from the web

Computerandvideogames.com just ran a review of GTA IV. In it, the reviewer writes.."Character animation has been noticeably touched up. Facial expressions on GTA's cast are particularly pleasing on the eye, helping to convey the game's trademark humour on characters' faces." To read the piece in its entirety, visit: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=180050

GameSpot recently interviewed Rockstar North's animator Mondo Ghulam about how the characters in GTAIV have been brought to life. Here is what Mondo had to say about Image Metrics' facial animation..."Image Metrics handles all of the facial animation. Characters created here by Mike Kane and his team were rigged for animation by Image Metrics. Early on in cutscene production we took the plunge and went for full blend shape and bone animation for faces. It was a tough piece of tech to realize and took the combined efforts of people here at Rockstar North, Rockstar San Diego, and Image Metrics.

IGN recently interviewed VP of Creative, Dan Houser, and Rockstar North Art Director Aaron Garbut to get an in-depth look at the creative process behind GTA IV.

Check out the latest GTA IV trailer with our facial animation. Click on the headline to view the video in standard or HD format.

Manhunt 2, one of the Rockstar titles that Image Metrics worked on, will finally be sold in the UK. A ban, which was set by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), has now been lifted and an edited version of the game will be released with an 18 certificate.

Check out the whole story here:

http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/news/news.phtml/13450/14474/Manhunt-2-given...