http://fc02.deviantart.com/fs28/f/2008/121/6/1/Sagiten__Alt_Mode_Comparison_by_GeneralSoundwave.jpghttp://fc85.deviantart.com/fs25/f/2008/121/6/a/Sagiten__Root_Mode_by_GeneralSoundwave.jpghttp://fc06.deviantart.com/fs27/i/2008/115/4/e/Sagitenjikara_by_GeneralSoundwave.jpgThis is my first real Next-Gen game ready character. I am a HUGE Transformer fan and I created this original fan-fic piece based off of a character named Dr. Fujiyama, the creator of the NIGHTBIRD. Samurai were typically fishermen, so I found it fitting to base the his Astro-Unit name off of the Heron. Sagiten refers to "The Heron of Heaven" who are incredibly intelligent strategists who know how to draw in and trap their prey.
Total working time is approx. 6 months for 1 total concept, 1 character, 1 vehicle, and 3 weapons. This includes Modeling, Texturing, Technical Directing, Animation, ActorX Export/Unreal3Ed Import, and Unreal3 Script. The Character is customizable in the respect that the 'men ornaments' and 'haidate' can be deleted to diversify rank, enabling the creation of 3 total characters. Once the skin textures are replaced, a plethora of diversity is enabled. Dr. Fujiyama does not transform, however, the Motorcycle does. The Root-Mode is design off of 2 snowmobiles named the Hyanide and Ba'al with all-terrain capabilities. In it's Alt-Mode, the Energo Bike attaches itself to the back of the strength enhancing Sagiten armor of the Doc. This backpack also enacts as a Jetpack-Hanglider. The center section of the entire jetpack that attaches to the back of the character is based off of the actual pack used in The Transformers episodes "Dinobot Island Pt. 1 and 2. (Just making sure I'm getting all the right people the right credit).
The Sagiten general was awarded 3 swords from the United Earth Defense Government; A Masamune, Sousetsu- Creation, and Kaimetsu- Destruction. Each sword has customizable features including the Same, Fuchi, Tsuba, and the Katana/Wakizashi Blade itself. The Fuchi of the SouKai duo are engraved as well. The Masamune was based off of a combination of these actual historical Masamunes.
The Unreal3 screen shots are print-screens from within the Unreal3 editor. The only thing I did was place the character inside of the Torlan/Vehicles map. The map, lighting, and the environment was all created by Epic Games.
Special Thanks:
Yuji - for having the patience for teaching me Japanese and basing this entire character off of you.
Ron - for always giving me an honest opinion and pushing my art further
Demp - for being such a BA mentor and really showing me how to unleash my talent
Ty - allowing me to ask you 'what do you think' all day
Buckshot - Showing me how to make Transformers stuff applicable to humans.
Rich- for lending me your Motion Sickness....
R3d - for always, always, ALWAYS giving me the straight answer, even if the truth hurts. BOOYAH FOO I GOT THIS.
JSter - now maybe we can go to Epic?
