How did they make the graphics of FF7: Advent Children?

[w1sh]

I know it's ridiculously complicated and 3d engine mumbo jumbo, but I'm just curious how Square is consistently able to make better computer generated graphics than anyone else.

If you have any idea about what programs/languages they used, I'd like to know and start practicing.

I want characters designed like those, but not a movie or anything.. for a web-based game.

Thanks guys. Love ur site. The tutorials are really helpful and I hope to become a decent member here (have already started designing my pixel person).

[sebus]

I think they used Alias Maya - go to cgtalk.com it's the top CG forum there is :)

[w1sh]

Thanks. I thought they may have, but everyone else uses that too. I thought Square might've used some specialized CG program.
I think I'll start working with Maya now. I'll keep you guys posted on my progress and you can give me some technical suggestions.

[DDD]

Alot of these guys use proprietary engines. So it is not mainly the app used to build the models as any app (theoretically) can be used. But it is the render engine for the game. And also Mo Cap technology.

[Pasquale]

Maya as I have said in the past- IS THE SHIZZ. They use it for movies- for animation AND modelling for promotional things:)

[iLikePie]

^ what DDD said.

if you're just starting out w1sh, go for maya or 3dsmax (they're both really good) and just learn how to use the different sections (modelling, rigging for animation, texturing, animation etc.) and you'll probably realise that some bits are harder than others. I think that all the major projects by big companies use lots of different software - specialised animation programs, really nice renderers and such.

But you can make some awesome stuff iwth just maya, and it's a great place to start out anyway.

[Pasquale]

Maya is dope :)

[hybrid101]

i love maya, i tested it out once on my school's computer. trying to practice it well enough to actually start animating 3d:D

[Pasquale]

Man rigging a character is a mission.

[DDD]

Honestly. I f I were just starting, and the way the industry is leaning. I would go XSI and mix in Modo. And definitely learn zBrush. I am a Lightwave man, and have been on the edge of defecting. But Lightwave 9 is going to be off the chain, so you may want to look at Lightwave as well. Plus you get Vue 5 and LWCAD for free. And Vue is releasing Vue Xtreme for LW soon. So things are going to heat up in the 3d world very soon. Maya is okay, but is a love hate relationship with me. I dumped max around version 4.

As far as uses in movies, all 3d apps can boast this as well as games. I would say try things out yourself and research.

[senocular]

I would use colored pencils

[w1sh]

I tried that senocular, but they dont stay on the monitor. Permanent markers look best.

I'd be interested to see some CG things people in this forum have made. Characters, settings, terrain, etc.. Tempted to make a battle, but don't want to step out of my newb boundaries. :O

[theflash]

I tried that senocular, but they dont stay on the monitor. Permanent markers look best.

I'd be interested to see some CG things people in this forum have made. Characters, settings, terrain, etc.. Tempted to make a battle, but don't want to step out of my newb boundaries. :O

There is already a bettle going on 3d mouse. Also there are some old 3d bettle as well. Check them out in bettle section.

Just start with any one app first, so you will understand some common techniques and terms. Start understanding the fundamental parts or these programs like Modelling, Texturing, Lighting, Rigging, Rendering...

[badmonur]

softImage XSI is teh best (mate LOTR with it)

[w1sh]

Yea, I figured there were already some battles or something going on. Not sure why I suggested it.
Also, didn't mean to be redundant by starting this thread. I know there is another one that covers most of the 3D apps. I suppose I was really just interested in what program was used to make FF7:AC.

Now Maya has my interest pretty hard though.

This thread can die now.

[sebus]

Modo is awesome for modeling and very easy to learn when compared to other apps. The new version of modo has really good rendering and not only that, it's almost instant so you can see when working on something how it will look before you make your final render. No animation tools come with modo at this time. XSI has all you need including animation/rigging but is pretty tough to learn how to shade/texture when compared to apps like 3dsmax, cinema 4d, lightwave and modo. Lightwave 9 looks great, is not that expensive for a full app and is pretty easy to learn. Go to sharbor.com they have great pricing on lightwave and XSI. I personally use Cinema 4d since it's the easies of the bunch but it doesn't have good tools for character animation, but when it comes to motion graphics, it's the best. I also use lightwave from time to time. Personally if you are just starting out in 3d, go with lightwave or cinema 4d. good luck

[sebus]

again just because they used Maya to make FF7, doesn't mean it can't be done with other apps and you really shouldn't buy an app just because you saw something amazing done with it. It takes years to learn a 3d app and much more to master it. There is amazing animation done with Lightwave, XSI and Max.

[w1sh]

again just because they used Maya to make FF7, doesn't mean it can't be done with other apps and you really shouldn't buy an app just because you saw something amazing done with it. It takes years to learn a 3d app and much more to master it. There is amazing animation done with Lightwave, XSI and Max.

I know, but I think Maya's student version is free... I'm the poorest person alive.

[sebus]

nope you are talking about Maya PLE which has watermarks on your renders and in the viewport - that's free. EDU version is not free. Go to www.studica.com for all educational versions of software.

[iLikePie]

i have the maya PLE and its' a bit annoying but still fine.. it's not like i'll be doing anyting amazing while i learn anyway, so the watermark isnt' a huge bother. Once i get good, that's when i'll start to care...

[w1sh]

nope you are talking about Maya PLE which has watermarks on your renders and in the viewport - that's free. EDU version is not free. Go to www.studica.com (http://www.studica.com) for all educational versions of software. How did you know I was going to get back on right now and ask you that? ...Psychic powers... amazing.

I just tried it and sure enough it was covered with watermarks. I don't blame them, but yeah... I'm poor. So if you guys know of any good freeware programs that you like in particular, I'd like to start investigating them. If I find something on studica.com I'll modify this post.

Thanks again Sebus.

Edit: sdapfasjdfij! Holy crap. Everything on that website is expensive. Let me be blunt, I can't afford to spend money at all. Note my location... one of the most economically jacked places in the U.S. I'm trying to learn how to code extensively so I can beginning jumping on freelance jobs until I've built up a good enough resume to get my family out of here. Once that's accomplished, I'll start using money on software. Until then... any good freeware fansites you know of?

[theflash]

For freeware only one thing will come to mind... go for open-source... go for Blender, it has produced some amazing results too. Check for Elephant dreams which was made in Blender.

[w1sh]

Thanks, I'll find something now. If not, I'll try something else. If I do find some freeware 3d app. I'll let you guys know for anyone else who's interested.

[Pasquale]

HEH I got my full version from a person at a VFX company :)