Home » MODDING HQ 1.13 » v1.13 General Development Talk » *Random generated Portraits* Updated Generator
*Random generated Portraits* Updated Generator[message #314394] Sat, 19 January 2013 12:56 Go to next message
Rust_Knight is currently offline Rust_Knight

 
Messages:76
Registered:June 2009
(Here is the link to the tutorial topic for the program)
http://www.ja-galaxy-forum.com/board/ubbthreads.php/topics/314786/Random_generated_Portraits_TUT.html#Post314786

Quote:
DOWNLOAD CUSTOM VERSION (JA2 ready):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/mj0llvm3jgnd35c/XichtE_JA2kit.rar


Quote:
UPDATED EXE (Saves as PNG)
https://www.dropbox.com/s/psbqf4vr5fdwmw5/XichtEd_PNG.rar



The matter at hand today is simple.
Random generated portraits. And i mean the professional ones.

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/7314/28643855.jpg

And these are the animations - there is some quality loss due to the video conversion (sorry, my fault) as you can see in contrast with the actual pictures.Also, didn't handle the frame sequence and looping too well, so some animations may seem screwy.

http://s7.postimage.org/l5l9ko4vb/20130123_1005_13.gif


http://s7.postimage.org/rurt0oq7b/20130122_1548_20.gif


http://s7.postimage.org/94ztjxxgn/20130123_1008_52.gif

http://s7.postimage.org/6c6lzwx47/20130123_1010_20.gif

http://s7.postimage.org/is3btnqg7/20130123_1011_31.gif





These upper portraits were created by me (through the generator) as trying to show some of the features: male, female, ape generator plus hats and torture marks. Two portrait was personally created while others were selected from a list of randomly generated portraits.



Here i want to show the color ability of the program, you can manipulate every color component, even more you have a random color button which changes colors randomly from a given set of list. In my perspective, just by playing with the random color button on a character changes the way it is expressed, and can also reflect age to a certain degree.






These sets of portraits were generated through preferences settings ( you can tell the generator what "piaces of facial characteristics, and clothoes to use) making this tool pretty easy to handle.

Here i tried to create a biker stereotype (i included lots of facial hair, excluded some "soft" facial characteristics, and added hats) so that every time you create a random character, a biker stereotype is created. I didn't work too much on it, but enough to understand for a demonstration of what you can do:






Police people, or whatever you would want to call them. Again, as the bike dudes, i just used some guide lines for the generator and then made him do 30 faces guided from preferences i selected.


And these are some prisoners/slaves portraits

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/8278/slavez.jpg


These other portraits (the two links under) were generated randomly and posted as they are here.
To note that this is what the generator actually does when there are no rules set in what he uses to create faces. Mashes up colors, clothes, ethnical characteristics and so on.
Thou as i can see some hair pieces, head, eyes and so on are excluded from it so you'll have to set it manually. (by that i mean to select that component and increase the frequency it occurs on characters)



http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/1110/37701143.jpg

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/1148/15943009.jpg


Here is a link to the portrait generator itself, for those interested in using it or seeing what it does. You'll find it quite flexible in editing, just explore the functions - further instructions on how to use i will gladly share, only ask.

http://www.mediafire.com/?thhvg6rjhhz4wk6

(There are some features that need explaining, but the most important heads up is, if you load female pack you can't save in a gallery of male portraits. If you load a gallery of male, and you have female selected, you will get an error. I guess i wasn't too clear on it, but you'll understand.)


TO note - Quality is a bit dimmer since i am not so good at manipulating screen shots and such.
- Also, looking back, i can see not all the hair types manage to get in for the girls, total hair types being 20 in number.


A list of features from the generator:

a) A lot of variations on portraits
cool THEY. ARE. HAND-DRAWN. - this is the most important feature of all, since 3d rand-gen portraits are abundant, this one is unique
c) ANIMATED - lips, eyebrows, eyes.
d) Male, female and ape generator.
e) Features like tortured face marks, glasses, hats.

Another option the generator has is an ethnic criteria, being able to choose between arab, american or russian facial characteristics, thou don't expect for changes too radical. (Biggest contrast is between americans and russians, there are differences in beards, eyes and so forth; also arabs looks pretty much like US soldiers because they are mixed mercenaries, some white some with darker skin color)


Now, i am not suggesting we modify the current portraits of course. But we could for example add them to the faceless soldiers or make a new category of random mercs to hire.


I did try to convert some portraits from AIM, but it turned out that the styles are just different thou close in some aspects. Another issues is the way characters are facing, some are frontal others are shown from different angles (the JA 2 portraits), while these portraits are only from a set angle, thus creating even more conflict of art.

At this point on, the only way i see it (as Thor correctly mentioned) is to make a mod that replaces all portraits in the game, IF that is humanly possible through coding - depending on the amount of work this could sum up to.

NOTE: The generator itself i talked about as for the artwork are NOT part of my work. The generator is created by STUCUK (forum administrator and patcher of Original War) as for the art itself being part of a game, Original War.

[Updated on: Fri, 16 February 2018 09:24] by Moderator

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Corporal
Re: Attention to all - This could be big. *Random generated Portraits*[message #314396] Sat, 19 January 2013 13:06 Go to previous messageGo to next message
DepressivesBrot is currently offline DepressivesBrot

 
Messages:3658
Registered:July 2009
Interesting idea, why all the secrecy and mystery though?

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Captain

Re: Attention to all - This could be big. *Random generated Portraits*[message #314397] Sat, 19 January 2013 13:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Thor is currently offline Thor

 
Messages:423
Registered:February 2007
Location: Belgium
I second the above...

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Master Sergeant
Re: Attention to all - This could be big. *Random generated Portraits*[message #314399] Sat, 19 January 2013 13:41 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rust_Knight is currently offline Rust_Knight

 
Messages:76
Registered:June 2009
Several reasons.
If you guys answered so fast i would be more than pleased to get into a skype conference and discuss about it and take a look at it while your at it.

Will Pm you two my skype ID.

[Updated on: Sat, 19 January 2013 13:42] by Moderator

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Corporal
Re: Attention to all - This could be big. *Random generated Portraits*[message #314400] Sat, 19 January 2013 14:08 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Slax is currently offline Slax

 
Messages:1411
Registered:July 2006
Location: People riding polar bears...
Good. That's all I have to say. Smile

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Sergeant Major
Re: Attention to all - This could be big. *Random generated Portraits*[message #314403] Sat, 19 January 2013 15:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Thor is currently offline Thor

 
Messages:423
Registered:February 2007
Location: Belgium
I have just seen this generator after a Skype session with Rusty (thanks, man, you're cool!) and I should say this stuff is AWESOME work! I did some faces myself, but... woow!!

We should really do something with it. In my opinion the portraits differ slightly from the JA2 version, but the quality is excellent and what's more, the possibilities seem ENDLESS!!!
If this stuff is going to be in a MOD one day, it will be fantastic!

Thumbs up for this!

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Master Sergeant
Re: Attention to all - This could be big. *Random generated Portraits*[message #314404] Sat, 19 January 2013 15:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rust_Knight is currently offline Rust_Knight

 
Messages:76
Registered:June 2009
Thor your awesome yourself! was really nice talking to you.
Don't have many friends here on Ja2 forum, and am somewhat trapped in the new comer stage because i don't post that often, but i do read a lot, since 2009 or so.

As on topic, thing is merging this with the actual portraits may or may not be a reality.
I am aware that there is a delicate concept that is called quality, and merging two things of different origin may result in a general feeling of lack of tastes or quality for that matter.

In my opinion if these portraits are to be tuned by color (as color can be controlled entirely) and restrict some of the facial features it could align itself on the JA 2 close to perfection.

On the other hand, if there is at least one person who says that they don't fit, that means there are a lot more others and that is a no go for binding these two.

BUT as a mod, this would truly shine!
Even more, we could try and adapt the original portraits with the generator.


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Re: Attention to all - This could be big. *Random generated Portraits*[message #314405] Sat, 19 January 2013 15:40 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Thor is currently offline Thor

 
Messages:423
Registered:February 2007
Location: Belgium
Well, they still need to be resized in the different game formats and perhaps edges cut (if they go with the current mercs and system we have).
Unless some coder works out a different system. Or you want to use them for militia/enemies or something...
Maybe the way they are will be good when I see them then... Like I said, the possibilities seem endless with them... I'll try some stuff. Did it before. But I can't promise anything Wink

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Master Sergeant
Re: Attention to all - This could be big. *Random generated Portraits*[message #314442] Sun, 20 January 2013 17:33 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Thor is currently offline Thor

 
Messages:423
Registered:February 2007
Location: Belgium
Like you said, we should definitely do something with it... And yes, the genereator by its own seems interesting even... I am very interested in using it. I'd suggest to make a few printscreens and post them here with Imageshack or something...

[Updated on: Sun, 20 January 2013 17:35] by Moderator

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Master Sergeant
Re: Attention to all - This could be big. *Random generated Portraits*[message #314568] Tue, 22 January 2013 12:27 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rust_Knight is currently offline Rust_Knight

 
Messages:76
Registered:June 2009
Ok, i will post pictures and animations of what this program can do, somewhere around today or the next days to come.

Since i didn't post animations and such on forums before i need to check out some tutorials on how to post them.

Also, sorry for the delay and abusing your patience but i am currently in a exam session so i had little time to do these things.

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Re: Attention to all - This could be big. *Random generated Portraits*[message #314587] Tue, 22 January 2013 16:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rust_Knight is currently offline Rust_Knight

 
Messages:76
Registered:June 2009
Updated the title to something less enthusiastic.
Added pictures; now trying to record then convert to gij and then upload animations as well.

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Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED[message #314589] Tue, 22 January 2013 16:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
H_412 is currently offline H_412

 
Messages:27
Registered:October 2009
Hoorah! Someone else who has heard of Original War Very Happy
This stuff looks damn cool, any chance of seeing Macmillian or Burlak in game? I'm always looking for a decent mechanic Smile

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Private 1st Class
Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED[message #314590] Tue, 22 January 2013 16:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Yaguar is currently offline Yaguar

 
Messages:53
Registered:January 2013
Location: DE
Wow, you are really talented! Im lookng forward to see those in-game Smile

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Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED[message #314593] Tue, 22 January 2013 17:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rust_Knight is currently offline Rust_Knight

 
Messages:76
Registered:June 2009
They are good indeed but i am not the one responsible for them. I only want to promote the random generator (made by Stucuk, a forum administrator and patcher of Original War), the art itself is part of a game made by Altar, Original War.

Problem with it was that it was accused of being a starcraft clone and other complaints about voice acting. The outcome was that it was very limited in popularity and thus being already forgotten by many.

[Updated on: Tue, 22 January 2013 17:46] by Moderator

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Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED[message #314651] Wed, 23 January 2013 22:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
JAsmine is currently offline JAsmine

 
Messages:306
Registered:May 2011
The style of these randomly generated portraits is really not the same as the original JA2 pics.
But I must say that I really like the portraits from the generator.
Although they look different, they have that extra dose of "character" in them, just like the JA2 pics. This is what makes handdrawn portrais unique and imo superior to trash like the pics from BIA.
I agree, that it would make sense to replace all existing portraits to avoid a "clash of styles".

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Master Sergeant
Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED[message #314658] Thu, 24 January 2013 00:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rust_Knight is currently offline Rust_Knight

 
Messages:76
Registered:June 2009
Yeah, i am only trying to signal that is something to refer to. I have no idea how hard it would be to implement but i could take a guess that it's a load of work.

Still this tool is like asking to be used, for example what you can do with it if you make preferential generation (see in my post the biker/prisoner list).

Also, i am planning to personally add piercings and maybe new facial characteristics (i have some artistic experience plus a friend who really has his way of drawing, maybe get him a tablet or something and give it a world...), also some new clothes wouldn't hurt.

But i am just going way too ahead. The only thing left now is to see if anyone is interested in it.

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Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED[message #314668] Thu, 24 January 2013 02:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Yaguar is currently offline Yaguar

 
Messages:53
Registered:January 2013
Location: DE
Dont forget to add race-characteristics, so far they all seem to be caucasian, if you are going to replace the originals you'll need to modified some other aspects (like for blood, ice, Dr.Q...)

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Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED[message #314677] Thu, 24 January 2013 10:19 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rust_Knight is currently offline Rust_Knight

 
Messages:76
Registered:June 2009
Well, the cosmetic part at this point is one of the least of our problems. Currently we have no development of this mod what-so-ever.
But for the darker skin color, that is not an issue. You could just set 5 colors of darker nuances for the generator to pick from and there you have it. Also maybe restrict some facial characteristics that don't seem to fit with the race and that's that.

Going to try and post some sketchy examples.

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Corporal
Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED[message #314681] Thu, 24 January 2013 13:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Shanga is currently offline Shanga

 
Messages:3482
Registered:January 2000
Location: Danubia

Using JA2 faces as the base library, including some eyes/mouth combos already ingame could result in a totally new set of faces. Or not... Someone's gotta test this.

The worst one could come up was Igor's brother (or sister).

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Captain
Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED[message #314684] Thu, 24 January 2013 15:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rust_Knight is currently offline Rust_Knight

 
Messages:76
Registered:June 2009
Ok, just talked with Shanga on skype.
The situation is complex and as Shanga correctly pointed out, first thing we need is a tutorial on how to use this program.
I will try my best and make one, in explaining how to use this editor, thou i myself have some troubles and questions with it. Online as far as i know there is no known guide for it.

The second big step is to call Stucuk and see if he wants to come over here and give us a hand, regarding in how to modify faces, add new characteristics and items. (since he's the one who compiled the program). So roughly to tell us how the files are compiled and how to aces them.


--------------------------------------------------------------
After that part three of the plan is to try and add facial characteristics from JA 2 (eyes, mouth - the head being edited by us) to the generator and make the blend in of it as smooth as possible.
I have some drawing experience along with my girlfriend, as odd as it sounds, we sort of like to draw stuff - but usually i am more object oriented while she has more experience in drawing faces, people, movement and so on.

So i'm thinking, we will edit some base faces ( i will show you in the upcoming tutorial what i mean by base face) through a tablet, and then try to get that new face (which should look like, per example, shadow's base head) colored up so it blends in with the other ones.


But part three is just an idea, i know it's pretty hard and a lot of work (the time to create the faces is not such a big deal, it's the research in how to do all this is).

What i've wished for now is to see weather anyone is interested in currently replacing the actual portraits with these ones. Also making another merc company to that has completley random mercs, cheap to hire.

So what i'm saying is: we can make a new mod for 1.13 OR/AND a new clever tool to generate new ja 2 faces randomly and with style.

[Updated on: Thu, 24 January 2013 15:23] by Moderator

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Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED[message #314685] Thu, 24 January 2013 15:31 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rust_Knight is currently offline Rust_Knight

 
Messages:76
Registered:June 2009
Also some forum user with coding experience would be nice to come in the discussion so we have a rough idea in what we're up against. At least i could consult with him into some issues.

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Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED[message #314686] Thu, 24 January 2013 15:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Shanga is currently offline Shanga

 
Messages:3482
Registered:January 2000
Location: Danubia

From my own short test, this thing looks extremely promising. Once we have some info on how to use it, I am pretty sure modders will find this tool invaluable.

Basically this editor assembles faces automatically from a library of "body parts". True, what it generates now it's not similar to the style of JA2, but only because the art is made for another game.

With documentation, any graphic artist could make a JA2 library of body parts fitting the style of the game and then we all can use the editor and generate endless new character faces. Agreed, it's a laborious process, because the editor uses a lot of parts.

But think of the rewards...

Here's an example of two bodyparts (face and neck) used in the randomization process:

http://i.imgur.com/JbPoAiE.png

http://i.imgur.com/VuEXp56.png

To my limited knowledge, the editor can export and import BMPs so it's pretty straightforward. From there on it's only about graphic skills.

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Captain
Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED[message #314687] Thu, 24 January 2013 15:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Shanga is currently offline Shanga

 
Messages:3482
Registered:January 2000
Location: Danubia
I see this more as a tool than a mod, btw. A complement to STI editor.

Now, if we're lucky someone makes it generate everything to JA2 sizes so everything a modder needs is to simply pack the bmps into a STI and bingo. But that relies on the creator to pay us a visit.

But even if we get only a user documentation it's a great start. Dunno about you, but I wouldn't mind adding these two new mercs (done only with editor resources):


http://i.imgur.com/VgjzEmK.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/FQjGrHv.jpg

[Updated on: Thu, 24 January 2013 16:24] by Moderator

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Captain
Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED[message #314688] Thu, 24 January 2013 17:09 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rust_Knight is currently offline Rust_Knight

 
Messages:76
Registered:June 2009
Posting portraits at that size can be visually disturbing.
I've noticed this, female cheeks are somewhat scarred, the one you used on the second one shows like it's a burn scar or something, although i know the art technician did not intend to make it look like that.
On the safe side it's pretty much ok, since you don't notice these at a reduced, normal, scale of the game.


But Shanga, what i'm aiming at is for modders to use this as an IN-GAME mechanic. Not a face generation tools to add preset faces into mods.

A cool feature would be to have professional FIXED set of mercenaries (with fixed portraits), and an alternative cheaper way of getting random generated mercenaries, much like MERC - of course cheap and dumb that you can skill up later.

And also random enemy faces, that you capture, talk to etc.
(since the capturing part is already in game)

[Updated on: Thu, 24 January 2013 17:13] by Moderator

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Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED[message #314689] Thu, 24 January 2013 17:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Parkan is currently offline Parkan

 
Messages:439
Registered:April 2010
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It's looking very promising.I hope it will be fixed without some graphical glitches like i see on those big pictures =)

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Master Sergeant
Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED[message #314690] Thu, 24 January 2013 17:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rust_Knight is currently offline Rust_Knight

 
Messages:76
Registered:June 2009
You don't notice those at a normal scale. But i guess they can be improved in the future.

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Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED[message #314691] Thu, 24 January 2013 17:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
DepressivesBrot is currently offline DepressivesBrot

 
Messages:3658
Registered:July 2009
Rusty2by4
But Shanga, what i'm aiming at is for modders to use this as an IN-GAME mechanic. Not a face generation tools to add preset faces into mods.

A cool feature would be to have professional FIXED set of mercenaries (with fixed portraits), and an alternative cheaper way of getting random generated mercenaries, much like MERC - of course cheap and dumb that you can skill up later.

And also random enemy faces, that you capture, talk to etc.
(since the capturing part is already in game)
That's a tall order for not much gain. A much more efficient way would be to simply generate 10000 faces, batch-convert them and dump them into the gamedir to be used for features like that.

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Captain

Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED[message #314692] Thu, 24 January 2013 17:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Shanga is currently offline Shanga

 
Messages:3482
Registered:January 2000
Location: Danubia
JA2 is built around the idea of a preset rooster. Randomly generating mercs would be completely confusing and a big step off the RPG feeling of the game. Plus as Depri said, there's no real use bundleing that ingame. JA2 Maps editor is used as a separate exe and works, why bundle a face generator? You underestimate the mess the JA2 code is if you think that's do-able.

Fact is we never had a tool like this to generate face. All work had to be done by hand. So it's a huge find. Speaking about adding old faces or new faces into generator, here's a bit of Megan Fox added in a 5 minute job:

http://i.imgur.com/8Esif94.jpg

Most users expect this kind of work from the modder, they will run away scared when they see such interface. Our job should be to provide first for modders a decent face library.

[Updated on: Thu, 24 January 2013 17:50] by Moderator

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Captain
Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED[message #314693] Thu, 24 January 2013 17:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rust_Knight is currently offline Rust_Knight

 
Messages:76
Registered:June 2009
Good point, also big succes!
You CAN import new characteristics they just need to be a BMP format and that's it...
Press the import button at the desired location (if you drew a face, then import it at the face category)

Manage to import new ears for example (crappy, test-ish ones)

All we would need now is just another category for accesories, piercings etc.

[Updated on: Thu, 24 January 2013 17:52] by Moderator

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Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED[message #314694] Thu, 24 January 2013 18:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rust_Knight is currently offline Rust_Knight

 
Messages:76
Registered:June 2009
Look, i am pretty serious about this. As soon as my exam session passes, i'll get that tablet for my GF and see how it works out. I already now she's talented and draws cool stuff just for fun in her free time in like 5 minutes !

Thing is i'll be totally free only after the 20th February to make those features, and work on my side of the project (adding and adapting artwork in the generator)

I'm telling you, if someone can babysit this project (tell us what is doable and not, how to proced coding-wise etc) i can guarantee for the artist aspect of this mod. We've got the cargo set we just need a motor.

And i apologise for my enthusiasm it might bother some, who prefer a more reserved attitude; I don't write too often on forums, and this is my first project i embark on so bare with me ^^ !

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Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED[message #314698] Thu, 24 January 2013 19:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lockie is currently offline lockie

 
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Just don't piss off and leave us at the 'tickly bit' ! Very Happy

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Captain

Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED[message #314700] Thu, 24 January 2013 20:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Sam Hotte

 
Messages:1966
Registered:March 2009
Location: Middle of Germany
Shanga had a 5 minute ....job with Megan Fox. I'm jealous ... Wink

SCNR

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Sergeant Major
Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED[message #314701] Thu, 24 January 2013 20:08 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Shanga is currently offline Shanga

 
Messages:3482
Registered:January 2000
Location: Danubia
The process of cutting bits of a picture and fitting them to editor templates is pretty easy. Here's another example:

http://i.imgur.com/OnTerTz.jpg

I've extracted the head shape from that picture with a bit of lasso work in Photoshop. Same works for eyes, ears, etc. The absolutely great feature of this editor is that works with normal 24bit BMPs and allows even repositioning of the elements with drag and drop.


http://i.imgur.com/H98rsTr.jpg

Speaking of that, I think it would be even easier to remake the JA2 faces using their real life lookalikes. For one, the source images will be much bigger than JA2 ones, second I don't think anyone would mind imagining Cynthia "Fox" Guzzman as Megan's sister...Look at that pic and tell me I am wrong, I dare you.

Even for male mers there's a Google full of images we can use. Here are two examples that came to mind (Robert "Lynx" Redford and Jason "Magic" Momoa)

http://i.imgur.com/EJevXI3.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/GWJwyQF.jpg

Once these faces have been altered by the editor they will look much "JA2 like".

[Updated on: Thu, 24 January 2013 20:51] by Moderator

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Captain
Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED - Added generator files[message #314712] Thu, 24 January 2013 23:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rust_Knight is currently offline Rust_Knight

 
Messages:76
Registered:June 2009
Man, you really know how to raise the spirits!
Your leading us into a very promising era !
Or at least your pointing it to us.

And Lockie, what did you mean by tickly bit? you mean don't leave you with the but in the wind?

I have no interest of leaving this, specially that it got some much attention it's bound to end up with something. Be it even just new components for the editor itself for me to play when I'm bored (MAN i love those agents i generated, can't get bored by selecting cool ones that end up created).

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Corporal
Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED - Added generator files[message #314713] Thu, 24 January 2013 23:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Shanga is currently offline Shanga

 
Messages:3482
Registered:January 2000
Location: Danubia
A proper artist, with real skills, would transform this editor into the real jewel of the crown of JA2 gfx modding, I tell you. I played with it all day and I can't believe how detailed and easy to use it is.

One aspect I stumbled on was creating the bmps as an animation series. Since there's no info how to make that, I only played with static stuff. But even so...man... such a nice toy!

To give you an idea how cool this is, here's a version of Linx made with ONLY the built-in components. The glasses are an artist's touch Very Happy

http://i.imgur.com/Ncxm4JH.jpg

[Updated on: Fri, 25 January 2013 00:00] by Moderator

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Captain
Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED - Added generator files[message #314724] Fri, 25 January 2013 09:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Shanga is currently offline Shanga

 
Messages:3482
Registered:January 2000
Location: Danubia

The whole difference between generator and JA2 style comes from the rough vs realistic face parts used. The editor needs some love into either "repairing" the present art into a more subdued and realistic version or simply adding new bits.

Again I say, due to resolution, I recommend using face parts from R/L actors that resemble JA2 chars.

Another issue is with skin color, which by default in editor is a brown-green and in JA2 is a brown-red. But that's very easy to fix since the editor has controls over the skin tone, clothes, eyes, etc...

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Captain
Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED - Added generator files[message #314730] Fri, 25 January 2013 11:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Shanga is currently offline Shanga

 
Messages:3482
Registered:January 2000
Location: Danubia
Oh well, of course there had to be a poisoned half of the nice apple...

Here's the current problem. This generator is built specifically for Original War, an isometric game of faint resemblance to JA2, in the sense that you have a merc that has about the same sprite size and when talks it uses an animated face, much like JA2.

But there is where the similarities end, because what this editor produces aren't BMPs, but a sort of index file, much like our XMLs. Here's a look:

Quote:

GALLERY
PORTRET
PAK male
PORT_COMPONENTS
TYP POZADI
COMP pozadi1
BARVY D5D5AC 85 808080 85 808080 85 808080 85
POSUN 0 0
ROZESUN 0 0
END_OF_TYP
TYP KRKY
COMP rek
BARVY 516DA2 96 808080 85 808080 85 808080 85
POSUN 0 0
ROZESUN 0 0
END_OF_TYP
TYP OBLICEJE
COMP new
BARVY 516DA2 96 808080 85 808080 85 808080 85
POSUN 0 0
ROZESUN 0 0
END_OF_TYP
TYP TVARE
COMP rek
BARVY 516DA2 96 808080 85 808080 85 808080 85
POSUN 0 0
ROZESUN 0 0
END_OF_TYP
TYP OCI
COMP 003
BARVY 516DA2 96 D5D5AC 85 384663 85 808080 85
POSUN -1 5
ROZESUN 0 0
END_OF_TYP
TYP NOSY
COMP kingdom
BARVY 516DA2 96 808080 85 808080 85 808080 85
POSUN 0 5
ROZESUN 0 0
END_OF_TYP
TYP PUSY
COMP john
BARVY 516DA2 96 516DA2 96 384663 85 808080 85
POSUN 3 3
ROZESUN 0 0
END_OF_TYP
TYP USI
COMP uch
BARVY 516DA2 96 808080 85 808080 85 808080 85
POSUN 0 -8
ROZESUN 0 0
END_OF_TYP
TYP OBOCI
COMP rek
BARVY 516DA2 96 6A9BBF 85 808080 85 808080 85
POSUN 0 0
ROZESUN 0 0
END_OF_TYP
TYP VLASY
COMP thorgal
BARVY 6A9BBF 85 281718 85 366A8D 85 34799E 85
POSUN -4 1
ROZESUN 0 0
END_OF_TYP
TYP VOUSY
COMP zadne
BARVY 6A9BBF 85 808080 85 808080 85 808080 85
POSUN 0 0
ROZESUN 0 0
END_OF_TYP
TYP SATY
COMP USsnip1
BARVY D9C4AE 85 3F5855 100 6F8DB0 85 34799E 85
POSUN 7 -3
ROZESUN 0 0
END_OF_TYP
TYP BRYLE
COMP zadne
BARVY 366A8D 85 808080 85 808080 85 808080 85
POSUN 0 0
ROZESUN 0 0
END_OF_TYP
TYP POPREDI
COMP "NONE! check color depth"
BARVY 808080 85 808080 85 808080 85 808080 85
POSUN 0 0
ROZESUN 0 0
END_OF_TYP
END_OF_PORT_COMPONENTS
END_OF_PORTRET
END_OF_GALLERY
END


This basically saves all the bits and pieces (read: layers) that compose the face itself, from background to beard, including their XY coords/displacement and all the color (barvy, in czech) variants it can have (hex-color + contrast setting + hex-color+contrast, etc). Now, for us that's not of much use, unless we could adapt it to JA2 structure and if JA2 had an image file structure externalised.

So unless a coder figures out a way to make it usable, it's a great tool for making and testing individual faces (saves you the trouble of assembling the STI and placing it ingame to test it). But nothing capable of replacing entire AIM rooster.

What bothers me most is that it's half open, half closed system and I can't figure out what type are the unreadable files. On one hand you have these XML like files and some BMPs. On another hand you have some files with no extension whatsover that look encrypted.

[Updated on: Fri, 25 January 2013 12:12] by Moderator

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Captain
Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED - Added generator files[message #314738] Fri, 25 January 2013 13:26 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rust_Knight is currently offline Rust_Knight

 
Messages:76
Registered:June 2009
Shanga
A proper artist, with real skills, would transform this editor into the real jewel of the crown of JA2 gfx modding, I tell you. I played with it all day and I can't believe how detailed and easy to use it is.

One aspect I stumbled on was creating the bmps as an animation series. Since there's no info how to make that, I only played with static stuff. But even so...man... such a nice toy!

To give you an idea how cool this is, here's a version of Linx made with ONLY the built-in components. The glasses are an artist's touch Very Happy

http://i.imgur.com/Ncxm4JH.jpg



A personal touch:

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/8503/con2i.jpg


http://s13.postimage.org/6rruog72r/20130125_1259_49.gif

(Color in recording gets a little messed up, but ingame it looks like the portrait)


Anyway, if someone would have really busted their heads to remake JA 2 portraits with this tool - i'm pretty sure they'd manage it somehow.

And if we could add new components to the existing ones, even better! From how i see it, if we manage to reproduce facial components of the current AIM characters and others, and add them to the generator so that they can fit with the others; our goal is done.

The most tricky part is i am not entirely capable with handling the editor in importing and making pieces fit. But i can support the hand drawn characteristics.
In my opinion there should be a coordonation between someone who can get a grip on the editor (be it in it's current state, or upgrading his code) and the one that creates the new art pieces.

[Updated on: Fri, 25 January 2013 13:45] by Moderator

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Corporal
Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED - Added generator files[message #314749] Fri, 25 January 2013 17:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Parkan is currently offline Parkan

 
Messages:439
Registered:April 2010
Location: Russia,Sevastopol

Well pictures are good,but i saw some resemblance in few of them:Sope,Buzz,Spider,Fox.it really remind me a JA BIA characters(they have too much resemblance in each other)

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Master Sergeant
Re: *Random generated Portraits* UPDATED - Added generator files[message #314751] Fri, 25 January 2013 17:58 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
Shanga is currently offline Shanga

 
Messages:3482
Registered:January 2000
Location: Danubia
The library of face parts is kinda limited atm, so those you mentioned share an element (like mouth) that's why the resemble each other. Anyways, I posted this as a demo of what the editor can make and I think the end result looks promising.

That being said, the real advantage of the editor is that you can alter things on the spot...Like this:

http://www.ja-galaxy-forum.com/board/gallery/80/full/83.jpg




As far as resembling BIA... excuse me... THIS is BIA crap:

http://download.gamezone.com/uploads/image/data/877407/ui_character_mugshots.jpg

[Updated on: Fri, 25 January 2013 18:05] by Moderator

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