Racing for Rupees: A Source Film Maker Zelda Animation

[T-Min]

I was just going to post this in the Greatest Youtube Videos thread, but I figured this was intriguing enough to warrant its own topic. A friend of mine linked me this Zelda animation the other day:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=it2sk2nzbnY&feature=youtu.be

I've got to say, it's pretty impressive all around. The animation itself is a very strong showing of how well SFM can be used. While there are some noticeable limitations (in particular, the low-poly Castle Town area and the shopkeeper's character model clash with some of the others), the way the motions and expressions for Link and Illia in particular are animated is pretty spectacular and surprisingly detailed. The content of the animation is pretty awesome, too. The idea is simple, but the video takes it as far as it can, and the result is hilarious. It pokes fun at some of the franchise's quirks in a way that feels affectionate and sincere, and the use of music and various vocal clips makes it feel quite authentic. On the whole, it's probably one of the best Zelda videos I've seen and certainly one of the best SFM videos I've watched.

 

So yeah. What do you guys think of this?

[McGroose]

I saw this a yesterday and I thought it was hilarious. This really shows some of the full potential of SFM. Besides having fantastic animation, I love how they play and make fun of some of the key elements of the Zelda games, such as just breaking and destroying everything around you just to find the green or blue rupee inside, even if what you're breaking isn't your property and no one even cares.

 

That Shopkeeper model is from from the 3DS remake of Ocarina of time, right? His model stood out as the worst in the bunch, but I know that couldn't have been an N64 model.

[Patticus]

 

That was a fantastic little short, highly enjoyable, very silly. Lovely. I would love it if Nintendo got this guy to produce a fun little piece for an E3 presentation, and I'd probably pay a small sum ($0.99?) to watch new shorts through the Nintendo eShop. It really is great miniseries potential.

[Cyrus]

Brilliant animation. It could use a bit less motion blur, but the timing and expressions are nicely done. I agree, Pat, Nintendo should hire this animator.