Macs - RH Update

[Tropod 144]

EDIT: A file has now been provided. Please look through this thread for the location of these file(s) &/or the URLs of these file(s). End Edit

hi all you Mac fans .

Just wondering if someone could help me & answer a few questions. I had originally PM'd someone regarding this, but have yet to hear from them.

I've thoroughly gone through the Mac forum here, & taken a look on Aspyr site, but have been unable to find anything of sufficient relevance or help. I've noticed that there isn't really any kind of Update for RH for Macs, like Maxis did for PC users, that corrects a number of issues/bugs (namely Traffic Related), would this be correct? I know some sort of Update exists for RH for Macs, but does this actually fix any game-play issues, & if so what are they?

I have never used or owned a Mac before, so if someone who has a Mac & SimCity could answer these, that'd be great thanks.

1. Plugins folder; how do they work, is there one or two of them, & is it any different from WindowsXP (WindowsXP SimCity has two Plugins folders; one under the InstallationDirectory & one under user accounts directory).

2. Does anyone know of any problems or had any problems using *.dat files at all?

3. I did have a 3rd question, but it's slipped my mind at the moment.......

If someone could answer these, then I may be able to move forward with something I have, which I'm hoping will be benificial for you Mac+RH users (a possible RH Update alternative for Macs. no promises though), at which point I may be asking for testers.

EDIT: I should add; main reason I've posted this is because I've seen some evidence that Macs+RH contain some of those same issues that PC versions did when it went retail.

[Zelgadis 638]

Howdy,

So does this mean that you have gotten a Mac or just want to know more about how they work? If it's the former, welcome!

Aspyr told me when I called them that most of the PC bug fixes were included in their regular version of Mac Rush Hour. No word yet on nightlighting though.

As far as I know, plugins folders work identically as they do on PC. There are two also on Mac, one in the SimCity4 Data folder and one in the Documents folder. Personally, I put certain files in one and certain files in the other. Just my own style, but both work identically.

There do seem to be some downloads that don't quite function properly in Mac. I've had a couple, but most are fine. I have a few modds, such as the NAM and many buildings which all work fine. Nightlighting doesn't work for me yet, but a few people have managed to figure out this problem. If you've searched, you've probably found some of their solutions.

My biggest problem has arisen from people who turn their downloads into .exe files. Macs can't run these files without special software.

When you remember your third question, let us all know!

ISF

[Tropod 144]

It's the latter , so no I don't have a Mac, just wanting to know bit more about them in regards to RH.

Date: 6/25/2005 12:39:20 PM
Author: zelgadis

Aspyr told me when I called them that most of the PC bug fixes were included in their regular version of Mac Rush Hour.

quote>

Is there any way to actually confirm this? I have seen at least one Mac RH user, whose game is without the HighwayAvenue Ramps adjustment (that Maxis changed in the RH Update), that allows cars to turn both ways when coming off the highway onto the avenue. Maxis PC RH Update added about a dozen (internal) files, removed about the same, & affected numerous other files. I know I may not have the full facts here in regards to Mac version, & I hadn't found anything relevant on Aspyr site, which is why I'm asking.

All that other info you've mentioned relevant, so thanks!

[Zelgadis 638]

Well, I told you what Aspyr told me. Could be a load of bunk for all I know. In regards to your specific example though, I can definitely say that my cars can only turn right onto an avenue after getting off of a freeway. I always have to make sure I put in my own U-turn locations nearby.

ISF

[kbooms1w 1]

Thanks for taking an interest in Macs Tropod, always appreciated...

To follow up on what Zelgadis, the plugin folders break down like this:

Windows to Mac translations:

C:\Program File\Maxis\SimCity4\Plugins = Applications\SimCity4\SimCityData\Plugins

C:\MyDocuments\Maxis\SimCity4\Plugins = Documents\SimCity4\Plugins

As Z said, they seem to work identically, personally I put BATs/Lots in the Docs plugin and mods in the Apps plugin. I have had a few glitches that were cleared up by keeping them well organized (i.e., ensuring that Textures and Props load first by putting them in a folder called 1TexturesProps, the 1 putting the folder at the front of the line, so to speak).

As far as confirming which bugs Aspyr fixed, it really is difficult to tell. Aspyr's support is minimal, to be kind, they port it and they are done with it. Several of us have been told they are doing no further work on RH. But to give you an example of their work, they did not include the infamous (to the Mac community) bldgprop.dat files in RH, nor were they offered at the Aspyr site, which is pretty unbelievable considering how important they are to custom content, so when they say they fixed the PC bugs, who knows....

And of course, there won't be an official fix for nightlighting for custom BATs/Lots, though Goaskin has figured out a workaround, though not yet to the point where it can be fixed at the game level (he has figured out how to change settings for individual lots, if I understand what he's posted).

Regarding .dat files, they too seem to work the same, once things are reduced to the SC4 file formats, they seem to work fine, with the occasional exception (can't think of any off the top of my head).

I've done quite a bit of testing of BSC's counter mod files (the various essentials files that track things for rewards and count certain types of buildings for custom query windows) and with the exception of Gascooker's beer naming reward, these have worked on my Mac.

If there are specific things you would like us to check/test for, let us know, it may be the only way to get the specific info you want/need. If you're willing to put in a little extra work, the Mac community will definitely appreciate it, and you don't have to make any promises....

Hope this info helps...

[Tropod 144]

Thanks for the replies. Each bit of extra info helps!

The following picture, is just one of the things that Maxis fixed in the RH Update1 for PC versions, but it seems Mac RH versions don't have this? Could I possibly get a few valid clarifications on this?
(this is without any mods ~ PC RH + Update1)

[GoaSkin 2]

This diagonal highway exit does not work for me:



Diagonal avenueXgroundHighWay


Can you please try out if this does generally not work?

[kbooms1w 1]

Date: 6/25/2005 3:05:44 PM
Author: Tropod
Thanks for the replies. Each bit of extra info helps!


The following picture, is just one of the things that Maxis fixed in the RH Update1 for PC versions, but it seems Mac RH versions don't have this? Could I possibly get a few valid clarifications on this?

(this is without any mods ~ PC RH + Update1)

quote>

Here's visual confirmation:

[Tropod 144]

Well that's just gotta suck! Considering how easy it is just to copy the files for that, makes me wonder if Aspyr would've bothered to fix anything (else) that Maxis did in the RH Update. anyways, gas-bagging aside.......

What I've done is basically compared the Installation files Pre-RH > Post-RH Update1 (but only the *.dat files & no others) & extracted the affected files. As I've already mentioned, the Maxis/PC/RH Update version adds about a dozen internal files (removes about the same) & affects (but doesn't necessarily modify) over 2000 internal files. All in all, about 3.6MBs worth of files are affected. Unfortunately, changes to the application itself are beyond the scope of what I'm doing here (or capable of), plus I imagine it'd be a big no-no (which really sucks for you guys, as Maxis fixed a really important Traffic/Network issue in the exe in RHupdate1, & I dare say Aspyr probably hadn't fixed it). anyhow, long story short, if anyone would like to be testers (technical minded persons prefered, as some things may get technical), just PM me your email address & I'll see about sending some files. Depending on how it goes, well I guess it'll depend on whether or not it's suitable for all Mac/RH users.

[5gotowar 0]

Where could one find some special softwear for .exe files?

[Zelgadis 638]

Date: 6/26/2005 2:51:03 PM
Author: 5gotowar
Where could one find some 'special softwear' for .exe files?

quote>

You need software like Virtual PC or something like it. I'm not 100% sure how it works, since I don't have it myself, but it's supposed to be a program that allows Mac users to run PC programs.

ISF

[Tropod 144]

Date: 6/25/2005 3:47:48 PM
Author: GoaSkin
This diagonal highway exit does not work for me:



Diagonal avenueXgroundHighWay

Can you please try out if this does generally not work?

quote>

If I remember correctly, this exact same issue exists with the PC RH version prior to PC RH Update1. I am pretty sure the ElevatedRail going over the groundhighway was a cause for this. How does the avenuexgroundhighway portion go in UDI mode? Where does it stop working etc.

[GoaSkin 2]

You can see on the picture where it stops.

Near the right end of the picture, you see a slight brightness difference on the road texture. When reaching this point, UDI stops.

[Tropod 144]

Right, so it stops before it even has a chance to get on it.
I've tried uploading the files, but at the moment am unable to (EDIT: I may have enough personal webspace by the looks of it, so stay tuned End Edit. I can't upload to yousendit or email for some reason. Soon as I fix this, I'll be sending some files).

EDIT:
File is about 2.45MBs. NOTE: Be sure to read the included README.
SC4_RH&Deluxe_Pre2PostUpdate1_InstallationFilesDifferential.zip

[GoaSkin 2]

The whole interchange can't be entered - neither on the highway nor on the avenue.

[antonio63 0]

Date: 6/26/2005 5:38:24 PM
Author: Tropod
Right, so it stops before it even has a chance to get on it.

File is about 2.45MBs. NOTE: Be sure to read the included README.

quote>
It works!

I've tried with a sample city and it works, the avenue ramps are as in your pic, I can build end connection between avenues and one way (useful for roundabout), UDI works.

Tomorrow I will try with a big city

[Tropod 144]

Date: 6/27/2005 7:30:38 PM
Author: antonio63

It works!
I've tried with a sample city and it works, the avenue ramps are as in your pic, I can build end connection between avenues and one way (useful for roundabout), UDI works.

Tomorrow I will try with a big city

quote>

If you mean Avenue to OneWayRoad Transition; this is not something Maxis did (nor is it in those files), but rather that is in a modd.

Anyone using the file I posted above, should preferably use it without the use of modds,lots, bats etc, at least once (in a New/Fresh City) & for a short while, just so you know for yourself that it works & does not cause any problems. If after while you feel it works ok & doesn't cause any issues, then sure use lots,bats,modds etc.

[antonio63 0]

Date: 6/27/2005 10:00:42 PM
Author: Tropod
If you mean Avenue to OneWayRoad Transition; this is not something Maxis did (nor is it in those files), but rather that is in a modd.


Anyone using the file I posted above, should preferably use it without the use of modds,lots, bats etc, at least once (in a New/Fresh City) & for a short while, just so you know for yourself that it works & does not cause any problems. If after while you feel it works ok & doesn't cause any issues, then sure use lots,bats,modds etc.

quote>

No, I tried without plugins.
I am referring to the =|x connection, where = is the avenue, | is one way road and x is a lot (or anything but road), without your update I was able to design the connection, but the game did not recognize it (so the roundabout was unsed), with your update the game recognize it (and the roundabout works).

I tried with a sample new city without plugins (ok)
Then the same city with plugins (450Mb) using some of them (still ok)

To try the connections first I verify with the traffic map if the game recognize it then I try to drive (UDI).

The only thing that still is not working is nightime BAT light ( I think is in the code part of the update)

[Tropod 144]

aar right, that connection.

With the nighttime BAT lighting; from what I'm aware, the update/fix for that is in the BAT itself, not SimCity (though I may be wrong about this, it's not something I've specifically looked at). Either way though, I believe it is application based, & so too are a few other issues that Maxis fixed.

Another issue/bug that you could see if it's fixed or not;
Pre RH Update:
The Traffic Volume Graph for ElTrain/Subway only counted or displayed Commuter traffic for Subway but not ElTrain (if I remember correctly~it was one or the other). So you could have commuters using the ElevatedRail network & its usage wouldn't be displayed in the Graph.
Post RH Update:
The Exemplar for this was changed & the Graph fixed to count commuter traffic for both Subway & ElTrain networks.

Now, what I would be curious with is whether this particular fix actually works on Macs. If it doesn't, well that means part of the fix was application-based, which is more evidence Aspyr did sweet bugger all apart from just porting the game.
How are people suppose to be swayed or be interested in something if it isn't even fully/properly supported, to at least some degree .

[antonio63 0]

Date: 6/28/2005 9:29:39 AM
Author: Tropod



Another issue/bug that you could see if it's fixed or not;

Pre RH Update:

The Traffic Volume Graph for ElTrain/Subway only counted or displayed Commuter traffic for Subway but not ElTrain (if I remember correctly~it was one or the other). So you could have commuters using the ElevatedRail network & its usage wouldn't be displayed in the Graph.

Post RH Update:

The Exemplar for this was changed & the Graph fixed to count commuter traffic for both Subway & ElTrain networks.


Now, what I would be curious with is whether this particular fix actually works on Macs. If it doesn't, well that means part of the fix was application-based, which is more evidence Aspyr did sweet bugger all apart from just porting the game.

How are people suppose to be swayed or be interested in something if it isn't even fully/properly supported, to at least some degree .

quote>
This fix was already in RH for mac (nobody knows at which stage Aspyr did teh conversion)

[Tropod 144]

Really? Now that is interesting, not to mention odd. Why fix one thing & not another, doesn't quite add up.
Anyhow, if two+ persons are able to confirm any (existance of or lack of) issues, that would be good.

[GoaSkin 2]

When the Mac-RH update file is installed, the custom interchange menu of the NAM is empty on my system (nothing inside).

[Tropod 144]

You need to make sure the Mac-RH files are loaded first for the game before anything else. And that everything else is loaded after. Those files contain a number of RUL files, one of them being the IntersectionOrdering. So unless these files are loaded first by the game, & everything else after them, then you will have that occuring.

[GoaSkin 2]

I placed the RH update file in Plugins/ while the NAM is placed in Plugins\MODs\[NAM FOLDERS]

[JohnnyBoy 0]

I have last year played with some PC. update, I found no differences in playing, only crashing the game and then droped it.
I then forget to remove EP1.dat from my DATAfolder.
Then I started testing with the SimCity_1_dat_ExemplarFiles.dat from Tropod and removed also EP1.dat file for the testing.
Can you explain this (see pictures)?

[Tropod 144]

Why would you want to remove EP1.dat? No where it mentioned that it needs to be removed. The EP1.dat is part of the core installation files, & is added with the upgrade of RH. It shouldn't be removed under any circumstances.

[JohnnyBoy 0]

Excuse me, I was back in SC4, not in RH.

I will start over again.

I have two accounts on the Mac, one with Panther and one Tiger, but SC4 and RH are one the same disc.

[JohnnyBoy 0]

Starting over, is this good or bad?

[Tropod 144]

Date: 6/29/2005 1:12:45 PM
Author: JohnnyBoy
Starting over, is this good or bad?

quote>


Well as long is it's functional, that would be a good thing. It does look like you've got the EuroMod installed though. Since the EuroMod only changes Textures, it shouldn't affect functionality for something like that, just how it looks.

[JohnnyBoy 0]

With SimCity_1_dat_PathFiles.dat



Without SimCity_1_dat_PathFiles.dat



Somthing is working. If I open the saved city without SimCity_1_dat_PathFiles.dat, you see changing the path in a minute.

The dat file is placed in the plugin-folder in de first folder of the DIrectory.