Plugin Questions

[PatternRec 1]

1. Aside from the obvious puzzle pieces added, what's the difference between using the minimal install of NAM and just using the traffic configuration tool without NAM? I'm using NAM minimal right now, but I don't make use of the puzzle pieces so I'm thinking of uninstalling and just using the config tool to correct the pathfinding. Wondering about in game stuff as well as performance. 

2. I have both bldgprop dat files in my plugins folder but I'm not 100% on what they do. It has something to do with brown boxes and dependencies, I think, but I'd like to know more 'cause I'm a curious city planner. 

[CaptCity 4,671]

Originally posted by: Sandman2012

1. Aside from the obvious puzzle pieces added, what's the difference between using the minimal install of NAM and just using the traffic configuration tool without NAM? I'm using NAM minimal right now, but I don't make use of the puzzle pieces so I'm thinking of uninstalling and just using the config tool to correct the pathfinding. Wondering about in game stuff as well as performance.quote>

Using the TSCT without NAM being installed will create just the traffic controller files. This would mean none of the NAM core files or basic pieces would be installed, as would be even with a minimal NAM installation. Obviously, just installing the traffic controller files would allow the game to use whatever traffic options were used, but would have no "NAM" functionality.

2. I have both bldgprop dat files in my plugins folder but I'm not 100% on what they do. It has something to do with brown boxes and dependencies, I think, but I'd like to know more 'cause I'm a curious city planner.quote>

The two bldgprop files were created to allow the Maxis buildings to be used as props in the Lot Editor in creating new lots. Without the files, any lots made with the Maxis building props could display the brown boxes in the game.

[z1 566]

Originally posted by: Sandman2012

Wondering about in game stuff as well as performance.quote>

The NAM is small enough compared to the rest of the game that if you leave it installed and don't use it, it has essentially no effect on performance.  Even if you use it, its effect on performance is basically insignificant.

[cheeseman 3]

yea in my experience having the NAM adds no effect on performance, its a small mod, a single hi-rise BAT is larger therefore, this is the one of the VERY few mods that stay in my plugins folder all the time, plus i use it all the time because its awesome

[Indiana Joe 1,750]

Well said cheeseman, well said. And even if the NAM DOES have a slight effect on performance, it makes up for it in improving the games inner workings! The vote is unanimous...full install!!!