Decreasing vertices in a model...

Hi guys. I've got a bit of a problem with my project. We've got a modeler who produced a very high quality image of an HK VTOL but it has a lot of vertices and polygons.

We'd like to lower the vertex count while still maintaining the quality of the model. Do you know any tips/tricks/sneaky underhanded ways to do this?

Secondly, are there any programs available which may help? The model was constructed with 3DS Max.

You can actually decrease the polys and make it a low poly model then create a normal map which will allow the low poly model look like a high poly model and help cut down the rendering time.

blender has a retopology tool that is made exactly for the situation you are describing. it will however not be a simple matter of a few clicks and it's done, as much of the model will have to be retraced. try a search for some tutorials on "blender retopology". the decimate modifyer in blender on the other hand does provide a simple solution to your problem as long as you are not too concerned with the topological results (meaning that the geometry will end up looking a bit messy).

I use Zbrush for a lot of modeling now a days and I use TopoGun to retopologize my high poly models, give this a try:

http://www.topogun.com/

thanks guys, I willl give a trie to topogun.

You may retopologize it or try to optimize it automatically with max