I need your help getting started!!

[BGans1982 0]

I've been playing Sim City ever since the classic version and found this site with all these cool mods and useful tools to make my cities more realistic looking. I got bored playing the game after I got tired of all the same buildings, tools, and regions. Now I've came across a whole new Sim City with the help of simtropolis. I have many questions, hopefully someone can help me get going.

 I've already downloaded some files to my plugin folder but its starting to get filled pretty fast. 

How should I organize my folder so its easier to keep track of my files? How can I get better highways with better on and off ramps? The highway choices in the game gives  me limited choices to give my city that realistic look. I'm looking for all road and transportation realated mods as well as highway walls so I can make highways lower and  build avenues bridges going over my expressways.

 I would like to make the terrain more realistic with tree options as well as expanding my parks. I  my cites look like more U.S cities. Since I grew up near Chicago, I've been around skyscrapers and have always tried to build cities with tons of them. 

I'm going to get the STEX collection CD Vol 1 because it looks like I need a DVD player for Vol 2, which I only have a CD- ROM burner.

If anyone can give me a hand and help me determine which files I need for what, it would be greatly appreciated.  I've tried downloading files on this site that do not go into the plugins folder but are to be ran as their own install file.  Thank You!!!

 Brad

[soldyne 111]

welcome to Simtropolis BGans1982!

you will quickly become a STEX download addict. everyone does (I did at least and I am happy to admit it)!

Everyone who posts here will most likely tell you to get the NAM. Network Addon Modification. It can be found in the Modds and Downloads section, not the STEX. You will need the Delux edition of SC4 (or SC4 plus Rush Hour expansion) in order to use 90% of the lots and mods found here. The NAM will add a ton of extra network stuff to your game and will enhance the game play by leaps and bounds. most people even think of the NAM as an unofficial patch/expansion to the game.

as for better trees and wilderness there is cycledoggs columbus terrain mod (I love it) and plenty of rock and water mods on the STEX. for parks and such just do a search on the STEX under parks and recreation and you will see more than you can imagine (well I can imagine quite a bit!)

I like to organize my plugins folder by where the plugin fits into my game: RCI buildings with subfolders, Parks, Utilities, Transportation, civic, etc.

The best place to get great info is in the Omnibus. You will find a plethora of tutorials written by simtropolis members especially ones on building realistic cities, highway systems and starting from scratch.

[begin shameless plug] There are few links in my sig below for some parks I made and a few tutorials on how to make money, how to save money, and other useful guides [end shameless plug]

I hope that helps for now. if you ever need anything feel free to send me or other members a quick PM and we will be happy to respond when we can.

just a few quick tips on surviving the forums:

always do a search first before posting questions - with 100,000 members and growing your question has most likely already been asked and answered many times

when posting pics keep all sizes to 800X600 or the pic will be deleted

dont double post, use the edit function.

keep us posted on your progess, gl and hf.

[BGans1982 0]

Thanks a lot for your help!! I'll be sure to use this information to enhance my Sim City 4 experience.

[jacqulina 162]

and also you could look at members cjs for hints and tips for terrain and other things

[DOXXP29 5]

BGans, check out the stickied topic "Plug-In Mania" by N_O_Body. He addresses this issue very thoroughly and you'll probably find most of what you need covered in there. Good Luck!