How different can a high and low poly model be?

Elarionus

So I've been trying to make some sci-fi stuff in 3DS Max, and some of the edge "divots" that sci-fi objects have only start to look right after I put 3-4 iterations of Turbosmooth on them. I was curious, just how different can the high poly be from the low poly? Because putting this many iterations of turbosmooth on drastically changes how it looks. Without those, I cannot get the curved look. I'm afraid that when I go to bake things, however, that the corners/edges of the mesh will stick through because they're so insanely different.

Zablorg

The answer to this is typically "it depends" (particularly on the possible viewing angles), but if you want some advice on your particular model I'd suggest posting some pictures of the two.

Eric Chadwick

Have you seen the Sticky threads in this section?

Elarionus

Eric Chadwick said:

Have you seen the Sticky threads in this section?

I have seen some of them, but they seem to be for specific software, unless you're referring to the "how the **** do I model this" thread... Unless there's one I'm not seeing?

kanga

The lowpoly can be very different in structure but not that different in appearance. The whole idea of creating game models is to put geo where you need it and not where you dont. That sounds kind of simple but I havent seen an automated process that can do this as well as an experienced human can manually. Your question is pretty general so to get specific information I'd follow Zablorg's advice and post some screenshots.

Eric Chadwick

Sticky Understanding averaged normals and ray projection/Who put waviness in my normal map?