a 'Cybertron', aka Japanese Autoboot, because he was secretly a spy).

:D :D :D :D :D

[genericnamedave]

Don't forget about 'Autoscout' who appeared once or twice in the G1 show.
http://s90690880.onlinehome.us/jhiaxus/images/technology/cybertoon/autoscout02.jpg

[Valandar]

Ooh, good point. You know, a third party hobby group is making a working, transforming Autoscout available later this year...

[cptincognito]

Totally forgot about the scout. Looked over the list, gonna do one more and call it, for fear of not finishing any of of em. Squawtalk/Squawkbox is pretty cool, but Beastbox is just terrible.

I'm pretty sure I had this one, so the rat gets it:
http://a.parsons.edu/%7Eevan/polycount/lpc_transformers/ratbat.jpg
ah, what the hell...
http://a.parsons.edu/%7Eevan/polycount/lpc_transformers/autoscout.jpg

[genericnamedave]

Nice work, cptincognito!

You got my vote! (if that is how this is decided?)

I'm looking forward to seeing a group shot!

[Valandar]

Beastbox is awesome - he turns into an ape! And ya gotta have him, he and Squawktalk are a two-man combiner team as well as being cassettes, nothing's more awesome than that! :D

[genericnamedave]

Only a few days to go!

About the Environment Map....would it be applied to a 'skybox' type mesh? Or is there a way to plug it into a material's reflectivity?

Noob questions I know.

[hawken]

you just link it into your specularity. What software are you using dave?

[hawken]

only a few days to go! I'll post submission instructions on the 1st

[genericnamedave]

Hey Hawken,

I am using Maya. I made a specularity map, not sure how I would plug the environment map into that area. My spec map is plugged into the specular roll-off, of course.

And I could not interpret the rendering suggestions (turning anti-aliasing off etc) for Maya that was posted in the adjoining thread. I know I know...

[Azimn]

I was just curious do we need all the maps, including specular and enviroment?

[genericnamedave]

I imagine it's not mandatory to make and use every map, but it would be beneficial to the quality of your entry.

[cptincognito]

Any word on the submission instructions?

update:
buzzsaw (http://a.parsons.edu/%7Eevan/polycount/lpc_transformers/buzzsaw2a.mov)
frenzy (http://a.parsons.edu/%7Eevan/polycount/lpc_transformers/frenzy_2.mov)
ratbat (http://a.parsons.edu/%7Eevan/polycount/lpc_transformers/ratbat_1.mov)
soundwave (http://a.parsons.edu/%7Eevan/polycount/lpc_transformers/soundwave.mov)
ravage (http://a.parsons.edu/%7Eevan/polycount/lpc_transformers/ravage.mov)

[Azimn]

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f161/st4rscream/galvatron.jpg

Here is mine.. I will have the video up soon..

[cptincognito]

Is there going to be a submission thread?

[Azimn]

Here is my video..
Galvatron (http://s47.photobucket.com/albums/f161/st4rscream/?action=view&current=Movie.flv)

http://s47.photobucket.com/albums/f161/st4rscream/?action=view&current=Movie.flv

[Squiggly_P]

I didn't even notice this thread, otherwise I probably would have done one. I'll do the next one, tho. I like the new format for these.

[cptincognito]

http://a.parsons.edu/%7Eevan/polycount/lpc_transformers/present_buzzsaw.jpg
Link to Transformation (http://a.parsons.edu/%7Eevan/polycount/lpc_transformers/buzzsaw2a.mov)

[cptincognito]

http://a.parsons.edu/%7Eevan/polycount/lpc_transformers/present_frenzy.jpg
Link to Transformation (http://a.parsons.edu/%7Eevan/polycount/lpc_transformers/frenzy_2.mov)

[cptincognito]

http://a.parsons.edu/%7Eevan/polycount/lpc_transformers/present_ravage.jpg
Link To Transformation (http://a.parsons.edu/%7Eevan/polycount/lpc_transformers/ravage.mov)

[cptincognito]

http://a.parsons.edu/%7Eevan/polycount/lpc_transformers/present_ratbat.jpg
Link To Transformation (http://a.parsons.edu/%7Eevan/polycount/lpc_transformers/ratbat_1.mov)

[cptincognito]

http://a.parsons.edu/%7Eevan/polycount/lpc_transformers/present_soundwave.jpg
Link To Transformation (http://a.parsons.edu/%7Eevan/polycount/lpc_transformers/soundwave.mov)

[Azimn]

I was inspired by cptincognito (http://boards.polycount.net/member.php?u=24544), so here is a show piece... With 498 Triangles...
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f161/st4rscream/Galvatron_showpiece.jpg

[genericnamedave]

Here is my completed entry. I went and made an emmissive map, so you can DQ me for that! But the vehicle had lights! had to include!
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s184/originaldave77/ECTOBotentry.gifhttp://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s184/originaldave77/PolycountEntry.jpg

[cptincognito]

Mixing Transformers and Ghostbusters is like crossing the beams, only awesome.

[Azimn]

Yeah I think it's pretty creative, I like how his head reminds me of their ghost detector thing.

[genericnamedave]

Well It was fun, but now I want to start on another low-poly challenge!

It wouldn't hurt to announce it...start a new thread, while the entries/winners are sorted out.

My suggestions for a new low-poly challenge:

- Create a next-gen video game console or handheld.
- Turn a 2D cartoon character into 3D
- Lego-ize a pop-culture figure (not already given the Lego treatment)

[genericnamedave]

Mixing Transformers and Ghostbusters is like crossing the beams, only awesome.

Thank you sir!

And I think your entry of Galvatron is awesome! He was my first choice too, was gonna make him a police SUV with his orange cannon doubling as the roof-mounted lights, but thought the better of it! Your Galvs looks great!

And all of Cptin's entries look solid too. Soundwave and his army of minions. Still want to see a group shot!

[RedRogueXIII]

Dunno if it's too late to enter, but I only found about this yesterday and I'd also like to participate.
http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq148/redroguexiii/Renders/TFA_OP_low.jpg

[Azimn]

He looks great...
Nice job is that Optimus prime from the cartoon? I hope you finnish it. I was sad that no one did an Optimus, Kudos.

[genericnamedave]

Well I'd personally call it a draw...the Optimus entry is game-worthy, and the plethora of entries that is Soundwave and his minions should also be acknowledged!

Bring on the next LPC!!!

[Valandar]

Yeah! Sorry, real-world work (both 3D and the written word) kinda kept me from entering my Cybertron Starscream (let alone adjusting the mesh to better fit the proportions of the actual figure), but maybe next time I could pop in...