DZ's PD Sprites V.II!

[DragonZero]

Alright. According to ACE_Spark, I can make a new Thread. :D And, according to the Admin., all I have to do is work on the pillowy shading. Now, I'm assuming he means the hair, since I've had a lot of stuff about that, so that's where I'll start.

Now, before I start on any new sprites, I'd like to redirect the Mods to my MMZ General MugShots, that were converted to MMZX Size Format. I'm pretty sure they're of an Acceptable Quality.
http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/5333/4guardianmugsfi1.png

[turpinator]

O_o Holy....... you weren't kidding! These are really good, I don't know why but I like Phantom's the best.

[DragonZero]

Probably because he has the Dracula Collar.

Also, I believe I've fixed up the shading on Zero's Standing Sprite... Erm... His Hair, anyway. I just want to get this one right before I start to Sheet it.
http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/5702/zeroexenew18gr1.png

[Doogles]

If I'm not mistaken, you just resized the frame on those mugshots from the original MMZ versions, correct?

[DragonZero]

Yes. Yes I did. And I then edited/scratched into the empty areas. And if I want it to be in "ZX Style" I'll just save it as a JPG. It'll end up with the same amount of Stray Pixels.

[dualR]

Yes. Yes I did. And I then edited/scratched into the empty areas. And if I want it to be in "ZX Style" I'll just save it as a JPG. It'll end up with the same amount of Stray Pixels.
Erm, that's really not how it works...

The Zero mugshots look different from the ZX ones because MMZ's system(GBA) uses less colours, so the MMZ mugshots are colour reduced(making it look slightly like pixel art), while the MMZX ones retain all their fancy unnecessary stray pixels :p(So it looks like any other scanned drawing)

Oh, and I don't think you ended up saving as JPG anyway, the mugshots are in PNG format.

EDIT: Actually the MMZ3 mugshots might be pixel art, the MMZ1 looks like colour reduction but MMZ3 doesn't

[Blackbeltdude]

Sorry DZ, but Drr is right. The Mug shots in ZX have a different feel and color style. There's have less value and depth in ZX mugs compared to these. Plus, the ZX mugs actually use the space differently. The heads not only touch the left, right and top sides, but is actually cut off there. So, MMZ styled mugs have smaller heads.

Besides, you wouldn't want something that simple in your section would you? :P

[ZetaZero]

Hm, no wonder making MMZ mugs are easier then ZX ones. At first I was like "Oh, their the same, just larger." Then I zoomed in. OMG! SO MANY LITTLE PIXELS! Yea, that killed me. So all my ZX mugs are still really...color reduced. Oh and Lev's collar seems a big small, don't you think?

[DragonZero]

Doesn't the reduced amount of Stray Pixels just make them MORE useful? I mean, who wants to edit all that stuff out, anyway?

Answer: NOT ME, and I doubt anyone else would, either.

[DragonZero]

About the Mugs: Would it make sense to save them as JPG? Since, if they were originally Drawings, they would have been photographed as JPGs, and put into the game as Normal Images.

Also, I have a new Zero Sheet: he's got new shading on the shoulders, and the Chest Plate has been changed to look more consistent.
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/9026/zeroexesheetfinalcf9.png

[Blazer-X]

Hope you're not forgetting something here....

As a matter of fact, I'll temporary allow you to continue using anything from that sprite as you please, as long as credit is given, because I can trust that you're not just putting up random edits to it.

Yea... that was from months ago... but as long as you're still using my head/edit of it, same rule applies. Just credit for the head, its not too much to ask for.

Overall, those Zero sprites came out really nicely. Much better than anything I could have done, or at least ever gain the time and patience to finish. Just a few note on the stabbing sword movement... the hair seems to go to the arm... perhaps you should move it back a bit. Btw, thost spinning sprites of yours gives me an idea that I might use if I ever find the right time to finish my own sets of Zero sprite.

Rating: 4.5/5

[dualR]

Doesn't the reduced amount of Stray Pixels just make them MORE useful? I mean, who wants to edit all that stuff out, anyway?

About the Mugs: Would it make sense to save them as JPG? Since, if they were originally Drawings, they would have been photographed as JPGs, and put into the game as Normal Images.
Drawings don't have to be in JPG, and the JPG you're thinking of is MSPaint Low quality JPG, a high quality JPG looks indistinguishable from a PNG.

Here is an example, A is a high quality JPG pulled from Atomic Fire.
B is a low quality JPG.

Not all JPGs are bad! However, JPGs for Pixel Art = Bad
JPGs for low res Games = BAD

Also about the stray pixels, drawn art, be it Mugshots or Official Art were not meant to be edited with the Paint bucket tool or the colour replace tool in MSPaint, as shown in Example C, it looks like one colour, its not, its got a bunch of stray pixels

[DragonZero]

@Blazer: Sorry. Forgot about that, with the new thread and all.

@drr: You still didn't respond to my statement, though.

As a Resource Site, PD Inc. should display sprites that are USEFUL. And, as a ZX Spriter, I myself, would find the ZX MugShots a lot more useful if they didn't have so many Stray Pixels, anyway.

[dualR]

@drr: You still didn't respond to my statement, though.

As a Resource Site, PD Inc. should display sprites that are USEFUL. And, as a ZX Spriter, I myself, would find the ZX MugShots a lot more useful if they didn't have so many Stray Pixels, anyway.
You don't seem to understand, those pixels are meant to be there, you don't scan artwork and then edit everything so that the almighty MSPaint will be able to fill all colour in one go.

Also, these Mugshots aren't exactly in the same style therefore how are they useful? You just resized some mugs and are saying its a different style.

If I shaded an 8-bit Megaman with 16-bit Megaman colours, does that make it useful for a 16-bit Game/Comic/Whatever else you people use things for.

http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/5333/4guardianmugsfi1.png
http://www.sprites-inc.co.uk/files/ZX/Zx1/Mugs/zx1-boss.png
See the difference? MMZ tries to conserve colours, the guardians' helmets are the same colour as their eyes.
MMZX doesn't need to conserve colours, the DS is more powerful, so they used Drawn and Scanned artwork rather than digital art.

This stylistic difference and the things BBD mentioned(honestly I wouldn't have even cared about the heads touching the frame and whatnot if these were in the right style) make this rather un-useful(useless isn't the right word)

[DragonZero]

So... I just have to Pixelate the Crap out of them?

[dualR]

You are just plainly not listening, MMZ Mugshots look nothing like ZX mugshots.

Asking if you should make Pixel Art bigger and JPG it to make it look like official Anime art is like saying Resizing 8-Bit MM 20x will make it look like official anime art.

As shown in the attachment, "Pixelating the Crap" out of Pixel Art doesn't make it Anime art style.

[DragonZero]

Wait a sec. I'm sooooo dumb.

All the MMZX Mugs are directly Scanned Images, right? Well... All the MMZ Mugs are based on Full-Scale Drawings of the Characters.

Sooo...

I could just cut out the Guardians' Faces from their Official Art on AF. ::

Right? :)

That is what it means, right? :confused:

[dualR]

All the MMZX Mugs are directly Scanned Images, right? Well... All the MMZ Mugs are based on Full-Scale Drawings of the Characters.

Yes

I could just cut out the Guardians' Faces from their Official Art on AF. ::

Right? :)

That is what it means, right? :confused:
No

Compare yourself
MMZ Harpuia (http://www.atomic-fire.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=40&pos=18)
Model H (http://www.atomic-fire.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=105&pos=19)
MMZ Zero (http://www.atomic-fire.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=40&pos=29)
Model Z (http://www.atomic-fire.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=105&pos=24)

The official art for ZX has a different style(most likely different artist/s) than MMZ.
There's no way to explain it, its just different, if you don't see the difference I don't know...

[DragonZero]

Huh. Yeah, I see what you mean: the ZX ones look... Cleaner. Kinda... More like in an Anime Show. The MMZ ones' colors blend together a bit better, making it look different.

CRAP.

Well, let's move back to my Zero EXE Sheet: It's my main concern, anyway (I just kinda threw the Mugs in there for some easy, one-time Acceptable stuff).

[DragonZero]

Speaking of Zero, I've just finished ReShading his Hair to look less "Pillowy". :D
http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/892/zeroexesheetfinalzt3.png

[Bi-Q]

OMG! SO MANY ZEROS *eyes explode*
Donīt make Zero.Exe all the time, it gets boring allready, but not bad still, 8/10

[DragonZero]

The more Zeroes, the less whiny people ASKING for Zeroes. :D I modified the Sheet on the Last Page a bit (Just a Post Edit).

I've also made his NightShade EXE Form (Black Zero).

http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/9448/zeroexenightshadeko6.png

And, also, would it kill some of you Mods to give me some C & C? Not to Anger anyone, but this Sheet is always pretty much put at a Complete StandStill until BBD feels like Critiquing it, which is about once every THREE MONTHS.

[DragonZero]

Well, just to Bump this Thread without getting a Warning, I have a few more Zero-Related Cookies for you guys.

Zero Cross Faltzer Beast Out
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/6900/zetafaltzer3hr2.png

Zero Soul/Cross/WhatEver
http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/83/zetasoulsheet11ut2.png
I know, he needs Knee Spikes, but I can't find a Base to use...

And a Little PET Zero Head. :D
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/9632/zeropetmugfe4.png

Now can I ACTUALLY GET SOME C & C? It's been like, two MONTHS...

[Tai]

I like it, they look really nice. The chest needs some work though.

7/10

[Zyros]

The head on the beast out and shouldn't the base for the cross have been the EXE6 sprite?

[Daemonseele]

Knowing how long you've spent working on this sheet, I regret to saying this now and not earlier.

1) The color limit on your sheet is 22 (including the background).

2) From what available images of Zero.exe I've seen, his hair appears to act more like a cape than hair. The hair, also, does not need such a heavy outline.

[DragonZero]

B-b-but... I just fixed that! I mean, the hair outline! I just finished editing that on the last page... And as for the Color Limit, BBD says on the PD Submission thread that you don't HAVE to follow the Limit.

About the Cross/Soul: I DID say Cross/SOUL. Besides, I hated that they Redid everything for like, no good reason in MMBN6. It just makes everything Needlessly Complicated.

[Fluttershy]

Well, the cross system was better in my opinion than the Soul system. But yea, judging from how your's looks, it's a Soul.

[DragonZero]

True, the Cross SYSTEM was better, but, since the Souls look like MegaMan did in MMBN1-5, a Zero SOUL is more useful, since people will probably just stick with the Original Style of MMBN.

[Fluttershy]

Not really. Most people I see use the MMBN6 style. I mean, I do too.

[DragonZero]

Meh. Wanke-

I mean, Well-Respected, Law-Abiding, Citizens of the MegaMan Community. :D

Besides, I'm too lazy to make both a Zero Cross, and a Zero Soul, so... Deal with it. :D

[Fluttershy]

I'll make a Cross if you want. I like making them.

[DragonZero]

A full Cross Sheet, though? I mean, I make Single Cross/Soul Poses just for fun, half the time, but Sheeting them is a different story.

[Fluttershy]

I can sheet it. It shouldn't be too hard. The only thing I can't ever get is the getting hit and the teleporting poses. I always have a hard time with them.

[DragonZero]

Well, Zero Teleports differentl-

Wait. There's SO no way I'll let you do that! Zero Cross, here I come!

But it would be REALLY NICE if I could just get this Zero EXE Sheet done First... I mean, it's been... 8 or 9 Months since I started it, and it's STILL not good enough, somehow...

You people are impossible to please some times.

[Fluttershy]

Hehe. I knew I could get you to do it eventually.

[DragonZero]

And I knew you were trying to do that... I also knew you were bluffing, since you're just as lazy as I am. :D

[Fluttershy]

No I wasn't. If you really wanted me to make one I would have. Hell, Respored asked me to help him make one and I'm doing that now and am about half done.

[DragonZero]

A Zero Cross? *Must Kill ReSpored*

[Fluttershy]

No no. I just meant he asked me to help him WITH A CROSS. Not a Zero one. It's a Necro Cross.

[DragonZero]

Oooh. Carry on, then. As long as I get all the Zero Stuff. :D

[Fluttershy]

Oh I already finished. He only wanted a standing sprite. Now, back to my new "crosses". Oh, and if you change your mind let me know. I'll be glad to help.

[Blazer-X]

Oooh. Carry on, then. As long as I get all the Zero Stuff. :D

No need to be so selfish. I'm sure others would like to make some zero stuff as well. ;)

Which reminds me... I should really start sheeting my Zero.exe after so long.

[DragonZero]

I don't mean to be selfish, it's just that it seems like I'm the one who makes most of the Zero-Related stuff on the board, and if Zero EXE's PD Section has...

DZ's Zero Mugs
DZ's Zero Emotion Windows
DZ's Zero OverWorlds
DZ's Zero PET Face
DZ's Zero Battle Sheet
DZ's Zero Soul
Blazer_X's Zero Chip and
Blazer_X's Zero PET 4.5 MugShots,

It's gonna be of inconsistent Style, Quality, Color... All the rest of it. It's not me being Selfish, it's just me being a Perfectionist. I mean, if I've made 75% of the Zero EXE Stuff already, I can't live with it. If it's 75%, why not just finish it up and make it 100% DZ Made Zero? :D

Plus, then I'll be Famous!

Well, Nerd Famous. But that's still a bit deal! :D

[Blazer-X]

I don't mean to be selfish, it's just that it seems like I'm the one who makes most of the Zero-Related stuff on the board, and if Zero EXE's PD Section has...

DZ's Zero Mugs
DZ's Zero Emotion Windows
DZ's Zero OverWorlds
DZ's Zero PET Face
DZ's Zero Battle Sheet
DZ's Zero Soul
Blazer_X's Zero Chip and
Blazer_X's Zero PET 4.5 MugShots,

It's gonna be of inconsistent Style, Quality, Color... All the rest of it. It's not me being Selfish, it's just me being a Perfectionist. I mean, if I've made 75% of the Zero EXE Stuff already, I can't live with it. If it's 75%, why not just finish it up and make it 100% DZ Made Zero? :D


I have no idea.... I don't exactly have much free-time on my hands till the end of June/beginning of July. Still have finals coming up :( .

But I think I'll skip the idea of relearning my ways through spriting (hey... I've stopped for a year already. My spriting skills should be rusty by now), and go directly toward the Zero PD project, if one can call it that. As far as the battle sheet goes, I already have a newer standard pose made over a year ago (which isn't that new, but its over a year newer than the base that you used for yours), which I intend to sheet. As far as the remains goes... I dunno if I can or cannot do those. Chip images should not be way too hard if I find the right base *coughcolonelcough*, but PET mugshots.... thats a big maybe.

[DragonZero]

Well, this next Sprite Expansion began when I saw so many UnOriginal Looking Girl Sprites with Aile Bases. Now, it still utilizes the Aile Base, but I've made and/or Arranged a bunch of new Clothes for her.
http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/796/aileclothingexpansionei7.png
See what kind of Combos you can make!

I didn't make one for Vent because there are a few more Male Characters in MMZX.

[NetSaver.exe]

What is the last thing on the far right?

[DragonZero]

A skirt. ;)

[NetSaver.exe]

I thought it was, but I wanted to make sure.

[DragonZero]

Wow. Alright, no actual update, but I'd just like to announce something:

July 22nd is the Anniversary of my First Zero Sheet. Yeah. Exactly One Day and One Month from now, I'll have been working on this SAME SHEET for a WHOLE YEAR.

Now you see why I get Mad when people just waltz in, submit a Sprite Sheet, and get it Accepted in like, Twenty Minutes? Well, I do, and it happens. COULD I FINALLY GET SOME CRITICISM NOW?!

[Slur]

Hello, thats a good one, and like me this variation for the ZX.

About of the Exe sprite zero, looks great.

Zero: 8/10

ZX Expansion: 8.5/10 (I believe that you can make more stuff)

[DragonZero]

Thanks, Kris.

You know, it's Strange. I didn't think I'd have the patience to keep doing this Sheet for so long.

[Slur]

Owwww, well.

You know too, you maked the best Zero EXE sprite in Sprites INC.

Only remember patience and not to get angry... and hungry

[DragonZero]

Well, I AM kinda Hungry. And I wouldn't say they're the ABSOLUTE BEST. I mean, BlackBeltDude's and SovietCommando's are probably better.

[Slur]

I neither see the style of the sprite, nor see the form of, I see the work of the creators of sprites and the dedication. And yours is good.

[DragonZero]

Woah. That was... Really Profound.

And, yeah, I guess I HAVE Worked the Hardest, and been Dedicated the Longest.

Heheheh. Cool. :D

[Blackbeltdude]

Well, let's see.

If the sheet hasn't been accepted after almost a year, why could it be? There's still a slew of problems that I've pointed out before that haven't been fixed, and I've pointed them out before, and I'm sure I'll do it again.

Now, if you want, go look around the "pending upload" forum section and see the sprites that got accepted. Now, tell me which ones don't deserve to be there. :P If you get mad that other people's work gets accepted only after 20 minutes, guess who you're suppose to be mad at. :P

And if you really want to get into a discussion on dedication, you can't simply break it down to one specific sprite/sprite sheet. You would have to look at that person's overall progress as a spriter, or, if you did break it down to a singal sprite/sprite sheet how well did that person listen to C+C given to other people? What lengths did that person go to to make sure the sheet was at it's best? How much time did that person spend trying to use that criticism to it's fullest?

I'll say that it's possible DZ has worked very hard on this sheet, but that isn't to say anyone else who's made the same character hasn't.

Now, I'll go through this one more time. I've gone through the errors on this thing a lot, in depth. I'm doing this again, and afterwards, I'm hoping that I won't have to harp on the same errors. After a year of working on this sheet, you should start being able to see these errors more clearly because you should be improving as a spriter.

Now then, on to the sheet.

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/2588/ewrtwertywetrywetrysg9.png (http://imageshack.us)

There's more problems than that, but those are what I consider somewhat larger problems.

*Please note, that it's NOT just the ones I circled. It's any poses that has that general look or pose or position of a part.

1) There's a shoulder problem in almost every sword slash. I want you to go look at PSX style Zero's sprites. Look at how the covering on his round shoulder is in different poses. Now, look at what you've got. His cover here is really flat, and only moves 2 ways. (Upright, and lazily flipped. :P) I don't see the shape of his shoulder covering there at all. If you really need to, just use PSX's Zero's upper body as a base, and heavily edit over it to get it to flow correctly. EXE's shoulders are more like 3-D triangles rather than cubes, so keep that in mind if you do.

2) His legs are horribly inconsistent. (And the ones I circled don't even have his hips centered to the rest of his body). Try to stay away from this blocky look a lot of his legs have too. In EXE, the under armor is closer to a skin tight suit on a human, as in, they've got muscles. So, I should see thigh muscles for example, and an indent where his knee is, and he should have a butt. I also find that his hips/crotch/lower torso is too large. Take a look at an art reference of him, or just one of anime in general. :P Either his chest needs to be bigger, or his lower torso does.

3) This isn't circling his hips again, this time it's the shading. This is pillow shaded. You're not suppose to blend that detail on his pants to his gut, because it's a detail that's slapped on there. It should be distinguishable that his "white" detail isn't coming from the black from blending, it's just part of the design. While we're at it, he needs some white there. It's not grey there, it's actually white. :P

Now then, on to some problems that I didn't bother to circle.

His blade's darkest color needs to be darker. Right now, it's all pretty much a blurr. He's got white in SOME of his poses, and none in others. So, darken the outline, and add white to the blades and slashes that have none.

The hair is better than last time, but it needs to be effected by light. Right now, it's not effected by Zero. Zero should be casting a shadow on it, and really, it should be more loose, like a cape. And no, adding an outline to the hair where it meets a body part isn't the same as shading it. :P If I added an outline to a circle's inside, I wouldn't have a sphere right?

It wouldn't be a bad idea to make him larger either. Megaman should be able to slide under his legs, since Zero is about 2 times his size.

I'm pretty sure I already said the sword slashes are stiff and ridged, and they still are. :P You use a sword in an arc, using your upper body. You don't just use your arm's power, you use your upper body's. You don't chop with a sword, you slice with it. Chopping is up and down, slicing is having the blade fallow the outline of a circle when it's swung. I don't know how else to explain it.

I hope you keep trying to get this to look better, and I also hope you quit complaining. :P

[DragonZero]

Ok. What did I do CORRECTLY?!

It's probably a significantly SHORTER List, but hey.

[Blackbeltdude]

Ok. What did I do CORRECTLY?!

It's probably a significantly SHORTER List, but hey.

If I compare it to your first posting of the guy's sheet, this newer one is a lot, lot better. Just compare the newest sheet to the oldest to see what you did correctly.

Then, compare it to Megaman EXE's sheet and see what you did incorrectly. :P

But, maybe you should stop editing this Zero altogether and start from scratch. :P Use a different base or something, but don't use anything your current Zero design has already. If for a year you've been editing the same sprite and it's lead you no where, then maybe you should edit something else.

[DragonZero]

Well, I guess I COULD just start Over, but... Well, I already came so far with this one...

[Blackbeltdude]

Well, I guess I COULD just start Over, but... Well, I already came so far with this one...

So far it's on the site, right? :P

If it helps, you probably can't get this sheet any better at the rate you're going. I've redone my Zero EXE a few time, and after the 3rd time, I did it from scratch. Then the 4th time, I did it from scratch again. If I had just kept editing version 1 the whole time, it wouldn't as satisfying to me as it is now.

Start on your Version 2 now, and stop editing Version 1.63. :P

[DragonZero]

Well, what kind of Base can I use? Colonel's the only one who's the Right... Body Build. I mean, ProtoMan's too short, and he's one of the only other Characters who has a Sword Arm.

[Blackbeltdude]

Well, what kind of Base can I use? Colonel's the only one who's the Right... Body Build. I mean, ProtoMan's too short, and he's one of the only other Characters who has a Sword Arm.

No, he's not. Go look around the site for large Navis. Keep in mind you'll have to probably tweak him anyhow so he's actually LARGER.

If you want to be lazy and keep barely editing the same sheet over and over again, then let me know, and I'll stop taking the time to write large posts of text. :P

[DragonZero]

When you put it THAT WAY... But who would I use, anyway? Also, YOU should keep in mind that the MMNT Graphics Style blew things up to make them very Chibish. In the Anime, Zero's about the same size as Colonel.

[Blackbeltdude]

When you put it THAT WAY... But who would I use, anyway? Also, YOU should keep in mind that the MMNT Graphics Style blew things up to make them very Chibish. In the Anime, Zero's about the same size as Colonel.

I would make Zero from scratch. :P Look around, you'll have to take parts from other navis anyhow.

If you really want to get technical, MMNT is even better than the anime, because it was a side scrolling game. Meaning, you could see Megaman and Zero right next to each other on even ground. That style wasn't chibi at all. It was cel shaded to mimic anime.

In the show Zero is also huge.

[DragonZero]

Not really. And, out of interest, have you ever seen me Scratch anything? The last thing I made from Scratch was Zero's Legs, and NOBODY ever shuts up about how bad they are. Including you.

[Blackbeltdude]

Not really. And, out of interest, have you ever seen me Scratch anything? The last thing I made from Scratch was Zero's Legs, and NOBODY ever shuts up about how bad they are. Including you.

Fine, then find some base that you can use so you can STOP COMPLAINING. I've told you what I think, and ACE_Spark told you what he thinks of your sheet in the last thread you had. I've told you what you can do to have a better shot, it's up to you to take it.

[DragonZero]

How am I supposed to stop complaining when you just posted a whole Six-Paragraph Post about how BAD it was?!

[Blackbeltdude]

How am I supposed to stop complaining when you just posted a whole Six-Paragraph Post about how BAD it was?!

YOU FIX THE ERRORS.

[Robert Oakes]

DragonZero,

Calm down. Blackbeltdude is clearly spending a good deal of time to write such an elaborated opinion on your work. He is a talented sprite artist with considerable experience, and he knows what he is saying when he comments on a sprite. You should be thankful that somebody of his level is giving you so much attention, as he clearly cares about your work and honestly wants to see you improve. As I quote:

COULD I FINALLY GET SOME CRITICISM NOW?!

You didn't ask for compliments. You asked for criticism, and that's exactly what you received. Blackbeltdude pointed out all the problems he perceived in your sprite sheet, so why complain? Criticism is essential for someone to see the errors in their work and fixing them is how you improve something.

Not really. And, out of interest, have you ever seen me Scratch anything? The last thing I made from Scratch was Zero's Legs, and NOBODY ever shuts up about how bad they are. Including you.

As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. You can't possibly expect your first attempt at something you've never done before to be flawless. In fact, you should be expecting the exact opposite. If you want to get better at something, you need to practice and listen to comments and criticism, as there is always something you might learn from it. Complaining and whinning about it only because you dislike the response you received is pointless, if not childish.

[DragonZero]

Ok. Sorry I lost it, but what do you really know about it? Has anyone ELSE here ever spent an entire YEAR on a single Sprite Sheet?

I realize I didn't ask for Compliments, but in my mind, CONSTRUCTIVE Criticism includes telling the Spriter/Artist about what you LIKE, too. You know, the POSITIVE, to help it not just seem like Blatant Flaming.

Again. Sorry I lost it, and I realize BBD is a veritable Sprite God, but still.

Yet, somehow, I doubt either of you two could work on a SINGLE SPRITE SHEET for a YEAR without Complaining a few times.

Now, I'll just respond to BBD's Comments. Calmly. :D

1) The Shoulders on MMX Zero don't work the same way. Whatever Angle you see Zero's Arm at in the Anime, it always looks like it's just protruding out the Base of the Shoulder Pad.

2) I'd like to remind you guys how hard it is to make Realistic-Looking Legs from either a) Colonel's Legs, or b) Total Scratch. Still, I see what you're saying. And they look pretty Consistent to me, in terms of Length and Width.

3) So, you mean to have the Grey/White X Area blend with the Shading on the rest of his Pants.

Now, to reply to the rest...

a) Does Colonel's Sword even HAVE an OutLine? Guess I should change that, then.
b) I SUCK AT SHADING. There. I said it.
c) Like I said earlier, MMNT's Graphic Style was Chibish and Bulky. Zero in the Anime wasn't much taller than MegaMan.
d) I really don't know what to say about the Slashes. There's really no way I can Change that without just making him from a bunch of different Angles from Scratch.

Again, I really want to apologize for getting so irritated. But, you can at least see where I'm coming from, right? I mean, I don't think I've EVER seen BBD Sheet something as big as this, and if he DID, it would be Done and Accepted in Probably a Week, absolute Tops.

[Blackbeltdude]

I don't like using myself for examples, but since you want me to...

Yet, somehow, I doubt either of you two could work on a SINGLE SPRITE SHEET for a YEAR without Complaining a few times.


Funny, because I've spent about 4 years trying to perfect my Axl sheet:

http://img502.imageshack.us/my.php?image=axlhistroysw3.png

I started him when ever X7 came out, and I still haven't gotten around to finishing his sheet. Only last year did I finally come to a design that I'm satisfied with for the moment. I demanded harsh C+C on him so I could get him to be better. I would even PM certain people asking for C+C. If I complained, it was because no one gave me C+C, not because I got it.

Oakes is more of a stickler than I am when it comes to making good sprites with sound designs. He's done more versions of his character than anyone I know. And each time Oakes doesn't ask if it's good, he asks how can it be better. He's very calm and thoughtful when it comes to taking criticism, weather it's accurate or inaccurate. I'll also mention that he'll start sheeting his character, only to redo it from scratch once again when he does another redesign.

1) The Shoulders on MMX Zero don't work the same way. Whatever Angle you see Zero's Arm at in the Anime, it always looks like it's just protruding out the Base of the Shoulder Pad.

WRONG. Here, look:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=XhBYA1QWWZA (Sorry, it's an AMV, just turn the music down. :P)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=TXxaVsSNzCk

In fact, Zero has no black ball shoulder. It's directly connected to his red shoulders.

2) I'd like to remind you guys how hard it is to make Realistic-Looking Legs from either a) Colonel's Legs, or b) Total Scratch. Still, I see what you're saying. And they look pretty Consistent to me, in terms of Length and Width.


It's not hard. It's just hard when you keep editing the same set of legs over and over again. Look at all of his lower torso, in all of his sprites. They warp in shape in nearly every pose.

b) I SUCK AT SHADING. There. I said it.

Then go look at the official sprites and practice. In fact, I recall telling you to practice shading basic shapes to get better.

c) Like I said earlier, MMNT's Graphic Style was Chibish and Bulky. Zero in the Anime wasn't much taller than MegaMan.

Very much so WRONG. Go look at the videos I linked to. MMNT's graphical style is comparable to MMX7's. In cut scenes, you can clearly see the graphics aren't anymore proportionally distorted than normal anime is.

d) I really don't know what to say about the Slashes. There's really no way I can Change that without just making him from a bunch of different Angles from Scratch.

I guess you outta use it as an excuse to get better and not as an excuse to accept what you have then. :P You could even use other navi's slashing poses as a base if you wanted.

I mean, I don't think I've EVER seen BBD Sheet something as big as this, and if he DID, it would be Done and Accepted in Probably a Week, absolute Tops.

I've much larger sheets than what you have. I don't want to link to them, but I'll PM them to you to see if you really want me to prove it. I assure you that I don't have time to set aside to sheet something for a whole week. I can also "accept" my own work if I must. :P I wouldn't put up any of my sheets from 4 years ago though, because I'm not satisfied with it's quality anymore.


If in a year's time you can't get your same sprite design accepted, then you clearly need to change something. Go look at your old sprite thread, and read all the posts. You'll realize that many of the problems listed are still the same, and you keep making excuses so you don't have to fix them. Nothing worth getting can be gotten by being lazy, it takes drive, hard work, and a willingness to improve.

[ZetaZero]

Looking at that video, BBD is right, Zero IS huge. Just look at the fight scene of him in the AMV when he clashes with Protoman. He's almost 1.5 times Proto's size with his legs bent!

And BBD is being nice to you, DZ. If I was a mod and arguing like that I would have blasted him with my mod powers. (Believe me, I argued with a mod about some opinion subject on another forum and got banned the next day)

[DragonZero]

I apologized three times in my last post. So, again, sorry I freaked out on you, BBD. Seriously. I never thought you'd have a sheet that YOU worked on forever, too, so, again. I'm sorry. Really.

Now, again, to reply to your Criticism...

1) That's what I've been trying to tell you... And I'm in the Process of Fixing it.

2) I can see what you mean, but my Animation Program's Expired. If I could Animate it I may be able to see what you mean more Accurately.

b) That's not the point though. I can make Basic Shapes and Shade them, but I CAN'T make a Whole Sprite and Shade them. it never looks accurate. Shading Zero with all his Curves and Angles is WAY harder than shading a Cube or a Square.

c) Well, not really. Even Bass is a lot bigger than Mega. I know he's a BIT bigger in the Game, but the Style DOES seem to have a kind of Bubbly feeling to it.

If you want proof, here's a screenshot of ProtoMan and Zero Clashing.

In the Anime
http://img390.imageshack.us/img390/2586/zeroexeanimeshot2ya7.png

In MegaMan: Network Transmission
http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/5259/mmntshotoq1.png

And with my Sprites
http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/3954/zerochart6mn4.png

See? The Proportions are still pretty much the same.

d) I can't really argue with that, except that Lazy Ol' Capcom would've probably pulled the Same thing with Colonel's Sheet. It's tricky for me to do Slashes because Capcom's Sheets only have one slash for each Character (Occasionally Two, for TomahawkMan's Tomahawk Slash), but never a Slash Combo, so I can never find an official Sheet for Reference.

Again, I'm Sorry. BBD, you worked on a sheet for 4 Years, didn't you ever get impatient, or blow up at anyone?

[Zyros]

He seems somewhat bigget in the NT game than in the anime, but yeah, your sprite seems close enough in terms of size.

Off-topic: All this talk of Zero makes me want to make my own. In fact, I think I will. XP

[DragonZero]

Great. Somebody else to compete with. Why can't anything I do just be EASY? :o

[Slur]

your Animation Program Expired????

Try to use Babarosa, its easy to use. By the way, Zero has variations in the game and in the anime, for example his shoulders are different a bit.

If you do not know the program I can help you to animate the sprites.

[♠Dameon♠]

From what I saw you have the size right... And now I'm going to make a Zero virus sprite too! *Runs off with computer tucked under arm!*

[DragonZero]

*Pulls out Ebony and Ivory* *HeadShots Zyros and DZII in mid-run*

There can be only ONE!!!'
*Lightning*

[♠Dameon♠]

Off topic: I never said mine would be EXE style... *realizes there is a hole in my head* Oh shi...*thud!*

[Slur]

Good luck, to you (Demon Zero) and to you DragonZero with your near next advances in the sprites.

The sprite of zero virus is difficult to do. Again, Good luck to all.

[Zero20XD6]

I'm gonna go sprite one too and from scratch.*Shot* Seriously there's no need for you to announce what your going to sprite in someone else's thread.
Now onward to C+C I hate the pallette it's better than it was before but I just don't like it. It could just be my comps screen though.

[DragonZero]

Probably is. I'm working on a lot of what BBD Said right now (Shoulders, Leg Shading).

[Blazer-X]

Great. Somebody else to compete with. Why can't anything I do just be EASY? :o

Technically speaking, you did have it easy. I just made the original pose and decided to lend it to you to work with. Trust me... competition doesn't start until I start sheeting mine.

And the proportion is kinda my fault to begin with since I was the one who made Zero out of Colonel. At the time, I thought Zero and Colonel is almost the same size, and Colonel makes a good base... so meh.

And DZ... stop going on a killing spree just for Zero.exe. There are a lot more cool navis you could do with your skills.

[DragonZero]

Well, I DID make DragoMan Already. :D

And, uh, Blazer? *Points at SoveitCommando's Sprite Thread*

[Blazer-X]

Well, I DID make DragoMan Already. :D

And, uh, Blazer? *Points at SoveitCommando's Sprite Thread*

Oh crap... I AM late to the party. Meh... w/e. My sprite still precedes all of yours, thus I should have credit for creating a chain of inspiration. :D

Well, I'm still going to start sheeting my newer Zero anyway, since it is in EXE6 style, and nobody has actually done Zero in EXE6 style yet. For those of you who are curious... its in my sprite thread... the one thats like in pg 21 of the custom sprite forum. And yes, I made it A LONG TIME ago. Almost just right after SI got its hands on the EXE6 Colonel.

And uh... *puts up plasma shield*... cuz I know DZ would try to kill me for this, even though I was his benefactor.

[DragonZero]

*Cracks Knuckles* Actually, another Spriter by the Name of MegaDude has already made a Zero EXE in MMBN6 Style.

[Blazer-X]

*Cracks Knuckles* Actually, another Spriter by the Name of MegaDude has already made a Zero EXE in MMBN6 Style.

Aww.... crap....
Argh! This is what I get for starting a Zero.exe spriting spree.

Off topic: DSBlues is still MINE! And nobody is going to steal him from me!

[DragonZero]

Actually, someone did. :D

It's not as good as yours, though.

[Lord Wraith]

Y'know, I personally think it's more fun to design your own character than create an anime version, just IMO anyways, 'cept you can't submit those to INC...

[DragonZero]

Yeah, but I'm running out of Styles to Sheet DragoMan in.

[DragonZero]

Well, alright. I'm still working on some of the stuff, but I think I've finally gotten the shading on the Hair correct. I also did some work on the Legs in the Hurt and Bracing Poses (After every Slash).
http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/8929/zeroexesheetfinalcq1.png
Also, I think I should stick with the Darker Grey. The White looks TOO Bright.

[Zyros]

He still has that huge problems with his thighs. At seom parts, they're too thick, at others, they're too thin and at some, they aren't connected to the correct part of his leg.

[DragonZero]

Yeah, I know. This isn't a complete Sheet. This is in the MIDDLE of fixing all the Problems BBD Listed. I also Fixed the problem with his Shoulder Ball.

I think.

[Grid Man]

Well, alright. I'm still working on some of the stuff, but I think I've finally gotten the shading on the Hair correct.
I really don't think you got that shading right. The best one I see is the pose that's on the bottom right (as well as other places on the sheet). In the normal standing pose it just looks like you outlined the body, and a lot of the poses don't look like they have shading at all. (hurt)

Also, I think I should stick with the Darker Grey. The White looks TOO Bright.
That might be a little too bright, but I'd say lighter is still better here. But the shading on the legs is all wrong. Again using the bottom right sprite as an example, it looks like his leg closest to us is white, while the other is grey. Each individual leg needs more depth than that, particularly the closest one.

I also Fixed the problem with his Shoulder Ball.
Erm, not really. The shoulder in the upper slash is just plain wrong. Basically, you've made his whole shoulder turn upside down. If it helps, do that same pose, then look at your arm; your shoulder doesn't rotate anywhere near that much, and especially not that way. If you don't mind looking like a complete dork, try making a shoulder pad out of paper in the same style as Zero's. Tape that to your shirt, and see what it does when you move your arm around. You'll look pretty dumb, but at least you'll know exactly what you need. :P

[DragonZero]

I Said it was an in-between Sheet. I'm in the Middle of Fixing all those problems, so there may be a few Poses (Hurt) that aren't shaded properly yet.

[Grid Man]

Oh, my bad. I read that, but it didn't quite register... x_x

I still think you need to try the paper shoulder thing. Sounds like an ingenious idea to me. =P

[DragonZero]

It would work, but I'm kinda hoping to not get made fun of at this school, and if word spread that I like to tape Cleanex Boxes to my Shoulder and swing a Sword around for no good reason, I MIGHT kinda blow my chances.

Though I do enjoy Sword Practicing. :D

[Grid Man]

Well heck, I think if they found out about this forum, you're screwed anyway. :p

[DragonZero]

Yeah, well...

Quiet, you. :D

[DragonZero]

Alright. I amped up the Shading on the Legs, Hair, and made some edits to the Blade of his Sword.
http://img467.imageshack.us/img467/2199/zeroexenew20kj3.png
I'm only posting the Standing Pose to see if I got it right. If I did, I'll apply the changes to the rest of the Sheet.

Well? What do you guys think?

[♠Dameon♠]

I think it looks great. But I suck at pointing out bad details on other peoples sprites so don't pay a lot of attention to this post.

[DragonZero]

Well, I DID pay more attention to Capcom's Shading Style.

[DragonZero]

I've Fully Shaded the Legs, and Hair. I think I've also fixed the Shoulder/Arm Problem.
http://img468.imageshack.us/img468/5386/zeroexesheetfinalgp4.png
Some C & C WOULD be nice right about now, but be sure to say SOMETHING Positive, so I don't just get overwhelmed in Bad Comments.

And, BBD, if you have to be rough on me, could you sorta avoid using your usual ":P"? 'Cause that thing drives me crazy. Those little Emoticons Mocking me after every Mistake I made... Drives me Mental. :D



Edit: Also, could I get someone to Animate the Sheet? All of it, if possible, so I can see where his Legs Warp, and where they don't.

[Slur]

Nice, In this sprite there are still some frames that must be repaired but this your already you know it, i can help you to animate those frames.

[DragonZero]

Ok. If it's not too much trouble, could you maybe animate the entire thing, so I can see more clearly where the Errors are?

[Slur]

Here is: :D

http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/6208/dragonzerozerospritetg6.gif (http://imageshack.us)
Shot at 1969-12-31

If you need the gif more slow in a part, only tell me.

[DragonZero]

That should be good, Kris. Thanks a lot. Now I know where the Main Errors are! :D It's in the Frames before some of the Slashes, where Zero's Arm is behind him. His legs are more like a Pyramid there. The rest looks pretty Good, actually. Just like normal Leg Movements and Flexes.

[DragonZero]

I think I've fixed the Pre-Slashing Poses.
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/6261/zeroexesheetfinalwk8.png

Also, I have a...

[Special Notice]
How to Prevent DZ from Yelling at you After C & C

Refrain from using the Emoticon ":P",
Try not to be too Blunt and Tactless,
Be sure to point out the Sprite's Good Qualities, and what you LIKE about it, as well as things that need improvement.

[ZetaZero]

When he's bending forward to slash, his hair jams into the ground... more like it jams into his shadow. The legs when he leans forward are a bit stiff and the shoulders always at the same angle...but overall it's pretty good. I like how you did his head.

[DragonZero]

Well, actually, I didn't really make the Head, to be Honest. But, I didn't make the Hair, either, so that's not really my fault. :D

[Blackbeltdude]

I think I've fixed the Pre-Slashing Poses.
http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/6261/zeroexesheetfinalwk8.png

Also, I have a...

[Special Notice]
How to Prevent DZ from Yelling at you After C & C

Refrain from using the Emoticon ":P",
Try not to be too Blunt and Tactless,
Be sure to point out the Sprite's Good Qualities, and what you LIKE about it, as well as things that need improvement.

You can't actually dictate what kind of C+C is ok and what's not. "= P" It's true that you should point out good points when you can, but even then it's not mandatory, so much as polite I suppose. If you want to stop yelling at people after they give you C+C, learn to take it better. :P

Now then, on to Zero.

You're on the right track with some of the shading now. That white that's on his leg needs to move up to his hip though. And it shouldn't be huddled to the end like that. Try giving it some anti-aliasing near the edges instead of just a flat outline.

In fact, there's a few spots on Zero that could be better with some AA. The hair could use some on the outline. (It's better now with the shadow though, but the outline should have some of that shadow color worked in with AA).

The head too could use some. (And don't say that you didn't make the head. That doesn't matter. If it's on your sprite, you need to fix it). Or, at the very least, I wouldn't let that pink touch the "white space" with out an outline separating it.

If you need me to show you an example of AA, just say so and I'll show you.

Now, moving on, we come back to the problems from before. :P You still need to adjust the shoulders and the hips/legs. It comes down to alinements and how a body is suppose to work like a machine. Basically, his crotch is off center. (In the same places I always say it is. :P) And the design on his pants isn't consistent. The area around the hip isn't the same thickness in one pose, as it in in the other.

His shoulders should move more. Keeping them in the same position looks lazy. For example, the third slash's shoulder in his 3 slash combo shouldn't be horizontal on the top. It should be at an angle. (45 degrees, since the arm should hit it perpendicularly). And even though Zero's shoulders are a bit different than say, Zero's from X4, that doesn't mean his shoulder should be upside down. (In fact, I'm not sure if there's any pose he could make where they should be). It should be at, either the same angle as his arm, or some what on it's side. His horizontal slash's shoulder could also be up at a SLIGHT angle. (Less than 45, more than 0).

When he's not slashing, his shoulders should be aligned with his hips, because he's just standing. So, if I see part of the side of his hips, then I should also see part of the side of his shoulder. (Not just the broad side like in a lot of poses...)

And the spinning top move's slash could benifit from having some white in it.

With all that said, you're doing better, but you've still got some of the same errors that you usually have. The hips and the shoulders are very important errors to correct.

[DragonZero]

You can't actually dictate what kind of C+C is ok and what's not. "= P" It's true that you should point out good points when you can, but even then it's not mandatory, so much as polite I suppose. If you want to stop yelling at people after they give you C+C, learn to take it better. :P

Well, it's kinda hard to respond Calmly when someone writes you a whole NOVEL about what's wrong with your Sprite Sheet.

You're on the right track with some of the shading now. That white that's on his leg needs to move up to his hip though. And it shouldn't be huddled to the end like that. Try giving it some anti-aliasing near the edges instead of just a flat outline.

In fact, there's a few spots on Zero that could be better with some AA. The hair could use some on the outline. (It's better now with the shadow though, but the outline should have some of that shadow color worked in with AA).

The head too could use some. (And don't say that you didn't make the head. That doesn't matter. If it's on your sprite, you need to fix it). Or, at the very least, I wouldn't let that pink touch the "white space" with out an outline separating it.

That's good to hear. Would you mind giving me a Solid Definition of what "Anti-Aliasing" is? I have a Rough Idea, but I'm not Exactly sure.

The rest of this Stuff I've tried to fix. Like I've always said, I'm not very good at making things from Scratch, so the whole "Colonel's Dress" thing is a Major InConvenience for me. This is probably why his Legs look a bit more like Boards, instead of actual Legs. It doesn't help that I can't find good Legs to Frankenstein onto him, either. (>_<)

I HAVE been pretty Lazy about his Shoulders, but, a few times in the Anime, when Zero has his Sword raised in the Air, his Shoulder's almost perfectly UpSide Down.

Alright. I think that was everything. I also want to apologize again for Exploding Last Time. Sorry about that...

[Claint.exe]

Not gonna lie, I just don't like the whole robotic take on Zero, but I'm assuming from a few previous posts that this was an official choice somewhere? I do however enjoy watching the progress that has happened within this thread. I do not have any specific C&C just yet, so keep on truckin'!

[DragonZero]

Will do, Claint. And, yes. Capcom made a Design for Zero EXE. He's featured in MegaMan: NetWork Transmission, and the MegaMan Battle NetWork Anime Series, so I didn't come up with the Design myself.

[Neo Qwerty]

Uhm, hello... I noticed some things wrong I THINK weren't mentioned, and I need to agree with whoever pointed out the legs being wrong.

In the second row, the second and third sprites of the "pre-slash" animation should have an intermediary sprite between them to show the shoulder pad slanting halfway between. Zero's legs are anatomically wrong, his front leg needs to be shortened by 2-3 pixels, and his foot's shading needs to be redone so that it doesn't look like it's bending unnaturally. Also, when he slashes upward, the shoulder pad needs to move with him--and same when he slashes horizontally! You need to make a piece where the shoulder armor faces us, the viewers, right on!

Here, I did a fast little drawing in paint to illustrate my point, and since at this point I'm bad at spriting, I just added in rough sketches to show what should be done to correct it. http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b326/neoqwerty2002/sprites/dz_wrong.png

[DragonZero]

Have you read ANY of my Rebuttals? I have enough stuff to fix already, AND I HAD TO MAKE HIS LEGS OUT OF A SKIRT. The Legs are completely from scratch, and I've been working on this for over a Year now. By the way, out of Interest, what did you LIKE about the Sheet?

[Blackbeltdude]

Have you read ANY of my Rebuttals? I have enough stuff to fix already, AND I HAD TO MAKE HIS LEGS OUT OF A SKIRT. The Legs are completely from scratch, and I've been working on this for over a Year now. By the way, out of Interest, what did you LIKE about the Sheet?

How is any of what you just said, productive? All you seemed to have done is complain that you got more VERY GOOD C+C. And, your "rebuttals" are the same thing... they're all just you making excuses. I feel like we're going in circles.

Fine, he didn't say what he liked about your sprites. Maybe he didn't like anything. Either way, he doesn't HAVE to say what he likes about your sprites. I agree with everything he said, except for this example on the legs, and only then it's because that's not how Zero's design is.

Let me tell you that, "scratch does not equal good." I don't get why you keep saying that like it's a defense. If people keep saying it needs to be better, either "make it from scratch" or edit something. If you've been working on something for a year, and it's not getting better, then try a different approach. Saying you worked on something for a year is a poor defense.

Really, please, stop complaining. Every time I see someone give actual criticism to your sprites, you don't like it. (Or at least you don't seem to like it). Yeah, it's nice to hear positive things about your sprites, but if that's all you want to hear, then just give up. You're not going to get better if you just listen to positive comments.

I'm very tired of seeing you react this way to criticism.

[DragonZero]

Ok, look. I'm working on it, and I'm trying not to explode at people at the same time. Kinda tricky. Oh, and, by the way, I suck at making ANYTHING from scratch, so, for me, "scratch does not equal good."

Like I said, I'm working on it.

It's just hard for me to feel like doing anything when people only point out the Errors, and don't even tell me what they like about my work, especially this one. I know they don't have to, but it gives me a positive to focus on. Like, "Ok, at least I got the shading and the Color Scheme right.", As opposed to "Great. Everything about this Sheet that I've worked on for a whole Year Sucks. What a Waste of Time."

It's just the way my Brain works.

[Aen]

Wow, DZ, Awesome. *Stares in awe*

[DragonZero]

I'm glad somebody thinks so... But I'm kinda preoccupied with BBD right now, Aen.

[Blackbeltdude]

It's just hard for me to feel like doing anything when people only point out the Errors, and don't even tell me what they like about my work, especially this one. I know they don't have to, but it gives me a positive to focus on. Like, "Ok, at least I got the shading and the Color Scheme right.", As opposed to "Great. Everything about this Sheet that I've worked on for a whole Year Sucks. What a Waste of Time."


A better way to look at it isn't what you have right, it's what you have wrong. It's a waste of time if you don't fix the errors that everyone's been pointing out for a year.

If in the end it turns out, "Great. Everything about this sheet that I've worked on for a whole year sucks. What a waste of time." Then so be it. If that IS the case, you can still try to fix it, by doing what you're doing, or starting over.

If I was doing something for a year, and wasn't going anywhere, I'd try a different approach.

[DragonZero]

Yeah... I DID try to use a few different Legs and Lower Bodies, but none of them had the Proper Proportions for Zero's Upper Body, which I'd like to keep.

[DragonZero]

Alright. I've started to experiment with alternate Bases for Zero, and this's what I got. I don't like it, really, since he looks too short, and the Base is a bit obvious (Plus, I haven't finished it yet). It's also kinda tricky to make his Sword over again.

[DragonZero]

Oh. I've been able to find my GIF Animator Program, so I've updated all my Accepted Sheets with Transparency.
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/3725/zeroemotionwindows2ek3.gif
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/8605/zeroow17su7.gif
http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/2808/zeroexemug4pg0.gif
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/6451/zetasoulemotionwindows2tn9.gif
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/4474/zerommzow9bu7.gif
It just looked so unprofessional with the Colored BackGrounds.

[Slur]

Well...... Thats right i try to use my animator to make transparent backgrounds, lose colors and, argh!, dont like me talk about this.

Yo, i ask you, you can make the cyberworld Zeroīs sprites runing????

[DragonZero]

Zero doesn't actually move, himself. At least, Zero EXE doesn't. He usually Teleports, or uses the Zero Virus as his "Eyes and Ears".

[Slur]

Well... thats right aaaaaand whats up whit the other Zero??? The little down The powerfull Virus.

[Terry von Feledae]

Excuses :P

Unless the YouTube-videos of Zero.Exe were all wrong, Zero DID run in the battle.
Also, you should make him in a way that some fan-game-creator could make him a player character without too much extra spriting.

[Slur]

Well looking in the angle of the places. (i dont have a freaking idea of whats mean this) All the navis can run, OBJETION!!! Only the playable navis, its a th idea of the Autor made him running or a boss character.

Edit: Some bosses can run. :P

[DragonZero]

OBJECTION!!!

#1) Zero DASHED in Battle

#2) BBD already said that we probably shouldn't have Zero as a Fully Playable Character.

[Blackbeltdude]

#2) BBD already said that we probably shouldn't have Zero as a Fully Playable Character.

When did I say that? I don't see anything wrong with Zero being able to run in his over world sprites. It'd be a good idea really. You're just being lazy again by saying he doesn't run.

As for the Searchman based Zero, I'd say you need to look for someone else's legs. Gateman's or Cosmicman's... people who stand. And the chest that you've been using has some shading errors. I'd like to see you shade some basic shapes so you can get some C+C on how to shade things a bit better.

It's good to see you trying new things though.

[DragonZero]

*Sigh* You said it on the last Thread, when people wanted me to make Zero with a Buster. Well, maybe it wasn't you... Might've been GrooveMan.

As for the whole Chest plate thing, it has the same shading as Colonel, so it SHOULD be right...

I have considered swapping out Zero's Bottom Half (Legs, Feet), but I couldn't find a suitable Navi to use for it: It'd have to be a Fully Playable Navi, so I could find Legs for Slashing, Hurt, Normal... So GateMan and CosmoMan are both out. I did try it with PlantMan from MMBN 4.5, but it still looked wrong.

[DragonZero]

I gave PlantZero another try, and it did come out better...

[Slur]

Looks very nice and diferent to the others. His shoulder need be more small or more flat for turns better, I believe. Do I believe that you know it, not?

[DragonZero]

Actually, I was thinking of taking PlantMan's Shoulders, too.

[DragonZero]

Taking a bit of a break from Zero, I'd decided to make my Character, Darrel, using Sword Attacks (I don't like the idea of being TOTALLY helpless without a BioMetal.). Since I used Vent as parts for a lot of his Poses I thought "Hey! Why not Expand Vent so he can feel the joy of Edged Beam-Weapons, too?" :D

So, Voila. I'm making ones for Giro, too.

[NetSaver.exe]

Plantman as base looks like he is anorexic or something. He looks tooo skinny.

[DragonZero]

Yeah, I know what you mean. I was kinda hoping to draw attention to the Vent Expansion now, though...

[Foozdude]

Taking a bit of a break from Zero, I'd decided to make my Character, Darrel, using Sword Attacks (I don't like the idea of being TOTALLY helpless without a BioMetal.). Since I used Vent as parts for a lot of his Poses I thought "Hey! Why not Expand Vent so he can feel the joy of Edged Beam-Weapons, too?" :D

So, Voila. I'm making ones for Giro, too.
Looks cool, but you might want to edit the area around the arms when he slashes, since the arm gets bigger mysteriously, whereas they're shaped normally in his official sprites.

In other words, maybe slim down the before-hand area?

[DragonZero]

Ah. Yeah, that might do it... It does look a bit more like a Gauntlet Covered by a Shirt.

[DragonZero]

Alright. I think I've finally gotten Zero's Legs just Right. How? I stuck to what I was good at: FrankenColoring.

[Slur]

Uhhh, What? I can see the bones of Zero!!!

Only make the legs more... more... more fat, Sorry I dont know the word. XD

[DragonZero]

"Thicker"? Yeah. As soon as I posted it I noticed he was freakishly thin.

[ReSpored]

Dude,freakishly is and understatment

[Fluttershy]

Is he afraid of food?

[♠Dameon♠]

I have to agree with Respored, In comparison to the rest of the body it looks too way out of proportion.

[DragonZero]

Alright, alright, sheesh... First too Fat, then too Thin? Man...

[Fluttershy]

I thought he looked fine the first time. It's just some of the poses changed. Like, he'd be fine one minute then the next pose he drops ten pounds. That's what the problem was.

[DragonZero]

I know what you mean, Jace, but it's hard for me to make things from scratch, not to mention consistent things in a Frame-for-Frame Sheet.

I've been looking around for a few of Capcom's Legs I could use, and I've found that these ones seem to work quite nicely.

The problem is that they're from an Air-Based Navi, so it may be hard to make other poses for him.

[DragonZero]

Alright. I've pretty much scrapped the old Standing Pose by now, and I've come up with this one. It's a combination of the two I felt worked the Best: Search Zero, and the above Legs.

The Head and Hair are the same, but I've amped up the Shading on the Crystal to make it look more... Erm... Crystal-ey. :D

I'm very pleased with it.

[Slur]

Now looks great, And looks like a Total correction to the sprite.

[crimson hammer]

Alright. I've pretty much scrapped the old Standing Pose by now, and I've come up with this one. It's a combination of the two I felt worked the Best: Search Zero, and the above Legs.

The Head and Hair are the same, but I've amped up the Shading on the Crystal to make it look more... Erm... Crystal-ey. :D

I'm very pleased with it.

Actually I think the one where he has his sword out looks more accurate.

[Foozdude]

Actually I think the one where he has his sword out looks more accurate.
In Network Transmission, when you face off against him, his sword juts out of his hand during an intro-sequence. Otherwise, he has a hand normally, just like Navis.

On-topic: Looks much better, and the gem looks a tad more like a crystalline object. Good work!

[DragonZero]

YES! DZ scores! I knew it would be easier with SearchMan's Arm, since he has a Shoulder Pad already.

Now I just need to Sheet it.

[DragonZero]

Which I'm working on! As you can probably tell, this isn't a complete Sheet. At all.
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1966/zeroexenew24ts0.png

I'm pretty certain I've fixed all the problems now: the Shoulders move fluidly, the Legs don't warp, since they're Capcom's, and the Saber even looks better.

I've also animated the Moves I have so far, so you can check for yourself.
http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/6615/zerobattledemomkiiiv9.gif

[mega rock.exe]

Do you think he can lean forward when he starts lifting his sword on the last few frames? Perhaps he can push his left arm back when he does the downward stab move, just like Zero does.
It's still good though. I really like the shoulder piece. Nice shape. With the exception of the shading. I doesn't looks right to me when it gets brighter down the closer it gets to the middle.
Also, do you think you can animate the hair on attack frames such as Protoman?

[DragonZero]

I suppose it IS about time he got his Hair done properly...

[DragonZero]

Alright, I've almost finished my Zero Sheet:

I've added two Slashes and Rounded the Slash in his Intro Sequence. I've also done a few tiny edits to the Standing Pose.

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/1605/zeroexenew24yf2.png

I realize there are still things that need improving (Horizontal Slash, Hurt Frames...), but aside from that, could I get some C & C? I'll try not to get too frustrated as long as you guys point out the Good qualities, too.

[Blackhook]

Well good point is that it looks much better then the Last Zero you Made and itīs a good overall sprite. I just donīt like the upercut slash thingy.... it looks just wierd

[DragonZero]

Which one? Can you be a bit more specific? What is it you don't like?

[Blackhook]

The third from down...The 2 and 3 frame looks wierd, unrealistic

[DragonZero]

Hm. I tried my best to round it in an Arch Shape. Maybe that's it?

[DNZ.EXE]

Try to show more of his upper arm, maybe move it forward by 3-5 pixels.

[DragonZero]

In which? If you're talking about the Downward Slash, the Shoulder Pad would probably cover most of his arm.

[DragonZero]

Wow. It really has been a while...

Well, welcome back, everyone. I'm still working on my ZX Revamps, and I'll be doing a lot of work with the U.C., but I do want this to get wrapped up.

Firstly, I've made a Beam Attack for Zero! It's from one of the MMBN Anime Episodes, and I thought the more Attacks Zero has the better.
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/2517/zeroexehandbeamxf8.png
I know, it's a pretty lazy thing, since I just used SearchMan's Satellite Beam, but it fit my needs nicely and it was a bit troublesome to adjust the length of the Beam.

[DragonZero]

Well, this may not be an actual update to the Sheet itself, but I have animated what I have so far.
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/1885/zerobattledemomkii2pc4.gif
I'm pretty happy with it, to be honest. :D

[Loki]

Zero's beam is kinda fail. Why exactly would he aim for the GROUND?! You should prolly' give him a straight forward shot, like EraserMan/KillerMan.

[DragonZero]

That's how he used it in the Anime. I could give him a Straight Beam as well, if you want.

[Loki]

Really? Was he floating, or something? >>;
A straight beam would be good, though, for comparison.

[DragonZero]

Nah. He was fighting Chaud/ProtoMan (He was CrossFused at the time) on a little metal bridge, so he shot it and collapsed the bridge.

Then again, he floats in the Anime too, sometimes. Maybe I should have him float too?

[Loki]

...

So then your beam is inaccurate, unless that move is supposed to crack a movement-square.

[DragonZero]

That would make sense, tactically: the Panel the Beam hits becomes a Hole, and then the ones that the Waves hit become Cracked.

Since Zero uses all Sword-Type moves, it would make sense to try to confine the Player into an Area close enough for him to slice them up, and so that they won't be able to dodge it.

[Terry von Feledae]

Shouldn't the beam be longer then, in order to hit the last row of squares on the opponent's side, instead of hitting the ground almost directly in front of Zero...?

[DragonZero]

I suppose so, but I think it can hit a few Panels in front of him as it is, and the Waves would Crack Panels as well, so it would still be a fairly good Attack.

It would probably do a lot of Damage too, now that I think about it...

[Terry von Feledae]

What's wrong with reworking it so that it hits three panels in front of him instead of two?

[DragonZero]

Well, I'm not going to lie to you: I really don't feel like doing it. It's a good enough Idea, but nobody else really seems to want it that way yet. Basically, unless there's a larger demand from the "Public", I think I'll leave it as is.

Plus. I still have the Sheet to work on.

[DragonZero]

Here are a few alternate Color Palettes for Zero. You know: for his V2 and V3 Forms and such.
http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/2462/zeroexenew24palettespe7.png

Normal Zero, NightShade Zero, Nightmare Zero, and Zero Virus Zero.

Yeah. I'm a little desperate for some Crits right now (Nice Crits, though. Not b***hy Crits.)...

[crimson hammer]

Nightmare, Zero's sword is suppossed to be black.

[DragonZero]

Alright... I'll fix that. :D
Anything else?

[DragonZero]

Nightmare Zero's Sword has been Blackened.
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/6622/zeroexenew24paletteshs4.png

[mega rock.exe]

Woah. Those colors are good! This Zero sprite has sure gone along way. Uh, keep it up, ok.

[DragonZero]

Wow. I remember when you would just rip me apart about my Zero Sprites, Mega Rock...

I guess I have come a long way, huh?

[childofthelemurs]

ey ey you should use the megaman Network transmission for the ngc as reference.

[mtmaster_2k7]

Dude your sprites are awesome ^_^! Personally your probably one of the best spriters ive seen. I sprite my self but I don't think im very good, and the only sprite I made I personally dont think it was a good one. > http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k23/mtmaster_2k7/FusionManSpritesDbl-Beast.png (its a dbl beast version of my own character FusionMan.exe)

[Fuzion Phoenix]

Do not Hijack a thread with your owns sprites, post them in your own thread.
@DZ: nice work on Zero ExE.

[DragonZero]

Well, thank you for the response and the Compliment MT, but this Thread is quite old... You may get docked for NecroPosting. Also, this is probably not the place to post your own Sprites.

Honestly, I do appreciate the Comment, though. As it happens, I do have an update for Zero anyway, so I'll be posting that soon.

[mtmaster_2k7]

Well, thank you for the response and the Compliment MT, but this Thread is quite old... You may get docked for NecroPosting. Also, this is probably not the place to post your own Sprites.

Honestly, I do appreciate the Comment, though. As it happens, I do have an update for Zero anyway, so I'll be posting that soon.

Your welcome, also I wasn't trying to hijack this topic I was just showing an example of a sprite sheet I did yeesh kinda strict im still new here.

[DragonZero]

Alright, I've made the Pre-Slash pose for Zero. This should help give him a bit more movement...
http://img382.imageshack.us/img382/6244/zeroexenew24fr0.png
I know his Hair should probably be redone, but I haven't quite gotten to that yet. What do you guys think so far?

[[fish in space]]

Nah, the hair's perfect. I like it!

[DragonZero]

Seriously? Sweet. Thanks, Tuna. :D

[Noland]

Wow... I almost can't tell if the new sprites are completely custom or not!

It's a pretty good job so far, but I was wondering if you were going to give Zero some sort of long-range attack (or at least something to protect him from long-range attacks).

[DragonZero]

Actually, I have some Old Buster Poses for him that I could probably Redo, and I think he would look pretty cool with a Shield, or something like that. Sounds like a good idea, Noland. :D

[DragonZero]

Alright, I now have Damaged Sprites for Zero again.
http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/609/zeroexenew24ya3.png
Some of you may notice that I did reuse a bit of stuff from the Old Version. I think the proportions are correct and everything, but let me know if I'm mistaken.

[NetSaver.exe]

Try getting some of the poses animated...because most of the slashed don't look like they'd flow right..

[DragonZero]

Actually, I do have an Animation. It's a bit obsolete, though. I know the Saber Blurs flow right and such, but if you mean the Body, then I'm not sure.

I don't suppose you could do it...?

[NetSaver.exe]

No...I haven't cracked open that Unfreez in about 2 years. I was talking about the slashes themselves not the body. So, then great job.

Also, why does his hair extend past the shadow? I've always wondered..

[DragonZero]

Not entirely sure, to be honest with you... I could Fix that on the Damaged Frames, if you Insist.

[NetSaver.exe]

It's not reall muchn on the damaged sprites. Just look at the others and see how much goes through the shadows.

[DragonZero]

But... I thought I fixed that. XD

Should I redo his Hair, then? BBD Keeps saying it needs to flow... Though in BNT and the Anime it is a bit more like a firm Cape than normal Hair.

[NetSaver.exe]

I'm just saying that you might wanna like make the hair flow until about the shadow starts. The pixels right above the parts of the shadow, the hair should end.

[DragonZero]

That may be a good idea. So I should just cut it down a little?

[NetSaver.exe]

Yeah, just as long as it is above the shadow. (I mean the ends of his hair.)

[DragonZero]

Alright, so I'll cut down the Hair a bit. Anything else you think I should Fix?

[NetSaver.exe]

Not as of right now.

[DragonZero]

I have new Hair for Zero, now. I made it from Scratch, and it is a better length, and also more accurate to the Show/Games he's been in.
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/6801/zerochart7ho7.png
The Old one is on the Left, and the New one is on the Right. Let me know what you guys think. :D

[DNZ.EXE]

I'm really thinking the left one is better and (possibly) more accurate/. Then again, I haven't watched Rockamn.exe in a few years...

[DragonZero]

Well, that's kinda confusing, then. XD
In any case, looking back on what NetSaver said, I re-examined that old Animation, and saw that the Slashes I'd made were a tad Choppy after all, so I added a few more Frames to smoothen it out.
http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/3397/zeroexenew24jv9.png
Also, I have an idea regarding the Hair: as opposed to having it flow and jump in the exaggerated fashion that Capcom does it, I could have the Hair Spike Up in certain Frames, like in X6, when Zero is damaged, his Hair becomes spikier than usual.

[Blackbeltdude]

I think I've mentioned this before, but your design isn't too accurate to Zero... Like I've said before, I'd really like to see you try to make a new Zero. Completely new. Like, don't use parts from this old one to make the new one. Really, he looks a bit sickly, and there's a lot of shading errors. If you restarted, and got the new sprite design down before you started sheeting, I think you'd enjoy working on him more.

Aside from that, those slashes aren't too good. :P The first slash's actual slash looks alright, because it's a rip. (although, something I hadn't noticed before, is that the second frame's trail and the sword don't align properly). And making a 2 frame animation for the body is kind of lame. :P Go for 3 at least. At least you're trying to make them more interesting though.

The second slash is the worst of them all. The start up pose is really really awkward, and the slash's path isn't round. You'd be better off having him slash from a 90 degree angle than a backwards and upside down 45 like that. You should use the circle tool to make slashes for the most part.

The 3rd one is, OK, but could be improved. A lot of it could be improved just by having a better trail (circle tools).

The 4th one is pretty much useless. He's not hitting anything in front of him.

Over all, the slashes you made are just wrong... the angles aren't very good, and the animation is wrong. To fix the angles, you NEED to mimic what Zero's are in the X games, then go from there. It shows about the right amount of animation you should show in the body, and the trails. It can also make your awkward poses look a lot less awkward. To fix the animation, you've got to look at how the official slashes are. There's 2 frames of build up before the actual slashing, and then you have what is basically 2 frames of the slash's trail. Some might have to be differently, but your slashes have no build up frames, which is a problem, and make them look pretty poor.

But really, please, just make a new sprite design and start over. You're making little improvements here and there, but over a very long course of time. And part of that is because you keep editing the same sprites over and over again.


Also, something I feel I should point out to you: saying that the shading is official or the colors are official, doesn't make them right. :P You say it a lot in defense, but they don't always work for what you're using them for. The colors from Sprite A only work on Sprite A because of the size, and placement of said colors. It's going to look different on Sprite B because it's a different design. The shading on Sprite A isn't always going to work for Sprite B, because the design is different. So please, stop saying that because something is "official," you don't need to change it. :P X6's sprites were terrible, so that should be proof enough that things that are official aren't always good.

[DragonZero]

Alright, regarding the Design, what you said would have been a lot more helpful about Three Pages ago, when I actually was redesigning him. As for how he is now, I did reuse a bit of it, but for the most part it's entirely new. And what do you mean by "Not Accurate to Zero"? I have a bunch of Reference Pictures, and the design matches almost Exactly. If you're referring to the height, I guess I could change that, though. But it would involve me doing everything over again. Again. Also, I love how you say there are shading Errors, but you don't mention what they are, let alone how to fix them. ":P"

The stuff with the Slashes is kinda helpful too, and I will try to fix that, though I'd just like to say that I already did use the Circle Tool to make them. Also, I realize that the current 4th Slash is pretty much useless as of now, but I was actually waiting for you to tell me how to improve it.

As for my "Excuse" about the Official Sprites... Well, look at it from my point of view. I'm a Spriter trying to emulate the style of a Company. If the Company can make a Visual mistake like that, then I, as the Emulator, shouldn't be forced to actually do better than they do. Plus, one could say that the mistakes actually help define the Style, just like how Colors or Size can.

[Terry von Feledae]

As for my "Excuse" about the Official Sprites... Well, look at it from my point of view. I'm a Spriter trying to emulate the style of a Company. If the Company can make a Visual mistake like that, then I, as the Emulator, shouldn't be forced to actually do better than they do. Plus, one could say that the mistakes actually help define the Style, just like how Colors or Size can.
I find it funny how you excuse your actions with that and then repeatitly break the boundaries of ZX style.

*points at the colour choice of that human sprite you made*

[DragonZero]

Wow, Terry. That was so helpful.
If you aren't Critiquing something, please stay quiet. Or, you know. Tell me how to Fix the thing you mentioned. Also, the Sprite on my Avatar is OutDated, just so you know.

[Blackbeltdude]

Alright, regarding the Design, what you said would have been a lot more helpful about Three Pages ago, when I actually was redesigning him. As for how he is now, I did reuse a bit of it, but for the most part it's entirely new. And what do you mean by "Not Accurate to Zero"? I have a bunch of Reference Pictures, and the design matches almost Exactly.

I'm pretty sure that I've told you that things aren't accurate on him before. All in all though, he's just too thin/small and sickly looking. The shoulders aren't long enough, and don't have the right shape. The head's fins are off in their angle a little bit, they should be at less of an angle (they should also be wider). It's possible that he looks less accurate because of all the shading errors though.

You should just make him from scratch though. I'm not saying draw him pixel by pixel, but DON'T reuse ANY of this one's parts.


If you're referring to the height, I guess I could change that, though. But it would involve me doing everything over again. Again. Also, I love how you say there are shading Errors, but you don't mention what they are, let alone how to fix them. ":P"

I was deliberately vague for 2 reasons. 1: I want you to completely redo him, so commenting on what to fix for this one seems counter productive and a waste of time. 2: I KNOW I've said multiple times in this thread how you should fix the shading. I've told you that you should post basic shapes so we can help improve your shading. Please, go through this thread and the last to see what I said about the shading, because I guarantee it still applies.


The stuff with the Slashes is kinda helpful too, and I will try to fix that, though I'd just like to say that I already did use the Circle Tool to make them.

Well... it looks like you used the curve tool... I guess I'll write up a tutorial or something.


Also, I realize that the current 4th Slash is pretty much useless as of now, but I was actually waiting for you to tell me how to improve it.

Well, like I've said several times in this thread, you should look at how it was done in the X series. I know I've said that before. Saying it that way is much easier than typing out a long explanation.


As for my "Excuse" about the Official Sprites... Well, look at it from my point of view. I'm a Spriter trying to emulate the style of a Company. If the Company can make a Visual mistake like that, then I, as the Emulator, shouldn't be forced to actually do better than they do. Plus, one could say that the mistakes actually help define the Style, just like how Colors or Size can.

That's one of the worse excuses I've ever heard for keeping something in poor quality. :P If you're talking about how X6 was a visual mistake, then that's because Capcom wanted to make some quick cash, and rushed the game. You're not making these sprites for a game, and you don't have a deadline. You've got no excuse to skip on the quality, aside from being lazy. And mistakes don't define a style in a positive way, like colors or size can. I can't think of a single sprite style out there that's hailed for it's mistakes.


Also, something I forgot to mention: Zero's back is broken when he gets hit. :P You've got to stop reusing parts and make him move (IE, move his legs).


And since we were talking about arrogance the other day... having a PWN rating in your sig comes off as arrogant. If you're really a good spriter, you don't need to place a "reminder" in your sig telling everyone. Doing that just makes you seem arrogant. Sorry, but I just wanted to get that off my chest. :P

[DragonZero]

And since we were talking about arrogance the other day... having a PWN rating in your sig comes off as arrogant. If you're really a good spriter, you don't need to place a "reminder" in your sig telling everyone. Doing that just makes you seem arrogant. Sorry, but I just wanted to get that off my chest. :P
Riiight. Ok... I guess that makes sense, but I don't imagine it makes me seem any more arrogant than a Spriting "Black Belt".

For the Record, I guess what you're saying does make some sense, but I'm pretty reluctant about starting from scratch. I mean, I know I've improved, but I still doubt my own ability to make an entire Sprite Sheet from absolutely nothing. I'll give it a shot, but don't expect it to be too great.

[Terry von Feledae]

For the Record, I guess what you're saying does make some sense, but I'm pretty reluctant about starting from scratch. I mean, I know I've improved, but I still doubt my own ability to make an entire Sprite Sheet from absolutely nothing. I'll give it a shot, but don't expect it to be too great.
Always aiming for things that are a bit above your niveau makes you improve faster.

[DragonZero]

Alright, that actually was quite helpful. Thanks, Terry. :D

[NetSaver.exe]

As for my "Excuse" about the Official Sprites... Well, look at it from my point of view. I'm a Spriter trying to emulate the style of a Company. If the Company can make a Visual mistake like that, then I, as the Emulator, shouldn't be forced to actually do better than they do. Plus, one could say that the mistakes actually help define the Style, just like how Colors or Size can.
Actually, that is the beauty of it. Up the shades and try to fix the style. It'll help others fix the flaws and encourage the others to fix the official style, too.
(^ Smart thing to do. :P ^)

[Blackbeltdude]

Riiight. Ok... I guess that makes sense, but I don't imagine it makes me seem any more arrogant than a Spriting "Black Belt".

Yeah, how dare I sprite my avatar that I've had for the past 5 years. :P I guess it couldn't have anything to do with that, or the fact that I actually AM one in real life. No, you're right, posting a pointless rating in my sig that basically says, "I'm awesome" is not at all arrogant. In fact, spriting your avatar, and using it thusly is far, far more arrogant than anything like that. Yes, I see your steel-like logic on the matter. You've bested be there, congrats.

EDIT: Terry informs me that you were talking about my name... that's far stupider than what I thought you were talking about. My mistake.

But that's not really what the thread is about...


For the Record, I guess what you're saying does make some sense, but I'm pretty reluctant about starting from scratch. I mean, I know I've improved, but I still doubt my own ability to make an entire Sprite Sheet from absolutely nothing. I'll give it a shot, but don't expect it to be too great.

Well, you're not suppose to make something amazing from the get go. You're suppose to give a try, get crits, and improve. And you shouldn't start sheeting a new one until it's sprite design is as good as you can get it.

[DragonZero]

Alright, I'm working on the new Zero now.

By the way, sorry about that. Really, I didn't know you were a Black Belt in reality. That suddenly makes a lot more sense... You should let people know that more often... Honestly, I apologize. I didn't know.

EDIT: Now I DO do feel like an Arrogant Prick... Sorry, man. Really.

[DragonZero]

Alrighty. Apparently I'm not as bad at Scratching things as I thought. After a couple Hours of badgering from Candy Jack and Skull Master, I was able to produce a MugShot of Zero from Scratch, which I've attached. I was still a bit hesitant to start doing Sprites, but eventually, and with many references to the Network Transmission Vids on YouTube, I produced this. I tried to mirror the NT Pose and proportions as well as I could. There are probably some Shading errors, and obviously I haven't totally finished it, but I think this is a great achievement for my first real try at Scratching.

[NetSaver.exe]

I like the mugshot. I wanna see the finished otucome of Zero, though.

[DragonZero]

Alright, I think I've finished up Zero's Idle Pose.
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/3245/zeroexenew26fy0.png
I did some tweaking in general, and made Boots and a Saber for him. Like I said before, there are probably tons of Shading Errors, so let me know if I need to fix them. As well, I tried to Model his Pose, Shading, and Proportions to those in Network Transmission, so he's the Correct Size, I believe.

[Blackbeltdude]

Alright, I think I've finished up Zero's Idle Pose.
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/3245/zeroexenew26fy0.png
I did some tweaking in general, and made Boots and a Saber for him. Like I said before, there are probably tons of Shading Errors, so let me know if I need to fix them. As well, I tried to Model his Pose, Shading, and Proportions to those in Network Transmission, so he's the Correct Size, I believe.

Hey! Alright! This is MUCH better than the last one! Great job! :)

Now then, as far as the errors go. Don't outline his black under armor. The stomach is being hit by light, so there should be a side of it that's got shadow, and a side that's got light. Same for the legs and arms, and so forth.

His shoulders look too small. I'd say they're fairly accurate as far as the design goes, but they are too small compared to the chest. Speaking of the chest, the light source is coming from below there. So, try to change it so it's coming from in front of him. And while we're at the torso, I think the "underwear" is a bit too big, and slightly off center. I'm pretty sure it's just a mistake in the outline, so it's an easy fix.

For the head, don't use highlights for the outline (the head gem is probably an exception to that). In general, I think the shape of the face is too much like a ball... try reshaping to have more depth.

There's a couple of other problems, but I think it'll be easier if we just adjust it bit by bit. We can start with the ones I pointed out, then go from there.

But really, I like this sprite design much better than the last one. Lots, so far. Keep it up. :)