Beta CJ Head Reconstruction

GTA San Andreas CJ Beta/Pre-Release Head Reconstruction

This project is an attempt to recreate the appearance of the early beta/pre-release of Carl "CJ" Johnson seen in promotional and development screenshots of GTA San Andreas.

The model is being reconstructed from visual references and comparison with the original GTA San Andreas CJ head. This is not the original unreleased Rockstar beta asset. It is a custom reconstruction based on screenshots.

The reconstruction focuses mainly on the differences visible in the beta screenshots:

• Different overall face proportions.
• Slightly broader upper face and forehead.
• Different temple shape.
• Slightly narrower jaw.
• Different eye shape and eye opening.
• Asymmetry between the two eyes.
• The left eye has a noticeable inward/strabismic appearance, which appears to be related to the 3D geometry rather than only the face texture.
• Different eyebrow/eye-region shape.
• Different transition between the forehead, eyebrow and nose bridge.
• Different nose bridge and nose profile.
• Slightly less projected nose tip.
• Different mouth and lip projection.
• Slightly different chin profile.
• Different side-profile silhouette.
• More beta-like overall facial proportions.

One of the main differences being reconstructed is the eye alignment.

In the beta references, CJ's left eye appears to be slightly turned inward compared with the other eye. This project attempts to reproduce that characteristic through the head.dff geometry, rather than simply painting the effect into the texture.

This is important because the eye asymmetry changes depending on the camera angle, which suggests that it is at least partly a 3D model characteristic.

The project also includes investigation of player_face.txd.

However, the main facial differences are being handled through the 3D head model (head.dff) whenever the reference indicates that the difference comes from the shape of the face.

The texture is not being heavily modified just to imitate geometric differences.

Version: Beta CJ Head Reconstruction

The current version includes several facial proportion and shape adjustments while keeping the original topology and UV structure.

The model retains:

• 581 vertices
• 756 triangles
• Original UV mapping
• Original triangle topology
• Original facial texture mapping

The neck area has also been kept close to the original model to avoid deformation artifacts.

This reconstruction was created by comparing multiple beta/pre-release screenshots from different camera angles, including:

• Front views
• Three-quarter views
• Side/profile views
• Close-ups of the eyes and forehead
• Different lighting conditions

Because the original beta model is not available, the exact original vertex positions cannot be known. Therefore, this should be considered a visual reconstruction, not an exact restoration of Rockstar's original beta asset.

Replace the appropriate CJ head model with the included head.dff.

Always make a backup of your original files before installing.

Depending on the version of the game/mod setup, the model may require the appropriate player_face.txd as well.

Original GTA San Andreas assets: Rockstar Games/Rockstar North

Beta CJ reconstruction: Cleyton

Reference material: GTA San Andreas beta/pre-release screenshots

This project is a fan-made reconstruction and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Rockstar Games.

This project is still a work in progress [WIP].

The goal is to gradually reproduce the facial characteristics visible in the beta screenshots, especially the eye asymmetry, eyebrow region, forehead-to-nose transition, nose profile, mouth shape and overall facial proportions.

Feedback, screenshots and comparisons from different camera angles are welcome.

Suggested GTAinside title

Beta CJ Head Reconstruction

Suggested short description

A custom reconstruction of CJ's beta/pre-release head based on original GTA San Andreas beta screenshots. Features different facial proportions, eye geometry, eyebrow region, nose, mouth, jaw and profile. The project is a visual reconstruction and not the original unreleased Rockstar beta model.