Competition #14 - Daxtor

[Daxtor]

Hello everyone!

This is the first time I have participated in a contest, hopefully I can still make this one just in time.

I decided to make a scorpion gunner out of a black asian forest scorpion: Image:Asian forest scorpion in Khao Yai National Park.JPG - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
First thought was mixing it with some steampunk, but the low tri-count blocks that idea. At the least, it will be a scorpion with metal, in a sort of a ruggish look. This is how far I have come, although it is still on the drawing board, and might not be the final model.

The scorpion will be carrying (so far, at least) two guns in its smaller arms. The larger arms will end in a powerdriven metalclaw and a sort of blaster. The tail ends as a heavy blaster with aim, made to rest on the scorpion's shoulder. Hopefully, if the tri-count admits it, I hope to add an ammo belt or bag. My concern now is, whether or not it is too loaded with guns'n'guns.

My other concern, as I have never tried to work with this few polygons, is the complexity of the model. All those arms and weapons are counting up, and I have already reached about 900 tri's. Advice and feedback upon this would be very much appreciated, as I am still learning the ropes of this.

I have watched alot of you other guys' entries, thumbs up, they are looking good! Good luck to all!

[Daxtor]

Alright. After a bit consideration, I decided to scrap the scorpion, a bit too cheesy and difficult, as well.

So, in order to redeem myself, I am starting all over, and here goes for a bumblebee! It seems less difficult to me, and I am more satisfied with the concept. My thought about it, is a close combat special unit supporter, packed with guns and ammunitions, for long, draining combats. The guns are therefore meant to be fired one and one, or two and two, to keep the fire going on.
This bee will probably end up wearing boots, gloves and pilot's goggles.

Hopefully, this bee will not be scientifically unqualified to fly...

The image below is a prototype. I will be making a low poly model soon, then model a high poly in Zbrush, and hopefully, I will get to learn, how to do them normal maps in Zbrush.

[funkdelic]

haha badass entry Daxto, really liked how 'venger' look he has!
I would just work on 2 kinds of weapons, submachine guns and pistols... think it would add more details!
hurry up! you still have some time!

[Daxtor]

Hehe, thanks a lot Funkdelic I have a final pose in mind for him, which hopefully will give him an extra of that 'venger' look.
You might be right about the weapons, I was thinking in a time-saving manner, but perhaps you are right, in a more aistethically way, as well as logical in a close combat. I will look into this.
Yes it is really time to hurry now, otherwise I will have to pull some all-nighters!

[Daxtor]

Alright, a little update. The low poly mesh is going good. I have reached 906 tris, so now I must se where to add 100 tris of details.

This should be done for tomorrow, where I will continue working on it in ZBrush.

Anyone got a nifty link for low poly weapons by any chance?

[Daxtor]

Oh dear.. Time is closing in.. Anyone else feeling a bit stressed?

Well, new update from here. I have learned how to work with normal maps in maya and Zbrush now, made alot of small nudges and have finally set up the UV's for my bumblebee.

I had actually made a SMG for him, but in a matter of saving time and leaving more space for UV's for one gun. Besides, I kinda like him all packed with these heavy guns.

Next up is the high poly figures.

[Daxtor]

Alright, another small update. The ammobags are now complete, and I will be moving on to the next part as soon as possible!

[funkdelic]

Yeah baby!! two sets of fire weapon! this bug is going to kick some buts!

the texture work looks neat so far mate! looking foward for more!

[Daxtor]

Boots are done! Unfortunatly not as well as I would like them to end up, but I'm satisfied, and must move on. Luckily, I am learning how to use normal maps more fluently, and workprocess is speeding up slowly.

funkdelic -> I'm sad to say, I decided to skip the SMG.. It would have looked cool, but I skipped it in favor for more space on the UV map. But I have attached an image of how the SMG ended up Hopefully, four heavy guns will look nice on him too. But thanks for the comment

[Daxtor]

Alright, normal mapping and texturing are nearly done. Hopefully, some better lighting and correction of some of the gritty parts on the texture, will help the model.
This being my very first game character, I am definitly satisfied, although it is far from perfect.