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2015/10/21 05:49:04
Subject: [KICKSTARTER] BlackRain: Alpha Strain | Now LIVE!
The launch time is Tuesday going into Wednesday at Midnight PT.
Shockwork Studio is happy to announce a new Kickstarter Launch Date Wednesday March 16th for BlackRain: Alpha Strain. After lots of great feed back from the community we made some rulebook revisions and a total overhaul of the Kickstarter itself. Making it much simpler and something people are accustomed to Lots and Lots of free models!
If we reach our Stretch Goals our supporters will get access to 1 copy of every model made for NAU and UNAS including Mechanized Infantry units as well as all conversion kits.
Kickstarter Preview! UNAS didn't have a Mecha, right? Well, it has. It's one of the first concept arts for the whole game.
Light Mechanized Infantry for UNAS faction. Exactly like Ulysses it will come in 3 different variants, with different weaponry and role on the battlefield. For now, take a look at a packed image of almost all the parts for this kit.
Hope you like it and see you soon on KS!
Alpha tests! Yup. We would like to invite you to participate in our closed alpha test of BlackRain AlphaStrain. If you are interested in playing the game before anyone else and sharing your thoughts with us, send us a message!
All you need to do is send us a priv message here or send us an email at: shockworkstudio@gmail.com with your email adress, so we could send you a rulebook, some unit profiles, everything you need to play BlackRain AlphaStrain
Ulysses Sidewinder test CAST. Resin, multi part, 70 mm, on Kickstarter really really soon.
We here at Shockwork Studio are proud to announce a launch date for our Kickstarter BlackRain: Alpha Strain
This is an incredibly exciting moment for Shockwork as it is years of Blood, Sweat and Tears for us.
From the beginning we set out to create a game that we would buy ourselves. A game that every aspect we would be proud to show. Something new that the public hasn't seen before at least not like this. I think we've achieved that and it's time to show it.
We a still working out the final details stay posted here for more news very soon
I'm very excited to show all of you Forward Commander Kali with her Godhand Rig in all it's glory for Shockwork Studios flagship game BlackRain: Alpha Strain.
As usual we love input from you the fans and thank you for your support
Hello! We just got back after Christmas with a full preview of our Ulysses! Last time we showed only main parts of the Mech, but this kit is way bigger. It has enough parts to build one of three Ulysses variants: Sidewinder, Bushmaster or Diamondback.
The Bushmaster can punch holes in the wall with its Dual Tiamat Flak Cannons for other troops to advance through, creating new tactical possibilities. Their manipulator arm allows it to operate terminals, open doors, or just punch someone in the face with the enormous strength of a mech.
The Diamondback offers a variety of guided missiles in its Brimstone M.L. 330. If that isn’t enough to crush the enemy, it can always send a Tactical Nuke!
The Sidewinder is the most balanced of the three variants, offering good offence in both short and long ranges. The LGC .50 “lawnmower” cuts infantry down like…well, a lawnmower, while the 20mm AMR “Black Arrow” can snipe irritating targets from afar.
As you can see all of the three types offer something different for your army. But enough talking about it, watch the video and enjoy the renders.
New preview video of S.O.C. Cazador Gutierrez
Again we welcome feedback.
We're always interested in input from our possible future fans.
Updating the top post with more pics and info on Zadruga
First up is a concept of a Deadwinter soldier and his trusty Bukavak
With chameleon weave camo and reliable weaponry a Deadwinter soldier can hold his own.
Bukavaks are monsterous pets of the Zadruga. In numbers these things are capable of taking down Mechanized Infantry.
Zadruga Weapons From the top down
Rainmaker: This is a portable howitzer system with programmable shells. Capable of raining death down on the enemy or punching a hole in a wall only to explode after breach.
Core Impaler: a nasty weapon capable of embedding spikes into its target. Until removed the spikes will continue to effect the target with things such as EMP and Radiation
KA-Marowit 12mm: A 12mm cylinder fed rifle capable of knocking man-sized targets off their feet and lying on your back is not a good place to be when greeted by a Bukavak
Triglav AR: This is the standard issue rifle of Zadruga able to carry armor piercing, flechette or stun rounds. An incredibly versatile weapon
Coda 6 pistol: pistol version of the Core Impaler nasty little handgun.
And on his ankle
Skinning Knives: a little bit more than a standard issue combat knife with its double wound capability
And A couple of nice shots of my personal favorite head
Halloween is upon us once again and we here at Shockwork Studio would like to give everyone a little surprise.
The most horrifying faction in BlackRain: Zadruga.
Haunting the forests that fill the land from Serbia to Belarus from Poland to Russia.
Skeletons, Ancient Ciphers, Gruesome Trophies that cover the tree line stand as warnings to all outsider's.
"Entering this Dark Forest is a prayer for Death."
Shockwork Studio proudly presents
Zadruga
"Skulls, horns, trophies. It’s all just a show, a masquerade… To plant a seed of fear in your miiinds. Don't get intimidated! These are men! They bleed like men, they can be killed like men! They are the ones who fear Us! Lying in wait in their forests. They Fear us! They Hide! and we need to rid ourselves of these peasant boogie men and their mind games once and for all can claim what was once ours."
Lt. Col Koen's speech 5 Mins before Operation Cluj, to the 2nd Battalion, 563 Man strong. All disappeared without a trace after 10 mins inside of what was Chuj Napoca. The single largest loss of EuroLance lives to date.
See: Lost Sons Incident
Please visit our blogspot to read more on Zadruga
Parental Advisory
Adult language
---
Shockwork Studio In conjunction with MaxMini EU will soon be bringing you the Ulysses Mech and Special Operations Commander: Cazador Gutierrez
We are trying to get a little bit of steam for the Kickstarter before we announce an official launch date for BlackRain: Alpha Strain
We have many more models on the horizon but for now a sneak peak. Both models have prototypes and are splendid.
We look forward to feedback from you.
Please Visit our Blog and our Patreon
http://blackrainthegame.blogspot.com/ https://www.patreon.com/BlackRain
Update 10/27
SOC Gutierrez parts
[i]SOC Gutierrez head up close
And of course we must thank the fine folks at:
This message was edited 26 times. Last update was at 2016/03/16 08:03:35
Glad to see you guys are still going at it. I'm also glad to see that you plan on putting out a few releases before doing a kickstarter. Smart move. What's the planned release date for these?
You have no idea how happy that makes me. What you guys don't see as of yet is the amount of time put into the BlackRain universe. We have so much more to show you.
Did I mention Ulysses is multi-part and has optional parts, weapons, heads, reconfigured front end and even stowage?
Barzam wrote: Glad to see you guys are still going at it. I'm also glad to see that you plan on putting out a few releases before doing a kickstarter. Smart move. What's the planned release date for these?
Very soon. We are putting the final touches on the renders before they go into production. I don't want to announce a date and then miss it but once it goes into production you fine folks at Dakka will be the first to know.
Spread the word guys. We're a small group looking to make a few big waves in 2016. We'll take all the help we can get.
You have no idea how happy that makes me. What you guys don't see as of yet is the amount of time put into the BlackRain universe. We have so much more to show you.
Did I mention Ulysses is multi-part and has optional parts, weapons, heads, reconfigured front end and even stowage?
Barzam wrote: Glad to see you guys are still going at it. I'm also glad to see that you plan on putting out a few releases before doing a kickstarter. Smart move. What's the planned release date for these?
Very soon. We are putting the final touches on the renders before they go into production. I don't want to announce a date and then miss it but once it goes into production you fine folks at Dakka will be the first to know.
Spread the word guys. We're a small group looking to make a few big waves in 2016. We'll take all the help we can get.
Excellent! I like the fluff but there are some spelling errors. Good work though!
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2015/10/22 11:39:04
2015/10/22 23:30:49
Subject: Shockwork Studio and Maxmini EU Present: Ulysses Mech and S.O.C. Cazador Gutierrez
Excellent! I like the fluff but there are some spelling errors. Good work though!
I noticed those last night.
I'll be fixing them this weekend. Sometimes we all wear so many hats things slip through, death warrants have been issued.
hopefully we'll dropping some more stuff on this post soon. Stay tuned
Love it. Is this the overall look we can expect for the NAU's troops? Gutierrez at least has a definite Post Apocalyptic survivor look to him that I love.
Yes, NAU have some of that post-apo, Vietnam war feel. Usually heavy armor covered with damaged cloth, lots of ammo packs and other stuff hanging on them.
We use word "survivors" to descibe them. That should give a hint.
We'll be uploading more and more stuff soon, so keep an eye on that.
2015/10/27 20:59:01
Subject: Update 10/27 Shockwork Studio and Maxmini EU Present: Ulysses Mech and S.O.C. Cazador Gutierrez
Not crazy about the walker. The torso feels too short and the legs feel like they are out of scale with what is in the concept art. The concept art captures something neat.. that.. we have seen a few times now from Defiance, White Dragon, and that guy that tried to kickstart some battlesuits a few months back.
The trooper is pretty cool. I hope there's a way to get that helmet as a bit, as I could imagine doing a few swaps on some Mantic Enforcers.
Vermis wrote: It all looks very pretty, but are there any prints or casts? Render distrust is hard to shake, especially with some of the kickstarters round here.
I sort of agree with MLaw about the mech, but my confusion is how a pilot fits in there. Or is it explained...?
We have prototypes. Each model is given to the fine folks at Maxmini for checks. I doubt we'll have casting issue and with 2 "house" 3D artist fixes happen pretty fast.
I'm curious as to a more in depth critique on the Ulysses.
MLaw Not crazy about the walker. The torso feels too short and the legs feel like they are out of scale with what is in the concept art. The concept art captures something neat.. that.. we have seen a few times now from Defiance, White Dragon, and that guy that tried to kickstart some battlesuits a few months back.
It may be caused by the render, soon I'll upload more shots, from different angles.
Vermis It all looks very pretty, but are there any prints or casts? Render distrust is hard to shake, especially with some of the kickstarters round here.
I sort of agree with MLaw about the mech, but my confusion is how a pilot fits in there. Or is it explained...?
Below are images of the very first print. Just keep in mind that it is NOT the quality we'll be using. Very very soon we'll have better photos, of the actual cast! We really can't wait for that moment.
And that mech doesn't have a pilot inside. It's a remote with some simple AI inside.
Promised photos:
Ulysses with some first layers of paint on him
Group photo with some other minis (that white trooper is our Zhendu model!)
And one top down view.
Nothing crazy, something for you to know that we are not at the level of 3d models only. We are working really hard to make these models miniatures. that's why we were silent for some time.
2015/10/28 11:17:12
Subject: Update 10/27 Shockwork Studio and Maxmini EU Present: Ulysses Mech and S.O.C. Cazador Gutierrez
Shockwork - I'm a designer myself, it's not the renders I'm talking about. The proportions are the issue I have and they're confirmed in those physical prototypes. Compared to the guns and legs, the "torso" looks tiny.. The guns look gigantic now that I can see them in scale with other models and the legs are way taller and bulkier than needed, especially if it doesn't even transport a person. Look at exsiting robots. The legs are way more light.
The angles on the torso are not as steep as the concept art, adding to the stunty profile. The tops of the legs extend past the hip servos and are wider than the concept art. Proportionally, the height of the torso was used to measure the top of the leg to the knee and the knee to the ankle. That has a nice symmetry to it which did not carry over to the 3d. The guns in the concept art were much smaller and more believable. The muzzle on the minigun is about the same size as the sensor thing on the concept art but almost twice as big in 3d and the muzzle on the autocannon is ridiculously large. Both are thicker and longer than the concept art as well. It's like someone modeled the guns like on the concept art and someone else came along and said "naw dawg, we gotta make those bigger!!!11!!!!!!" and then scaled them 2x and made the muzzles even bigger than that. The width of the foot in the concept art is only slightly bigger than the planar area that the sensor on the torso is resting on (the very middle on the front facing). In the 3d and prototype it's almost 2-3x the size of that area.
Hopefully that was specific enough to illustrate my concerns.
I'm interested in what was shown in the concept art but what you have there as the actual model is something I wouldn't pay $5 for.
I would assume the legs are bulky because it is designed to be fast moving, at least according to the lore I skimmed at. Moving at faster speeds it needs to support, balance the weight and range of motions over multiple terrains so it would be essentially walking legs. Unlike traditional mecha which tend to be slower moving, utilizing treads/wheels for speed. I would guess the gatling is anti-personnel while the tank gun is for other mecha, needing larger legs to fire and stay stable while moving.
The legs don't really bother me nor does the torso so much. If it is a remote, I am more bothered by the large odd shaped cod piece. I don't understand what purpose the dorsal fin serves there since we aren't cramming a pilot inside. It doesn't look like it holds ammo because its too thin, it doesn't really serve as armor. Removing that piece will help the overall profile.
2015/10/28 15:07:13
Subject: Update 10/27 Shockwork Studio and Maxmini EU Present: Ulysses Mech and S.O.C. Cazador Gutierrez
I imagine the GEKKO from Metal Gear Solid was a design influence. The Ulysses seems to be channeling it quite a bit, so I imagine that's why the proportions look the way they do.
You guys are misunderstanding. The concept art has different proportions than the finished model. I like the concept art but the 3d model aint that.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Here. I took the render and the concept art into Photoshop. I scaled the render up to the same height. The differences should be more apparent now.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2015/10/29 00:20:50
I don't consider concept art to have to match exactly, most concept art never matches exactly. From the time the concept art is made, to when someone tests and makes modifications in sculpting for various reasons... it usually won't match concept art 100%. People don't tend to recreate new concept art to match the modified sculpt, that is why it is concept art and not final art. They would create final art though based on the finalized version, which may or may not be the concept art but is usually considered the final miniature.
Now whether they want it to match the concept art more closely, that is a question. That is more up to them though. As a designer I can understand how you might want them to match closer, but they might have made decisions to make changes later after the art was created.
2015/10/29 00:42:47
Subject: Update 10/27 Shockwork Studio and Maxmini EU Present: Ulysses Mech and S.O.C. Cazador Gutierrez
Dark Severance wrote: I don't consider concept art to have to match exactly, most concept art never matches exactly. From the time the concept art is made, to when someone tests and makes modifications in sculpting for various reasons... it usually won't match concept art 100%. People don't tend to recreate new concept art to match the modified sculpt, that is why it is concept art and not final art. They would create final art though based on the finalized version, which may or may not be the concept art but is usually considered the final miniature.
Now whether they want it to match the concept art more closely, that is a question. That is more up to them though. As a designer I can understand how you might want them to match closer, but they might have made decisions to make changes later after the art was created.
Actually, I have a 3d modeling background too (including teaching it at the college level) so it kinda irks me when I see stuff like that. 3d modelers have had the ability to bring in art and match models to it for a very long time. In fact it's one of the earliest things taught and considered a standard in training. Modeling from design sheets is a crucial skill. I know it might seem like I'm upset over this or it's a big deal.. I'm really not. They did specifically ask for a critique and that's what I'm offering so please don't read more into this.
As a side note.. when I did the concept on the Dropship for Titanforge, they matched the parts that I detailed to the letter. We were working fast and they only wanted basic shapes for the hull but the cockpit and engines are scary close to the art I gave them. I have had my art not turn out so great at sculpt time too though from others but that wasn't done 3d so I figured it deserved some slack.
Vermis wrote: It all looks very pretty, but are there any prints or casts? Render distrust is hard to shake, especially with some of the kickstarters round here.
I sort of agree with MLaw about the mech, but my confusion is how a pilot fits in there. Or is it explained...?
We have prototypes. Each model is given to the fine folks at Maxmini for checks. I doubt we'll have casting issue and with 2 "house" 3D artist fixes happen pretty fast.
I'm curious as to a more in depth critique on the Ulysses.
This is why I went into so much detail
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2015/10/29 00:50:03
MLaw, I find your critique to be overly technical, pedantic, long, and a bit obsessive.
I enjoyed it immensely! Well done.
I still think the... robot drone looks fairly nice, but even before the critique I still think it looks just a tad bottom-heavy (is that a real term?) for my tastes. Sorry.
MLaw wrote: it kinda irks me when I see stuff like that. 3d modelers have had the ability to bring in art and match models to it for a very long time. In fact it's one of the earliest things taught and considered a standard in training. Modeling from design sheets is a crucial skill. I know it might seem like I'm upset over this or it's a big deal.. I'm really not. They did specifically ask for a critique and that's what I'm offering so please don't read more into this.
I know you aren't upset or think this is a big deal. I'm not arguing or debating or even saying that you are wrong, which is why I didn't quote you. You gave an opinion based on concept art matching 3d modeling and your opinion, which is a dislike they don't match. My opinions are based solely on the completed prototype model itself. I honestly could careless about the concept art. I'm not buying the artwork, I'm buying the finished model so what if it matches or how they got to the end look doesn't matter for me. For me it is more on the lines that I don't completely agree on the actual model.
3d modelers have always had the ability to match models to art, whether they do so or not though or even if it needs to is subjective though. From the manufacturing side, 3d modeling can match concept art perfectly, but there are many reasons why it shouldn't and doesn't always. There are many times details that are too thin, shouldn't be done even though it is on the concept art because it causes issue with printing and/or casting in the long run. It isn't about matching but more of a marriage and compromise to find the best route. 2d artwork especially concept and illustrations aren't designed to be exacting. This is most common in 3d game design when certain features and designs on paper and on a non-moving, posed model look great. When they animate it, there can be other issues causing them to need to make modifications. Now if this was final artwork going on a cover, decapitating a battle scene and wasn't concept art then I would have an issue with the art not actually matching the 3d modeling.
I don't necessarily think the above is the case here. The larger weapons in my opinion look better than the smaller ones and I have an issue with the cod piece part on the model. But again that is personal opinion on the actual prototype, not in reference to the concept art and each person will have different opinions on that. There isn't exactly a wrong or right way in that aspect.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Vermis wrote: I still think it looks just a tad bottom-heavy (is that a real term?) for my tastes.
Bottom heavy can be a term now... although I'm not sure I'm thinking about it the same way you are. ^_^ I do agree partially, but I also think part of that is because of the bottom cod piece that looks like a dorsal fin, elongating and making stick out more. I think modifying that will help the profile a bit more.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2015/10/29 01:15:23
2015/10/29 04:21:24
Subject: Update 10/27 Shockwork Studio and Maxmini EU Present: Ulysses Mech and S.O.C. Cazador Gutierrez
I like it, I just think the weapons need to be scaled back down a little bit and it would be perfect. Since it's a miniature though you can only go so far or I imagine the parts will be too brittle (unless you use brass rod for gun barrels, maybe).
Desubot wrote: Why isnt Slut Wars: The Sexpocalypse a real game dammit.
"It's easier to change the rules than to get good at the game."
2015/10/29 07:36:47
Subject: Re:Update 10/27 Shockwork Studio and Maxmini EU Present: Ulysses Mech and S.O.C. Cazador Gutierrez
I asked for critique, So I'm not upset at all. I'm hearing you guys about the scales sizing more than anything else.
as for designs I love the design on this its pretty cool too me lots of room to paint icons, logos slogans. there's also room for stowage and alternate parts.
the guns got scaled back mainly in the Gatling to help preserve the Ulysses "Bushmaster" A-Symmetry.
We had fixes by requested at 9 am with fixes done by 1pm
Got 2 pics fo' ya'
Big Gatling
Little Gatling
We're listening.
What do you like more Big gun or Smaller Gun? I like the Smaller gun.
We can do some things but other are design choices we've made or forced by needs of production.
I'm going on a limb with the next few things and Hope Michal doesn't Issue a Death Warrant.
Here's a shots of the parts. This pic is not of the parts after fixes.
I want everyone to understand I'm a modeler first. I'm looking forward so badly to seeing these guys pinned and glued with camo netting, stowage, squatting. Built like a WWII tank kit just decked out. hence the need to keep it a little plain.
I can't wait to get mine an add some Recon weapons, a shovel, some bags, An Ammo box, maybe have a Recon model riding off the back.
That being said you need to build it. 18 Pieces. Including a separate Optic. Again this isn't the final renders or layout just the parts spread out for you to see.
Not kidding about Alternate Parts either (Issue Death Warrant) Click to enlarge the concept.
We have 3 Variants were working on now. All Mechanized Infantry will be like this. Various kits allowing for customization
I'm liking the variants. the symmetry of the Artillery type is nice and I like the little sub arms on the Breecher. Suggestion though, how about a variant with a shield attached? It could be a variant with shields attached that troops could use as mobile cover.
I noticed those last night.
