We've completed work on our most recent project and we're awaiting word to announce involvement publicly. The work that we did was for a very technically demanding wearable system. The system itself was very impressive, and the wearables that we provided had to have variations so that players could mix and match anything they wanted in any combination across all the types of outfits / armor. As for polygon limits, around 1500-2500 polys would be viewable in any given iteration, although in the delivered files, there were well over 10,000 polys used for all iterations.

More specifics on the numbers of the project... We modeled, textured, and rigged 33 3D Studio Max characters that have the ability to swap portions of their armor with other portions. It was demanding, technical work, but we are really proud of the results. These wearables were for Ultima X: Odyssey, from Origin Systems / Electronic Arts

Critical Mass Interactive and Origin Systems worked together on a huge expansion and "re-envisioning" of Ultima Online. The project was defined as a complete graphical overhaul of Ultima Online in order to take it from a 2-dimensional world to a fully realized 3-dimensional world.

As with all projects that require care in managing legacy world building, the most exquisite painstaking concerns quickly came to the surface. For instance, there were players that had arranged many items in the game (that had no real gameplay effects) to resemble different items. Those had to be accounted for, as the goal was to literally "throw the switch" and have everything function in 3d effortlessly.

CMI provided a set of assets that were used in small scale tests, as well as a complete video showing what added features were planned to go along with this new release. Take a look at a few of these assets below and you can see what might have been...

Ultima Online has relied on Critical Mass for two projects so far this last year. We have been delighted by the team relationship, impressed with their ability to meet deadlines, and satisfied with the assets we’ve received. Good communication is so important in these relationships – Matt and Billy are always helping us stay on top of the project and expectations.
– Jessica Lewis, Development Director at Electronic Arts

"Billy is phenomenally passionate and always willing to make the extra effort to ensure the work is done right. I've hired Billy and CMI for several service contracts, and I've always been impressed by his passion, knowledge and service-oriented attitude."
– Anthony Castoro, producer of Ultima Online

“As a producer on a high profile project, I was glad to have the guys at Critical Mass to depend on. It's inevitable that unforeseen needs will occasionally pop up on a project, and it's great to have "the cavalry" come storming in on the white chargers to help save the day. They're dependable, fast, collaborative, and professional. What more can you ask for?”
– Rick Hall, Senior Producer at Electronic Arts