BloodSpell Forged

I knew I'd have at least one posting today as the expected release date for Episode 1 of BloodSpell. I took the opportunity to download it and watch the high res WMF version. With this being a big release within the machinima community I figured I'd give a few lines in review of my initial thoughts.

Just as like comments from ShoverStein earlier state, this series will not be for everyone, but the important thing to keep in mind is this is Episode 1 of a series that won't end there. There will be more. And very much like the first Simpson's episode which was visually crude and kind of more amusing to watch than anything particularly engaging, it matured in to a phenomenal primetime hit series. Will BloodSpell reach this status? Doubtful, but at the same time its far too early to say. Hugh and company are just warming up. In general here are my impressions that focus on the general production rather than any nit picky things (like the fly throughs during credits moving too quickly and finding the general framerate a little choppy or the soldier at 1:13 running right through a door frame, I can't stand polyclipping!) :)

Pros:

• Good story for opener. It looks to be leaning toward a depth in story that can hold an audience.
  
• Unique genre style (although termed Post-Goth, yet looks to be very medieval timing).
  
• I love the music. Future episodes will tell if this hardcore style pans out within the series.
• The details in the environment (i.e. dog running across street) and secondary actor actions show greater depth of the story world. Makes it more engaging.
  
• This is a series made from passion, you can see it in the scope of this one episode.
  

Cons:

• Hugh and team need to focus more on the subtitles of human behaviour. Its a huge step for simple lip-syncing in the NWN engine but facial expressions or even a simple blink can make all the difference. Step up the virtual acting (no body swings their arms like that when they run).
• Remember first impressions? The one here is the StrangeCompany logo at the start, in a very over stretched, low res, artifact-y look. An unimpressive visual logo begins things on the wrong path and looks less professional. At least show a nicely rendered version to show your serious. The rest of the credits were good.
  
• The sound on the whole was very good. I did find myself checking my speakers at one point because of an unplaced crackling. I believe this was the torch fires on the walls. The Voice recordings seemed a little uneven at times as well.
• Jered's eyebrows drove me nuts.
  

Done in the NeverWinter Nights engine is a feat in itself. Hugh and company have pushed this engine in ways its never been, and I have tried! The graphical edges may be a little rough and the visual style still a little 'gamey' but this is a huge production in the terms of average day machinima films and has all the potential that comes with it. Now we get to sit back and watch as this whole series comes together. Well done Hugh and company.