Game animation critique

Tineung

Hi guys, i'm working on an animation that for some reason just doesn't look right to me.  I'm not sure if i've not chosen the best movements or it's just my animating that needs a ton of work.  Any help/feedback would be greatly appreciated :-)

Hito

Movement looks alright. The poses can be pushed more in many instances. timing of the strikes are very even... I think some variation in that will improve the "feel" drastically.

instead of 1-2-3-4; it could be 12----3-4; or 1-2-3----4; etc.
try uploading to syncsketch and/or include a frame counter (from maya HUD or something else) would be very useful. Or including a slow-mo version as vimeo player doesn't have speed controls like youtube player.

Tineung

Thanks a lot for your reply Hito, it's nice to know i'm kind of on the right track!!  After reading your comments i can see what you mean about the poses and timing of the strikes.

I've attached the playblast via syncsketch with the frame counter.

Thanks again!!!  

http://syncsketch.com/playground/75577e201422471b912d9c58348aa5c8#55576

Rmunday

To echo Hito's feedback I think it is definitely just the timing of the strikes, once you add some holds in there will look much more fluid

Tineung

Thanks RMUNDAY!!  I'll work on the holds also!!  :-)

slipsius

Added a whole bunch of frame notes to your sync sketch link

Tineung

Hi guys, thanks again for your help.  I've refined my animation and hoped i could get some more feedback...?

http://syncsketch.com/playground/b40fa5077cee4beebf9967a22c3ee1c1#56011

Thanks again!!

Hito

big improvements in the timing. added some comments in syncsketch. 

Also, this is for toward the end when everything else are in good places, animate the weapons themselves for different grips on the sword, it's never always the same grip, but variations of these 3 depending on the action
http://users.skynet.be/euro-swords/Image6.jpg
http://www.kungfumagazine.com/admin/site_images/KungfuMagazine/images/ezine/SwordGrip_01811.jpg
http://www.kungfumagazine.com/admin/site_images/KungfuMagazine/images/ezine/SwordGrip_0186.jpg

Tineung

Ah!!  I never even considered different grips for the sword!!!!

Thanks Hito, i'll work on your recommendations!!!  :-)

Tineung

Ok....i think i've finished my first game type animation!!

Please let me know what you think and thanks once again guys!!!  :-)

http://www.syncsketch.com/playground/75b4845adc9b483fb84562476e446ae6#56709

slipsius

Way better than the original! Nicely done! But yup. move on and start something new! It will only be better than the last!

Tineung

Nice one, thanks to you guys for your help!!!  It's great having such useful feedback!  On to the next one now!!!  :-)