Back to SimCity 4 with a few questions

[Cdesigner 8]

Hello all!

After some years I'm now back to play SimCity 4, reason why I'm back this time is because about a year ago I heard of new SimCity game (SimCity 2013). And now upon release I don't think I have ever been so disappointed with a new game release than this. Well Well....I Decided to go into Simtopolis.com to check out if SimCity 4 still where alive, and I must say I got stunned. After all this years the game is still alive and kicking, still developing thanks to all those brilliant Moders out there of course.

So I got trilled and decided to jump into Steam and re buy the game. I installed it and downloaded NAM 30 now 31, so many new features and opportunities. I have decided to start a brand new region and along comes some questions I hope some of you can help me answer.

I remember from last time, there were some updates we needed for the night lightening and some SKU....something. So my question is, does anyone know if this is now included in the Steam version of the game, or do we still need to update the game? I bought SimCity 4 Deluxe.

Any suggestion about what core MOD's except NAM 31 before I start develop my new region, I'm also using the Sudden Valley Terrain Mod, Gobias HD Water Pack 3 and Gobias_HD_Sidewalks?

Thanks

[jason leo 485]

I remember from last time, there were some updates we needed for the night lightening and some SKU....something. So my question is, does anyone know if this is now included in the Steam version of the game, or do we still need to update the game? I bought SimCity 4 Deluxe.

Right click the game in C:\Program files\Maxis\SimCity4Deluxe\Apps, then click properties. You can know about what you game's version is, and if your game's version is not 1,1,638 nor 1,1,640/1,1,641, you will need both Ep1-Update1 (The SKU Update that you said) and also the BAT Update (scroll down to find the link). If your game's version is 1,1,638, you will need only one of them, the BAT Update. If your game's version is 1,1,640/1,1,641, you don't need any of the patches because your game is already fully patched.

 

Any suggestion about what core MOD's except NAM 31 before I start develop my new region, I'm also using the Sudden Valley Terrain Mod, Gobias HD Water Pack 3 and Gobias_HD_Sidewalks?

The only core mod is the NAM, IMO. For the others, it is based on the customization you want to your city. SPAM is great for farm area, CAM is great for creating big metropolitan, and so on.

[Cdesigner 8]

Tank you jason leo

 

My game is version 1.1.641  I will look into SPAM and CAM i got.

[Cefien 361]

My game is version 1.1.641  I will look into SPAM and CAM i got.

 

1.1.641 means you don't need to update anything. That is a full update digital version.

Also, SPAM and CAM are not compatible each other. just a reminder...

[Cdesigner 8]

My game is version 1.1.641  I will look into SPAM and CAM i got.

 

1.1.641 means you don't need to update anything. That is a full update digital version.

Also, SPAM and CAM are not compatible each other. just a reminder...

Ahh I see, I asume you are talking about farms. Is it posible to have both installed and use SPAM for farms and CAM for IRC?

[Cefien 361]

Basically, you can still install both of them. A little advice if you're still going to use the SPAM along with CAM, avoid downloading any CAMpatible agriculture lots. Using SPAM with CAMpatible agriculture lots will cause undesirable effects with demand, at least that's from my experience. Also, you better don't use the SPAM Traffic mod.

[Hellken 1,658]

Don't get the CAM if you are not sure about what to do. It is a permanent game changing mod and adds extra developments stages. It is VERY difficult to uninstall if ever you need to do so.

 

There is the XXdita Turbo Mod on sc4devotion.com which can be removed from the Plugins folders anytime (some minor risks, however). It fixes the simulation a LOT but might be CPU intensive. It can be used with or without the CAM. I HIGHLY recommend it since it is not a radical mod and is very safe. It is also compatible with the SPAM. 

 

The SPAM Traffic Mod is not compatible with the NAM.

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

Welcome back to the world of SimCity 4 deluxe.  I see you have the version stuff sorted out.

 

As for plugins, start with NAM.  The rest is a matter of install what you want/need and test.  If the test fails, back the new stuff out.  If you do more than one at a time, pull them onto a separate folder and start testing either in chunks or one at a time until you find the offender.

 

SPAM will tell you out and out to skip the separately downloadable traffic controller if you have NAM.  CAM install requires modification of some of the base game tables, so if you put this in, save the tables before you do anything to them.  This makes backing CAM  out much simpler.

 

If you installed the NAM you notice it makes its own folder.  Many mods with installers do that, and it is a good idea.  If you are putting stuff in manually, think about keeping it organized so you know what they are.  I use sub-folders in Plugins, and recommend you do so as well.  If you get any code plugins (*.dll) these must be at the root of the Plugins folder, but everything else can be pretty much in subfolders except one or two files associated with Daely's menu manager (DAMN).  One of the great points about the subfolders is that you can use whatever name pleases you, but the file names are fixed by the download, and may not resemble the name of the download.

 

I, too, will not be running the new SimCity.  I have this thing about privacy, and DRM games don't fit my model.  Looks like a fun game, for a while.

[Cdesigner 8]

Thank you all for good advices, I think I will drop CAM for now and read a little about XXdita Turbo Mod. Thank you Moose for good advices, regarding the Plugins folder, I learned this the hard way last time I Played SC4 some years ago.

[Cyclone Boom 17,031]

Some excellent advice here. I'd just like to add my two cents...

Generally, mods other than the NAM are really a matter of personal preference. I'd stay clear of any 'radical' mods -- ones that greatly alter the core simulation of the game, to gain an advantage. Examples of these are certain demand and cheat mods. These are usually the main cause for gameplay related issues. However, there are some other small mods that you may like to investigate, which can be found in this list.

The main two I'd recommend using are the Opera House Fix and the HT Jobs Fix. These solve the functionality of these two gameplay aspects.

Also, if you haven't already done so, it's a good idea to add the -CPUCount:1 command to your SC4 shortcut. This will force the game to run on a single CPU core. By doing this, it's known to make the game more stable, eliminating most random crashes. Of course, this won't prevent problems caused by plugin conflicts, where organisation is key.

If you need any more SimCity 4 help or require further clarification, feel free to ask us. Even with the release of the new game, SC4 is still very much alive!

[Cdesigner 8]

Thank you Cyclone Boom, those small mods from simpeg will be usefull and I will install Opera House Fix and the HT Jobs Fix. I'm a little usure on how to add the -CPUCount:1 to my shortcut but I will look it up.

 

Thanks again all for good advices, its vital to have a good start when starting a new region.

[Cdesigner 8]

Another question, I downloaded the "Minestry of Power" and the Dependencies:

1. Base / Overlay textures: BSC Texture MEGA Pack (sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php)
2. Essentials: BSC Essentials Files (sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php)
3. Model: marcszar's McCormick and Company (MSZ_MODEL_McCormick_and_Company.dat) (sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php)
4. Props: BSC Mega Props SG Vol01 (sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php)

These can be downloaded from SC4Devotion (www.sc4devotion.com).

 

Still I got a brown box when trying to plop it, I runned Cleanitol and installed everything missing, still brown box?!. The only file i did not install where the

bldgprop_vol1.dat Any one know what this file is about?

[Hellken 1,658]

http://screwpile.wordpress.com/screw-pile-exchange-spex/maxis-files/

 

Get all the Maxis files here ^^

 

EDIT: You need it to see Maxis Buildings as "props". 

[Cdesigner 8]

Another question, I downloaded the "Minestry of Power" and the Dependencies:

1. Base / Overlay textures: BSC Texture MEGA Pack (sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php)
2. Essentials: BSC Essentials Files (sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php)
3. Model: marcszar's McCormick and Company (MSZ_MODEL_McCormick_and_Company.dat) (sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php)
4. Props: BSC Mega Props SG Vol01 (sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php)

These can be downloaded from SC4Devotion (www.sc4devotion.com).

 

Still I got a brown box when trying to plop it, I runned Cleanitol and installed everything missing, still brown box?!. The only file i did not install where the

bldgprop_vol1.dat Any one know what this file is about?

 

I just figured out what I where missing and it is this: MSZ McCormick and Company BSC Works fine after this, maybe the dependencies list should be updated.

http://screwpile.wordpress.com/screw-pile-exchange-spex/maxis-files/

 

Get all the Maxis files here ^^

 

EDIT: You need it to see Maxis Buildings as "props". 

 

Thanks for the the link Hellken