Some questions from an older player:

[Cheesewheels 1]

Hi there. First of all, I've done a fair bit of searching and reading on this site, and it really seems fantastic. Definitely the most complete online community for the series. Next, let me introduce myself: I'm a native of Seattle, WA, and I've been playing since the original game (still have the original box with 3.5" disks!) However, I haven't gotten into modding or anything until now, and I have some questions that I couldn't find the answers to in the new player overviews.

1.) I'm currently using a retail box copy of SC4 Deluxe. Does the Steam version support modded content as well? I'd like to use it on Steam.

2.) Can SC4 support multiple regions? Or do you have to switch them out when you're not ingame?

3.) Are the 'big' mods like SimMars compatible with anything? Like do they run in their own region, or do I have to back everything up before trying it?

4.) I've downloaded some custom lots of Seattle buildings, and they look pretty good but they're all out of scale. Is there a way I can modify their size easily, or would it be ground-up rendering, etc.?

5.) The game seems to CRASH constantly. I'm running Windows 7 64-bit, with a very modern system. Is there anything I can do to improve stability? It will crash to desktop, lock up randomly, and worst of all: lock up on saves sometimes.

Thanks in advance!

  Edited May 4, 2012 by Cheesewheels  

[Zodicus 34]

I'll answer 5 for you. sc4 was not meant to run on 7 64bit. sc4 is a 32 bit app. Right click and run it in compatability mode for XP service pack 2. I run the same as you with a very high end system and I don't personally have any issues running it on straight 7.

Also let me welcome you to the community! I too am a long time player (started on SC on the super nintendo) and I have played every version. Like you I recently got started on custom content (started in January) but am learning very fast. Browse around the forums here and at sc4devotion.com as both has a wealth of knowledge. Also join the chat here from time to time. I am always there when I am off and I have learned a lot just through the chat.

[Forthwall 1,118]

Hi there. First of all, I've done a fair bit of searching and reading on this site, and it really seems fantastic. Definitely the most complete online community for the series. Next, let me introduce myself: I'm a native of Seattle, WA, and I've been playing since the original game (still have the original box with 3.5" disks!) However, I haven't gotten into modding or anything until now, and I have some questions that I couldn't find the answers to in the new player overviews.

1.) I'm currently using a retail box copy of SC4 Deluxe. Does the Steam version support modded content as well? I'd like to use it on Steam.

2.) Can SC4 support multiple regions? Or do you have to switch them out when you're not ingame?

3.) Are the 'big' mods like SimMars compatible with anything? Like do they run in their own region, or do I have to back everything up before trying it?

4.) I've downloaded some custom lots of Seattle buildings, and they look pretty good but they're all out of scale. Is there a way I can modify their size easily, or would it be ground-up rendering, etc.?

5.) The game seems to CRASH constantly. I'm running Windows 7 64-bit, with a very modern system. Is there anything I can do to improve stability? It will crash to desktop, lock up randomly, and worst of all: lock up on saves sometimes.

Thanks in advance!

1 - Not sure

2 - It has a database of regions, if that's what you mean, which you can switch through in-game

3 - Simmars is compatible with most BATS (Buildings), but not with terrain and water mods, I'm not sure on the process of using it, but I suggest backing up things.

4 - Ground up rendering

5 - Strange, I play on the same specs as you and I get a few crashes (4-5 hours)

  Edited May 4, 2012 by Mastof  

[Cheesewheels 1]

Thanks for the reply. A few crashes in an evening is kind of a lot IMO. Especially for a game that doesn't autosave. That's really the biggest obstacle to me enjoying it right now, but there is hope! I recently discovered a tip to disable all but one processor for the application -- so far so good.

Last question: Anything not in the top 10 thread that you recommend?

[dohraymii 427]

I've been using the Steam version for about six months now, used the retail box version before that. The Steam version works exactly the same as the retail box version, and it will handle custom content and mods. I run Windows 7 64-bit, and I find the Steam version to be more stable than the retail box version.

[Forthwall 1,118]

Thanks for the reply. A few crashes in an evening is kind of a lot IMO. Especially for a game that doesn't autosave. That's really the biggest obstacle to me enjoying it right now, but there is hope! I recently discovered a tip to disable all but one processor for the application -- so far so good.

Last question: Anything not in the top 10 thread that you recommend?

Yes, RIMP and Scag Series (There are alooot)

https://community.simtropolis.com/index.php?app=core&module=search&do=search&fromMainBar=1 (this list and more)

and (for people who just want to make good looking cities)

(Radical Demand mod)