Wow, that is some beautiful concept art. It looks very nice, and if I had any concerns, it would be how... neat it is, if that makes sense? I may be wrong, but it seems to me that most TF2 models are mostly curves, and this design seems very angular, very clean and sterile. It's absolutely fantastic, I just worry it might not fit in.
As far as levels 2 and 3, I'm sure you have ideas of your own, but it seems like perhaps the triangle-like top piece might expand, having the two angled sides swing upward and outward to reveal more dakka. For level 3, you should definitely do something with that rectangle of red metal near the bottom- maybe it could split to form four more legs, securing along a diagonal pattern (viewed from the top, the legs would go from forming a + shape to a X on top of a +, an eight point star)?
I dunno, just a few thoughts. Looks very, very good.
Hell yea Teriyaki! Glad to see you joining in on the fun. Im sure you are still in the rough stages with this first model, but I must say that I like how stubby and thick the barrel is in the concept as opposed to the current one on the model. Some of the arms that hold the 3 pad like plates seem kinda thin as well. Keep it up! I cant wait to see the next 2 stages.
...*scratches noggin* ...I'm utterly perplexed how you think it's too futuristic. A beam of light is a whole lot less low tech than the sentry itself, not to mention the medic's healing gun.
That looks great. What I'm concerned about, though, is the theme; it doesn't make any sense for the Engineer to have foreign designs and you need the little backstory to explain it. In my opinion, designs, especially for TF2, fail if they can't speak for themselves. It also doesn't add anything to the Engineer's character, but is rather an excuse.
Which isn't to say that the current concept doesn't work, mind.
Zwebbie - I could argue it makes a lot of sense for him to have foreign intel, designs etc. I'm working on a little back story thing I hope it will explain more. But TF2 is chock full of "foreigners"!
Foreigners that don't really tread on each other's territory, though. TF2's stereotypes are its charm, since you don't need lengthy descriptions to see why the weapons fit with their owners.
When I first saw your concept, my reaction was "wow, a lunch box that turns into a gun. That's so fitting with the Engineer's laid back style and TF2's theme of sloppy camouflage". The whole foreign intelligence story let it down a bit.
note that the upgrades are way shorter, they are simply stuff folding out rapidly because all the time was already spend in hammering 200 metal into it :P
Offensive engies everywhere have been begging for a quicker sentry build in exchange for no upgrades.
Maybe, but adding all 3 levels seems like it'd get it more likely to be selected. But that is an idea. Still though, lv1 sentries aren't very useful. Even as an offensive engie I get a lv1 up, harass with shotgun, lead into sentry to finish and lv it up to at least 2 before doing anything else. And offensive engies generally have a powerful nest set up so they can manage a dispenser and teleporter right before enemy lines, so just a lv1 would be a little useless.
As an offensive engie the first thing I usually level up is my teleporter, nothing keeps a sentry alive, or keeps enemies distracted from it like back up. Just sayin'.
AHHH haha my maya trial expired and I'm stuck in Seattle. Maybe Valve can kick down a copy if I show up naked.
If you're still having problems for some reason, you can always get a student copy of Maya 2011 which will work until 2012 comes out (and then you can do the same thing). As long as you're not making a profit (I don't think free t-shirts and stickers count), you can use the 'student' license.
OH MAN! I seriously cant friggin' wait! This is so awesome!!!! Very few decide to make buildings for the engineer. Keep working! Amazing piece of art here!:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
I think it's a bit too clean at the moment. It should have some edge scratches similar to those on the current tool box. That text doesn't seem like it fits within the TF2 universe (comparing it to other text/signage stuff). Perhaps make the font more like one of these http://tf2wiki.net/wiki/List_of_companies
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I'm also loving how it like the old sentry, is using a toolbox as base.
What's your theme going to be?
As far as levels 2 and 3, I'm sure you have ideas of your own, but it seems like perhaps the triangle-like top piece might expand, having the two angled sides swing upward and outward to reveal more dakka. For level 3, you should definitely do something with that rectangle of red metal near the bottom- maybe it could split to form four more legs, securing along a diagonal pattern (viewed from the top, the legs would go from forming a + shape to a X on top of a +, an eight point star)?
I dunno, just a few thoughts. Looks very, very good.
Can't wait to see the other levels of the sentry!
can't wait to see more progress on this !
I personally think it works, don't know about the laser though.
Semi random posting: http://tf2wiki.net/wiki/Timeline
WAR was announced '62, so new foreign intel with some prototype designs and all that from the early '60s could work.
...*scratches noggin* ...I'm utterly perplexed how you think it's too futuristic. A beam of light is a whole lot less low tech than the sentry itself, not to mention the medic's healing gun.
Which isn't to say that the current concept doesn't work, mind.
Have you considered adding a foot or two of visible laser to the model, like in your concept?
When I first saw your concept, my reaction was "wow, a lunch box that turns into a gun. That's so fitting with the Engineer's laid back style and TF2's theme of sloppy camouflage". The whole foreign intelligence story let it down a bit.
Reminds me of the Tau's look in Warhammer 40k
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Seems like it should be a bit wider though so it's closer to the width of the current tool box.
Offensive engies everywhere have been begging for a quicker sentry build in exchange for no upgrades.
Never heard the classic saying "LEVEL ONE SENTRY IS CREDIT TO TEAM"?
While my personal preference would be the green lunchbox in the second picture.
Lol... would this like the sandwich and bonk be tagged as a "level _ lunchbox" item?
If you're still having problems for some reason, you can always get a student copy of Maya 2011 which will work until 2012 comes out (and then you can do the same thing). As long as you're not making a profit (I don't think free t-shirts and stickers count), you can use the 'student' license.
http://students.autodesk.com/?nd=m_home
Perhaps the other food items as well, like Bonk.