Physique Modifier

[boehmz]

We made a 3D character using cylinders, spheres, and other simple shapes. Each object is a different object. I tried to apply the physique modifier, but it will not let me. Do I need to do something to the objects to make them able to be used with the physique modifier? I tried selecting them all and converting them to a mesh. Then I tried grouping them, but it does not work.

[lilwupster]

you should be able to apply the modifier on any geometry. Is it that you can't apply it or you are having a problem with it after it's on?

just a note, if you have not attached your objects together, make sure you apply physique separately to each object and don't just highlight them all and apply it.

[boehmz]

Ok I got it working now, and most of the objects are smooth when I turn them. The only thing, I now realize my character model may be a little too complex. It has 47000 polygons. Is there any quick way to decrease the number of polys, as I am experiencing some slowdown just working with the character.

[lilwupster]

you can try the optimize modifier, but it probably won't do you too much good.
To work with the model, you can either hide the polygon and just work with the bones until you're ready to render, then unhide and render.
Or you could go into the polygon's properties and select 'display as box' and still just work with the bones. It will still render, but you will not see it in the viewport making the environment easier to work in.

[BuddyB309]

Here what I do, 47000 is nothing for a character. Rig the character with bones. Then apply edit poly modifier to the bones and then shape the bones to a low poly representation of your character. Then hide the mesh of your character. You can animate in real time and you can still see the volume of your character. Then, right before you render, unhide the mesh that is skined to the bones.

I wouldn't recommend using fins on the bones. They just get in the way and tell your nothing about where you character is.