jeffna1/antigravity-voxel-godot-setup/voxel-animating

Voxel Animation Skill

Voxel animation has a unique charm that blends traditional stop-motion aesthetics with modern game physics.

1. Voxel Animation Aesthetics

Interpolation Choices

1. Stepped / Constant Interpolation (Stop-Motion / Retro Style):

• Keyframes jump instantaneously between poses.
• Typically animated on 2s or 3s (10 fps to 15 fps keyframe updates on a 30/60 fps timeline).
• Gives the classic Minecraft / Crossy Road toy-like feel.

1. Linear Interpolation:

• Crisp mechanical movements with sharp direction changes.

1. Smooth / Bezier Interpolation:

• Used for fluid action or modern voxel games (e.g., The Sandbox, Cube World).
• Read interpolation_styles.md for configuring curve modes in Blender and Godot.

2. Core Locomotion Cycles

Idle Cycle (Duration: 1.6s - 2.0s, Looping)

• Hips: Subtle Y-axis bobbing (down 0.5-1 voxel, then return).
• Chest / Spine: Slight breathing expansion (subtle forward rotation of 2-3 degrees).
• Head: Counter-rotates slightly to keep eyes level with the horizon.
• Arms: Gentle swaying offset by 0.2s from chest movement.

Walk Cycle (Duration: 0.8s - 1.0s, Looping)

• 4 Key Poses:

1. Contact Pose (Frame 0 & 12): Leading heel strikes ground; trailing toe pushing off; opposite arm swings forward.
2. Down / Recoil Pose (Frame 3 & 15): Lowest body height (hips sink 1 voxel); weight on front foot; knees bent.
3. Passing Pose (Frame 6 & 18): Trailing leg swings past standing leg; body rises; standing leg straightens.
4. Up / High Point (Frame 9 & 21): Highest body height; back foot leaves ground.

• Frame-by-frame guide: animation_cycles_cheatsheet.md.

Run Cycle (Duration: 0.5s - 0.6s, Looping)

• Faster pacing, deeper forward torso lean (15-25 degrees).
• Clear airborne / flight phase where both feet leave the ground.
• Wider arm swing arc (-45 to +50 degrees).

Jump Cycle (3 Parts)

1. Anticipation (Takeoff): Character crouches down 2-3 voxels (0.1s - 0.15s).
2. Apex (In-Air): Arms raised, legs tucked up; hold pose until downward velocity begins.
3. Landing: Deep squash on touchdown, followed by rapid recovery to idle/run.

3. Secondary Animation for Voxel Characters

• Rigid Accessories: Hats, backpacks, shields should bounce on a 1-to-2 frame delay.
• Hair / Capes: Keyframe in stepped arcs to mimic physical momentum without mesh distortion.