Blog update - Marine concepts

24

Comments

  • SirusSirus Join Date: 2002-11-13 Member: 8466Members, NS1 Playtester, Constellation
    It's really nice to see some of the artwork revisited. I have to say though, #8 to me is the most impressive and I would love to see it reconsidered. Personally, I feel that it could maintain a very cohesive style yet allow for variations among armor classes. (The helmet is the most distinguishable feature in-game)
  • kingmobkingmob Join Date: 2002-11-01 Member: 3650Members, Constellation
    Nice job.
    And nicely done report.
  • Iced_EagleIced_Eagle Borg Engineer Join Date: 2003-03-02 Member: 14218Members
    Excellent art! <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />
  • SirusSirus Join Date: 2002-11-13 Member: 8466Members, NS1 Playtester, Constellation
    edited August 2007
    <!--quoteo(post=1642140:date=Aug 4 2007, 04:44 PM:name=Max)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Max @ Aug 4 2007, 04:44 PM) [snapback]1642140[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    That's a different meaning of the word 'identify' than how I intended it. I meant it in the sense "John has a red bandanna and I'm supposed to be sticking with John so that I can cover him while he builds". Of course it's also great if players can identify with each other as well!
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Do you plan on different avatar customization options that will allow a player to cosmetically represent their style of play? (Mouthful.) ex. If I wanted to take up a defensive role, would I be able to throw on a red bandanna, detail myself with engineer gear and focus on building / repairing, just for fun. That way players have the ability to physically represent their style of play so that their teammates have an unspoken understanding?

    My apologies if that comes off as nonsense, but "classes" have always played a large role in both FPS and RTS games, so I've always wondered where that might be represented in NS. Players have given themselves roles through NS 1, but will they be able to truly attach their avatar to that role in-game through some method?

    My only concern would be a few Marine players playing costume party.

    edit. I typically play a Medic role in any game where that is supported. I would love to be able to throw on some Red Crosses on my avatar letting players know that when able, I am ready to weld or play a offensive support role.
  • Mr. EpicMr. Epic Join Date: 2003-08-01 Member: 18660Members, Constellation
    edited August 2007
    Oh snap! Excellent art, women in NS finally, and interesting designs. The original design is quite interesting- clearly a female variant of the classic male model. The selected designs, while good, detract from the feel.

    Is this SC:Ghost that never got released? Is this one of those UT player models?

    The only truly NS variants are the original and possibly a modified #8 (that shell like design is awesome). I hope you guys look into it and revisit, that hologram stuff is distracting.

    Oh and the other thing- One of the greatest things about the NS universe is that the marines are just marines- there aren't 3 characters to choose. Now, it sounds like you guys may wish to add customization by showing the faces... bad move, I think. Having the faces shielded but allowing a little bit of the chin is a really wise move because you will still be a marine but you have a little bit of variability.

    Let us know what you guys think of our comments please, would like to know more of your perspective. Thanks!

    EDIT----------------
    Sirus brings up an interesting point- why do face customization/that kind of thing when customizing the player's armor could do even more to describe you? Think aliens- customized armor with flags, colors, maybe varied armor looks (BUT NOT different stats, classes are an entirely different issue).
  • N_3N_3 &#092;o/ Join Date: 2004-03-12 Member: 27291Members, Constellation
    edited August 2007
    very interesting, i dunno if i like the idea of having the marine's face visible though. The way the marines play the game, jumping around and running fearlessly into alien territories is quite a realistically inhuman thing to do. On the other hand, it does make them look more pro if they're too good for head protection.
  • RadixRadix Join Date: 2005-01-10 Member: 34654Members, Constellation
    You seem interested in making the game cohesive to women (not a criticism, just a statement of fact). I remember a woman who loved the series Starship Troopers Chronicles (the CG one, not the live action). You might look into its ephemeral qualities to see if there's anything you can use.
  • AhnteisAhnteis teh Bob Join Date: 2002-10-02 Member: 1405Members, NS1 Playtester, Constellation
    Just FWIW:

    I would rather see 3 sets of 3 options than 1 set of 9 options.

    (So if you have to limit the number of options, I'd rather be able to mix-n-match several different parts then just select from many different helmets.)

    Same for aliens.

    It would also be extremely cool to be able to add an insignia somewhere on the marine uniform and scars to the aliens.
  • BuzzouBuzzou Join Date: 2006-12-14 Member: 59056Members, Constellation
    awesome! the concept art looks really great! i think the hologram visor is the most logical choice for a technological advancement from the old headgear from NS1, but i also like to see a version with the full helmet, camera(or flashlight) and communications gear from #3, with the mouthguard and visor from the first pic in #8.
    i think there should also be a version that covers the entire face. i know the devs will want to promote the facial animations and the emersiveness to the character it will create, but i'd prever for have a more anonymous or desguised look that a full helmet could provide.

    that gun she's holding looks very nice, and i hope theres a new gadget hiding in that utility belt.

    <!--quoteo(post=1642066:date=Aug 4 2007, 03:17 PM:name=aeroripper)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(aeroripper @ Aug 4 2007, 03:17 PM) [snapback]1642066[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    Also I think the chest flashlight should stay as it really gives distinction to the art style. If its made more noticeable in NS2, it'd be a sight to see a bunch of marines in a darkened room with their chest lights glowing subtly. It really wouldn't give them away, since the aliens can probably see in the dark anyways.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    oh god, no. if this is included in the game, could i please be able to customise by chest plate to remove it? or at least have an option to turn it off? no matter how faint the little light is, it would still give away your position, and would make little mini fun games like Last Man Standing almost impossible to play. i know there will be lots of people out there complaining "you're meant to be playing NS, not LMS!!!" but little silly games like that have helped break up the tedium of playing the same old game over and over, and kept my interest in the game. and lets face it, eventually NS2 will get old and repetitive after a while...
  • GeminosityGeminosity :3 Join Date: 2003-09-08 Member: 20667Members
    Hmmm... just curious but why is the CPU stored on the back of the head? wouldn't it better to store it on the back so there's less weight on your neck?

    given options in games I usually go for one of two extremes; negligible protection for the head (I like to be seen if I like the models. The most adornment I'll put on the character in cases like this is maybe a bandana and that's about it except maybe some kind earpiece. Helps avoid helmet hair too :D).
    The other extreme is to cover up pretty much everything bar the eyes (Ironically the one thing that got covered up by the old NS design). This is usually just because I don't like the faces available :p

    of the designs I like 3 through 8 (though I don't like the last two sections of 8). The whole 'half covered' look where her hair is tufting out the top doesn't really appeal to me I'm afraid :/

    The see-through visors are kinda cool ^^
  • FaskaliaFaskalia Wechsellichtzeichenanlage Join Date: 2004-09-12 Member: 31651Members, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1641979:date=Aug 4 2007, 03:58 AM:name=JJJ1)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JJJ1 @ Aug 4 2007, 03:58 AM) [snapback]1641979[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    Yes, of course. Just how fast do you think the pace of NS combat is? I get plenty of time to look at aliens and marines when I play. I don't think it is going to be an issue at all.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Well, but when I bite a marines head off, I want his deathcam to show me in all my spiky glory.
    It would just add some more spice to the game, knowing that the skulk, with the red glowing eyes, the extra long tail and the spiky headplate just killed you <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tounge.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":p" border="0" alt="tounge.gif" />
  • locallyunscenelocallyunscene Feeder of Trolls Join Date: 2002-12-25 Member: 11528Members, Constellation
    If you do make it customizable could you add a high poly version of the original marine helmet? Maybe make it a special option for consties/vets/whatever.
  • TychoCelchuuuTychoCelchuuu Anememone Join Date: 2002-03-23 Member: 345Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1642190:date=Aug 5 2007, 04:45 AM:name=Geminosity)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Geminosity @ Aug 5 2007, 04:45 AM) [snapback]1642190[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    Hmmm... just curious but why is the CPU stored on the back of the head? wouldn't it better to store it on the back so there's less weight on your neck?
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    My Core2Duo weighs like, 2 grams. In the future, I imagine they'll only get lighter.
  • DelphicDelphic Join Date: 2006-11-02 Member: 58262Members
    Nice concepts, I *really* like the first of the two 'final' concepts, the blue visor is very cool and so 'NS', although that said I think being able to see her hair is pretty cool too.

    I'm all for the idea of some avatar customisation, and I agree with the 3 sets of 3 options over 1 set of 9 philosophy. Whilst I think things like armour / helmet / hair / facial variations should be kept subtle and impossible to players to violate the art (haha), I think it would be important to allow bandana's / arm bands etc to be nice bright colours (just not flouresent or anything) if the player so wanted, which would nicely aid identification of your teammates.

    Oh and did I mention, that concept art is great! ...especially for the fact the woman is realistically proportioned whilst still being attractive unlike most video games.
  • AnimeLOLAnimeLOL Join Date: 2006-11-02 Member: 58275Members
    edited August 2007
    I'm loving the marine concepts! I really appreciate how NS2 will be able to appeal to the female player base with these new marines.

    The one thing I'm worried about is if the marines have too much customization, they won't really be as cohesive artistically as if they have standardized equipment. I'm not personally a "customization freak," but I don't mind if other's want it. I just want the cohesion to remain.

    btw: what's a "Dark Sire" Tycho?
  • TychoCelchuuuTychoCelchuuu Anememone Join Date: 2002-03-23 Member: 345Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1642421:date=Aug 6 2007, 01:52 PM:name=AnimeLOL)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(AnimeLOL @ Aug 6 2007, 01:52 PM) [snapback]1642421[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    I'm loving the marine concepts! I really appreciate how NS2 will be able to appeal to the female player base with these new marines. <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Because we all know that girls would play Natural Selection 2, and all sorts of first person shooters, if only there were female avatars for them to choose!

    <!--quoteo(post=1642421:date=Aug 6 2007, 01:52 PM:name=AnimeLOL)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(AnimeLOL @ Aug 6 2007, 01:52 PM) [snapback]1642421[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    The one thing I'm worried about is if the marines have too much customization, they won't really be as cohesive artistically as if they have standardized equipment. I'm not personally a "customization freak," but I don't mind if other's want it. I just want the cohesion to remain.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    With the way the NS team has handled things until now, I don't think there's much of a worry of any loss of cohesion. They've got an art style going and they're not going to throw it out just so that we can have amazing technicolor marines.

    <!--quoteo(post=1642421:date=Aug 6 2007, 01:52 PM:name=AnimeLOL)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(AnimeLOL @ Aug 6 2007, 01:52 PM) [snapback]1642421[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    btw: what's a "Dark Sire" Tycho?
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Danged if I know.
  • DejikoSamaDejikoSama Join Date: 2005-06-30 Member: 54996Members
    the thing I would most like to have for a customization option would be to be able to make a small decal and put it on a part of your armor (the back of the armor seems like it would be a good place to put it). it may be hard to do, but I think it would be highly worth the effort if it were possible (which I really think it is, given what people have been able to do with the source engine so far)

    and yea, its too bad #6 got thrown out, that was really cool ='(
  • CrispyCrispy Jaded GD Join Date: 2004-08-22 Member: 30793Members, Constellation
    edited August 2007
    Any reason why these blog updates aren't going on the front page any more?

    And I'm not sure that uncovering the face is as good a move as it was intended as. Unless you're going to model a number of customised heads, yes you will have a more 'human' feel, but you'll also have a more defined feel. People won't be able to connect with the marines on the same level if it's obvious they're completely different to them. E.g. if you use this example as the female model, sure you can change whether she has this or that helmet variation, but you won't me able to make her look Asian, for instance (changing skin tone will not make someone look Asian if they have a European facial structure). You could argue that the NS1 design allowed you to imagine yourself in thew suit.

    Now I don't actually think it will really make as much difference as that, I'd be fine with a standard model with perhaps some racial variations and an area on the armour to choose a custom insignia (imported clan tag bitmaps ftw!).
  • TychoCelchuuuTychoCelchuuu Anememone Join Date: 2002-03-23 Member: 345Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1642427:date=Aug 6 2007, 02:24 PM:name=DejikoSama)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DejikoSama @ Aug 6 2007, 02:24 PM) [snapback]1642427[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    the thing I would most like to have for a customization option would be to be able to make a small decal and put it on a part of your armor (the back of the armor seems like it would be a good place to put it). it may be hard to do, but I think it would be highly worth the effort if it were possible (which I really think it is, given what people have been able to do with the source engine so far)

    and yea, its too bad #6 got thrown out, that was really cool ='(
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    That's just asking for goatse. It's practically begging for it.
  • AhnteisAhnteis teh Bob Join Date: 2002-10-02 Member: 1405Members, NS1 Playtester, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1642456:date=Aug 6 2007, 07:54 PM:name=TychoCelchuuu)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TychoCelchuuu @ Aug 6 2007, 07:54 PM) [snapback]1642456[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    That's just asking for goatse. It's practically begging for it.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    That's simple to handle -- just have a "mute" feature for decals. (Would be nice for NS sprays for the same reason.)
  • AlignAlign Remain Calm Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 5216Forum Moderators, Constellation
    Or ask the players to design a dozen decals (or two dozen), and only allow the approved ones to be used.
  • DiColaDiCola Join Date: 2003-01-04 Member: 11790Members
    Amazing art!

    I noticed from those sketches, that being able to see the player's face uncovered like in that final version pic, it gives the marines a hint of livelihood and storytellness instead of just stone-cold robotic "we are not here to tell you stories, we just kill aliens."

    But I'm also sure that some people would like the option of having NS2 marines to be almost faceless like in NS1. So having that original eye-covering helmet version as an alternative option would do good.
  • realturkrealturk Join Date: 2005-01-07 Member: 33431Members, Constellation
  • BluePhishBluePhish Join Date: 2003-12-14 Member: 24364Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
    hot rine chix!!!! hellyaw!
  • ObraxisObraxis Subnautica Animator & Generalist, NS2 Person Join Date: 2004-07-24 Member: 30071Super Administrators, Forum Admins, NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators, NS2 Developer, Constellation, NS2 Playtester, Squad Five Silver, WC 2013 - Supporter, Subnautica Developer, Pistachionauts
    It does look rather spiffing and good. More concept art is always a good thing and looks great.

    I await more! <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":)" border="0" alt="smile-fix.gif" />
  • TriggermanTriggerman Graphic Artist Join Date: 2004-11-10 Member: 32724Members, WC 2013 - Supporter
    edited August 2007
    This is good stuff, if there's anything that you should do with an follow-up on a previous game is to prioritize the design and artwork. You need to make it fresh and improved, and this is just a very and say veeery good idea. It's perhaps not much to other games, but for NS I think bringing females is a good idea, and of course a more human approach to the previously very lifeless marines (they looked cool though in their cloned glory ^^)
    Another question I have is that I pondered the light on their chest-armour... what made me think was that it would be suitable for say, reloading your gun or fiddling with whatever you need to fiddle with in a dark environment... is it possible for you guys to perhaps include the human body (not as previously where your perspective floated, seemingly without a body for the person playing) and then add that small ambient light? (Most likely not going to happen but I think I'd ask anyway) It would do wonders for the atmosphere.

    I'm all for the helmets, but I need to ask you... I've seen several new Marine concept artworks, but I have never seen any of the Alien? Is this intended as in the Aliens doesn't need any more 'loving', or is it for a later time?


    And yes, I have to agree with someone above me wrote to let the players design new decals that you could include... I'd be more than happy to spend an evening making decals!
  • AlignAlign Remain Calm Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 5216Forum Moderators, Constellation
    I forgot to give my opinion...
    Showing hair is bad, because it removes the feeling of being a team of badass cyborgs, and concealing the mouth makes them too emotionless.
  • HeymanHeyman Join Date: 2005-03-29 Member: 46895Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1643317:date=Aug 11 2007, 02:36 PM:name=Align)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Align @ Aug 11 2007, 02:36 PM) [snapback]1643317[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    I forgot to give my opinion...
    Showing hair is bad, because it removes the feeling of being a team of badass cyborgs, and concealing the mouth makes them too emotionless.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    They weren't a team of badass cyborgs in the first place.
  • DrfuzzyDrfuzzy FEW... MORE.... INCHES... Join Date: 2003-09-21 Member: 21094Members
    edited August 2007
    wow i like them all, i vote you sub-model them all and make them change random like the black and white skins do in ns1 <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />

    Would make for better custom content with sub-model content too <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin-fix.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid=":D" border="0" alt="biggrin-fix.gif" />

    I like the goggles/respirator the best, or the tinted glass and respirator
  • AlignAlign Remain Calm Join Date: 2002-11-02 Member: 5216Forum Moderators, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1643338:date=Aug 12 2007, 01:28 AM:name=Heyman)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Heyman @ Aug 12 2007, 01:28 AM) [snapback]1643338[/snapback]</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
    They weren't a team of badass cyborgs in the first place.
    <!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    I know, but it's the feeling that counts.
    <img src="style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/asrifle.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="::asrifle::" border="0" alt="asrifle.gif" />
Sign In or Register to comment.