Mad Cat / Timber Wolf - Final Animation

[Flyspoon1]

I don't care if it's called a madcat or a timberwolf, I just call it awesom

[harkeill]

Bit of a torso twist when it was firing the LRMs would have been nice, but top job at any rate!

[crrider12564]

cool. great job

[JBnotthescotch]

I think you nee to keep the cabin horizontal while it walks

[ShadeAKAhayate]

-1. Sucks.

[5567ism]

why is it wearing socks?

[EnvyMy75]

lol, I animated a Warhammer for my first assignment in Basic 3d Concepts class, and it was about the same quality animation, except there were other robots shooting back at him... PS, I'm not putting down your animation. I found the camera in this kind of annoying. It seemed to keep swinging around un-nesessarily. Ouch, and if your going to have a close up of the feet, you should make darn sure that they're touching the ground! It's a 60 ton robot, it should be sinking into the ground!

[XHashmeerX]

@EnvyMy75 @EnvyMy75

You're totally right about the feet. When I did any kind of 3D stuff, I enjoyed modeling much more than texturing, animating, lighting, etc.

Haven't touched 3ds since a few months after this video was posted. I'm not planning on going back and revisiting this any time soon, I'm a web developer : )

You should post up your stuff. I definitely looked at other people's models and videos for inspiration when I was doing this project.

[Kharnage1974]

The Mech is a Madcat , the Timberwolf is a variant. Madcat's have lasers and Timberwolves have guass cannon. Both have LRM 20 launchers and both are clan mechs.

[isocryd]

@Kharnage1974 Timberwolf is what the clanners call them. Madcat is what innersphere call them. It is a clan mech, and there are more than two variations... There's also a PPC variation and a SRM variation. Plus the gauss variation doesn't have LRM racks...

[79camaro454]

Wish I knew how to do something like that

[ToterAlterMann666]

timberwolf and madcat are the same mechtype?

[79camaro454]

@ToterAlterMann666

Yes, Timeberwolf is the Clan name. Madcat is the intersphears name for it

[hellrat420]

Looking vaguely like a cross between the Marauder and Catapult (hence the Inner Sphere code name Mad Cat - MAD is the call sign for the Marauder, and Phelan Kell's Wolfhound's targeting computer marked the Catapult as CAT; Precentor Martial Anastasius Focht officially designated it "Mad Cat"), the Timber Wolf and that why it called a MAD CAT

[micksquizzy]

i guess the mad cat is just a souped up timber wolf

[EisenklauenWerwolf]

Now thats sexy! Screw the Atlas, i always loved the Madcat.

[Logicfray]

very nice animation btw

[XHashmeerX]

@Logicfray

Thanks!

[XHashmeerX]

@Logicfray

Thanks!

[Logicfray]

song is incorrect on video info. It is called "Moribund Mifune" by Don Davis search for it on youtube here and listen to about :34 seconds in. If someone told you they made this for you they lied sorry.

[XHashmeerX]

@Logicfray

Oh wow, you're right. That's definitely the song. I got it from a Mechwarrior enthusiast forum that was up for Creative Commons use as I remember it. I may have the title wrong though. "Age of Destruction" might be the name of a fanfilm. Eitherway, I do remember the music being credited to Darksparcs. That's a shame. So long ago, hard to find where to dig it back up.

[XHashmeerX]

@Logicfray

Oh wow, you're right. That's definitely the song. I got it from a Mechwarrior enthusiast forum that was up for Creative Commons use as I remember it. I may have the title wrong though. "Age of Destruction" might be the name of a fanfilm. Eitherway, I do remember the music being credited to Darksparcs. That's a shame. So long ago, hard to find where to dig it back up.

[XHashmeerX]

@Logicfray

Oh wow, you're right. That's definitely the song. I got it from a Mechwarrior enthusiast forum that was up for Creative Commons use as I remember it. I may have the title wrong though. "Age of Destruction" might be the name of a fanfilm. Eitherway, I do remember the music being credited to Darksparcs. That's a shame. So long ago, hard to find where to dig it back up

[XHashmeerX]

@Logicfray

Oh wow, you're right. That's definitely the song. I got it from a Mechwarrior enthusiast forum that was up for Creative Commons use as I remember it. I may have the title wrong though. "Age of Destruction" might be the name of a fanfilm. Eitherway, I do remember the music being credited to Darksparcs. That's a shame. So long ago, hard to find where to dig it back up

[XHashmeerX]

@Logicfray

Oh wow, you're right. That's definitely the song. I got it from a Mechwarrior enthusiast forum that was up for Creative Commons use as I remember it. I may have the title wrong though. "Age of Destruction" might be the name of a fanfilm. Eitherway, I do remember the music being credited to Darksparcs. That's a shame. So long ago, hard to find where to dig it back up

[XHashmeerX]

@Logicfray

Oh wow, you're right. That's definitely the song. I got it from a Mechwarrior enthusiast forum that was up for Creative Commons use as I remember it. I may have the title wrong though. "Age of Destruction" might be the name of a fanfilm. Eitherway, I do remember the music being credited to Darksparcs. That's a shame. So long ago, hard to find where to dig it back up

[hailgoblue087]

no, seriously, the music is from the matrix revolutions. it's from the scene when the sentinels are fighting the humans in the dock.

[sanders5891]

looks like shit, they should take the models from mechcommander gold and work with them cause the mw models dont look the best

[GODMV1]

Let me just sum up all of the comments

"It sucks"

[fluggleshmuggits]

i made a madcat model myself but i was using the free software blender and it was in high school. got no where near any skeleton configuration with it. i did manage to make the body swivel and i shot 2 er ppc shots (if i remember that name correctly) at some box. the missle launch was sick! props

[Trampboy931]

It looks nice, and excuse me for critiquing something I couldn't do, and is nearly three years old, but I don't think it has enough bounce or momentum too it's walk.

[boritomi]

Vlad is the Man!

[CaptainDavoke]

ummm, the last time i checked, the mad cat was beefier and walked different...

or it could just be me

[orkkilla5589]

you all do realize that timber wolf is just the clan name for mad cat which is the inner sphere name?

just telling incase ppl played mech assault

[wardino388]

That isn't a mad cat, it's a creeper across the street, IT WALKS SO WIERD.

[mbe102]

Correction, INVERSE kinematics.

[XHashmeerX]

@mbe102 This wasn't with IK, just a simple bone structure that was animated with keyframes if I recall correctly. It's been a while...haha

[mbe102]

Is it really difficult to do reverse kinematics? Just curious.

[Gpenguin123]

hmm really good. reminds of a goliath from starcraft tho XD

[Daycrist]

looks real good but if you get a chance work on certain details like the toe joints on the feet if you could make them flex as he walks as if claw at the ground when moving forward it would add more realism

[josediogomafra]

can you give me your model?? pls im trying to make one but its really hard... pls

[XHashmeerX]

@josediogomafra

Now what good would that do? Practice!

[BLAZE9857]

Good job, ive been working in 3Ds max 10 for a few weeks now in school, an animation like this is something to aspire to, props, i think im going to have my teacher show this to the rest of the class when were back from the winter break

[ColonPatrol]

looks like shit

[AdmPrestonCole]

i agree, if you cant make on better yourself, dont bitch about other peoples work, it could be a hell of alot worse

[boatoflol]

It could be worse a lot yes, but you don't have to be a songwriter to judge some lyrics or an artist to judge art. ;-)

[SEG388]

Ignore these assholes saying this video is awful. I doubt they could even make a halfway decent animated stick figure much less draw one.

This is a very good vid. You got some talent.

[CandyGraham729]

@SEG388 lol what this guy said

[Kretschmer99]

The song is actually from the Matrix movies...I believe revolutions.

[XHashmeerX]

Nope, credited correctly by a guy that was preparing music for a fan-created CG mech movie.

[Arcon1337]

@Kretschmer99 Matrix movie(s)? Don't be silly, there was only one matrix movie.

[curlus]

Not bad for a school project. I can't even draw decent stick figures...

[SEG388]

@curlus

I don't mean you by the way, just so you know lol

[curlus]

Lol ok. =)

[Theicemonkeyjr]

awfull

[Axel88Flak]

I agree totally awful

[SANCTIOND]

Great Work, Dude. It looks really good.

[VinnieCiprioni]

Looks like MW2, great progress. I hope you work out the kinks in animation, then you're really going to go places with your talents.

[XHashmeerX]

Thanks man. Before I started college I wanted to go into 3d animation. During college i took some classes, but I didn't major in it - just enjoyed it. I'm a web developer actually. I have no interest in pursuing this professionally. Thanks though!

[XHashmeerX]

I hear the criticism folks. Thanks.

Unfortunately, project timelines and meeting deadlines cause for somethings to be neglected or entirely scrapped. The toes was one of my bigger regrets on leaving out.

That's not excuses, just the facts of life I guess.

The majority of my effort was spend on the model. My texturing and lighting skills aren't up to the same snuff as my modeling abilities. So a lot of the detail in the model I feel is lost here.

Check out the clay render video i did.

Thanks!

[CmdrFoxDavion]

Looks great but it's the small details that make people go "ooh" and "ahhh" when you do animation, things such as toe movement when they walk, hip oscillation, physically expressing weight, as in the impact reaction to the torso when it steps on the ground, the slight curve limp you get from standing on one foot as you walk. I personally believe when you do 3D art it is important to invest in attending a traditional animation class as well, in fact it is more important. Your art however, nice.

[CmdrFoxDavion]

On that note seeing as this is 3 years old and the basic graphics reflect this, I'm sure this advice would be pointless to the creator, however would put it forward to any aspiring artists who watch this.

[Nikolay116]

cool

[ingwersengrady]

doesn't move with enough weight, also the hips needed to oscillate up and down somewhat. otherwise it looks pretty good.

[Talbron]

I second that. And is it just me, or are the shoulder rocket pods on the small side?

Anyway, great job putting this together! I hope to learn how to do this.

[CrazyMautty]

Holy hell, did you see that with one watch? After I read this I went back and looked.

Yea, they're a bit on the small side but barely. I didn't even catch it on the first play of the video. I'd say they're something like 31/32 scaled.

[eggroll117]

@ingwersengrady I agree

[millenniumfalsehood]

Now that's some nice CG modeling! If you hadn't stated otherwise, I would have assumed it was the actual model in a rough animatic from the MW2 intro. Well done! :)

[Spirals95]

HQ this is alpha assault.

[RiskoVinsheen]

ETA 34 seconds.

"Alpha Assault! This is Bravo Cadet! I've got bandits all over me! Get down here!"

[Spirals95]

Sit tight Bravo 3, I've got visual

Enemy Detected

[RiskoVinsheen]

skipped a part :P

"My hip actuator's out, my targetting system's damaged. I'm in bad shape."

[ErgonomicChair]

"This is HQ to any available units we have mechs down at nav Gamma Bravo Cadet reports 4 summoners on site bandits are hostile repeat bandits are hostile!" "HQ this is Alpha assault I'm on my way bearing ###" "ETA 34 seconds" "Alpha assault this is bravo cadet I've got bandits all over me! Get down here!" "Sit tight Bravo 3 I've got visual" "My hip actuators out, I've got targeting systems down I'm in bad shape!" "Enemy detected" "Behind me, two of them! he's on the rise!" "Roger!" etc lol

[jjohnsoc]

Anyone else bothered by the use of contractions by Clan pilots?

[susumu07]

yes. they are not supposed to use contractions but in the Mechwarrior 2 intro video they do.

Plus they have this weird pirate logo which isn't on any of the clans. And what do they mean "bandits are hostile" ? Does that refer to the Bandit caste? I didn't even know those guys could get mechs!

[CmdrFoxDavion]

The Mechwarrior 2 intro made no sense what so ever, and in fact had nothing to do with the Refusal War which was the story whatsoever. To be honest, remembering the game was developed by Activision that Activision is one of those companies who has a tendency to not bother to fully inform their employees how to go about keeping to the IP of the related product (just like Michael Bay), on the plus side the gameplay was great, and thanks to FASA supervising it somewhat, the game itself was good.

[susumu07]

True, the intro was BS and it wasn't based on any Battletech "canon" storyline. But it LOOKED good for the time. And for nostalgia's sake.

[Luciferdesrea]

I think its irritating but I can live with it.

[HellBrYnger]

its got a lock on me, its a lock *boom!* !!

[pnkfld7892]

Good ol mechwarrior 2! god i played the shit out of that game when i was like 7 lol

[shrivak]

should've made the camera shake when it was on the ground

[KingHaggis]

Mechwarrior 2 was indeed the best. Timberwolves rule! I hope someday a sequel will see the light but fear it won't be called Mechwarrior. Image enhancement engaged. Aaah... those were the days.

[TheBlitz1]

the sequel is called MWLL =D

[dodopod]

MechWarrior Living Legends is unofficial, though, since Microsoft owns the rights to MW.

[TheBlitz1]

mmmm watevas =D

[Taniseth]

When the innersphere Mechwarriors fist encountered the Timberwolf, their mech identification software kept confusing it with two more familiar mechs. The Marauder (Abreviated MAD) and the Catapult (Abrevieated CAT) Hence the name.

[KingHaggis]

I didn't know that! So it's officially a Timberwolf and Madcat is more of a nickname? I always thought Timberwolf was a Clan Wolf version of a Madcat. I prefer the Timberwolf name for all the good memories I had with Mechwarrior 2 so I usually name the mech "Timberwolf". Good to hear it's actually the official name :-)

[Taniseth]

Officially? There is some debate there. The Madcat/Timberwolf was first introduced in the Battletech Technical Readout Manuel 3050, and was refferred to only as the Madcat. I'm pretty sure the name Timberwolf wasn't mentioned until the video game. But it makes perfect sense that the Clans would have their own names for the mechs they designed and fielded. But the authors of the game originally called it the Madcat, and never anything else.

[BouncyTEM]

Not bad!

Wish I could make stuff like this.

I even have 3ds Max and Cinema 4D for the job, too. Just need to learn how to use them. D:

[KiselinaSRB]

To me Mad Cat is the best mech in Mech commander 1 i love thet game

[jordan199262]

Fuck the Madcat. That pussy. It's the Timberwolf and don't you forget it.

[XHashmeerX]

You're right, I didn't forget. Listed it as both ; )

The Clans called it the Timberwolf.

[jordan199262]

Timberwolf is badass haha :)

I hated the mw4 wolf :(

mw2 was the best

[CFlow375]

Timber wolf will always be the best. (aka Madcat)

The MKII is the bastard love child

[BrennyBling]

ha ha ha So true about the love child...

Thats true... Madcat is the God, and always will be :)

[InabaReisen]

Yeah The Mad cat MKII is possibly the best Mech.

[Tiberiankosei]

nice presentation...

The mad cat, is my favorite...XD...

[FrostySharkSpain]

I prefer the Mad Cat Mk.II

but yeh

[Ruskian]

The modeling is fantastic, it's a so smooth the way it looks, and the missiles firing is a really really great add to the video.

But it's the movement I'm having troubles accepting, there is no twist with the lower torso to counter the balance.

When a mech walks, it has to shift it's weight to the opposte side the leg is lifting, otherwise it'll tip over.

But overall, it's art dude, fucking art!

100/10

Yes that's 100 out of 10

Keep up the awesome work!

[Jorgon01]

i agree in that it is amazing, but i also have something to point out: the "claw foot" is designed to keep moving objcts with a large surface area from sticking in muddy areas. when the foot comes up, the "claws"(toes, whatever) pull together, decreasing surface area.

[mkkraze]

Pretty good? try VERY good.

[racer927]

pretty good

[DavionColdawg]

Care to take part in a MW MMORPG? Message me for details.

ISWars

Capt ColdDawg

House Davion AFFS

Grim Determination Regiment

[rustyATV]

Bounce,Bounce,Bounce,Bounce,Bo­unce......

I'd give you made props if you animated that thing walking smoothly; you'd be the first person ever to do so!

Seriously! I'd vomit if I rode around in these things if they bounced how some were animated!

[gribae]

Their design doesn't allow them to walk 'smoothly' anywhere, except perhaps a moon, where you won't have gravity slagging you around. It's a structural flaw we today still haven't overcome, so pack your vomit bags and get ready for a bumpy ride

[rustyATV]

Honda seems to pull it off pretty well with the Asimo for walking

[UnCanadienFrancais]

hahaha nice work men ! The old Mad Cat version ! Good work !

[XHashmeerX]

You bet! The MKII never did much for me...Call me a traditionalist hahaha

[Gmod9]

This is AWESOME! But can you make the torso kinda fall a bit to the leg when the leg goes down so it actually looks like it in the games. Look in the game videos to see what I mean. But other than that, 5/5!

[YUTOMA132]

wel, the floor looks great, work on your smoke and robot textures, go look for images of steel and rebuild them in lightwave to make it even more great

[Malamockq]

Doesn't look that great.

[XHashmeerX]

Thanks, YouTube kills video quality, and I'm glad to say your 3d work is much better!

I don't appreciate mindless criticism, but if you wan't to give me constructive criticism, and it's coming from someone who knows anything about this stuff, then I'll gladly hear you out.

[Malamockq]

Nice effort dude, but the proportions are off. The arms are too big.

[starwarsgeek777]

Naw man, he had the big gun arms on. Customization, fools! Very good work!

[TograSkullmasher]

This is great for a low Polygon model after all if it was constantly in high detail it would slow down gameplay. You did great on the environment plus the particle effect is difficult overall it would be passable to become part of game design.

[StealthDonut]

But weren't the original Clan invasion mechs omnimechs by default? Who's to say that wasn't a proper configuration?

Make a video of a Hatchetman on the attack and I'll donate money lol