ROBOT Communications in Tokyo, Japan used Discreets 3ds max animation, modeling and rendering software to create the popular introductory cinematic opening sequence for Onimusha 3: Demon Siege, the final installment in the critically acclaimed game series from Capcom. The game, running on the Sony Computer Entertainment's PlayStation 2 platform has been available in Japan since February 2004, and is expected to be available April 2004 in North America.

Onimusha 3 spans four centuries as the main characters, Samanosuke Akechi (played by Asian film star Takeshi Kaneshiro) and Jacques Blanc (played by French film star Jean Reno) try to save the world from the evil warlord Oda Nobunaga and his army of Genma warriors. In the opening cinematic, Samanosuke engages all-out battles with the Genma army, climaxing in a battle with the old enemy, Gargant.

Takashi Yamazaki directed the creative elements of the opening sequence with jaw dropping motion picture realism, and Donnie Yen choreographed stunning martial arts movements. A year in the making, the opening sequence also required ten days of motion capture sessions. Using 3ds max and character studio software, the ROBOT team created a visually rich CG universe that rivals effects-laden Hollywood blockbusters.

A CG artist, Kaihei Hayano, who participated in all three Onimusha game cinematics, created mostly outdoor scenes and the scenes of the gigantic Genma Tank, symbolic to the game. The crowd scene of the warriors for the Genma army was in fact, all hand created. Objects were assembled one by one, such as small tanks and set lighting to utilize HDRI (High Dynamic Range Imaging) and GI (Global Illumination).

You can view the entire cinematic here: http://www.gametrailers.com/gt_vault/t_onimusha3_gi.html

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