Future of SimCity Official Discussion Thread

[smstevenms 7]

I wouldn't mind seeing an exspandsion pack for a U Drive It. To have a down in the driver seat view of your city using your existing cities. These two would just be tied together in some way. This of course might require lots of ram but I'm game.

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

Everyone remember that SC:S is not SC5 as we would like it.  This thread can be kept alive only by posting in it.

[smstevenms 7]

So is there any hope of ever seeing a SC5? I hate to think it's over!

[Smarty218 2]

To COURT! This can't happen!

[smstevenms 7]

I get the feeling that it will, ..

[johndoh4 13]

It would seem for now that the Sim City series is doomed. Its too bad because it didn't have to happen this way. EA games seems to be more interested in making Sim City more like The Sims, then expanding on Sim City 4.

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

All this gloom and doom is not necessarily well-founded.  SC:S is clearly a bust from the reaction I've been seeing from SC4 players on the Official site.  Seems it is not what they really, really wanted.

I suggest that what we really need to keep the community alive and interested is something that would be simple for EA to do.  Let's reissue SC4D with the following:

1. Recompiled for current machines (32- and 64-bit) including the two updates.

2. All known bugs fixed (this may take some effort)
3. Fully documented method for extending the graphics rules file
4. I would have no argument with limiting the release to NT decor (W2K, XP, Vista) and Mac platforms only, but would like to see a more generalized version capable of running native on Linux/UNIX.  Without the last two, a significant segment of the market is being missed.  Windows '9x and ME support can be scrapped.
5. Run without the disk in the drive.  This is archaic.
6. Both CD and DVD media releases.

This has the effect of reducing the number of complaints and preserves most of the current user content.  Any modd or lot that requires the RPatch program would be scrapped (I hope nobody uses them any more anyway.)  This will eliminate any nonsense about no-CD cracks.

The revised product should sell for new game money initially at, say, $30 U.S. with, perhaps, some kind of upgrade for users registered on the Official site.

Yes, I am saying that no changes should be made to the grid or the 2.5D aspects of the game.  If the market response is sufficient, then consideration needs to be given to upgrading to a better graphics engine called SC2010.

[smstevenms 7]

Originally posted by: N_O_Body All this gloom and doom is not necessarily well-founded.  SC:S is clearly a bust from the reaction I've been seeing from SC4 players on the Official site.  Seems it is not what they really, really wanted.

I suggest that what we really need to keep the community alive and interested is something that would be simple for EA to do.  Let's reissue SC4D with the following:

1. Recompiled for current machines (32- and 64-bit) including the two updates.

2. All known bugs fixed (this may take some effort)
3. Fully documented method for extending the graphics rules file
4. I would have no argument with limiting the release to NT decor (W2K, XP, Vista) and Mac platforms only, but would like to see a more generalized version capable of running native on Linux/UNIX.  Without the last two, a significant segment of the market is being missed.  Windows '9x and ME support can be scrapped. 

   quote>

I totally agree, however I'd like to see two versions XP & Vista (I don't own a Mac/Linux/Unix never have never will, so that's not a concern). The XP version would be as you stated but I'd have to say some changes should be made, to give the appearance it's newer/different. The Vista version should be nearly the same, with DX10 graphics can & will look better!

 Run without the disk in the drive.  This is archaic.quote>

I totally agree, but doesn't this also give them more protection of copy fraud? Or does this not matter?

 

Both CD and DVD media releases. This has the effect of reducing the number of complaints and preserves most of the current user content.  Any modd or lot that requires the RPatch program would be scrapped (I hope nobody uses them any more anyway.)  This will eliminate any nonsense about no-CD cracks.

The revised product should sell for new game money initially at, say, $30 U.S. with, perhaps, some kind of upgrade for users registered on the Official site.

Yes, I am saying that no changes should be made to the grid or the 2.5D aspects of the game.  If the market response is sufficient, then consideration needs to be given to upgrading to a better graphics engine called SC2010.quote>

  I'd have to say with Vista & DX10 we should expect 3D. They're more than capable of producing this without the game suffering.

Also to add to what you have said I'd like to see some sort of universal tool that all bat's, mods, etc. are made with. Something that would reduce some or all of the excessive dependencies made by user made content. I don't mind the size of files or total size of the plug-in file, but as you know it get's crazy trying to organize the files with no sure method.

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

Originally posted by: smstevenms

Also to add to what you have said I'd like to see some sort of universal tool that all bat's, mods, etc. are made with. Something that would reduce some or all of the excessive dependencies made by user made content. I don't mind the size of files or total size of the plug-in file, but as you know it get's crazy trying to organize the files with no sure method.quote>

But remember that I don't want any substantive changes in the game.  Having two versions is a serious mistake.  The installer should be able to discriminate and load only those parts of the game that are necessary to configure for the operating system on which it finds itself.  Modern programming makes such things possible due to the way object oriented programming works. 

The 3D aspect would eliminate each and every existing model for the game, maxis generated or not.  These images are compiled specifically for the 2 1/2 engine that is part of the executable. 

As soon as you start to ask for something that seems to be a slight enhancement such as full 3D you have  bought a total rewrite (SC5) and I really don't see any advantage considering we are trying to fix problems we now have with the existing game without engaging EA in a full development (greed)  cycle.

[smstevenms 7]

You're right. So how about your suggestion and that'll be SC5 version and my idea will be in SC6 version? We need change, technology is getting better, and all new stuff can be made. Yes all of the bugs that exsist can be fixed with this current title, but eventully it will be old and dull. With all new things there will always be unforeseen problems, but until things slow, there will always be a desire for the newest. Just look at CL and the other title, not what I hoped for but different. Sorry for the rambling.

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

From a generation point of view, the fix up to modern machines isn't worth a version upgrade.  Maybe call it SimCity 4.5 Deluxe or SimCity 4 Deluxe 2008.  Your suggestions should be in SC5 or SC 2010 or whatever the marketeers want to call it.  They are the ones who call the naming shot.

Yes, I agree that same old, same old, won't keep the now generation interested for long, but this way EA gets a breather, and maybe a chance to do some real design work.

I would like to see all extraneous stuff taken out of the game. 

1. No MySims,

2. no UDI,

3. real disasters with no fantasy,
4.  disasters selectable to be automatic,
5. Either an isometric or hex grid
6. Full 3D with 540 degree pan (yes, I want to look up from underground, as well as down from the sky)  Close up pan without present pixelation.

7. Off screen weather, with weather results and forecasts.  On-screen far too much processor with everything else.
8. Declare Latitude and Longitude of Region, with appropriate flora, fauna, weather.
9. Multi-level water table with full water cycle needed for weather.
10. A new BAT and LE to allow integrated user additions without all the miscellaneous applications.

[smstevenms 7]

I could work with that

[joel18433 0]

1st

I would like to see faster transportation like a maglev. you would get this by having enough people use the exsisting rail. then it will upgrade. please note only elevated and regular rail would be able to upgrade.

2nd
I would like to see what types of trains they have. for instance small trains would hold small amounts of people and would move slow, but it would be affordable for small cities. same with buses and subways.

3rd
I would like to be able to change the speed limit of roads to a higher or lower level depending on the city and depending where it is in the city.

4th
I would like to shrink or widen the one way roads. instead of the instant 2 lanes you chose. This would make things a lot smoother and easier to handle in the big cities.

5th
I would like to see, like roads, highways be shrunk to 2 lanes or widened up to 10 lanes.Another thing I think would be cool is if you can merge a ground highway and a elevated highway into one double decker highway. I tried this on simcity4 and I failed at doing it.

6th
In the united states interstate traffic is hard to deal with. so what if we said 4 interstates but right on top of each other. Then I thought about it some more and came up with a reversable system. the interstate would have to wait for about an hour before allowing cars to get on, but it would save money for the federal government and it would allow people to get out of the cities faster, remember katrina. I would like to see a reverable system in place for simcity 5, or be allowed in simcity 5 for all streets,roads,oneways, and highways.

All these things would make simcity5 more enjoyable for everyone.

[dre87 0]

I think it would be cool to have subsidized housing in the game

Two duplicate posts deleted.  Please click on send once only.  N_O_Body.

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

There is subsidized housing.  Ever get "Project Feelgood"?

[smstevenms 7]

joel18433, I like the concept of your ideas, but I feel it's a bit to itemized. Some of it would be nice and possible like the highways width. I'd like the focus to mostly on the govermental side, city & regional.

[pagenotfound 53]

I think there should be more options for highways.

Like choosing how many lanes you want, HOV lanes, collector lanes, ect.

You should have the option to make double-decker highways, maybe even underground highways.

More interchange options, like clover-stack (one or two "leafs" of the inter change become fly-overs), or whirl-pool or parclo. Plus the shape of the interchanges should adjust according to terrain and angle at which highways cross. Speaking of angles all draggable networks should be made at any angle you choose. Plus if you draw a road or highway this should happen:

It asks you if you want to go around, under or through an obstacle, like a hill river or canyon.

If the path you drew curves it asks you how smooth the curves should be.

It asks you how many lanes you want.

Once your ready click OK and your road is built. Also roads should age.

If you want to build a bridge this should happen

Draw your roads or rail at any angle toward the edge of the cliff or shorline

Click a bridge icon to open bridge options.

Once it opens you click on the two network ends to draw your bridge crossing, if your network ends are not directly across from each other itll be diagonal path.

If needed or wanted you can designate the bridges curve and height.

You are asked what type of bridge you want, the best options are highlighted. You choose the style and color of the bridge add lights click OK and you have a totally unique bridge.

There should be weather and realistic diasasters, a custum climate created by you. There should be evactuations and emergancy declarations if you see fit. There should be weather reports, newspapers, progress reports. There should be resources such a precious metals, oil, and diamonds. There should be geologic map showing where these resources are located. And if you or mning companies want to mine you must have a vote. If its passed you get money for it. Same way with landfills parks and dams.

And finally, you should have more landscape tools. Such as surface water, caves, beaches, sea cliffs. Carve canyons and buttes and messas and natural arches. Even draw fault lines.

There should be realistic rivers that flow and wetlands and other features.

Plus get rid of the grid.

[smstevenms 7]

Merry Christmas to all & Happy New Year.

[chrisnhl50 2]

Has anybody ever played roller coaster tycoon? Well when you build roller coasters there is a system that you can choose wich puzzle piece to put next and depending on the ride you can choose from tons of pieces. Thats how the highways should be made so you can choose customize any freeway network you want.

[crazyyaya 4]

Originally posted by pagenotfound;

I think there should be more options for highways.

Like choosing how many lanes you want, HOV lanes, collector lanes, ect.

You should have the option to make double-decker highways, maybe even underground highways.

More interchange options, like clover-stack (one or two "leafs" of the inter change become fly-overs), or whirl-pool or parclo. Plus the shape of the interchanges should adjust according to terrain and angle at which highways cross. Speaking of angles all draggable networks should be made at any angle you choose. Plus if you draw a road or highway this should happen:

It asks you if you want to go around, under or through an obstacle, like a hill river or canyon.

If the path you drew curves it asks you how smooth the curves should be.

It asks you how many lanes you want.

Once your ready click OK and your road is built. Also roads should age.

If you want to build a bridge this should happen

Draw your roads or rail at any angle toward the edge of the cliff or shorline

Click a bridge icon to open bridge options.

Once it opens you click on the two network ends to draw your bridge crossing, if your network ends are not directly across from each other itll be diagonal path.

If needed or wanted you can designate the bridges curve and height.

You are asked what type of bridge you want, the best options are highlighted. You choose the style and color of the bridge add lights click OK and you have a totally unique bridge.

There should be weather and realistic diasasters, a custum climate created by you. There should be evactuations and emergancy declarations if you see fit. There should be weather reports, newspapers, progress reports. There should be resources such a precious metals, oil, and diamonds. There should be geologic map showing where these resources are located. And if you or mning companies want to mine you must have a vote. If its passed you get money for it. Same way with landfills parks and dams.

And finally, you should have more landscape tools. Such as surface water, caves, beaches, sea cliffs. Carve canyons and buttes and messas and natural arches. Even draw fault lines.

There should be realistic rivers that flow and wetlands and other features.

Plus get rid of the grid. quote>

That's a pretty big wish list, even for Christmas time. I would suggest these ideas in the Custom Content section of the forum too. Maybe it'll get more widespread attention there. I'd really like to see some of those ideas come to life.

[castironpigeon 1]

Now that SCS has shown itself to be a total flop does anyone have some thoughts on where city simulation is going? CU looks very promising, but probably won't be out for another 2 years. EA has a cash cow in The Sims and probably won't bother with another city simulator for a while. They've suckered plenty of folks into buying SCS and I'm sure they see bigger profits elsewhere. Even if they do come back to the SimCity franchise it would be several more years in development. And I hate to say it, but I don't think the fan productions will ever see the light of day. Where's that leave us..? SC4 still has plenty of life in it, but c'mon it's already 4 years old and there's certain features that probably won't ever be worked into the game (like diagonal bridges) even by our talented fan programmers.

[fizscy46 0]

Bridges that let you build stuff under them, and a total nuclear meltdown of the grid system (Need more angles). Age of empires can pull it off so I'm certain that Sim City could as well.

[charlie3 0]

i didn't read the other gabillion pages in the thread... just wanted yall to know that seeing SC:S in the store made me go look it up online, see the crappy reviews and re-ignite my interest in playing SC4 again... so while there is no SC5 out there yet... i still think the key word is yet because it's a game with great staying power

btw moose... ure posts on the official SC4 forum at EA got me to this site so thanks

i'm actually gonna stop by gamestop on the way home from work and buy another copy of SC4... my original didn't have the expansion and it's only $20 for the deluxe edition anyway

gonna try your "farm" starter town when i get home lol

[joe2102001 19]

I'm just hoping for Monte Cristo to take the reigns from EA with the upcoming Cities Unlimited.

[Hahayoudied 3]

1. Allow us to make to region as large as we wish.

2. Please don't put dead technical support software in games and sell the games.

3. Increase the amount of buildings in the game to reduce the unrealist building repeating.

4. Instead of programing the sims to take the shortest route, program them to take the fastest route.

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

Originally posted by: Hahayoudied 1. Allow us to make to region as large as we wish.

2. Please don't put dead technical support software in games and sell the games.

3. Increase the amount of buildings in the game to reduce the unrealist building repeating.

4. Instead of programing the sims to take the shortest route, program them to take the fastest route.quote>

1. Can do it now, up the the capacity of your machine or beyond (crash).
2. Agreed, but they haven't edited those disks in three or four years.
3. You can increase the number yourself by adding custom content.
4. You can do this with the NAM.

[smstevenms 7]

N_O_Body, I think for #'s 3 & 4 Hahayoudied is meaning that this should be already part of the program. I'd love to see more variation in the building growth as well, with out having to plop eveything how I'd like to see it. To add to that I'd like more "real" control on the zoning. IE: dictating was size buildings grow in what area (real-time switching of building (just in case you want a few small buildings in and around the large high rises) and don't get bulldozed with out your approval), deticating areas where the poor can be poor and the rich can be rich. The controls as a mayor are very basic and are inefficient. With more control as a mayor (hopefully Governer) more of the problems we have could be solved. This was as brief as I could make it, so it's not a complete and full idea.

[thenext88 102]

THIS is what I want SC5 to look like, and what I wish SCS looked like. Just pretend that all city activity details (like cars and sims were set to low so you cannot see any), and that what you see happening is an awesome new "invasion" natural disaster. WiC is a DX10 beauty. (re-sized these from 1680x1050 to 800x500)

[The Arrowz 3]

SC5 must be really good because it's going to have a hard time topping SC4. I wouldn't mind waiting several years for it if it does eventually come out

[Shadow_prophet 91]

thenext88: Lol yes i wish SC5 could be built like that in World in Conflict. Nice screens btw.