Always fun to hear people talk about their field when analysing something they enjoy. Hoping the clip of Cuphead was a promise of things to come, I've been wanting to hear animators talk about that game since it came out, and wondering if you'd ever consider talking about how animation brings life to literal rectangles in Thomas Was Alone?
Thanks so much! This is a series I've been wanting to do for ages, and I'm happy people are interested! Yes, the clips used are certainly a tease into future videos, and Cuphead will likely be a big episode! I'll certainly give it thought for TWA!
Dan Root Yeah, Mega Man Zero comes to mind. Their old sprite-based fighting games like X-Men, Jojo, and of course Street Fighter also come to mind. It's kind of a shame that 3d is so prevalent. I remember reading a really good blog post about thr importance of snappy animations in 2d vs 3d fighting games that you'd probably be interested in but I can't find it at the moment.
Ahh, that does sound interesting actually. I can see why it'd be important, as well. Yeah, 3D is very popular, but I think (hope) Sonic Mania, Owl Boy and Cuphead will have sparked a new generation of intricate 2D animation in video games.
Just discovered your channel today and I love all these analysis videos! Glad you reminded me of Dustforce too: I played the game for probably 100 hours a few years ago, and I never got tired of watching characters wind up for their heavy attacks - so much weight conveyed with such a subtle touch!
Hey thanks a lot! I'm glad you enjoy them. I'm worried Dustforce will be one of those indie games lost to the winds of time. Let's hope they re-release it in years to come!
A good reference, like mentioned in the video, is the animator's survival kit - which is my favorite reference. Basic principles we use today are taught there
Yep, it's my go to resource, had it for nearly 15 years. I never realised that the "12 Basic Principles" have only been taught as such since the 80s, even though the principles themselves have been there since the beginning.
Nailed it! I like how focused this one is, Dan. More like this please! The level of detail you delve into is really great and the effort you put in to these vids is truly admirable. Such great production! Bravo!
Something super interesting I think the video should've mentioned: Take a look at the animation at 5:21. It has a huge anticipation, and the final frame before the attack, she is standing with her back towards the camera (as evidenced by the position of the strap from her pants). Then they do a huge smear for the attack. Look at the direction of the smear. Based on the shadows, it's coming from... her left to her right. And the final pose is ALSO standing with her back to the screen. Essentially, the animation doesn't actually show a blow, it shows a slight change in posture, and the smear is the wrong way around. But the anticipation, screen shake and snappiness of the animation makes it very easy to miss. It's a very good way to hide flaws in animation, and the end result looks great, even though the artist possibly messed up a sprite or two.
Thanks for the comment. I wouldn'y say it was necessarily a mistake, I think it's more in reference to earlier when I mentioned about actions needing a quick response, and I think this is just another time-saving technique to show a massive action. Good points, all the same!
Amazing video my man !! My only problem is that the characters have names :Blue is Dustman, Red is Dustgirl, Purple is Dustkid and Green is Dustworth.Yeah I know I'm nitpicking but that's because is love the game...Anyway...The video was amazing!!
The minimalist style they use on these characters allow their animation to really "pop" on screen. Their uniforms also reminds me of Japanese Sentai shows. Wish I could speak more about the animation in my review like you tho. Great video ! I like how you explain everything with your own short animations too, like the controller and the Run Cycle examples.
Hey thanks for the feedback! Yeah, the characters are really so cute and simple in this game, and I always say simple done well will always look better than overcomplicated things! Cool, I'll have to check out your review!
Was actually wondering if you'd be doing a video on this game, I've been looking to purchase it and your analysis on the animation makes me even more tempted. Excellent video and can't wait for more in this series.
The Fancy pants adventures serieshas good animation for all sorts of situations, not just in the character's parkour movements, but in his enemies as well. Interesteing blend of 2d and 3d
Dan Root the games are free on browsers and phones. I think it had console versions and I know another one is imminent, but I'm not too versed in all that. I recommend world 3
This was a fucking fantastic video and I love you and keep up the good work. I was kind of floored that you animated yourself talking in the beginning and other bits. I cant imagine the amount of effort, but it does lend you some instant credibility. You are awesome
Ha, it is. Although it's actually something that was used on British television before and after programming started. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Test_Card_F
Just curious, is pompom a local term for feather duster in your regional dialect? I've never heard them called that, but it's very fitting slang if so. :O
Okay, thanks man for the quick response! :D Buying the game right away, it's available on Steam too By the way amazing channel bro! We are working on a beat em up style game for mobile device so this really got my attention
No man, not yet. We are still in very early stages so we will run a Twitter account and page once we get some more art and things done. Our artist is busy on other project so things are moving slow right now. But I will surely update you once things get in speed. Followed you on Instagram :D
I'm not the type of person that pays attention to how a game looks or anything of the sorts I tend to focus on the gameplay. Today's video game developers tend to focus more on how the game looks rather than how it plays which hurts the game nine times out of ten, but it looks like this game pulls it off pretty well in both design and gameplay wise I can't wait to try it out one day Dan.
Thanks a lot! I think game style & substance are as important as each other and need to be balanced. In a sad sort of way, if a thing is done well, it's barely noticeable, because it's doing its job well. A little like video editing, you can tell when it's not right.
personally, i tried the game, but i honestly didn't like it, but different strokes for different folks or something like that right? i mean the game has gotta have 93% positive reviews on steam for a reason right?
Yeah, I watched some of his videos even though I obviously have no chance of being an animator :/ Check out his work, it's good stuff, even if some of it's a bit outdated.
Aw, ya think so? (I find it ironic that I know see Alan Becker's tutorials in my recommended again) Anyways, you've been taught well it seems, keep up the good work!
Absolutely, yeah. You just gotta ask yourself "what's holding me back?" And thank you very much! I animate as quickly as I can with the time I have :-)
