Hard Blade - 3D Animation

[@Zen-vy8ce]

Thank you for watching my videos and a Super thanks! I've been studying English for a while now, and I'm happy that I can now read everyone's comments to a certain extent without using a translation tool! I'm not at the level where I can converse yet, but I'd like to study little by little!

[@kinder1700]

While I can see how far you have a long way to go in animation, effects and modeling, I have to admit that the directing, staging is freaking awesome! You had an impressive progress with the techniques and your style is even more sharp then before. Besides the unquestionable talent the amount of work here is really visible. Wish you could have bit more funds and collaborates!

[@gigagleb9842]

That's a lot of progress, both in your language skills and animation. Please, keep making videos - your work is always a delight to watch!

[@hygruschech2643]

Recommendation: Update the description with a few more tags; and increase the number of related keywords in video settings. You should also try sending this to Skallagrim, he should be more than happy to review an animation of this quality, this will create more attention from the wider community. Honestly, this video has quality on par with Adorea Olomouc's best videos, and as someone who uses blender, I can't help but appreciate the effort went into making this, I hope you get paid well for all this effort. 私は日本語を少ししか話せません。英語が得意な友達を見つけて、上記のことを説明してください。

[@starhammer5247]

Hopefully you'll eventually be able to converse fluently. I'm looking forward to any future projects you make.

[@OperatorJackYT]

Nice man! you can do it! :D

[@ExposingOreo]

Dang, a medieval combat animation that actually doesn't just slash through armor but hitting through gaps and using cqc and tactics. This is a breath of fresh air.

[@OperatorJackYT]

ikr

[@wolfensniper4012]

It's just invaluable, hope many Japanese and Western animators think about this

[@giulyanoviniciussanssilva2947]

With anime guy

[@Fulcrox]

​@@giulyanoviniciussanssilva2947 looks like a girl

[@beowulfshaeffer8444]

Amen

[@julianampo165]

Bro the fact theyre using stance and working armor make this unique

[@tidlywank]

One person has achieved what the entire western entertainment industry has fallen short on; realistic medieval combat, which looks miles cooler than hollywood's sharp club swinging. Bravo.

[@ExpertContrarian]

Just western? The entire globe had this problem.

[@soportuguese354]

Uh, the The King has the most realistic looking medieval combat i've seen tbh

[@BigJo95]

well the indestructible chainmail here is the right opposite, that spear would have bent the ring open when he put his weight in

[@Dan_Kanerva]

@@ExpertContrarian not really. There are many Chinese and Japanese animations for young adults, that show a sword combat lasting only 10 seconds and being very vrutal and realistic

[@ExpertContrarian]

@@Dan_Kanerva No, not really. Animations actually have some of the most unrealistic.

[@FrancisHatesStairs]

Common footsoldier enemies NOT being completely worthless at combat and actually demonstrating decades of experience and actually holding their own against the hero?! *MAGNIFICENT!*

[@TheHellCrawl]

HES BACK FROM RIFLES TO BOWS

[@digivagrant]

Evolving But backwards :y

[@OperatorJackYT]

@@digivagrant yes lol

[@Meeb-g7q]

Technically, they're using javelins

[@LynSain]

Finally, an animation that proves that HEMA realism is not boring to watch and can be combined with some "rule of cools"

[@yuhangli5436]

100%correct There is no boring HEMA skill，but lazy creators not willing to spend enough effort working on it

[@Tojeaux_]

@@yuhangli5436 Its definitely not that Hema is boring, its that its inscrutable at times, everything from manuals, to watching "real" fights. Its hard to research if the subject matter isnt approachable. Not to mention HEMA likers tend to be up there, especially on youtube, for just kinda being assholes because swordfights arent 100% authentic. Zen does good work because they understand taking liberties to balance authenticity and readability.

[@arthurg.calixto3338]

​@Tojeaux_ This one million times.

[@simonhogg5476]

Adorea Olomouc on youtube also have some great thematic fencing videos that show how proper swordplay can be engaging.

[@therabbidt]

Holy fricking hell. From realistic modern combat to realistic medieval combat? This person is a legend.

[@agamzxhv11]

Exactly!!

[@Crownless_Online]

He returned. With not copyrighted models! And now he can earn money from it!

[@Cheaver]

"hm this looks like a lot like Zen's style" "OH WAIT IT IS HIM"

[@oakashthornman7834]

This is literally what I did. The faces in the grappling is what sold me.

[@agamzxhv11]

I was just thinking about his first video about the VIP and was amazed when I found out he made another video recently 😂

[@mrzero648]

So I do HEMA and bit of armoured fighting as a hobby, and while I don't have much idea about cinematography I wanted to give you my 2 cents from more technical POV: Firstly, great job on your improvement since VIP! Your movement became considerably smoother, though the hip stiffness still shows a little. However you absolutely aced it in a few areas that I wanted to highlight: 1st: Your understanding of fencing distance is good, you've a good comprehension of the weapon's reach and their realistic applications within those constraints. I was really impressed with pre-fencing and winding attacks, that must've taken some serious work to line it all up! 2nd: You've clearly put effort in researching fencing techniques! While I appreciate you've had to make departures from "correct" forms for the sake of cinematography, you've done a really good job highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in the context of the action scene. I especially appreciated the stances and the fluid nature of guards (something many folks get wrong by assuming their static poses) 3rd: ARMOUR WORKS! Goddamn I cannot praise you enough for sensibly depicting the reasonableness of protection offered by chainmail and the like. I like that you clearly understand the difference in the protection chainmail provides against thrusting vs slashing and the way you utilised the cuts as means of delivering blunt force trauma rather than just discarding them altogether! 4th: Grappling! My goodness grappling! Harnessfechten wouldn't be what it is without good ol' ringen and it's great to see it being creatively used! Overall I'm really impressed in the amount of work you've put into this. As someone in the hobby I had a blast going "wait a minute I know this" over and over! Well done Zen!

[@clydeberry8523]

I second this. There were a couple points where I would have made different choices (such as during the half sword bit) but the fact I want to apply some moves in the first place shows how good the set up is. The other thing I will say is that I don't buy that some of the parries would hold. That said many were also perfectly good.

[@oscaranderson5719]

the fencing is a tad wonky, but it’s nice to see historical methods get representation and it does a great job of expressing damage and asymmetric weapon matchups. if I had a major criticism I’d say I’d like to see more thrusts as followups and ripostes when someone gains the center line, and more hand/arm hits. arms are considered a shallow target because they’re closer to the opponent and usually have to be threatened to create openings to strike deeper targets. also hand-strikes are just great, I eat them for breakfast! 😅

[@andyknightwarden9746]

Best comment in the section, and more eloquent than I could articulate. I am in full agreement.

[@RedHornSSS]

​​​@@oscaranderson5719I think she did followed up 2 zornhau with mid line thrusts on the first 2 opponents. I'm not too familiar with if that constitute as a riposte. Does riposte have to be initiated from a winding action from a bind? If that's the case then there's an application against the first opponent too

[@oscaranderson5719]

@@RedHornSSS that’s true. maybe it’s just my personal taste but it feels like they’re a bit too cut-happy especially when it doesn’t do much through mail. like uh, at 3:15 (edit: woops, fixed time stamp) neither really has control so the soldier could still throw out a stop-thrust after missing his beat, but both go into a long sequence of cuts.

[@RayTC]

what i really like is that everyone is skilled. these are not dumb mindless mooks slayed by the hero in hordes, they all feel like trained warriors.

[@kelmirosue3251]

Still getting outclassed by the protag tho

[@benjaminlee985]

@@kelmirosue3251 But she isn't just outclassing them by being faster or stronger, she's taking them out by surprise, dividing them up, making sure she only faces one at a time in a straight fight. She's more skilled than them, but not so much better that she'd be able to take them all on at once, which feels like a realistic level of advantage.

[@duelversebeyond]

@@kelmirosue3251 well yeah but that’s because she’s the GOAT. They may be skilled, but they are not on her level.

[@Sir_Hammock]

honestly the animation feels just stiff i am no animator so i don't know how hard that is, but anyhow, this is a step in the right direction

[@ozramblue117]

@@Sir_HammockI hear it requires a lot of resources to render so the type of refinement you’re looking for would require either a team or years in time an effort from an individual. Have you seen the Astartes one?

[@MakerMike94]

if i was a millionaire i would just bankroll all my favorite artists' projects. Zen would be near the top of the list

[@OperatorJackYT]

Okay this is awesome, You actually use real medieval sword techniques that they Never feature in movies. 10/10 animation! :D

[@TheTetsuo72]

V.I.P.からもう1年経ったのですね モブに「雑魚」が一人もいないスタイルとても好きです

[@ふくもってぃー]

伝説の作者が帰ってきた… 映画では観れない本物の中世の剣技に機能する楔帷子、VIPと同じく傑作としか言えない。

[@さうさん-r4x]

「最初の1人ならいけるか？」 複数人登場 「あー...すぅー」 逃走 めっちゃ好き

[@deathcon_one]

i dont mind voice acting (i have very little experiance but it can help. i do make art

[@AdityaPratama-tr8ec]

Absolutely amazing, the combat techniques, the stances, the skillful enemies make so much deeper and interactive combat sequence. They actually have purpose to kill the protagonist and when the odds are against them, they choose self preservation.

[@isiffrin]

I knew this subscription was going to pay off eventually, they cooked so god damn hard.

[@Beefyrulz]

I really appreciate the attention paid to authentic HEMA animation. As soon as I realized with this video was actually about, my first thought was "I hope she does a proper mordhau". Needless to say I was quite satisfied. My only complaint is that she didn't throw her pommel at anyone.

[@ベルツィック]

兜/鎧/鎖帷子ごと斬るだとか、簡単に首が飛ぶだなんてチャチな演出を入れずに、隙間をちゃんと狙っていく、斬るが通じないならぶん殴るさまをひたすらに描くスタイル、本当に好きです。 相手がそう簡単にやられないというのもリアル感がまして良い…

[@selAlgorithm]

see?? we can have exciting historically accurate fights with working armor! take notes every movie maker

[@AzerodMiltafa]

6:07 gotta hide that scene for sure

[@CrAzII-kd2df]

28 STAB WOUNDS

[@Arkar-pl9ku]

@@CrAzII-kd2dfDIDNT WANT TO GIVE HIM A CHANCE HUH

[@sirmanabond173]

AMONGUS moment

[@muhnoodles]

@@Arkar-pl9ku DID YOU FEEL ANGER? HATE?

[@kyaru2430]

@@muhnoodles HE WAS BLEEDING

[@MGMT-by9zi]

VIPの時も思ったんですが、装備品が飾りじゃなくてちゃんと演出として機能させてるのがとても好きです❤

[@negikujou2385]

最期の『てへっ』が可愛い😂

[@ganndamu0080]

この後亡くなったんだよね…

[@YourCasualGoblin]

Seing medieval characters using real stances and abusing of the estoc to fight make this so much more believable !! Incredible work as always !

[@DecoyJayc]

It's more of a type XVa longsword. E: you can see the true and false edges when she unsheathes the longsword, rather than the triangular cross-section of an estoc.

[@user-HasnoSuiren]

一瞬一瞬全てにこだわりが詰まりまくってる…！！

[@AB-bg7os]

This is why you dont skip doing cardio. That girl had the endurance of an olympic athlete

[@hantubelaung]

This is real medieval fight, I hope Skallagrim or Schola Gladitoria notice this

[@しろねこだま]

見事だ。 敵が増えて剣をそっ閉じするシーンで心を掴まれ、続きを見続けたくなる気持ちにさせられた。 次はどうなるんだろうと期待させてくれる構成力は、相変わらず秀逸！

[@Silvercurtain00]

剣に対して鎖帷子って本当に有用なんだな・・・

[@SergeantJasen]

Chain shirt can bring you enough safety It can resist almost sword attacks

[@PhoenixNu1987]

斬撃に有効だが突きや打撃にある程度しか効かない

[@PhoenixNu1987]

これも4:03のところに主人公がハンマーとして使ってるの原因の一つだと思う

[@oscaranderson5719]

⁠​⁠@@PhoenixNu1987I really thought they were going to drive the point forward but they just kept using it as a mallet 😅 from my understanding of historical texts, hilt-bashing works to stun opponents but it’s not very lethal.

[@PhoenixNu1987]

​@@oscaranderson5719 I didn't learn a lot of HEMA, I've only know that two-hand sword can use as somehow like hammers by this kinda usage. Therefore, I'm sorry that I couldn't get your point compeletly. Do you mean that while you use your sword as mallet just can just stun your opponents so you need to take another strike to kill them? Also sorry for my poor english if I didn't express my words correctly.

[@taunyaboitnott149]

This is the perfect balance of fantasy, flashiness, and realism. I cannot explain how utterly phenomenal the choreography is!

[@user-cx1re3df9y]

頭上からの強襲とか、兜をかぶっているが故の視界の狭さに付け込んだり、各個撃破の描写がいい

[@Deitz153]

I love how the Knights were actually able to put up a fight and not get absolutely pommeled.

[@Peptuck]

Not to mention they react realistically to injuries. Getting an axe lodged in the left side of your chest would realistically fuck up your left arm. Getitng your sword hand broken would stun you from sheer pain and leave you vulnerable to a follow-up attack. Getting your spear broken would scare you and make you run away. They feel like real people.

[@briggan7512]

Haha I see what you did there

[@ohmpratumma8355]

The legend is back

[@3_2_1_heirassyai]

やっぱこの人のバトルアクションのリアルさとカメラワークはプロと比べてもずば抜けてるよ…すっっげぇよ…

[@felixlavulpe3506]

As a historical armored fighter, you've done an absolutely beautiful job. Enough fantastical elements to make the animation pop, but everything was clearly grounded in well researched historical technique. Some of it is so good I may even clip it for examples of how techniques work in motion. I hope you do more of this in the future, it's magnificent.

[@mi-24p]

V.I.P.と同じように全員弱くない、むしろ主人公より強そうな奴もおるZenさんの動画スタイル大好きです！

[@isaquejogoseproducoes3318]

I don't know if you're going to read this, and I don't speak English either, but this was just amazing!!! I was impressed with the fighting techniques, that scene where just one appeared and then several, this scene made me laugh while I watched it at work, but that spear scene really looked like the soldier would win and avenge his dead comrades... a darker music in the 25 stabs part near the end would make a great horror scene. It was the best medieval fight I've seen in the last three years! absolute cinema

[@Arni-village621]

ゼンさんが放つ独特な個性はそのままに blenderに変わった事でステージを筆頭に各種ディテールが更に進化している…！ 結構エグイシーンもカジュアルに見れてすき

[@anthonytrevino2546]

Your choreography is just amazing. From the close quarters combat of V.I.P to the HEMA sword-play in this video. Just amazing.

[@harvsthenerve4136]

Yooow, I know I'm late to the Party, but somebody really ought to shout-out this *absolute artistry* to Skallagrim so he can react to this and appreciate some realistic sword combat.

[@fastskipper777]

totally agreed

[@razania]

オチまで完璧ですごい

[@michaelsimarmata5880]

Can't wait for HEMA experts to react to this video

[@LoremasterYnTaris]

Somebody get this to Skal and Shad!

[@Razergon]

By far one of the best animation of realistic medieval combat that I have seen

[@Zen-vy8ce]

Thank you🙏🙏🙏

[@xWindbellx]

動きが滑らかで全然違和感ないのやっぱ凄い

[@Godfather12G]

こんにちは、Zen様！ 以前の「V.I.P」のビデオからずっと次の作品を楽しみにしていました。「Hard Blade」のリリースを心待ちにしていましたし、あなたの作品にはいつも心が引きつけられます。アクションやエネルギーに満ちた世界観がとても好きで、毎回新しい動画が出るたびに感動しています！ これからも頑張ってください！新しい作品を楽しみにしています。 応援しています！

[@むらむら-y3t]

上映してもいいレベル、すげぇ

[@KK-nitohe]

来たーーーーーー めちゃくちゃ画質良いしすごく綺麗に動くしやばい！

[@JinzoMask656]

Amazing animation! That's pretty damn accurate longsword techniques. Half swording, think there was Zornhut and Langort stance, along with Mordhau. Armor doing what armor does. Amazing work

[@Aetius_of_Astora]

The use of realistic stances and techniques, armor actually protecting to a mostly realistic degree, fast and fluid fencing! It's even got good comedy moments! This is fantastic work!

[@benjamincrowe6215]

I love how the enemies are actually competent... something a lot of media could learn from...

[@arthurg.calixto3338]

THIS IS THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER WATCHED IF THE ANIMATOR CAN READ THIS: KNOW THAT I LOVE YOU PLEASE CONTINUE ON ALL YOUR CREATIVE ENDEAVORS

[@daanstrik4293]

Its really nice how the minions were actually somewhat competent

[@DUN_Bringer]

oh my god. These medieval battles are the best! I really like the expression of half-swording and chain mail protection! I subscribed to the previously posted V.I.P video. I look forward to another great video next time!

[@kpzz1545]

My hopes were justified! The great return has happened!

[@Treyvon-e2x]

BANGER AFTER BANGER HOW DOES HE DO IT!? THE COMBAT TACTICS AND CHOREOGRAPHY NEVER CEASES TO AMAZE ME! BRAVO MAN BRAVO!

[@darrendowns5080]

Finally!!You've done your homework!!A visual look at western/Medieval martial arts.Longsword combat is great!

[@docholiday4129]

An actually realistic take on sword fighting in animation is so refreshing to watch. Don't get me wrong, i love overexerted fantasy fights just as much as anyone, but one has to recognize the sheer attention to detail here. Whatever you make next Zen i hope it'll be just as amazing as this

[@JustAPossibility8282]

Dude, this is so well made. You portrayed medieval combat so well, the choreography was amazing, this should have way more views than it does. Amazing work!

[@Emelineeeeeee]

0:42 got a laugh out of me, great dry comedic timing. I like that they’re not the typical badass hero who will take on 10 guys and beat them in an unrealistic way. They run when they should, they play tricks, they fight dirty. And wow the fighting is so cool! Not that I’m an expert but I can tell you definitely studied real medieval combat, some of it even looks like mocap but I’m not sure? Maybe rotoscoped. Anyways it’s brilliant!

[@kennedy072]

A fight with accurate sword techniques? Instead of stupid flashy sword fights? Incredible!

[@MIloNotez]

Stunning animation! Between stances, blade clinching and grappling! The reliance on armor and showcasing how hard it is for a blade to cut through chainmail or helmets was awesome! Probably the best realistic medieval combat animation I've seen, can't wait to see more Zen! Keep it up!!

[@Imrixan]

There's a lot to love here, the way armour constantly matters a lot, the use of shields as effective weapons, the dagger at the end, the way no, you cannot actually fight seven dudes at once, you've got to break it up, but I think my favourite part is the times this demonstrates, chiefly at 3:02 and 4:28, the way that momentum can be dangerous to you as well as the enemy. Yes it gives you the power to deliver a shattering blow as at 2:45, but it also robs you of agility, makes it hard to move nimbly in response to a threat.

[@amatuamx4703]

M&Bでしたいこと全部詰まってる！！

[@uwa_maekarkurumaga]

わかる！思わずルーコン処刑したくなった

[@Peptuck]

Everyone else talks about the combat animations, but I have to praise the authentic music choice! That music is 100% what you might have heard at a medieval festival where you would have actors up on the stage doing mock sword fights exactly like this.

[@xaalcarlsonanimations1539]

HOLY F. This is a work of art. thank you so much for making this! Been trying to nail medieval style combat for a few years in 2d but it takes a lotta time im probably gonna use this as reference alot in the future XD

[@rangerunner6274]

This is one of the best medieval combat animations Iv ever seen, it actualy focuses on realism while also keeping it badass and awesom to watch, its almost unheard of, god bless you for this gift

[@dogfight072]

個人が作れるレベルを遥かに超えている...さすがです!!

[@Jo-Jo8vs]

These are the most realistic medieval fight scenes in an animation I have seen. It's one of the best movies of all time. This is how the fight, no easy cut through armour, but finding gaps or the scene where she used the sword as a hammer. That's very accurate; maybe she should wear a helmet.

[@Komisario]

I love your animations and the attention to detail in the fights

[@cratecage6924]

ありがちな棒立ち相手の無双チャンバラじゃなく敵にも戦術と生きる意志があるのがいい

[@Klomster88]

I mean, the only problem i see is that the characters often don't seem to have much weight, especially at the start of the animation. These are guys in heavy chain mail with big shields and spears, why do they sort of float over the ground? Should be much more weighty. But combat is really cool, looks very founded in realism which is a nice change from hollywood garbage. So overall it's great, nice work!

[@jessematthews8084]

Man this was great to watch. Real stances used, creative use of weapons and shields, and armor ACTUALLY being armor. Fantastic job!

[@OperatorJackYT]

The man himself has returned! This animation is incredible btw :)

[@NoobPTFO]

I love how those last stabs were SADISTICALLY personal. Amazing animation work as usual! I love your showcasing of techniques and armor effectiveness. I wish you the best in learning English and I can not wait to see what else you make in the future!

[@us3uz7921bfz]

この子ショート時訓練してたあの修行が今ここで強くなってるのが分かる映像だ良いね

[@themiocompare3728]

Legitly most realistic animated combat I've ever seen.

[@Lieutenanttofu]

Finally. A good realistic fight. I also like that she just dint defeat everyone with little effort, you wont fight without tiring

[@chanh-huytran8608]

Medieval fighting animation with historical stances and hema techniques? Absolute Cinema

[@confusedspartan3525]

1:45 THAT SHOULD'VE BEEN MEEEEEE Also, great choreo, you've really improved from your already excellent performance in VIP.

[@OperatorJackYT]

BRUH lol

[@ogPunkcln]

The legend is back, now with a different form of combat.

[@xen4179]

剣の戦闘がすごいです。巻き上げて相手の剣を無効化しつつ突くところが好きです。

[@JuanJohnSmith]

Amazing. I love how close to accurate you keep the fighting and true reaction of swords and chain armor. I'm sure we all look forward to what you have plan next. Keep up the good work.

[@thetrueyuu8474]

Armor that actually protects someone in an animation? Rare. The stances? Golden and accurate. Good shit.

[@わびちゃ-q1r]

モルトシュラークほんま好き

[@Basiritz]

This is amazing. I love it! You almost never see the more realistic combat. Also the fact that all the characters actually know what they're doing brings it up a notch!

[@hank009jp7]

まず───待ち侘びた！！！えぇ、随分と待たせましたねzenさん！もう三年近く待ちましたよ！そして進歩しか感じ得ないこの描写ゝゝの美しさ！そして剣術！映画の華やかな剣技ではなく、確実に殺す為の剣術！ 　個人的ながら剣道をやってる身として、最初の盾持ち君の下段に構えるのは、小手による迎撃を防衛計画の主軸として運用しているので、とても解ります。 　VIPでも描写されていた防具の本当の恐ろしさを、ここでは鎖鎧の恐ろしさとして描いている事も、見ていてとても面白くて、なんだか嬉しくもなりましたね！ 　ここまでの大作の御制作、お疲れ様でした！

[@yungoldman2823]

AMAZING WORK! Not only is this some of the most properly realized medieval swordplay Ive seen animated before, but the direction of the video is fantastic too. So lively. And the music brings it all together. Please do more projects like this, or better yet, do a show!!

[@rustyshackleford1508]

That last dude was a proper miniboss, damn

[@jadser1]

Wow wow as soon as the proper combat started! Good work! I just watched the half swording and literally screamed!

[@krraika1847]

Someone send this to Skallagrim, quick! Also, god DANG is that nice.

[@みのきん-k2m]

武具が誇張されたイメージではなく実際にその用途を果たしていて、人物もそれに相応しい動きをする 大変良いものを見させていただきました！ ありがとうございます！

[@Zen-vy8ce]

ありがとうございます！装備をフル活用したバトルを作るのが好きなので頑張りました！ いただいた金銭はありがたく作品を作る費用に充てさせていただきます！

[@summertriangle4745]

Aftr one year...I can yet again experience a masterpiece.

[@SirCowdog]

I think it's pretty cool that you can make an "anime" style scene that's still based on real life techniques, and armor actually does something useful. I hope more TV shows and movies take this as an example of how to do fights "right".

[@GamerBravo7]

I didnt expect another upload on this channel and I am so happy so see it. Great animation! Love humor and again attention to details

[@LipeSun]

Animation, choreography, techniques, everything in this video is truly magnificent, just like every animation that comes out of this channel.

[@Sir_Szymon_II]

This is just awesome. The animation, sword techniques, armor actually working, the almighty MORDHAU. All we need now is the "end him rightly" and i'm settled for life.

[@TheWaluigiman1]

Not a word said, but a whole story told. From the historic sword combat to the attention to detail, you've made another masterpiece that cinema giants fail to even replicate. I love it and can't wait to see more.

[@grobulgroose1776]

Finally youtube recommended shows me something awesome