How to make this model in low poly?

[NAIMA]

Hello , I wanted to make a Redsonja outfit , but I also want that the scales stand out more than using a flat alpha texture or a normal mapped bikini ....

I was thinking of something more 3dmensional but unfortunately even using a lowest shape in polygon terms I usually end up hitting the 50 k polygons ....

Any idea on how I could reduce it and still preserve a 3d shape?

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/4374/87453563.jpg

[Piflik]

I wouldn't bother modeling these into the lowpoly...my lowest estimate for a lowpoly version that has even the slightest resemblance of the highpoly version would be 4 tris per scale. Hardly worth it...

[Ace-Angel]

I would suggest crease modeling the low poly ontop of the high poly, and baking from there, look up at this, same idea applied to the breasts as the top of a building: http://wiki.polycount.com/ModularMountAndBlade

[S_ource]

I was going to suggest the same as Ace-Angel make some detail on the geometry litlle here and there will also add some for the siluet but not much at all.

[NAIMA]

I was thinking to export the High poly made in 3dsmax to zbrush and use the new feature of dynamesh , then reduce the polycount , would that work? I didn't try couse I am waiting still the update -_- Have to wait till monday uff....

[dirigible]

Dynamesh will not give you something you can use ingame.

Your best bet is to make the low poly a smooth surface, but then pick a couple scales to model sticking out.

Trying to give each scale its own shape in the low-poly will force you to use a TON of tris. Unless the camera is literally going to be doing an extreme closeup of her breasts, it's not worth it.

[Ace-Angel]

Did you read the link I posted? It's literally doing the same thing you're asking for, in a very easy and simple way that can be used for games and looks pretty great. I sometimes wish I could stick people's head in a beehive.