How I Learned to Create Retro Game Characters

[@KeyframeChef]

😳Wow, I can't believe how much support this has gotten. When making the video, my goal was to just hit maybe... 100 views? I was not expecting this level of support at all. Thank you all so much for the encouragement and kind words. It genuinely means a lot. I've started working on a new breakdown video and I can't wait to share it.

[@BrolaireThebright]

what software are you using ? c:

[@KeyframeChef]

@@BrolaireThebright Heya, here's the list of the software I used. 3D Modelling + Rigging + Rendering: Blender Texturing: Substance Painter, 3DCoatTextura, Photoshop

[@BrolaireThebright]

@@KeyframeChef thanks a lot :D

[@loserssuite]

I like your seal playlist

[@KeyframeChef]

@@loserssuite It helps me survive through Mondays.

[@crowbuncle5986]

it terrifies me that the 3DS is retro now, but you perfectly captured the feel of it! this miku activates my 3DS nostalgia!

[@WitheringAurora]

The 3Ds becomes retro in 2026, so it's close, but not entirely there yet.

[@Tophatted]

@@WitheringAurorathat’s really scary- I still use my 3DS

[@Mienshaos]

i still refuse to call ps2 and gamecube retro. yes they're old, but i feel so, so, so gross when i indirectly say they're ancient and outdated lmao

[@MistaWind]

You know what's kind of funny about learning to create retro game characters? The fact that 20 years ago those models used in N64/Ps2 etc games were the best they could make with what they had. It was the only thing they could make, but now people have to learn how to back peddle to make that style of graphics again because everything is so new and refined.😂

[@paolaanimator]

I love that irony too! But on the positive side, it means artists have more freedom now thanks to advancement in technology, so there’s more artistic freedom in doing different styles. There’s realism, semi realism, cartoony, retro inspired, etc.

[@emiliaargyle]

To achieve consistent and reliable pixel-perfect UV snapping turn on Pixel Grid and change Pivot from "Bounding Box Center" to "Median point". Otherwise you'll have issues with moving multiple vertices at once and will have to manually re-snap them. With this setup no snapping needed at all in fact.

[@KeyframeChef]

OMG THANK YOU! I thought for sure there was a better way, but just couldn't find anything.

[@mublank]

My home page cooked with the recommendation. Great vid!

[@Nbrother1607]

me 2

[@ink_ko]

Very much agreed

[@arisenspirit]

Same here

[@Insane_enasnI]

Same

[@oyshrimp]

Same

[@lit_lee]

if i had a dime every time i saw a game dev or artist get stuck on trying to dial in the style one-to-one i'd be a rich man! "Not one-to-one but inspired" is the best way to go about it and I applaud you for it! Early games devs did what they could at the time, now we can do whatever we want and still be heavily inspired by their masterpieces. Nice job dude, you killed it!

[@cowardley]

LEE hi lee

[@lit_lee]

@@cowardley holaaaaaa

[@lit_lee]

@@cowardley just now seeing this lol idk why I didn't get a notification for it

[@fukurouituki129]

Retro 3D, Hatsune Miku = instant like in the first 10 seconds

[@caesarfrompersona3fes731]

pokemon x & y is now retro ladies and gentleman

[@SmileyMoe]

😂

[@ardent-ace27]

👨🏻‍🦳

[@DelGray]

I'm so freaking old

[@ChronoMoogle]

i hate it here

[@Aspway]

FUCK.

[@FATBOI_GX]

Gives off a 3Ds look but with unfiltered textures. Nice

[@phyxolatle]

i respect the editing

[@KeyframeChef]

Thank you! This was my first time trying to edit something like this. It's very different to the usual kind of things I do at work. 😅

[@DaikonDev_]

That's is actually perfect, looks more 3DS esque but does it amazingly if you told me this was an enemy trainer on the sun and moon battle tree I would believe you

[@miyukisakiko]

I actually liked the way you did that the more retro style its simple but dosent miss anything.

[@paxenimzi]

i'm so happy more ppl are getting into making ds/3ds era stuff cuz its such a dope aesthetic ^^ great video! def gonna reopen blender after seeing this o7

[@TheExFatal]

friend, "yap" more about the technicalities - that's an integral part of these kind of videos. subbed

[@Hexatunes]

Retro 3DS style collab Miku was a blessing for my eyes; this is criminally underrated!!!!! You cooked so hard!!!!!!

[@henryisaway]

I don't even 3D model but holy hell, this was quality production - got me hooked all the way to the ending. Amazing stuff!

[@charismauniquenessnervetalent]

this is probably the coolest thing ive ever seen omg I love how it really felt like an Ultra Sun character

[@scrufs]

what!! This is exactly the kinda style I wanna learn for my own 3D models- This video is hella well edited too- You're gonna go far in ur channel, I'm betting it

[@sanana3803]

Have I ever touched 3D art? No. Yet, I can't help but be inspired by your work!! This is awesome!!

[@bilskirnir_]

I've watch quite a few videos discussing retro 3D modeling. This one has been very concise and useful with it's information. Along with supporting further reading to dive deeper into the content. Nice.

[@ozzi9816]

Very nice video!! Especially for your very first! Honestly the higher fidelity is nice, because it feels like one of the reasons the PSX style is so popular is because amateur artists can "get away" with a lower fidelity, whether that be for skill based or logistics based reasons (since making a game takes quite a few assets!). No shade to anyone who does that, but it is nice seeing someone who does have the art skills take advantage of them like this. It would be cool to see a "PS2" style attempted next since that's the console generation I grew up with and I don't feel like it gets nearly as much love... Also, I like your philosophy of "Not one-to-one but inspired", I definitely think that's the way to handle it. The devs of Shovel Knight once said "the goal isn't to make a game exactly like it used to be made, it's to make a game the way people remember the game being" (regarding them cheating and using more colors than the 8bit era supported for their graphics).

[@Etce]

This video is absolutely amazing and inspiring. I love the editing and everything about it is just magic.

[@parmesanzero7678]

We’ve really forgotten how the move to the PS1 and N64 was a step backwards in visual aesthetic. It was a huge adjustment moving to 3D and a huge cost in graphics processing that took away from the detail and techniques learned in the pixel art era. You also have to bear in mind that effective use of graphics for CRT was not a matter of using a square pixel grid. Bleed could be used to great effect.

[@mercurymoon9344]

I’m actually glad I came across this video. I just love the look of low-poly models, especially from the PS2 or N64. And when I saw you make that 3D model of Miku I was really interested in how you made it cause it just looked, so good!

[@danyGamerCZ]

Amazing! I could imagine even some MMORPG this heavily stilized. Which is slowly becoming my dream.

[@WizbizMcBrix]

This is fascinating, and super helpful. Like it's not a tutorial, but gives an idea for the amount of work that goes into creating a retro-inspired model, while also giving some direction. I think I'm going to try to play around with this stuff because of this video, so thank you!

[@parkjoown]

this video is soo well edited. I was shocked to realize it hadn't yet gone viral. seriously, the model is beautiful!! (also you should like totally consider opening up commissions hahaaa))

[@sarastagnitto3159]

I actually really love your style you make them look so cute while also keeping the old aesthetic

[@mai2015]

Idk if he will see this but I'm currently doing a degree in animation and I cannot stress enough how valuable this video is to me!!! Vintage low poly video game styles are my absolute favourite and something I'm trying to master and this video is like the holy grail thank you so much!!!!!! I grew up on a ds and I've been trying to recreate the vibes in my own work. Amazing 😭🙏

[@KeyframeChef]

Awesome! I'm glad the video was helpful! 😁

[@kthekara]

hopes this gets a million views, your editing is so relaxing and your skills are incredibly apparent

[@Marshushu]

I actually really like the hands! It's a nice addon/twist to retro inspired models and seeing them posed at the end does allow for more expression in gestures. Definitely gives personality too! Love your work and keep it going! >:D

[@YSUKiwi]

Wow! Fantastic results with the Miku here. You captured the style you were going for perfectly, such a great breakdown of your process and exactly how you did it. What I think is really underrated was the editing of the video! Everything came across incredibly well specifically because of how you presented it. Really refreshing to see someone share their process AND put together a good explanation of it with good visuals. Really special video

[@ElioAurum]

that face texture is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. Great work!

[@lacruzo]

This was such a great video. The editing was on point and I absolutely adore the model, keep it up!

[@ayoutubechannel8598]

Great video! I dont usually comment on videos but your art is incredible, hope to see more from you

[@BreetonBoi]

The editing and work on this is CRAZY bro, such a dope watch! Keep doing your thing fr

[@MeltyVampire]

please make more sonic songs

[@BreetonBoi]

@@MeltyVampire yooo thank you! I will do actually :)

[@MeltyVampire]

@@BreetonBoi lets gooooooooo

[@juaniche]

I've got to say this is an amazing video, I'm studying videogame design and animation and we tend to use maya for most things, but you've inspired me to get more used to blender! You should be proud of the marvellous piece of art you made here ❤️

[@KeyframeChef]

I started out using Maya as well! I only switched to Blender because when finished Uni I did not want to pay for Maya 🤣🤣 And thank you!!

[@SylveryFairy]

I'm gonna say, I looked up right at the end and saw the silhouette and thought it was a character from Pokemon sun on the 3ds! your recreation was very on point for the looks!!!

[@Yesyolodog]

KEEP YAPPING IT'S AMAZIN! 🗣🗣🗣🔥🔥🔥 I've learnt a lot from this video, thank you for your work!

[@TheOnlyDang]

Keep up the good work!! Looking forward to more content 😍

[@marcoshenriquearrudadasilv1135]

The production value is stunning. I really love the outcome! Hope you get the views you deserve for that work soon

[@Densle.]

Awesome video, man!

[@WorldsLeastSelfSufficient]

STEEL MIKU IS MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE, and since she kinda looks like my favorite pokemon, bronzong, I clicked IMMEDIATELLYYY your model is SO cute!!

[@toasterfire]

Everything ab this vid was fantastic. The actual content was good. The art was good. The editing was good. It was a joy to watch. Keep it up!

[@centdemeern1]

This is such an incredibly high quality video Edit: just finished watching the video! Very cool, looks like a high quality DS Pokemon model as intended :)

[@NuclearSplatter]

so cute, love the model. def made me super nostalgic for my first DS

[@queendiamond770]

OMG OMG I've been thinking of learning something like this for so long so thank you for this video!!! Thank you so much for not keeping your secrets lol as an artist I'm always giving tips away to others too

[@se-n-fly-er]

Love this! The character looks so cool!

[@coding-donne]

i know the feeling been in the phase for about 2-3 years currently seeing how far it goes

[@Taelhyr]

Your character turned out great, I really like the style you went for. The PSX was one of my first consoles but I'm actually not a big fan of its graphics (except for prerendered backgrounds, but that's another topic). Something like the PSP or 3DS looks a lot more pleasing to me. Very nice.

[@artificiallightk]

Very cute ! I know nothing about 3D modelling but it was nice to see your process anyways

[@Revelde001]

This is crazy for a first video. Really inspiring bro keep it up

[@paolaanimator]

Great video editing and the model, textures and animations came out beautifully! I’ve been very invested into the retro style games as well.

[@NothingHereForYou]

cant wait to start seeing 3ds looking indie games. Right now indie games are still kinda stuck in the snes ps1 look for the most part

[@nomi-non]

The end product is amazing and the video is just as good. First time I've subbed in under 5min in ages

[@isefol]

This looks so amazing, literally perfect guide and perfect work

[@JYK-F1211]

I just got your vid in my recommended and it’s really good I love the transition designs they look really clean and I also really appreciate that you explain why you do somthing and showing a reference for both instances

[@SushiSpider-tw5ro]

Pov: you encounter an important foe in pokemon omega ruby and alpha sapphire

[@mahimeghan]

I don’t entirely understand this video yet, but i’d really like to. Awesome stuff!

[@solarz2138]

i like seeing artists work with programs i dont understand, its like seeing a wizzard at work

[@xgotenx1]

That's really amazing, I'm fascinated by this model

[@ZoeXspecturm4698]

This is great thanks, I 3d model but struggle with texturing and finalizing my work. this gives me some ideas to try out!

[@seyathecreator]

That's so cool!!! I like low poly models aswell, they have this something in them

[@phonfo.official]

this amount of content, it feels like i should be paying for this

[@gareths]

sick video, also wonderful character design.

[@chaosax0lotl]

This looks so good for making 3d prints i love it

[@joybgg]

i adore low poly modeling because its so hard to model something with limited poly count yet it looks so simple. like, in modeling you always have to check your topology that everything will be in quads (there may be mistakes since im a blender noob)

[@xgoom123]

Glad to see older styles coming back, good video!

[@tcg2717]

Great stuff man. It's clear how much time and effort you put into the editing and getting the point across. I think you'll grow super quickly :)

[@oneautumnleaf2622]

Thank you for this video :) Im in the middle of making my first video game, Im doing everything myself and Ive been wanting to do PS1 Style Graphics but didn't know where to start and this video helped me alot :)

[@ArjunTheRageGuy]

All I understand in this vid is that you just make any character but make it low poly to make it look like it was from the old times of 3d gaming. Got it.

[@RetroBreak]

Love the style! Would love to play a 3D platformer with characters like this!

[@epictimmygamer1334]

Your retro giving me 3ds vibe instead of old retro

[@SuperMarioSmellMyFinger]

exactly

[@JessicaNevesLago]

Okay, I LOVE the low poly/retro style, new subscriber ❤

[@CarJackITN]

Really loved what you did ! You really nailed it !

[@eugenechelovechniy]

The production video is incredible

[@SomaSpice]

Excellent overview dude. I'll be using this as reference soon enough :)

[@EbokGamer]

you were cooking bro, honestly really inspiring

[@ItsWindHere]

Incredible work! I love your presentation, editing, and everything in between

[@KVMII]

Editing and overall style of your video is great. Loved it.

[@TopatTom]

Underrated channel, love it mate keep it up!

[@TheAtticus82]

Great video, dude! I'm a dev trying too learn how to do sprite and model work, and this is super inspiring. Just subbed! Looking forward to more 😃

[@Pretentigon]

love the ds look so much. Planning on making a game in the style!!

[@jadenjackals6900]

This is really cool, I’ve been super disappointed with all my 3D art work lately, and just lost the motivation. But seeing this breakdown and how you go about it is amazing! If it’s okay I might wanna try to make my own retro pokemon miku from the collab! I want to learn blender and feel like this project can help me want to learn it. (I used to use 3dsmax from school)

[@HOUCEMATE]

Thank you for making this video bro, super helpful!

[@perhaps.........4108]

The finished product looks awesome, and I love the editing on this video. Definitely subscribing, can't wait to see more from you! 😁

[@XanttheInversi]

Loved this!!! Looking forward to more of your work

[@SetterTV]

Great editing and modelling style, keep the good work!

[@loboxz5297]

Amazing process and video, great work!

[@wasabidono2522]

looking forward for more of your art and tutorials!

[@Squidmoto3]

So perfect dude, absolutely love it.

[@cabbagelord7716]

The end result is so fascinating!! Have you ever considered opening commissions for these types of models??

[@KeyframeChef]

Thank you!! 🩷 I don't have any spare time for commissions currently but I will definitely be opening it once things quiet down with work. 😁

[@mels287]

Amazing Video! Everything is so well explained and shown! This will be a huge Help! Have an awesome day 😁

[@MALCERTAADDAMS]

i will steal your editing style, love it

[@Receptacle64]

I really like your editing style! Also great video!🥇

[@lunarbread]

Ngl, this makes me very exited of what we could do if we really wnat to do it and don’t give up! (Now I want to study and practice 3D modeling…)

[@_Ingcom]

Amazing work and video - got me inspired! 😤

[@docnel]

10:28 The "Katana" pose! 🗿🚬

[@mrfrikki0]

With colors looks more newer, but you could have limited the colors to 15 bit to like the ps1 gameplay. Maybe also use dithering to fake better colors, interlacing, ps1 geometry warping.

[@ProximoK]

Absolutely love the typesetting. Do you use premier plug ins?

[@KeyframeChef]

Hiya, I don't use any Premiere plugins. I made all the graphics in After Effects and just used dynamic link to import them into the premiere project.

[@ProximoK]

@@KeyframeChef Looking forward to this free year of CC I have coming my way.