Cryokenetic's Notes

Hey everyone. I thought I'd add a little something else to the site. So when I get some free time, I'm gonna put down some meaningful (or not) commentary on all my animations, including what I went through to make it, what I like and don't like about each, and even some behind-the-scenes ideas that didn't make it.

Chrono Trigger Unglued: Episode 1

Ah yes. My first flash sprite movie. Well not really, I made a final fantasy sprite movie for my design class, but it only involved them walking and talking. Anyway, as you can probably tell, I think EP 1 could use a major revamping. It's got some good jokes in there, it really does. But a lot of the dialogue could use fine tuning and the sprite work could really be overhauled. And it should be longer. But it was my first little movie, and it was intended to be a short "secret" animation for a flash project that has been on haitus for over a year. When it looked like that Flash wasn't gonna come out for a while, my friends convinced me to post CTU on Newgrounds to see if people liked it. And the rest is history, I suppose. I'd like to go back and redo episode one at some point. Maybe I will when I get some free time.

Chrono Trigger Unglued: Episode 2

Episode 2 was a big jump from the first one for various reasons. One, it was longer, like double the normal size. Second, the sprite work was better. I really tried to use the idea of objects being in front of the characters and having them walk behind it, rather than around it. Third, I try my hand at interactivity (quite successfully too, I might add). The scene where you look for Marle's pendant, in particular, was a shade of things to come in later episodes. Still, a lot of the dialouge is kinda rough, and still developing. But comparing Episode 2 with Episode 1, it seems like two different people.

Deleted Scene: At the time of the episode creation, a reviewer by the name of FinalDarkAssault had reviewed EP 1. He blasted it for being unfunny and stealing a lot from his similar movie. I apologized at first, then went to go check his movie. Not only was it less funny than I expected, the animation made my work look like f'cking Pixar. And I couldn't find any jokes I "stole" from him. The deleated scene in question would have revolved around a short segment where I stole ALL of Assault's jokes while a "Blatant Rip-off" sign blinked in the corner. But I thought it would be too obscure and the file size was already busting at the seams. It still would have been a funny scene for all 3 people who would have understood it.

Chrono Trigger Unglued: Episode 3

This is one of the two award winners in the CTU collection and, if I may be so smug, rightfully so. It was one of the best episodes, for sure, in terms of both animation and writing quality. Seriously, the jokes here are some of my favorites; I especially enjoyed writing the Gato rhymes and doing Taban's dialogue. The jaunting back and forth between him and Crono just felt right. Unfortunatly, this is also the only episode besides number one that does not feature any interactivity during the movie; something that has become something of a staple (ie. gimmick) in my movies. It still remains both a fan favorite and creator favorite.

However, there was a level of controversy over a part of this episode: I dropped the F bomb. After eight episodes, it doesn't seem like a big thing, but then I hadn't used it before and I threw it out, uncensored. Most of the responses I got toward it were negative, and I decided to compromise and censor it, which is what I do now whenever I use it. I don't know what all the astrick actually does to detract from the rancid nature of said word, but it helps me sleep better at night. Some people have commented on the usage of it, but I defend my decision because I think it lends a certain character trait and, if you look back at it, only Crono ever uses that word. Now I use it at least once an episode, but I wish I had chosen to use it at another time, because the instance in EP 3 was pretty weak. But still, I've seen so many Kevin Smith films, I guess it's impossible to avoid using it. ^_^

Deleted Scene: Here's one I just didn't get around to. It would have been an interactive beer chugging scene from the fair. Maybe it was file size, or my then limited knowledge of action-scripting, but it was just low on my priorities for the episode. In retrospect, I wish it had it. Maybe I can include it in an upcoming episode.