Well, it took quite a bit longer than we originally estimated, but after countless hours of work we finally have completed Typhon, the first short in the Tales of the Jebi shorts series. Here's a little info on what you're seeing.

Back last summer, there was a growing desire to make another film, as we missed the experience of making Spoof Wars. We tossed around quite a few ideas, and eventually came up with the idea of a short soundless film, specifically set to a piece of music. It just so happened we were listening to the Pirates 2 soundtrack at the same time. So I crafted what I imagined would happen, matching the feel of the music, regardless of how it was used in the actual movie. Our original idea was to have Captain Typhon walking through a huge battle between the Jebi/Clones and Spiff/Troops/Guards. Obviously, this was too grand an idea. So we scaled it back significantly to just him in the midst of a quick saber fight.

Then, Ryan returned from Florida, and he showed us what he had learned at Full Sail. he said he'd be willing to help us out with this if we do it. That Fall, it turned out that Aaron and I were both in the Digital Video class, so we decided to film Typhon and another short as our joint-final project. As the months since that class have gone by, Ryan has amazed me again and again with what he's capable of today. Although it pushed us back further and further, the addition of two major effects sections was completely and totally worth the delay.

But enough of my rambling. Typhon is short, but remember that there has been A LOT put into this one. There are a few minor effects things we didn't do (such as painting out all the cars and telephone poles) but those may be revisited when we finish all three shorts for our DVD.  Shadows of the Democracy is still in post-production, but because the effects are less epic in scale, it won't take anywhere near as long to finish. We're also still working on crafting the final short, Dark Equilibrium.

So, without further ado, I Don't Sense Anything Productions presents it's first actual film since The Dubious Maneuver: Typhon!

Right-Click and "Save File As":

 MEDIUM QUALITY (DivX AVI) - Recommended
http://www.gamerpost.net/Videos/TyphonInternet1.avi

VERY COMPRESSED DIVX - Lower quality, lower filesize
http://www.gamerpost.net/Videos/TyphonCompressed.divx

SHADOWS PREVIEW (DivX AVI)
http://www.gamerpost.net/Videos/ShadowsPreview.avi

A NOTE ON FILE SIZES: Part of the delay over the last week and a half (besides finals) has been me trying to get a decent file size for both the DVD render and the internet versions. My version of Adobe Premiere hates compression for some reason, so despite my efforts, the file sizes for these may be larger than is typical for a 7 minute video. I mainly aimed for audio-video sync and high quality, since those are what counts the most in showing off this particular work. In the coming weeks, I'll get together with Ryan (again) and we'll try to come up with a good solution and re-render and re-upload these files again sometime. Right now I'm just tired of delaying it anymore and want you guys to see it.

From the SEGA Press page:

SEGA ANNOUNCES SONIC RUSH ADVENTURE FOR THE NINTENDO DS

LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO (April 16, 2007) - SEGA® Europe Ltd. and SEGA® of America Inc. today announced the development of Sonic Rush Adventure™ for the Nintendo DS™ system. Sonic Rush Adventure will seamlessly utilise both screens of the Nintendo DS to navigate the high seas in search of pirate treasure, delivering Sonic’s classic high-speed 2D gameplay in the ultimate Sonic handheld experience. Developed by SEGA Studios, Sonic Rush Adventure for the Nintendo DS will be available in Autumn 2007.

Sonic returns to the Nintendo DS in an all-new frantic adventure complete with dizzying dives, near vertical curves and brain twisting loops. Sonic Rush Adventure will retain the DS action that fans loved so much from Sonic Rush™, as well as providing a new high seas adventure where Sonic clashes with ruthless pirates. Players will set off from Windmill Village as Sonic and blast their way through seven action-packed and widely diverse levels. Sonic Rush Adventure will make full use of the DS Download Play feature and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, which enables gamers to compete with friends in wireless racing and mission-based battles.

Guide Sonic through numerous action stages in the fast and furious single player mode, whilst collecting valuable items and materials that enable Sonic and Tails to track down the villainous pirates. With a fleet of up to five ships, including a submarine, water bike and hovercraft, Sonic Rush Adventure uses the Touch Screen technology in exciting new ways. Use the Nintendo DS Stylus to help control vessels as they race across the ocean gathering rings, performing tricks, and torching pirate boats, whilst engaging in fierce ship-to-ship battles. At the end of each level, epic 3D boss battles spanning both screens will test gamers skills to result in an ultimate showdown with the evil boss character, Captain Whisker.

Sonic Rush Adventure allows players to bounce, fly, swing, ride and run through grand environments of lush forests, an ominous ghost ship, snow covered mountains, pirate villages and a vast underwater sea cave. Along the way there will be a variety of enemy characters to battle against including robots, skeleton warriors, pterodactyls, and a robotic triceratops.

I thoroughly enjoyed Sonic Rush, and while the 3D games have been very laxed of late (excepting Secret Rings), the modern 2D Sonic games are playing as fun and exciting as the original classics. I'll be keeping an eye on this one.

Screenshots can be found here.