Although the learning curve is steep, the good thing is that all you have to know about math is what the mathimatics is being used for, now how to implement it.
Also, check out the milkshape site; you''ll find a helpful ascii animation app and a few other good tidbits. Try writing your own plugin - and export to your own format.
Its really satisfying when you do everything yourself...and understand it...thats the tricky part.
