Really basic question from a new player.

[CelticSaint 0]

I don't know why my title was censored! The word was n o o b. Anyway....

 

Firstly, thank you to everyone who contributes to this site. It is very informative.

 

I have 2 simple questions...

 

1) I am playing SC4, it is from the DVD, not via steam. It is the basic SC4. Not delux or Rush Hour. Is it possible to obtain any updates/patches/mods for my game to improve it in any way. i have heard of NAM? If so, where could I find them please. And perhaps more importantly, how would I install them onto my computer. I am ridiciously inept when it comes to manually updating anything. Talk to me like a 4 year old!

 

2) Is it possible to design my own buildings? I have something called a 'Lot Editor', but for the life of me I have no idea what I am doing with it, ( see last 2 sentences in question 1)! - Or, alternativly, could I download buildings made by other players? Again, if so, how would I install them into my game.

 

Many thanks for taking the time to read my questions. I hope someone may be able to point me in the right direction.

 

 

I love this game, and just want to get the most out of it.

 

CS

[.anonyman 28]

The majority of the downloadable mods and lots are designed for (and require) Rush Hour. Especially NAM. Sorry about that. 

[MandelSoft 2,769]

If you hold your mouse over the "ST/Exchange" button on the top of the web page, you'll see a drop-down list with at the bottom "How to install..." and "Official patches". You need to download the second one and read the first one regarding installing new custom content. I think that will help you getting started

Best,

Maarten

[Cyclone Boom 16,829]

Don't feel silly, we're a learning community! It's always good to ask if you're unsure of anything.

 

Yes, since don't have Rush Hour / Deluxe, I'm afraid many of the newer custom BATs / mods won't be compatible. Only lots created around 2003-2004 are guaranteed to work with the standard game, which use the default Maxis buildings and props. To use the newer content, you'll therefore need to purchase SimCity 4 RH or Deluxe. It might be easier to obtain the digital version, from somewhere like GamersGate, Amazon or Steam. By doing this, the game will come fully updated and ready to go.

 

Even though it's a ten year old game, with all the custom content available, it's definitely worth the upgrade.

 

The standard game is quite restrictive in terms of compatibility with custom content. But if you wish to stick with it, there is an update available, which can be downloaded from this page at SC4 Devotion. You'll see there are different (SKU) versions of the updates. Each one corresponds to the game's region. For example, SKU 1 is for North America, and SKU 2 is for the European game. Once you've downloaded the correct version, extract the zip file to your desktop. Then run the file and the patch installer should start.

 

Once it has completed, check that your SimCity 4.exe file (usually located in "C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4\Apps") is version 1.0.272.0 .

This can be found by hovering your mouse over it.

 

Note: a similar process is required to update the RH / Deluxe edition of the game.

 

---

 

As for the Lot Editor, you will be able to create and use lots for the standard game, but again, only with the standard Maxis buildings and props.

First of all, it can be downloaded from this page (1st item). To install, simply extract the file and run the installer.

 

Once completed, you'll need to add two important files to your plugins folder (located in "Documents\SimCity 4\Plugins").

These are the building as props files, which allow Maxis buildings to be added to lots as props. They are:

 

Bldgprop_vol1

Bldgprop_vol2 (not required for the standard SC4, as it enables Rush Hour buildings).

 

Once you've done this, you can then fire up the Lot Editor. It may seem a bit daunting, but with practise, you'll get the hang of it quite quickly. A tutorial on using the LE can be found here, which covers the basics on how to use the tools. But for a more detailed overview, you might want to take a look at these ones:

 

How to make a custom lot with the Lot Editor

Tutorial:Lot Editor for Beginners

 

Note: using models and the Plug-In Manager (PIM) only applies for the RH / Deluxe edition.

 

 

Hope this is helpful. If you don't quite understand anything, please say.

[longtimepcgamer 227]

I just checked Amazon for you and you can get the Simcity 4 Deluxe edition for under $10. Having the Rush Hour expansion will make your potential game experience considerable better.....well worth the $10.

 

Kevin

[CelticSaint 0]

Hey guys. MANY thnaks for your replies. Especially but not exclusively Cyclone Boom!

 

It appears that I somehow managed to do the European update at some point in the past (don't recall doing it!).

[T Wrecks 10,209]

Well, looks like everything else has been catered for, so I'll just comment on the auto-censoring:

 

it was decided to filter that word because it was/is often used to address beginners in a disrespectful manner, that's all. There are other words like "newcomer", "beginner" or even "newbie" that convey basically the same meaning, but without this disrespectful undertone.

[CelticSaint 0]

No problem. Thanks for the explination.