I have to agree with tpetmezas on this one.
G3 character are NOT easier in any way. They are a lazy gimmick that fooled customers into thinking they were easier because RL sold them the idea that, "they only need to create one angle" therefore they are easier to make. The truth is that they are actually harder to make.
G2 characters can also be made from a single angle. And if you compare the speed, efficiency, and versatility of a single angle g2 character versus a G3 character. The G2 character wins by a long shot. Test me. I challenge anyone to a design speed challenge. You build a single angle G3 character, I build a single angle G2 character. You chose the time limit. I guarantee you I will not only build my character faster but, but my G2 character will be more versatile than yours in terms of what it can do. (I'm serious, if anyone wants to take me on this challenge, I'm your Huckleberry).
So pound for pound. If you compare a G2 vs a G3. The G2 will still be the superior format in every way. Mocap support, iMotion and rlMotion compatibility, 3d puppeterring, 2d puppetering, VECTOR BASED, render style and so on...
What do G3 offer? static raster based images with forced manual workflow. Oh but it has bendy sprites... ummm ok.
Here's the biggest slap in the face, at least how I see it when it comes to CTA being used by professionals and not just for hobbysts. And this is where I personally criticize a lot of RL choices. (Bear in mind that my criticisms are pure with the best intentions in mind. I'm, not just a fanboy, I'm also a professional animator who truly believes in this product and its place on a professional animators toolkit. I might actually be their biggest evangelist when it comes to promoting the use of CTA in professional settings.)
When all is said and done, everything that can be done with a G3 character and everything that I have seen being focused on in the upcoming G4 characters can be easily done in Flash without the need for CTA! Why would anybody want to switch to CTA from Flash or Toon Boom when all of that stuff can be easily done within Flash or Toon Boom directly and a lot easier, and while keeping native VECTOR support? Vector support is absolutely crucial. Especially now that media is evolving so fast from HD to 2k,4k,8k whatever K. Resolution independence means that I can create something today that i can republish again in ten years and it will look just as nice at whatever K.
But, guess what CTA can do that Flash or Toon Boom or any of the bigger competitors STILL CAN NOT DO?...that's right, they can't do complete multi-angled 2d sprites mapped against a 3d skeletal system which are fully poseable at every angle and accepts mocap. There's is not a single professional level tool out there that comes close to the capabilities of what has been achieved with G2 characters. And RL is so nonchalantly brushing this game-changing feature under the rug... I just don't see the logic.
I'm optimistic about CA4 and it's goofy 3d head thingie. I'm not part of the beta so I don't know if there's gonna be anything else new in terms of features. Or whether that one feature alone is work calling it a major release. But I'm hoping at least for vector support and at the very least the ability to attach those heads to a g2 character. (Im also amost 100% sure thats not gonna happen...but i can hope LOL)
Ibis Fernandez | (available for hire)
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Professional Animator, Filmmaker | Creator of the highest quality (modular) G2 rigs for cartoon animator and developer of Toon Titan and Puppet Producer
Author of Flash Animation and Cartooning: A Creative Guide
>>> be sure to check out http://toontitan.com for professional grade assets, templates, and custom tools for Cartoon Animator and more.