UltraKiss
In 2002 I developed a computer program that implements the Kisekae Set system, KiSS, a Japanese graphics system originally developed to facilitate costume changes on virtual dolls.
Kisekae sets are drawings of anime characters with many different costumes, packaged in a file for viewing the work. KiSS is a presentation method that allows the artist to program certain actions as you interact with the anime doll.
UltraKiss was developed to help artists build their KiSS sets. UltraKiss reads and interprets KiSS data files. These files contain computer graphics images, color palettes and data control files. Objects, such as the doll figure, costumes, and other items are constructed from layered image components that usually show only parts of the complete image. Objects could be manipulated through user actions or through a simple event processing model that enables timed animations or other actions if objects are touched or dragged across the screen. Color variations, enabled through palette changes in UltraKiss, could also be used to produce different results. UltraKiss supported multimedia sound, graphic animation and worldwide web access to KiSS sets through an integrated Internet browser.
In 2008 I ceased this work. Computers were faster and the KiSS model was replaced with better animation tools.
In 2018 I removed this application from my websites. Later, I had a request to restore the application.
UltraKiss is a Java application. If Java Web Start is installed on your system and you enable security permissions to run self-signed applications from this website, you may be able to run UltraKiss from your browser.
Download and Installation
Update: July 19, 2018
- UltraKiss 3.3b is now released to enable KiSS set downloads with
https:protocol. - JavaHelp was upgraded to version 2 to resolve a code signing issue with Java Web Start.
This version is required to access my historical Kisekae Sets library. To load and run these KiSS sets from my website use the File-Portal menu command.
For Microsoft Windows systems, to install this program locally on your computer, download and run UltraKiss 3.3b-1.0.exe. This is an installer for a fully bundled (72 MB) implementation with a self-contained Java system. This is the recommended way to install UltraKiss on a Windows system.
To install the application for local execution on a system with Java already installed, download and unpack the (23 MB) ultrakiss.zip file. Inside this zip file you will find the kisekae.jar file and a library directory for the required system extensions. This is the recommended way to install UltraKiss on a Linux or Apple system. This install method can also be used for a Windows system.
To run the project from the command line, go to the application folder and type the following:
java -jar "kisekae.jar"
If the .jar extension is configured in your system as a Java application then you can run the program by directly clicking on this file.
When saving on .lzh, for some reason, some files become corrupted and show up as folders in the compressed data. Neither PlayFKiSS nor DirectKiSS can load said files.
UltraKiss allows directory paths in archive files. Folders can exist in .lzh files. Cels and other elements can be specified using directories as part of their file name. PlayFKiss and DirectKiss do not have this capability. Use UltraKiss to load these types of files.
For an example of an .lzh file that uses a structured directory of KiSS sets, see the MOON_R.lzh set from the World Kiss Project currently available in my personal Kisekae Sets library.
UltraKiss is end-of-life.
Java will not let me run the program. It pops up with a message saying the application isn’t secure, so will not run. There are no settings around this.
“UltraKiss is a Java application. If Java Web Start is installed on your system and you enable security permissions to run self-signed applications from this website, you may be able to run UltraKiss from your browser.”
You will have to figure this out for yourself. It’s your system, your browser, and your security configuration.
Look for a Java Control Panel or Java Settings application on your system. Find the Security section and ensure that applications accessed from “www.bronzeart.ca” are excepted from standard security restrictions.
Optionally, if you download and correctly install and run UltraKiss locally on your computer then these browser security restrictions should not apply.
thank you for making your work available again. these kiss sets were a big part of my childhood and it’s nice to be able to revisit them.
You are welcome. Thank you for your comment.
Your work is loved for what it was, and what it still is. While it feels like an art form that has fallen behind, there still those of us who enjoy artist’s works.
You brought that to many of us and we appreciate it. We also appreciate that you have moved on with your own life and this is not what you want to support forever.
Stay Healthy, stay safe, be happy.
Thank you.
I’ve been a huge KISS fan since I was a tween, and I’m very happy to see that the concept is still somewhat alive. I’ve downloaded UltraKiss on multiple computers, and I’ve just downloaded the most recent iteration. Thank you for shaping a part of my fandom experience in my youth.
hello! neither of the download links are working for me 🙁 is there another way to download ultrakiss? thank you for helping preserve this artform!
Hi Isabella, please try again. The links are working for me.
If you continue to have difficulty please send me an email through the Contact form on this website. https://www.bronzeart.ca/contact