Extremely Overwhelmed Yet Drawn Like a Bug to a Flame

[LuapYllier 8]

Hello all,

I have been playing Sim City since it first came out some 20 odd years ago. I remember spending my first all nighter gaming session watching my city grow. I have purchased SimCity 4 for the second time (first one got lost long after I had gotten bored with the gameplay). I once again had the urge to build and picked it up. I consider myself to be an average player but as I was searching around looking for some info on the pollution levels for manufacturing vs dirty and discovering the true meaning of the "pollution" stat in the query tool, I ran across this awsomeness of a site.

So here I am in a world of NEW and clueless of where to start. My mind is racing with the possibilities of what this could mean to my interest level in SimCity 4 and yet I am stuck staring at all of this in confusion. I don't know how any of this stuff works or what I would be interested in. I am not typically one to mod my games so I am not used to the functions and or lingo involved.

My first question is what exactly do some of these downloads do, for instance I see a lot of cool buildings I have not seen in the game...are these just aesthetic replacements? I see different roads in pictures, lovely creations, do they just have a different appearance or do they alter the function of the roads?

Where do I start? I have looked ot some of the sticky posts describing some stuff but even the descriptions seem over my head. There seems to be several downloads to be done before even beggining with the real downloading? Am I altering my game in a way that can't be reversed? What do these various updates and such do? Also I purchased and downloaded my game through Steam...does this make any difference to my ability to do any of this?

I am new and extremely patient. Take your time, answer if you can help. I don't even know how active this forum is but hopefully someone will give me some insight and direction.

Thanks in advance,

Luap.

[Zeck180 18]

Well one thing is for sure, if you want your cities again to look amazing, like many I'd suggest you take a look around the STEX.

My first question is what exactly do some of these downloads do, for instance I see a lot of cool buildings I have not seen in the game...are these just aesthetic replacements? I see different roads in pictures, lovely creations, do they just have a different appearance or do they alter the function of the roads?

Well those are BAT buildings and addons to the game that players like you and I, created to make the game more realistic, The roads you see might be part of ether NAM or Real Highway Modd. Down load what you'd want to make your city be realistic, nearly every download involves Zip files.

[jacksunny 741]

Hi and welcome to Simtropolis!!!

The first thing your going to want to do is download some of these:

NAM (Network Addon Mod)-This adds a whole bunch of new transportation features to the game.

RHW (Real Highway Mod)-This one adds more realistic highways to the game and allows you to create complex intersections.

You might also want to download a terrain mod (This alters your terrain to make it more (or less) realistic). As for many of the buildings you see on the site you will have to read the description to find out what they actually do. Some of them include both a growable version and a ploppadle one (Usually found in the landmarks or parks menu).

Have fun!!!

[logintime 93]

Since all your downloads go into the plugins folder, virtually any of them can be undone by simply removing the files from that folder. There are a lot of downloads that require dependencies; however, that usually also means new material for your cities that didn't exist prior. It's very worth it

[LivingInThePast 364]

I honestly think, besides the NAM/RHW, which does offer some new customizations and necessary game fixes, that all the BATs are basically aesthetics and do nothing in terms of actual gameplay. But they're so cool looking!

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

What a terrible thing to do to a newcomer. I'll bet you are more confused now that you were when you made your post.

Welcome to Simtropolis and our conversations.

Since the release of the Rush Hour expansion pack in 2003, this game has collected a world wide set of addicts, including me. I got Rush Hour when it first came out. Later, EA release a combined version called Deluxe which is exactly the same meat as Rush Hour, with slightly different gravy. Don't be confused, the programs are identical.

No one so far has mentioned that you need to register your game on the EA site and pick up the two (2) necessary EA-released patches to your game for it to work correctly. Here is the site you need. After you have registered you will be able to see the updates you need in the right hand frame of the home page.

Unless you are ready to get involved in 3D graphics construction, you don't need the Building Architect Tool (BAT), but on the BAT page there are two things that you do need: The BATupdate that allows things you download from here to have lights at night, and the Lot Editor, which has been revised to allow people to work on BAT lots. You also need two files from the old Lot Editor page called Bldgprops_vol1.dat and Bldgprops_vol2.dat which are needed to allow you to edit buildings into a lot with the lot editor, and to allow lots that have them to work properly. After you download these files into your separate from the game Downloads file, you are done with the EA site. Its exchange is unmonitored and is full of plagiarized lots and viruses. Later on, you might want to go back there for some landmarks, which are OK.

Now, you should apply the two updates to the game in this order, EP1 to fix bugs, and the BATupdate to allow nightlights. When you are finished, you should check to see that the version number of the .exe file for the game in Program files/Maxis/Apps has been updated to 1,1,640,0. This is proof that your updates worked.

Having updated the game executable, now move the two props files into your Plugins folder, probably with a sub-folder name of EA, then execute the install for the Lot Editor.

Next, explore the Omnibus (link in the top of this page), and then look around the various forums and get a feel for what's going on. Downloading stuff from the STEX is not always something one should rush into. You should never, ever, ever pull a lot or mod from there without testing it with all the others you previously have. The neat way to do this is in a sandbox region. Just create a region named sandbox, then you can play in its cities without damaging any other region.

Almost everything you download from here will be a .zip archive, and it should go in your Downloads external folder. You should unpack it in place, and follow the installation instructions (if any). Some downloads contain an installation executable. If you are running on Windows, it is safe to just execute it, and let it put the necessary entries in your Plugin folder for you. This will also establish a structure within that folder that you should be prepared to maintain.

So, go explore the Omnibus, the site including some of the special interest groups, and the STEX. It is not necessary, but your first download should probably be the Network Addon Mod (NAM) on which you will find more information here. This is a very large package, and it needs fairly good understanding. It takes the program to where is should probably have been when it was released and beyond. Read the manual that comes with this. It will give you a good feel for how mods work, then go play in your sandbox with it. It is so large that you may find yourself a little overwhelmed, so go slow, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

After that, you will want to think about your playing style. The program is a canvas, if you will, and you are an artist. Mud pies at first, but someday, a full blown City Journal (CJ). Good luck. Have fun. and above all, take your time. There is no way to win this game, you can only keep expanding or lose. Slow and steady builds the metropolis and the region.

[LuapYllier 8]

What a terrible thing to do to a newcomer. I'll bet you are more confused now that you were when you made your post.

Welcome to Simtropolis and our conversations. Thank You.

Since the release of the Rush Hour expansion pack in 2003, this game has collected a world wide set of addicts, including me. I got Rush Hour when it first came out. Later, EA release a combined version called Deluxe which is exactly the same meat as Rush Hour, with slightly different gravy. Don't be confused, the programs are identical. I believe I have Rush Hour but I despise the "driving" unless I have not figured something out it sucks. I wish the little bubbles could be turned off also.

No one so far has mentioned that you need to register your game on the EA site and pick up the two (2) necessary EA-released patches to your game for it to work correctly. Here is the site you need. After you have registered you will be able to see the updates you need in the right hand frame of the home page. You mean the game is currently not working correctly? or do you mean the downloadables would not work without them?

Unless you are ready to get involved in 3D graphics construction, you don't need the Building Architect Tool (BAT), but on the BAT page there are two things that you do need: The BATupdate that allows things you download from here to have lights at night, and the Lot Editor, which has been revised to allow people to work on BAT lots. You also need two files from the old Lot Editor page called Bldgprops_vol1.dat and Bldgprops_vol2.dat which are needed to allow you to edit buildings into a lot with the lot editor, and to allow lots that have them to work properly. After you download these files into your separate from the game Downloads file, you are done with the EA site. Its exchange is unmonitored and is full of plagiarized lots and viruses. Later on, you might want to go back there for some landmarks, which are OK. I usually play with daylight locked on, no particular reason just like it constant...would I not need the BAT update? Lot Editor, in what way would I be editing lots? Where is this old lot editor page? I don't follow the editing process yet, can you explain?

Now, you should apply the two updates to the game in this order, EP1 to fix bugs, and the BATupdate to allow nightlights. When you are finished, you should check to see that the version number of the .exe file for the game in Program files/Maxis/Apps has been updated to 1,1,640,0. This is proof that your updates worked. Is this going to cause previous cities to be no good any more?

Having updated the game executable, now move the two props files into your Plugins folder, probably with a sub-folder name of EA, then execute the install for the Lot Editor.

Next, explore the Omnibus (link in the top of this page), and then look around the various forums and get a feel for what's going on. Downloading stuff from the STEX is not always something one should rush into. You should never, ever, ever pull a lot or mod from there without testing it with all the others you previously have. The neat way to do this is in a sandbox region. Just create a region named sandbox, then you can play in its cities without damaging any other region. What constitutes "damage"? What could these downloads cause to happen? How exactly do you "Test" these things?

Almost everything you download from here will be a .zip archive, and it should go in your Downloads external folder. You should unpack it in place, and follow the installation instructions (if any). Some downloads contain an installation executable. If you are running on Windows, it is safe to just execute it, and let it put the necessary entries in your Plugin folder for you. This will also establish a structure within that folder that you should be prepared to maintain. Downloads external folder? Im on Windows 7 and I rarely download anything so this is all new.

So, go explore the Omnibus, the site including some of the special interest groups, and the STEX. It is not necessary, but your first download should probably be the Network Addon Mod (NAM) on which you will find more information here. This is a very large package, and it needs fairly good understanding. It takes the program to where is should probably have been when it was released and beyond. Read the manual that comes with this. It will give you a good feel for how mods work, then go play in your sandbox with it. It is so large that you may find yourself a little overwhelmed, so go slow, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

I guess I need to just do this and work on it for a while and worry about the rest later if it is that much to swallow. I am one of those turtle types. Slow plodding gets me there eventually.

After that, you will want to think about your playing style. The program is a canvas, if you will, and you are an artist. Mud pies at first, but someday, a full blown City Journal (CJ). Good luck. Have fun. and above all, take your time. There is no way to win this game, you can only keep expanding or lose. Slow and steady builds the metropolis and the region. What is a City Journal? Yeah slow and steady is me...though I must admit I have never gotten beyond sprawling slum in this version of the game. I had a really big metropolis in the original Sim City though.

A Nonny Moose please see above responses. For every one else thank you for your input and advise...I will be getting into this some tonight I think.

[LuapYllier 8]

OK I have done a site registry on Maxis. I don't have any product code info that I am aware of since I purchased and downloaded through steam (unless you know something I don't).

I see the "Lot Editor" but not the "BATupdate". Does it need to be a product register to get that?

[LuapYllier 8]

OK I managed to get around the product code issue...Kinda funny actually...I googled it and bounced from site to site through some links only to end up in the post stickied here about the "get your maxis files here".

Should rename the title to include the bit about product key bypass.

I have not installed anything yet but I have these files downloaded...

update_sku1_to_p1_b638

bldgprop_vol1

bldgprop_vol2

LotEditorInstaller

SC4BATInstaller

I should install them in that order correct?

Another question I should ask before attempting this is that I noticed that my file structure is not the same as a normal disk instal since I downloaded through Steam. I don't have a Maxis folder in my Program Files. I have a SimCity 4 folder in one of my document folders. Will this present any sort of issues with these downloads?

Thanks in advance, have a good night.

Luap.

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

OK I have done a site registry on Maxis. I don't have any product code info that I am aware of since I purchased and downloaded through steam (unless you know something I don't).

I see the "Lot Editor" but not the "BATupdate". Does it need to be a product register to get that?

If you purchased the game from Steam, forget all the stuff about patches. It comes already patched. The BATupdate is on the BAT page, but you can get it from the thread noted in the pinned set, above here. You don't need it if you always run daylight. but you have it anyway. Your version should be 641.

To get rid of the U Drive It balloons, press F3, then click once on the icon at the bottom of that list. Press F2 to return to Mayor mode.

Before EA released the game to the download sites, they patched it fully. All other stuff can be got from the link above.

Without the Bldgprops files, you may find you are looking at "brown paper packages tied up with string" if you use a downloaded lot that was made using them. Otherwise, no effect.

Test means try it out. If you manage to create an incompatibility in your plugins list, your cities may not even load. This is why you place each new plugin into your suite with the others one at a time and try it. If it doesn't dance with the others, you should delete it. There are thousands of plugins and it is impossible for us to test the billions of possible combinations. There is not enough time in the universe for this. So be careful what you select. for example, you cannot have two different tree mods.

Downloading from the STEX and other repositories is how you get extensions. This means that you will be exposed to the dangers of taking things off the Internet. You must have a virus checker in case you get a trapped file. Ours are virus free, but you can't count on all sites. Some sites are even malicious. If you do not have a folder in your Documents set, create one called Downloads (Documents/Downloads) and use it to save your downloaded files in an appropriate structure of sub-folders to that you can always find out where you got it. The structure of your Plugins folder should reflect this.

I am sorry if this is a bit technical, but this game needs some serious file system knowledge. You should also find one of the threads on file system maintenance, because this program is a bad actor, and will checker board your disk. Harmless, but needs attention. Sort of like having your horse go to the farrier once a month. You don't want your computer to go lame on you.

A City Journal is a piece of graphics and writing that tells some sort of story about a city. Go exploring. There is a link in the header. Some CJ's are very elaborate, and often created with the game and photoshop or some other image manipulation program. Others are more like a blog.

If you are not very technical with your machine, you should at least make an effort to understand the file system. There are definitely places a novice must not go. These are the Windows and Program Files folders at least. Until you have more experience, you should stay away from them. To play in the Windows directory could harm the operation of your system. This is a place for system programmers and other geeks like me. I don't even use windows. This message is coming to your from my Linux production decor.

I hope all the bases have at least been touched here. If you had mentioned Steam in the first place, I would have said things differently. My post is for people loading from the CD media.

Feel free to post again in this thread. If you have something new, please start a new topic either here or over in Bugs and Technical Issues. Take a few minutes to read through the pinned threads. It will demystify a lot of things.

This is a very beautiful game, but it has lots of flaws (usually called Bugs, which is a WW II in-joke). It requires some understanding because it was written in 2003 and has not been maintained since. We only extend it as it was planned to be extended and by our agreement with EA, we cannot interfere with the .exe file in any way due to copyright requirements.

You can see from the date of registration on my panel that I've been around for a while. In fact, I am a retired systems programmer, so feel free to ask what you need. I have also been a post-secondary professor of computer science, so, yes I do know a lot about computers. Maybe you can tell from my writing that I like to teach.

Remember! The only dumb question is the one that finds no voice.

[EyeofMobius 27]

"..."

Well it always seems to be a race to be either before or after A Nonny Moose posts

Welcome to Simtropolis. I love the thread title.

Hmmm...my only extra bit of advice to offer would be when you look at all the eyecandy in the download exchanges would be to browse extensively and download very little. Once you have an idea of what is out there you should dive into playing. With these little nuggets to download in the back of your head you will reach points when you say "I want to do this," and hopefully you will remember something you saw available or at least have a good idea of how to go about finding it.

...Perhaps we should have made an article to shine out on the front page to direct all the new builders as a result of the Steam Sale...

[LuapYllier 8]

Thanks Moose and Mobius.

I might have understated my experience level. I am new to downloading anything for games but not completely devoid of knowledge on PC's. I am however more into the hardware side than the software. You put out a lot of good info in a very consise manner and I appreciate that.

Good to know I don't need the primary update.

Thanks for the F3 note...I was not aware of that one. Steam version does not come with much in the way of a manual.

So I need a Downloads folder to drop them in with folders for different makers, building types etc...and then a matching folder set to extract to in plugins...check.

I am basically not looking to get all hard core into this...at least not initially. My goal to start with is to break up some of the monotony of the buildings in my city while playing it normally. I want to start with enhancing my growable building set to increase variety (assuming I am in any way understanding that that will even work). It would seem to me that it would be hard to play the game with a bunch of plopped buildings as they would not properly represent the conditions of the lot?

I have had a lot of trouble getting into this site for the last three days...is that normal? Like was the site down or is it on my end?

Thanks for the responses.

  Edited May 21, 2011 by LuapYllier  

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

I am basically not looking to get all hard core into this...at least not initially. My goal to start with is to break up some of the monotony of the buildings in my city while playing it normally. I want to start with enhancing my growable building set to increase variety (assuming I am in any way understanding that that will even work). It would seem to me that it would be hard to play the game with a bunch of plopped buildings as they would not properly represent the conditions of the lot?

I have had a lot of trouble getting into this site for the last three days...is that normal? Like was the site down or is it on my end?

Thanks for the responses.

Well, if you want to increase the variety of buildings you need to look on the various exchanges for growable buildings. Growable means selectable by the simulator. The other category is ploppable. Ploppable buildings are mostly landmarks or civic buildings, but some are residential, commercial or industrial with Sims or Jobs. Ploppable residentials, may not function correctly due to a problem with the path finder. Generally other classes are fine. Have a good look at the STEX for these, and choose wisely.

Growables are very hard to test because the simulator has to choose them. There are some mods around to help that, but you have to be careful not to skew the game out of its original intent.

I used to make BATs, and if you look under my name you will find some civic buildings and one growable, the Moose Factory Bar and Grill. I have that building in my plugins list, but hardly ever see it. The power and water plants are cheats. With them you get almost unlimited power and no pollution to speak of. I still make maps occasionally, and I put one in the STEX today. I would make more BATs, but my software has a problem with gmax at the moment, and it doesn't run. You will find that I dislike Bauhaus buildings intensely.

The site is at the end of a gigantic conversion from much older software, and is sometimes down mid-week for emergency maintenance. Please have patience. We hope the problems will stabilize. to make matters worse, we have changed web hosts, and the new host is remote from the developers. The previous version was very creaky, and this upgrade is making this a very nice, modern site.

[LuapYllier 8]

Oh cool. As long as the trouble logging won't be typical I can deal with it. hehe.

Yeah I had figured out the ploppable growable thing. I have not actually installed anything yet...sort of timid about doing it wrong I suppose?

I haven't really looked at the STEX or the Omnibus or those other locations yet either. (In case I didn't already mention it I work very slowly lol)

You said I don't need the update since I am on steam. So that means the first things I need to install are ...

bldgprop_vol1

bldgprop_vol2

LotEditorInstaller

SC4BATInstaller

Does the lot editor come with instructions? I don't even know WHAT it does exactly much less HOW to do it.

I am concerned also that after looking around this site I have discovered that aparently I suck at growing a city. Is there a guide somewhere that gives a solid game plan for creating these mega cities the way you all aparently know how to do? I have built up entire region segments with some of my cities and thought I was being successful but only have 30-50 thousand population. Which aparently is no where near what I should be getting on even smaller plots. I saw one thread where the guy claimed to get a million population in the first game year. If that is even remotely possible in ANY amount of time...I am obviously missing something in the gameplay strategies area lol.

I guess what I am saying is maybe I need to learn better strategy before I get too into modding. Any good tips?

I am thinking maybe that traffic mod would be some help as I often have traffic issues. What was it NAM or something like that? Maybe the rural highway thing too for more options?

EDIT: OK I just tried to install the BAT program and it said I needed something called GMAX inorder to install BAT. I have not seen this GMAX mentioned before, what is it?

  Edited May 21, 2011 by LuapYllier  

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

OK, I guess we can stop thinking of you a novice, now. You have graduated.

You don't need the Lot Editor unless you want to change something on an existing lot. If you do, use the one from the BAT download page, because it is updated to current.

The two Bldgprop files are needed if you put anything in your plugins. They go there too.

You don't need the BAT unless you are going to do the 3D graphics work necessary to add buildings and props of your own design. There is a tutorial in the Omnibus called "BAT Essentials'. gmax is available free from Turbosquid, and there used to be a pinned thread for it, but is seems to have become unpinned. Using the BAT is a large undertaking with a steep learning curve. You are well to go slowly.

I think there is a lot editor manual on the EA site, but I don't remember where. If not, see the Omnibus.

As well as playing a few hours a day, you should spend some time in the Omnibus. It is the collected knowledge of the site and contains experience from members who are no longer active. It is our treasure.

When you feel you have absorbed enough here, you could also try SC4Devotion and the Pegasus site. Both of these require (free) registration, and have exchanges (LEX, which needs another free registration), and PLEX.

You could say that SC4Devotiion is the high-tech site, and that Pegasus is the theme site, and you wouldn't be far wrong. The generalization here caused some people who wanted more to make their own, very successful sites. There was some angst at the time, but that's all water under the bridge now.

So, now as a regular, informed member, it is all up to you. Look around, pick a style, and become an SC4 artist more than a player of a casual game. Stay in the conversation, we like to gab.

Oh, did we warn you that the exchange at the EA site is contaminated?

  Edited May 22, 2011 by A Nonny Moose  

[CaptCity 4,915]

EDIT: OK I just tried to install the BAT program and it said I needed something called GMAX inorder to install BAT. I have not seen this GMAX mentioned before, what is it?

Gmax is available free from Turbosquid, and there used to be a pinned thread for it, but is seems to have become unpinned.

Check the Creating Your Own Custom Content section in Boggy's post here for links and more information.

[LuapYllier 8]

Hmmm, so now I am confused.

I don't intend to create any of my own buildings or content, at least for quite some time. I use Microstation all day long and have taught myself mudbox, pohotoshop and blender soley for use in other games just to end up getting tired of the game and not having much use for the knowledge and mostly forgotten a lot of it. I don't want to learn yet another program when there are so many good artists already out there creating what I would like.

With that in mind you're saying I would not need the lot editor OR the BAT to download and use say growable buildings for example? I had heard that night lights would not work unless BAT was installed but I don't see the connection. So from what I am gathering I need to have GMAX to install BAT and I need to have BAT to see the lights at night? Seems like a pain I may avoid since I mostly play daytime.

I also can't find this BAT download page your refering to (unless it is on the maxis site which I can't use due to steam download and no code.)...I got mine from the pinned thread in general discussion with the guys personal share site.

I studied the omnibus for some time last night...and am still doing so now. A lot to pick up there...have not actually played the game in several days lol. Thanks for the mention of the other sites but I like to stick around one place for a while so I will just be content with the exchange here and your members wonderful help for now.

I have the two Bldgprop files correctly located in plugins but until the answer from my above comments I don't know what to install next.

As always, thanks for the help,

Luap

[CaptCity 4,915]

I don't intend to create any of my own buildings or content, at least for quite some time. I use Microstation all day long and have taught myself mudbox, pohotoshop and blender soley for use in other games just to end up getting tired of the game and not having much use for the knowledge and mostly forgotten a lot of it. I don't want to learn yet another program when there are so many good artists already out there creating what I would like. With that in mind you're saying I would not need the lot editor OR the BAT to download and use say growable buildings for example?

Just to clarify, if you do not intend to create your own content (either buildings or lots), then you won't need Lot Editor, BAT, or Gmax to run the game or use custom content.

I had heard that night lights would not work unless BAT was installed but I don't see the connection. So from what I am gathering I need to have GMAX to install BAT and I need to have BAT to see the lights at night? Seems like a pain I may avoid since I mostly play daytime.

This is understandably a little confusing. You do not need BAT (or GMAX) for night lights to appear. You do need the SC4Update4BAT patch (which requires the EP1 update) to get night lights. This patch updates the game not the BAT. You can get both through SC4Devotion (use the EA Support link). Forget all that... I forgot you mentioned you purchased your game from Steam. The Steam version already includes all game patches (as Nonny Moose mentioned above), so you should not need anything for night lights.

I have the two Bldgprop files correctly located in plugins but until the answer from my above comments I don't know what to install next.

What to install next would depend on your playing style and what you would like to do with your cities. This post has a list of some of the more popular mods that affect both the appearance and function of the game. From there you could look through the CJ section to get ideas or run through the STEX and other exchanges to see if anything "jumps" out at you.

[LuapYllier 8]

OK so as far as like infrastructure, patches, support stuff or whatever I should be good to go then?

I know where to find the buildings and such just wanted to make sure any necessary preperations were done.

In that case I guess the NAM is where I go next.

Thanks.

[CaptCity 4,915]

OK so as far as like infrastructure, patches, support stuff or whatever I should be good to go then?

I know where to find the buildings and such just wanted to make sure any necessary preperations were done.

From what's been posted here, sounds like you're ready to go...

In that case, I guess the NAM is where I go next.

That would be the next step if you're interested in all the additional transportation items that NAM has to offer. Just a suggestion... The NAM will add a lot of new material to the game, and even more if you get the addons that are also available. It is usually a good idea to go through a step-by-step process when installing the new items by using a "sandbox" city to just get used to the numerous additions and their various menu locations. It can be a little over-whelming for anyone just coming onto the NAM scene.

If you're interested, here is the "official" NAM thread with links to the different parts used with NAM and some FAQ's. If any issues come up while using NAM, there is a support thread here. Various NAM Team members frequent the thread and gladly help out.

[LuapYllier 8]

Cool thank you.

Slow and steady will get me there...and as far as I am concerned all of my cities are a sandbox right now as none of them are really any good up too now.

Side note...I tried to download the JRJ Street side Mod and when the page comes up there is no download button...does that only show to people who have registered on thier site? It is on a different exchange I guess...though it was linked on the STEX.

[jacksunny 741]

It's probably on the LEX (SC4 Devotion's file exchange). You will need an account there to download it.

  Edited May 22, 2011 by jacksunny  

[CaptCity 4,915]

...I tried to download the JRJ Street side Mod and when the page comes up there is no download button...does that only show to people who have registered on thier site? It is on a different exchange I guess...though it was linked on the STEX.

It's probably on the LEX (SC4 Devotion's file exchange). You will need an account there to download it.

It is a LEX file, and yes, to see the link you need to be registered and logged on.

[LuapYllier 8]

OK...I was hoping to avoid registering all over the place but thanks...I got it now.

[Limewax 0]

As a fellow newcomer and lurker of this site, I can say with confidence in my first post that this was a very useful read to me. Thanks for all that have put the time and effort in to this thread as you've killed 2 birds with one stone

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

As a fellow newcomer and lurker of this site, I can say with confidence in my first post that this was a very useful read to me. Thanks for all that have put the time and effort in to this thread as you've killed 2 birds with one stone

Welcome to Simtropolis.

If you need anything, just ask. Have fun in the Omnibus.

[LuapYllier 8]

Glad to be of any help Limewax.

I think I have read just about everything post 2005 in the Omnibus now hehe.

[cravo16 16]

This is a great thread for anyone new really. Plenty of good questions with answers, and well formatted.

[Indiana Joe 1,752]

Wow...this was a really cool thread to read. Great reminder of the learning process we all went through. It really is a good one to look at for anyone who's new. I can't wait to see your reaction to the NAM, Luap Yllier. By far it's the mod that changes the most aspects of the game and adds the most stuff. Have fun!

BTW you probably don't have to worry about "registering all over the place". The official Maxis site, Simtropolis, and SC4 Devotion (home of the LEX) are probably the only three you need for 99% of custom SC4 content.

  Edited May 27, 2011 by Indiana Joe  

[Vern 29]

Wow...this was a really cool thread to read. Great reminder of the learning process we all went through. It really is a good one to look at for anyone who's new. I can't wait to see your reaction to the NAM, Luap Yllier. By far it's the mod that changes the most aspects of the game and adds the most stuff. Have fun!

BTW you probably don't have to worry about "registering all over the place". The official Maxis site, Simtropolis, and SC4 Devotion (home of the LEX) are probably the only three you need for 99% of custom SC4 content.

Let's not forget Simpeg.com. Simpeg.com, Simtropolis and SC4devotion.com are what I consider the triumvirate of SC4 sites. If you never ever visit any other sites outside of them - you will miss nothing.

  Edited May 27, 2011 by Vern