on 09-09-2011 06:32 PM
PSN ID: MagicalHamster
What inspires you?
When it comes to inspiration for Modnation tracks I get alot of my ideas from the world around me. Sometimes I'll be somewhere and either the location or a certain object just strikes me and I think to myself, "Wow, that would make an awesome concept for a track!" A lot of other tracks I've designed just come from random thoughts and fancies that have been flitting about my head. I also find that I get more work on tracks done if I have music playing in the background.
Who are your favorite creators and creations?
I've often thought that BigDaddyJ and I are on the same wave-length when it comes to track design; I'm also routinely impressed by the strange things that BongSoldier manages to come up with. My boys Ivo Yaridovich and ArgorokX are both always turning out consistently high-quality tracks. I also marvel at the work ethic of IndustrialSaviour and RadBoyRob and how prolific they are. As for creations, these are three of my all time favorite tracks and I recommend searching for them if you've never had the pleasure of racing them:
1. Grand Pyramid Complex by ArgorokX
2. Mayhem Manor by WilsonPhillipsX
3. MeatFactory 1.1 by BongSoldier
What are your favorite creations?
The Hamster Cage is special to me because it's actually a pretty faithful recreation of my pet hamster's cage in real life. Super Computer is probably my best all around track and is certainly my most famous one. I'd like to give special mention to my track Board Game though. I worked on the track off and on for three months and actually had to start over completely from scratch at one point -- which was agonizing. Another cool thing about the track is that it's even more complicated than it appears on the surface. In the track editor when you select a prop that can be connected to a switch the editor attempts to draw bright orange lines between all inter-connected objects. On this track the orange lines form such a tangled mess that you have to press buttons two or three times before they register and it can take an agonizing fifteen/twenty seconds to move an object across one side of the track!
What have you learned most from other creators?
The little quirks about the track editor. Sometimes I just won't be able to figure out how to do something and then I'll go ask my track making friends for help and nine times out of ten one of them will have a cool trick for me. Don't ever be afraid to ask for help or advice -- every little bit of knowledge you gain adds up over time.
What advice would you give to newer ModNation creators?
First off, not to be daunted by any of the bigger name creators and their creations; everyone is a beginner when they first start. It's funny, actually; For a month or so I figured that I just didn't have any natural talent in track making. A few friends thought I might have something so they convinced me to keep trying and eventually everything just clicked; I suddenly became one with the track creator. So even if some of your creations don't turn out to be so hot don't give up on the process all together -- it just takes practice and time.
Second, a lot of things have already been made, but don't ever give into the philosophy of "It's all been done before." Even if there's a finite amount of ideas the human mind can generate, an artist must believe that there is an infinite amount or else they give themselves a free pass to not tray as hard. If you stretch your imagination as far as it can go you'll be pleasantly surprised with the outcome.
What is your creating process strong point?
I'm really good at generating ideas; If I'm in a track making lull it's usually energy I'm searching for as opposed to new ideas. My ideas often tend to be pretty unique, as well.
Other Interests:
I'm a cartoonist and hopeful graphic novelist. I've also written a good deal of poetry and I've been working on a collection of fairy tales that I should probably get back to work on. Another big passion of mine is abstract art; I used to be really into theatre but I've kind of lost interest in that. I absolutely love music and I listen to all sorts of bands through-out different decades; a lot of my favorite bands are odd ones that have sort of slipped through the cracks. I like Rock, Progressive rock, Classic Rock New wave, and a little bit of alternative and indie. I also love to read fantasy and sci-fi novels.
Acceleration or Speed? / Drift or Handling?
I need +1 for Speed so that I still have a little bit of acceleration and I have my handling maxed out. I feel like I'm more in control of my kart with optimal handling.
What type of tracks do you like to race?
I'm more into artsy and high-concept tracks, personally. I'm also very forgiving on a track if its a little lacking on the technical side if it makes up for it with cool ideas or imagery. I do appreciate a smooth race-able track, though -- I don't like running into walls all the time. Alternate routes and short-cuts are also very appealing to me as I love to explore.
Biff or Gary?
I find Biff pretty amusing with his out-of-control ego but I'll have to go with Gary. He's cute in his awkwardness.
What is your favorite creation theme and why?
I'll probably have to go with Alpine; it's easily the most versatile of all of the themes. The Big City theme has made a big impression on me, though, and is a close second.
What is your favorite UFG track and why?
Penguin Palace from the Arctic career extension pack. It's cute, creative, and has lots of places for a racer to explore including some truly clever short cuts.
Favorite weapon?
Oh, that's easy -- level one missiles. I personally believe that level one weapons are the sports of kings and the most honorable form of combat known to Mod-kind.
Favorite race type (action / pure / time trial/ online):
Online casual. There's nothing as relaxing as just kicking it with a room full of cool racers and laughing about stuff while you race awesome tracks. The social aspect of the game is one of its coolest parts; I suggest everyone keep room-hopping until they find a crew they can run with. It'll make your experience much more enjoyable.
Additional comments for player profile:
I've probably said enough. : )
http://community.modnation.com/en-us/players/Magic
on 09-09-2011 08:13 PM
on 09-09-2011 09:33 PM
on 10-09-2011 01:02 AM
Nice profile Hamster, I remember some of the crazy concepts you were kicking out when I was just starting out with this game, nice to see you've kept the passion! ![]()
on 10-09-2011 10:03 PM
on 13-09-2011 04:36 PM
congrats Hamster - I will get back on the game one night here soon and race with you, been a minute - I've been moving ...
on 13-09-2011 07:59 PM
on 14-09-2011 08:49 AM
Thanks ot everyone for the kind words. : )
on 15-09-2011 04:10 AM
on 13-01-2012 06:27 PM
"My boys Ivo Yaridovich and ArgorokX"
WHAT! They are brothers...
Website ©2013 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe
All content, game titles, trade names and/or trade dress, trademarks, artwork and associated imagery are trademarks and/or copyright material of their respective owners. All rights reserved. [more info]