You are an experienced programmer and have a problem with the engine, shaders, or advanced effects? Here you'll get answers. No questions about C++ programming or topics which are answered in the tutorials!
MD2 models are... kinda blocky right? I would like to use something better looking (MD3 - UT2K4 type). Is there a way to take a complex model (high poly count) and convert it to MD2 so that I don't need to code myself a loader / animator / renderer for a new format? (time is short)
If yes, what format would be interesting (good variety / quantity of free models online).
you're not going to get a converter from MD3 down to MD2, they're too different (especially the animation). probably same for UT2K models as well. I think your S.O.L. on this one
Milkshape3d has the ability to load MD2, MD3 and many other models, and can then save them to different formats. Should work, haven't tested it yet. It's free to try for 30 days, then like $30 to buy, well worth buying it, IMO.