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.
UltraKiss 4.0.1
February 2, 2025. Kisekae UltraKiss has been updated to Version 4.0.1.
UltraKiss 4.0.1 is now released to provide internet browser access to KiSS sets using Webswing technology. This provides online access to thousands of KiSS sets through your web browser.
Press this button to run UltraKiss.
UltraKiss 4.0.1 is a stability update to release 4.0 that resolves initial Webswing hang issues and corrects Portal delays for display of HTML images.
How does it work?
UltraKiss is a Java Desktop application. It is deployed on a cloud based web server that runs a demonstration version of Webswing. When you press the button above you will access this server. If the server is running you will receive a notice that it is starting the application.
UltraKiss will launch. A window is shown that lists browser limitations.
Use the UltraKiss Portal to show links to KiSS sets available on OtakuWorld and other sites on the Internet. You can also use the File-Open command to open and load KiSS files stored on your computer.
Limitations
- Webswing must be running on the remote server for this service to work. If you are unable to connect to the server try again. If you are still unable to connect submit an issue report.
- Browsers do not natively support MIDI or AU sound files. Only WAV and MP3 files will play in KiSS sets.
- No files can be saved to the server.
- Server memory is limited. Large KiSS sets may not load. File-Open sets are limited to 5MB.
- Your session will timeout and close if no activity for 5 minutes.
UltraKiss 3.7.4 was released to provide online access to over 4500 KiSS sets freely available on OtakuWorld.com. Use the UltraKiss Portal (File-Open Portal) to access the KiSS Online Library. Within the Portal, click on any URL link to a zip or lzh file to download the file and open it in UltraKiss.
UltraKiss 3.7.3 distributes a new launcher for a visual application to launch all the Scarecrow game sets. Installing UltraKiss will create a new application UltraKiss-TheOwl to automatically start and enable download and execution of all Scarecrow sets. This application is a full replacement for PlayFKiss when running all Scarecrow sets.
UltraKiss 3.7 improved memory management and support the Scarecrow game sets. UltraKiss is a full replacement for PlayFKiss when running all Scarecrow sets.
History
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.
Download and Installation
UltraKiss 3.7.4 is packaged with Install4j multi-platform installer builder for fully bundled installers on Windows, Linux, and Apple systems.
This is the preferred method to install UltraKiss for 64 bit architecture systems.
For all current or past GitHub releases or installation on 32 bit architecture machines please see the download links on GitHub.
For installation from this website please use the links below.
Installers
Windows: UltraKiss_windows-x64_4_0_1.exe
Linux: UltraKiss_unix_4_0_1.sh
Apple: UltraKiss_macos_4_0_1.dmg
The source code for this project is available on GitHub under project Kisekae UltraKiss. If you are interested in contributing to this project please contact me.
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
Dear Mr. Miles,
after I moved away from windows full time, I’m deeply grateful for having UltraKiss as a multi-platform KiSS viewer. Every now and then I revisit some of my childhood/teenage memories of KiSS sets. Even if it may be a distinct computer art form, it is great to still be able to run some of the modules on current machines.
I’m especially grateful that you yourself revisited this long-abandoned project to make yet another update to UltraKiss to support the Scarecrow-Sets as they might be the ones with the most replay value of all KiSS.
All the best for you!
Hi Jorg, thanks for your comment.
The Scarecrow with his update to his work motivated me to return and finish my work. I don’t like to leave things undone. Knowing that people like you appreciate my effort makes it all worthwhile.
Hi Jorg,
Just to let you know, UltraKiss 3.7.3 distributes a new launcher for a visual application to launch all the Scarecrow game sets. Installing UltraKiss will create a new application UltraKiss-TheOwl to automatically start and enable download and execution of all Scarecrow sets. This application is a full replacement for PlayFKiss when running all Scarecrow sets.