New SC4 Mac user Question

[jonathanlucas 0]

Actually, I have 3 easy questions. SimTropolis doesn't really have a new user FAQ so I'm asking fellow Mac users. I would REALLY appreciate someone who knows to impart their knowledge to me.

#1 What is the difference between a lot file and BAT?

#2 Where do you place these files? (In the :SimCity 4 Data:Plugins folder or in Documents:SimCity 4:Plugins? Or does it even matter?)

#3 It is my impression from playing around with a few files that not all BAT or lot files are compaible with SC4 for Mac. Is this true or am I misusing the files? For example, I downloaded an Urban High School (ploppable) and all I see is the parking lot and a basketball court on top of the building but no building!

Thanks SO MUCH

[uncrazycooper13 0]

1. BAT is where the buildings are created completely by people. Lot editor is where u use the lots already in the game and mix them around 2 create new lots.

2. I use the one in the simcity data folder but I think u can use either. (by the way if any of the plugins are in folders u might need 2 take the stuff that u need out of the folder and put just that stuff in.

3. NO BAT's are compatible w/ mac because they're only compatible w/ rush hour. Also when u look on the STEX some should say rush hour below the pic. Those (for the most part. Check my thread on which lots work and which don't) Also you may need 2 go 2 the mod section of this site and go 2 props and download some of those. Thats y u only have the concrete etc. for that downtown high school. Also go 2 aspyr.com 2 get the landmark pack. -uncrazycooper

[jonathanlucas 0]

Thanks for answering my questions.

Does anyone know why there is no lot editor or BAT for the Mac?

[Aalox 0]

Because Aspyr can't get the legal stuff stright with EA games or something of that nature. (or was that with the extra landmarks?)

[MothMaiden 1]

There is no lot editor for the Mac either because of rights issues, or because Aspyr can not be bothered to use the porting libraries they already developed for SimCity to recompile and test the Lot Editor. They still could provide it, but don't hold your breath.

There will probably never be a BAT for the Mac because Maxis chose to go with a Windows Only 3d modeling program (gmax), instead of one that runs on Windows and Mac (like Blender).

If you want to use the lot editor and/or the BAT, at the moment the only route is to grab a PC if you have access to one (the one you switched from if it can at all run SimCity should be fine for lot editing, but for the BAT you need some serious muscle), buy SimCity Deluxe for the PC, and set the PC up as your content creation station for your Mac game.

Otherwise, you will have to rely on earlier lots in the lot exchange. Search for lots by someone named 'Pegasus', a lot of his early work works on the Mac, and some lots are even specifically Mac compatible. Most of his pond and stream lots work on the Mac, there is one trail system lot pack that is for the Mac, and even some of the river retaining walls work. To my mind, his lots add nearly as much to the game as Rush Hour itself, especially in the area of civic beauty.

EDIT

I have just found out that Pegasus has pulled his lots from the exchange. I'm sorry, I am going to have to withdraw my recommendation of his lots, as there is now no way to get them.

Unfortunately, he is the only one to ever try to be Mac compatible.

[jonathanlucas 0]

Thanks for the detailed information. I really appreciate it. 'Tis a shame, no matter how true it is.

[hellomax 0]

sorry

[jmusshorn 7]

C'mon, this thread is over 1yr4mo's old.

If you were going to announce this info (which is already public info., btw), please just make a new thread about it. Then you'd just get yelled at for not searching by someone else.

~Jamie~