NAM - The Essential Download

[Reid Lockhart 0]

I don't want to get into installing too many mods, especially any mods that make the game easier, but I would like some of the things that NAM has to offer as far as making more sensible routes for sims, etc...

But is NAM really that essential?  What are some of the "omg you NEED this mod" pros that I am missing out on by just playing the updated official version of the game?

I only ask here in a new post as everything I've tried in the search engine "contains ignored words"

[CaptCity 4,917]

I wouldn't say that NAM makes the games any "easier," but it does make it more "realistic" in that it adjusts some of the traffic functions to be more in line with what happens in real life. I'm sure not every one will agree that NAM is "cheat" or not, but it does attempt to "fix" some of the issues that those who have reaserched it have found in the default game. If that is makng "easier," then so be it.

As for what does NAM give you... Well, one of the basic components is the Ground Light Rail (GLR) network. This is, basically, the Elevated Rail on the ground. Many prefer it to having all those elevated rail tracks all over the place. Also included is the functioning Canal network (Can-AM). This makes it appear that the canals that can be built are functional - it's actually bus traffic. Along with the totally new addons, are the many, many puzzle pieces that add to the all ready existing networks in the game.

In addition to the NAM itself, there are several additional mods that require NAM but are not included in it. These include the Real Highway mod (RHW). This is another highway network that is much more costumizable than the default. It also includes the ability to create custom interchanges. There is also the Single Track Rail (STR) network which allows the creation of single track rail lines. And there is the Street Adon Mod (SAM) which gives different options for street textures. The Network Widening Mod (NWM) gives various options for different road and avenue lane widths.

These are just some of the additional abilities provided by the NAM and it's addons. Granted, some may be "eye candy" but others actually help the game along by providing better traffic controller options. To get a beter idea of what NAM might offer, you might check out the NAM threads here at ST or at SC4Devotion (Link). Or better yet, download it and try it out. 

[Reid Lockhart 0]

Thank you for your time, and your reaction to my post makes me see that I was referring to NAM as sort of "cheating".  I didnt mean it like that at all if that's how I came across.  I was just asking if it was so widely used because of how it makes anything easier or something....I didn't mean to apply a negative connotation as though I am judging anyone who DOES use mods to enjoy the game the way they want to.  I just want to make sure I'm playing the game that *I* want to play.

[CaptCity 4,917]

Originally posted by: Reid Lockhart

...and your reaction to my post makes me see that I was referring to NAM as sort of "cheating". I didn't mean it like that at all if that's how I came across. I was just asking if it was so widely used because of how it makes anything easier or something...quote>

Didn't mean to imply that at all. Sorry if that's the way it came across. I just wanted to let you know that you may see differing opinions if you read through any of the posts dealing with NAM. I usually differentiate between "cheating" and "easier" myself.  One nice thing about NAM is that you can vary it to a level of difficulty you would like with the Traffic Simulator Configuration Tool (TSCT). This is a new feature that was just added to the latest version. Some enjoy this aspect of the mod, while others enjoy the amount of new material added that offers a much wider range of transit options. And some, of course, enjoy both.

I just want to make sure I'm playing the game that *I* want to play.quote>

As mentioned, the TSCT allows you to set certain traffic controller settings depending on your playing preferences. Plus, the setup options allow a certain degree of customization when installing. And, since the addons are separate items, you can choose to go with them or not. I think the best way to determine whether or not to go with NAM would be to try it out. Some options do take a bit of practice. And there's so much stuff, just getting used to everything will require familiarizing yourself with it.

[tkuelker 2]

If I could only download one mod it would be the NAM. It offers you so much more than the basic SC4. Your infrastructures will be forever changes........for the better of course. Download it, you must.

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

I have used the NAM ever since its first release.  Some of the latest features make life a lot more interesting, especially when you decide to have things like separate freight and passenger rail lines.  The NAM's rail puzzle pieces allowed me to have crossovers that otherwise are impossible.  The Pedestrian tiles make it possiible to have commercial plazas with a transportation station at one side, which is very realistic.  It also allows you to set up a transportation crossover between systems without downloading a special station from the stex.

The newer stuff, such as the SAM, and the RTMT are just as essential if you are going for realistic appearance.  I really like Pegasus's dirt roads that are a part of SAM.  They make my farms and industrial areas look much better.  I can't say that I have mastered the RTMT, but I am getting there.  Since both of these depend on the NAM, I'd say the NAM is essential.

[sneakeypete 16]

Yes, the NAM does make it easier. In the sense that it makes the traffic not be stupidly hard and broken (sims taking shorter streets over longer and quicker highways, is one thing it fixes). So unless your a masochist you really should get it.