Terraforming

[Bergrar 9]

Is terraforming possible in some way in offline version?

 

[rigurat 6]

I believe so and for a while.

If you see the SimCity preview videos about how the Glassbox works, the ones shown before the game came out, briefly showed a few seconds of the developer tool that designed the map and resources.

The videos are on YouTube.

[Mechalic 26]

Unfortunately not, no such program publicly exists to do so. 

[Mechalic 26]

I believe so and for a while.

If you see the SimCity preview videos about how the Glassbox works, the ones shown before the game came out, briefly showed a few seconds of the developer tool that designed the map and resources.

The videos are on YouTube.

Got some links?

[rigurat 6]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMR07E-7t1A

 

The part I'm referring to is about 0:56 into the video.

 

 

 

The video just proves terraforming is possible, but yes it's unlikely any of us has that program in hand. Hopefully someone clever makes their own, or someone hacks Maxis/EA and gets the program.

[ImRadek 4]

Any hackers here ?! :D

[unfriendlyone 1]

hmm... note the values at the top of the screen as he is laying down some coal/trees.  Think that might give us a tip on what game values to modify in order to do the same?

Also: The whole video is listed as "debug mode" at the bottom.  Would gaining access to this allow modding? 

Just random thoughts with no basis in actual skill, since I have none.

[Mechalic 26]

Thanks for posting this, yeah very interesting.

 

We should all petition Maxis for access to this software, modding is what has kept this game alive and they say they support it, yet have not officially released any tools or guides themselves. There needs to be a program that we can use, not just sorting through package file coding

[__ZyGo__ 5]

Yep, it was possible to activate the DEBUG MODE which enables the terraforming. But, since v2.0, Maxis removed the debug mode, and it wasn't possible to crack the game to activate it again :/

It doesn't change since this date, but if someone works to find how to re-enable DEBUG MODE, we will access to many many parts of the game!!!

 

Just dreaming... *_*

[Danny50205 71]

what modders and hackers need to do is to find all the files with SCR and SCRUI 

i assume SCR is Simcity editor  or glassbox engine

 

i do know there was and i think still is a website by the name of (dev.simcity.ea.com) or somthing like that. they have the same with the sims.  spore and most of EA ( what you dont know

 and i cant say to much )

i did find a editor,html file in SCP 

and then what the editor file wants is very interesting 

 

and then from there we will most likely be able to make and edit more 

 

that and also i think they will release a BAT and region editors they did it to every simcity ( or the devs will give it to a university in hopes someone will leak it. but then again that did not work with will wright and edith)

 

and also if you open the Region terrain files then you see a list of grey maps i worked it out 1024x1024 is 1 block on the map so one grey maps fits in that.

 

-Daniel 

 

 

i almost forgot there is also appstate allowing diffrent game state one that gets me is (demo) and (modelviewer)  and a game mode list but it didn't want to work when i enter it.  the cheat is (mode -list)

  Edited May 6, 2014 by Danny50205  

[rigurat 6]

I'll bring this topic back alive because it relates to the discussion earlier in this thread.  Except back then, it wasn't feasible.

 

Earlier we wanted access to the developer tools and softwares to change SimCity, including bigger maps and terraforming.  It seemed the only we could get it if Maxis or EA released it, or someone hacked it.  Obviously EA/Maxis will never release their developer tools.  Nowadays there are hackers for hire!

 

Perhaps we can hire a hacker to obtain the SimCity developer softwares to finally get the bigger maps we've all been wishing for?

[TheCraftKid 52]

I'll bring this topic back alive because it relates to the discussion earlier in this thread.  Except back then, it wasn't feasible.

 

Earlier we wanted access to the developer tools and softwares to change SimCity, including bigger maps and terraforming.  It seemed the only we could get it if Maxis or EA released it, or someone hacked it.  Obviously EA/Maxis will never release their developer tools.  Nowadays there are hackers for hire!

 

Perhaps we can hire a hacker to obtain the SimCity developer softwares to finally get the bigger maps we've all been wishing for?

 

1. We already have bigger cities, as of 7 months ago. The mod which gives that feature is named Project Orion. It's on the STEX.

 

2. Hacking Maxis is a bit mean; hacking EA is a bit stupid.

 

3. We don't need to hack or steal information to make SimCity awesome. As long as there is interest with modders, people will find a way. We found a way to extend city size, create one-way roads, and many other unimaginable things. We have the power!

 

Besides, that information wouldn't even be accessible. We have no leads to where Maxis would hold their debug tools or such.

[Akeem J Lenoir 9]

 

1. We already have bigger cities, as of 7 months ago. The mod which gives that feature is named Project Orion. It's on the STEX.

 

 

I'd have to disagree with this statement. Project Orion may a progression of a sort, but to proclaim that it's a resolution of any kind isn't appropriate. Larger cities are possible, as confirmed by EA; though, since EA feels it would be counter-productive to their target market, which are casual gamers who've never played SimCity prior to the reboot, because their bare-basic computers, tablets, and even phones, simply can't handle the game, they've abandoned the option. What's more, EA is purposely blocking the modding community from achieving these goals.

 

Now, I'm not saying that hackers conduct unlawful acts to improve a broken game, with EA disavowing modding efforts, this game may have already reached its maturity. Perhaps SimCity Buildit will produce enough profits to interest EA to further support SC2013, or at least fully abandon the game, offering its developing package to the community. 

[TheCraftKid 52]

 

 

1. We already have bigger cities, as of 7 months ago. The mod which gives that feature is named Project Orion. It's on the STEX.

 

 

I'd have to disagree with this statement. Project Orion may a progression of a sort, but to proclaim that it's a resolution of any kind isn't appropriate. Larger cities are possible, as confirmed by EA; though, since EA feels it would be counter-productive to their target market, which are casual gamers who've never played SimCity prior to the reboot, because their bare-basic computers, tablets, and even phones, simply can't handle the game, they've abandoned the option. What's more, EA is purposely blocking the modding community from achieving these goals.

 

Now, I'm not saying that hackers conduct unlawful acts to improve a broken game, with EA disavowing modding efforts, this game may have already reached its maturity. Perhaps SimCity Buildit will produce enough profits to interest EA to further support SC2013, or at least fully abandon the game, offering its developing package to the community. 

 

 

Progression? Have you seen what people have done with Orion?

Okay, it's not an end-all be-all solution, but it's a pretty good one for what we have right now.

 

Wait. I thought Maxis denied bigger city tiles being possible for small computers, not EA.

 

I'm also in their so called "target audience" with a 2012 computer which can't run SimCity with 120 fps or more.

 

I don't think they're purposely blocking the modding community. Maxis, in fact, has given many resources to kick-start SimCity modding with transactions involving modding tools to early information about the game. They helped SUGC lots to get UDoNs made and other mods created. It's just a matter of transferring the knowledge from the veterans of modding to some who know lots about coding or modifications and letting them go wild. The modding community isn't growing because the knowledge isn't out there.

[Akeem J Lenoir 9]

 

 

 

1. We already have bigger cities, as of 7 months ago. The mod which gives that feature is named Project Orion. It's on the STEX.

 

 

I'd have to disagree with this statement. Project Orion may a progression of a sort, but to proclaim that it's a resolution of any kind isn't appropriate. Larger cities are possible, as confirmed by EA; though, since EA feels it would be counter-productive to their target market, which are casual gamers who've never played SimCity prior to the reboot, because their bare-basic computers, tablets, and even phones, simply can't handle the game, they've abandoned the option. What's more, EA is purposely blocking the modding community from achieving these goals.

 

Now, I'm not saying that hackers conduct unlawful acts to improve a broken game, with EA disavowing modding efforts, this game may have already reached its maturity. Perhaps SimCity Buildit will produce enough profits to interest EA to further support SC2013, or at least fully abandon the game, offering its developing package to the community. 

 

 

Progression? Have you seen what people have done with Orion?

Okay, it's not an end-all be-all solution, but it's a pretty good one for what we have right now.

 

Wait. I thought Maxis denied bigger city tiles being possible for small computers, not EA.

 

I'm also in their so called "target audience" with a 2012 computer which can't run SimCity with 120 fps or more.

 

I don't think they're purposely blocking the modding community. Maxis, in fact, has given many resources to kick-start SimCity modding with transactions involving modding tools to early information about the game. They helped SUGC lots to get UDoNs made and other mods created. It's just a matter of transferring the knowledge from the veterans of modding to some who know lots about coding or modifications and letting them go wild. The modding community isn't growing because the knowledge isn't out there.

 

 

Considering Maxis, the developer, is owned by EA, the distributor, they're one in the same at this point. Nevertheless, as EA has touted in quite of few shareholder meetings for this franchise, along with others in their catalog. Actually, they've recently gone on the record as saying that mobile games, including SimCity Buildit, is the next best thing.

 

Basically, if you're not fully committed to SC Buildit, playing such games on a tablet or smartphone, you're not their target audience. You're simply not. EA wants profit, as as of right now, SC Buildit, not SC2013, is providing such potential.

 

That said, I'm sure it's common knowledge Maxis has the ability to provide all the resources to allow the modding community progress further; alas, they simply don't want to. We can speculate the particulars as to why, but that fact is the knowledge isn't available because of preference.  

[MagicChicken19 43]

If I were EA, I wouldn't open up the game code either. Despite what all the angsty trolls and haters say, SC13 was a first-of-its-kind game. It was the first fully 3D city builder (released), it was the first agent based city-builder (as opposed to statistical model), its the first to toy with online game play, and it was the first to try a new business model (the DLC + expansion). People rightly point the many flaws in each of these categories, but the fact remains that it currently still stands alone in advancing the city-builder genre. Nothing that's been released yet has come close to this game. However, that "yet" gives EA plenty of reasons to not release their game's inner mechanics. Despite the hype, Skylines and XXL may both flop (neither of them appear to come close to the graphical excellence of Simcity ... yet), and both these games claim to be using ideas and coding which was created independent of Simcity (they even claim to have started before SC's release).

But will that be the same for the next game? or the game after that? or the game after that? If EA gives away their code, they're basically conceding this genre to that competition, yet despite all the angst, I bet you that there's still interest somewhere in the company to continue the franchise at some point. If any of these competitors (Skylines or XXL) turn a decent profit, there might be even more incentive to continue competing for what may be a growing market. Oh, and if haters still want to hate on EA/Maxis, I'd just like to remind everyone of the amazing improvements made between the isometric games, SC2k and 4, and hope that something similar might happen in a similar span in the new 3D games.

My larger point is, hack all you want ... but don't expect to get access easily, and you probably shouldn't tout about it here ... because there's a chance EA still cares about the game, even if you don't.

[zbeginendz 55]

That terraforming tool. Such a handy little utility. Be nice if we had that then you could remove trees and do all kinds of things.

[progressive19 1]

If I were EA, I wouldn't open up the game code either. Despite what all the angsty trolls and haters say, SC13 was a first-of-its-kind game. It was the first fully 3D city builder (released), it was the first agent based city-builder (as opposed to statistical model), its the first to toy with online game play, and it was the first to try a new business model (the DLC + expansion). People rightly point the many flaws in each of these categories, but the fact remains that it currently still stands alone in advancing the city-builder genre. Nothing that's been released yet has come close to this game.

 

No offense, but Simcity 2013, despite the hype about glass box, 3D, and online play, did nothing to advance the city-building genre. If anything, it damaged both interest and faith in the genre. As much as I love the SimCity IP, sometimes you have to take off your rose-colored glasses and wake up to reality.  

[MagicChicken19 43]

I dunno, I don't think I ever had glasses on, or was asleep. On the contrary, I think a lot of player gotta let themselves dream more, and take off their poop-colored glasses!

1) Stop seeing poop everywhere in the game:
a) I didn't play at launch, so i didn't get the initial spray of poop-to-the-face that children endlessly cry about. Unfortunately, bad launches for multiplayer online games have been pretty run of the mill for ten years now, so get over it.
b) Anyone who's been playing games for awhile will also tell you that no game ever gets everything you want. Sim City 4 didn't have everything I wanted, like the curved roads, 3D, etc. I got over it, and enjoyed it, but not as much as this game. the cool thing aobut both though, is the little features I wanted - different buildings, etc. - are being made by mods ... so hurray!
c) Also, bugs and crappy coding also happens a lot in games. Ever played mine craft? People get over that easily

and we can go on this merry-go-round all day friend, but basically, no game is perfect, and if you look for holes in any game, you're gonna find some everywhere. That's not to say this game was perfect. It was the combo of all these things that helped hand out the poop-stained glasses liek crazy, but that also doesn't mean its not a good game!

2) Bro, Dream a little!
I think the #1 reason people hate this game so much, is because it doesn't cater well to grid-like play styles that were developed in SC4. There's some similarities, but this game's an entirely different animal. It's hard for people to change, so I hear story after story of people who play this game for 5 minutes, and say they don't like it because its not the same ... well of course its not the same, duh! Worse yet though is people have forgotten what SimCity is all about. People want perfect efficient cities, lots of money, lots of sky-rises, or the biggest population possible. I mean, if that's the reason you're playing this game, then of course you're going to get exhausted quickly ... that's work, not fun!

This game is about imagination. dreaming the awesome city, from the fine details, to the big honking towers. This game is about imagining you're a sim in it, and you're on the street looking at the wonderful world that's developed. Until SC5, that wasn't really possible, but it is now, and its awesome! More importantly, this game is about beauty in a way that no previous sim city could be ... and that's why I can't get enough of it, personally.

but hey man, different strokes for different folks.

[Trylk255 23]

Yes it is, but there won't be smoothed terrain or large flattening.

 

What is possible in that way is to use a road, make it invisible (or not) and make : Flat terrain : yes

[SimCity Fan 123 0]

On 3/21/2014 at 7:17 PM, Bergrar said:

Is terraforming possible in some way in offline version?

It could be, but it would most likely need more than one mod at once. One mod for the Terraforming settings, One mod that is capable of saving the Terraformed land, and another mod that makes the data for it saved, for example if you place a road on terraformed land, you would need a mod so it appears ON that land instead of going through it. I would be surprised if someone could do this in one mod