simcity 4 NAM 33 (Official Release) Now Available

[NAM Team 868]

NAM 34 is now available! See here for more info...
https://community.simtropolis.com/forums/topic/69569-nam-34-now-available/

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The NAM Team is pleased to announce the official release of the 33rd edition of the Network Addon Mod, NAM 33.

Availability

NAM 33 is hosted here at Simtropolis, on the STEX, and is also available at SC4 Devotion, and ModDB.

Download Link
STEX (Windows)
 

Additional Mirrors

ModDB

SC4 Devotion LEX

Note: Support for Mac OS X is presently on hiatus, in part due to changes Apple made to the latest version of OS X, El Capitan (10.11).  NAM 32.1 will remain available for Mac users in the interim, but with NAM 32's Windows release no longer being supported, and no active Mac users on the NAM Team as of writing, support will be extremely limited.

Installation Instructions

For Windows users: To install NAM 33, first run the self-extractor (NetworkAddonMod Setup 33 SFX.exe) to extract the installer, and THEN locate and run the installer (NetworkAddonMod Setup 33.exe), which should be located in the same directory by default.

The reason for the extra layer of self-extraction is designed to reduce the size of the download (260MB vs. 1GB) while also allowing the installer to run faster.  Simply running the Self-Extractor will not install the NAM, nor will sticking the files directly into your Plugins folder.

For Mac OS X users: There is presently no OS X version of NAM 33.  See note above.

Support

As the NAM is very much a forward-looking project, NAM 33 is presently the only fully-supported NAM version.  The Mac-only NAM 32.1 release will remain available in the interim, but with extremely limited support, as previously noted.  All other old NAM versions, including the NAM 33 Pre-Release, NAM 32, and earlier, are no longer supported and will no longer be distributed. 

Documentation is included, though much of it has not been updated since the 2013 release of NAM 31.2.  Note that some features have changed since this documentation was written.  and new features may still require additional documentation.  Some video tutorials of new functionality will be available, however.  We are transitioning toward more flexible means of documentation to combat this backlog, using a new section of the SC4 Encylcopaedia Wiki at SC4 Devotion, and apologize for any inconvenience in the meanwhile.

Technical Requirements

NAM 33, as per standard NAM Team specifications, is packaged in using the Nullsoft Installer System (NSIS), and is designed for use with Windows version of SimCity 4 Deluxe, though it is also compatible with Linux, provided one is using WINE.

The minimum configuration required to run the Network Addon Mod (NAM) with SimCity 4 is the same minimum configuration required to run SimCity 4 itself.  Either the original version of SimCity 4 in combination with the Rush Hour expansion pack, or the combination version included in SimCity 4 Deluxe is required.  Both are equivalent.  In any case, the EP1 patch that brings the version number up to 1.1.638.0 is required.  Digital versions of the game, including those provided by Steam, Origin, and GOG.com, should be pre-patched to 1.1.641, and do not require patching.  If your game is not up to date, the NAM installer will guide you through the installation of that official patch.  You must also have a valid game configuration.  If you have simply installed the game from a valid CD or from an authorized download, there will be no problems.  However, it is important that the game’s file name not be changed from “SimCity 4.exe”.  Modified executables, including "no CD" patches, will not be recognized by the installer as valid installations, and thus, the NAM cannot be installed in such cases.

Note that with the minimum configuration, or something close to it, it will not be possible to use most of the NAM.  The Traffic Simulator and its associated files can definitely be used, as these take up a very small amount of space and merely replace existing data in the game.  The game will work much better simply with the addition of the NAM Traffic Simulator.  However, although the extra efficiency of the NAM Traffic Simulator allows you to build bigger functional cities, the speed of your game will likely slow to a crawl as the size of your cities increases.  The reason is that the CPU time required by the traffic simulator grows exponentially with the size of your city.  This is true of the Maxis Traffic Simulator as well (both traffic simulators use the same software engine), but it is much more difficult to build successful large cities with the Maxis Traffic Simulator, so this problem is seen less frequently there.

For further information, please read the Information Page on the NAM 33 installer.

Note to Left-Hand Drive (LHD) Users

Due to the fact that very few NAM Team members run the game in Left-Hand Drive (LHD) mode, where vehicles drive on the left (as in the United Kingdom, Japan, etc.), support for LHD mode may be more limited than that of Right-Hand Drive (RHD) mode, especially with newer features.  Thus, feedback and issue reporting from LHD users is especially appreciated, and will help the team ensure the best possible LHD support.

NOTE: The NAM does not change drive side.  Unless one has a clear idea of the consequences, do not attempt to change the drive side options in the installer, as all those will do is simply give one a broken NAM installation without actually changing one's drive side.

Brief Overview of New Features

Changes in the NAM 33 Pre-Release:
 

• Massive update to the Draggable Ramp Interface (DRI) and FLEXRamp systems in the RealHighway (RHW) Mod.  90% of all previous static puzzle piece ramps have been given easier-to-use FLEX and/or draggable counterparts, and a plethora of new ramp interfaces for elevated RHW networks are now available, Wealth textures are included for ground level versions.
• The RHW FLEXFly system has been completely overhauled, and now includes 90-degree and 45-degree versions, in single and dual-lane configurations, at Ground Level (L0), 7.5m (L1), and 15m (L2) heights.
• The double-decker RHW-4 (DDRHW-4) has been lowered one level (from L2/L3 to L1/L2), increasing ease of use.
• Disconnector added, to simplify demolition of FLEX-based RHW pieces.
• Multi-Radius Curves (MRCs), in both draggable and FLEX form, have been added to the RealHighway Mod, in three different radii, for the RHW-2, MIS, RHW-4, and RHW-6S.
• Stability improvements to the FLEX Height Transitions.
• Major improvements to the RealRailway (RRW) plugin, which now supports most crossings.
• Transit station functionality and compatibility has been further improved.
• Minor fixes to other NAM components.

Further changes in the NAM 33 official release:

A couple surprises:


 

• The RealRailway (RRW) FlexTrack system makes an earlier-than-expected debut.  See the FlexTrack User's Guide in the Documentation folder for more details.
• PedMall functionality greatly enhanced with the addition of access paths to most non-Highway-type road networks, including NWM networks and Tram/El-Rail Dual-Networking items.  Pedestrians may now directly access the PedMalls from these other networks without the need of a station or other transit-enabled lot/switch.
• Many custom bridges that previously blocked all ferry traffic have now been corrected.
• MandelSoft's previous RHW texture sets, including Euro, Ontario, and Irish/South African textures, have been discontinued.  A new standard Euro RHW set, based on the default US set, has been added as a replacement, and adds compatibility for all current RHW features.
• An issue with the NAM 33 Pre-Release in which the Controller Compiler would fail due to an XML read error has been fixed.
• Several overhanging texture issues with the new RHW ramp interfaces have been corrected.
• The R3 FLEX-Multi Radius Curve now rotates fully as intended.
• A number of Left-Hand Drive transit path file issues across the entire mod have been added or corrected for proper functionality.

The NAM Team would like to thank the entire SimCity 4 community for its continued support over the past 11 years, and we hope you enjoy the new NAM 33 release.  We would especially like to extend its sincere thanks to all the members of the community who helped test the NAM 33 Pre-Release, offering feedback and helping us locate and solve bugs.

[dedgren 830]

Bravo, NAM Team!  One more year of amazing work!

 

David

[timmie 988]

Oh Happy Day!

[DecodingInspire 12]

I like this Mod its my favorite MOD for SimCity 4!

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

Oh Happy Day!

Calooh, Calay!

He chortled in his joy.

Later:  Cleanitol hung, but the installation continued when I forced it to close.  I'll have to test carefully.  I'm probably missing some component in my wine prefix.

And even later:  Not impressed, got a lot of NJZs, so I deleted my NAM folders and did a custom install from scratch.  No problems other than with the compiler which was expected.  High-ho, Steverino.

  Edited November 28, 2015 by A Nonny Moose  
Oopsie!

[Lucario Boricua 7,050]

This is like my Black Friday purchase!  Of all the features added I think the expansion of RHW capabilities is the one that stands out the most to me--been waiting a lot for diagonal flyovers in order to make some neat interchanges.

[nimafarid2007 27]

I can't manage to get the left turn lanes to show up, I went through the installation and made sure left turn lane was checked. what can the problem be from?

[rsc204 21,866]

Either place a OWR stub (by clicking once) in the intersection or use one of the puzzle pieces found at the bottom of the roads menu.

[Bones1 96]

I'm not impressed by NAM 33 no longer supporting $&%^$# SimCity 4.exe executables. NAM 32 supported these just fine. For those of us with LEGAL CD versions of the game, running on Windows 10, there's no other way to run the game. Sure, I could buy a digital version of the game, but I've already bought this game 3 times on CD, and being a triple-legal owner I don't feel any shame in resorting to using a $&%^^##$ version.

Still, I like NAM, so I'm sure I'll find a way around this. I can apply the 2GB to 4GB 32-bit executable fix myself, which I believe is all NAM does to SimCity 4.exe.

But really, guys, thumbs down for intentionally trying to make this difficult for us legal owners that are running Windows 10. It's a 12 year old game. Maxis no longer cares if people use a $#$#@$@#$ to run the game.

[Bones1 96]

Hmmm... I think I may have found a possible installation bug with NAM 33.

I used my original, non-hacked, totally legal CD version of the game, patched to the BAT version (240).

However, installing NAM 33 did not alter the SimCity 4.exe executable in any way. This is different than what NAM 32 did. It applied a 4GB patch to the SimCity 4.exe executable, to allow the 32-bit executable to use up to 4GB of RAM instead of the 2GB default limit.

Is it intentional that NAM 33 stopped doing that? I thought the whole point of it was because NAM was causing the game to come very close to the 2GB limit, and thus cause stability problems.

[cogeo 960]

I'm not impressed by NAM 33 no longer supporting $&%^$# SimCity 4.exe executables. NAM 32 supported these just fine. For those of us with LEGAL CD versions of the game, running on Windows 10, there's no other way to run the game. Sure, I could buy a digital version of the game, but I've already bought this game 3 times on CD, and being a triple-legal owner I don't feel any shame in resorting to using a $&%^^##$ version.

Still, I like NAM, so I'm sure I'll find a way around this. I can apply the 2GB to 4GB 32-bit executable fix myself, which I believe is all NAM does to SimCity 4.exe.

But really, guys, thumbs down for intentionally trying to make this difficult for us legal owners that are running Windows 10. It's a 12 year old game. Maxis no longer cares if people use a $#$#@$@#$ to run the game.

Well, if it's the SC4 version that causes you troubles, then there is a solution. You can login into the Origin website and you will chat with a customer service assistant there. You will be asked to show them pics of your original CDs, cases and/or manuals. They will provide you with a download link and you will get the "electronic" version. The Origin application only acts as a downloader, and it can be configured to NOT auto-run on system start - it doesn't even run in the background (doesn't appear in Task Manager). As for the "electronic" version of SC4-Deluxe, it's just a normal locally installed game, only it doesn't need the CD to run, which is of course good. You don't need to be online to run it, and does nothing on the web. Only prob, the (menu) shortcut is only available when the Origin application (the "downloader") runs (when it's closed the shortcut magically disappears). But this is not a big problem, as the shortcut can easily be created. In my installation, I run the Origin application, searched for the shortcut and copied it to the desktop. So you don't really need the Origin application to run SC4.

I had to do this when I upgraded to Win10. Before, I was using the CD version, with a virtual CD program (created an .iso image of the original RH CD). Now I don't even need to mount the CD image. I would highly recommend doing the same.

==================================================================================

As for the NAM installer, there is always room for improvement I think, and NAM is no exception. The installer should NOT modify any of the SC4 files (including the executable patch, and the simcity_x.dat files, which unfortunately is claimed to do), without asking the user. It may be hard or impossible to restore them. Also, the installer is huge, and I believe all those stations should not be included in the core NAM (they could be released as a separate download). Aaah, and that components/options window is too small, and causes me a big headache when I install NAM - you can easily miss some options with just rolling the mousewheel, and I move up and down all the time, to check whether I have missed something.

[Bones1 96]

You're right that NAM shouldn't modify the game executable without warning the user really, really, well about that. But, NAM32 did it, so I am surprised that NAM33 does not.  Perhaps they decided that the 2GB memory default limit for 32bit applications is enough? If so, that's good. But it's a change, so I just wondered why.

BTW, overall, I do want to say a big kudos for continuing to improve the NAM. I just had the one nit-pick about no longer supporting #$@#$@#$ versions. But, that may just be a warning, and perhaps NAM doesn't really enforce it. I dunno.

And yes, I know that if I go to enough effort, there may be a chance I can get a legal downloadable version without cost. I really shouldn't have to go to that much effort. And I didn't, and I won't. I don't want another Steam-like bloatware program to install to download and run my games. There's enough crap I've already got installed.

[rsc204 21,866]

To my knowledge the 4GB memory patch has not been discontinued. If your .exe is already patched however, NAM 33 does not need to do this again.

As for the installer checksum validation system, the idea behind it is to ensure the NAM can only be installed where the game is properly patched with the 1.638 EP1 patch. There were many complaints from users about bugs that were fixed by Maxis in the EP1 patch, but it was simply never applied. Thus to install the NAM you must have the patched executable to ensure a smooth experience. However you cannot patch a modified .exe, as the patches contain a checksum validation system that will reject modified files.

It's Microsoft that changed things here, technically fully patched Vista, 7 and 8 users are also stuck with the same problem. It's well documented around here that Origin will give you a copy free. Otherwise a DRM-Free digital version is really cheap if you wait for a sale. I do agree however with the principle you shouldn't have to pay to play a game you own. Ultimately this shows how even basic DRM systems are a really bad idea.

[Tarkus 6,933]

The only thing that was discontinued between NAM 32 and NAM 33 was the option on 32-bit systems to modify the boot.ini to add the /3GB switch.  That turned out to be causing way more problems than it was solving, so we ditched it.  If the 4GB patch is already applied to the executable (really, it's simply switching the "Large Access Aware" flag on in there), the installer won't attempt to re-install it.  We have that option in place to prevent us getting swamped with CTD reports from users who can't read.  The NAM installer has never touched any of the SimCity_x.dat files.

The stuff Microsoft has been doing, jerking around retrogaming consumers with their apparent decision to make secdrv.sys be Public Enemy No. 1 is absolutely insane, and frankly.  It's right up there with what Apple's done with OS X El Crapitan (which basically killed future NAM Mac releases for the foreseeable future).

-Tarkus

[Bones1 96]

The only thing that was discontinued between NAM 32 and NAM 33 was the option on 32-bit systems to modify the boot.ini to add the /3GB switch.  That turned out to be causing way more problems than it was solving, so we ditched it.  If the 4GB patch is already applied to the executable (really, it's simply switching the "Large Access Aware" flag on in there), the installer won't attempt to re-install it.  We have that option in place to prevent us getting swamped with CTD reports from users who can't read.  The NAM installer has never touched any of the SimCity_x.dat files.

Odd. Because, when I replaced my @#$L@#J$@#$ version with my original 640 version of the game, and then reinstalled NAM, it didn't modify the SimCity 4.exe file. (I did a binary comparison of the files.) I did it from an Administrator account, so it should have access. Perhaps something went wrong and I didn't notice it.

It seemed to have installed everything else okay. What happens if NAM can't or doesn't modify the SimCity 4.exe file. Is it supposed to do everything else, or is it supposed to cancel the install?

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

@Bones1.  If you originally patched your legal copy to 640 and installed the NAM is is already patched for the 4GB address space.  Since the new installer doesn't do this, why worry? 

As for illegal copies, well you paid your money (three times??) so you takes your choice.  My general feeling on this is that it remains unethical even after all these years.  That means that now that I know your attitude, I would be unlikely to hire you for any position involving any kind of security.  People don't realize how easily they can fail a security check.

[Bones1 96]

 

@Bones1.  If you originally patched your legal copy to 640 and installed the NAM is is already patched for the 4GB address space.  Since the new installer doesn't do this, why worry? 

As for illegal copies, well you paid your money (three times??) so you takes your choice.  My general feeling on this is that it remains unethical even after all these years.  That means that now that I know your attitude, I would be unlikely to hire you for any position involving any kind of security.  People don't realize how easily they can fail a security check.

LOL. Okay, dude. Let's make a deal: you don't hire me to code encryption security, and I won't hire you to flip burgers.

As for my 640 version. No, it was the original game executable, patched up to version 640, but not yet modified by any NAM installation (I replaced previous SimCity 4.exe files). After I reapplied NAM, it was not modified. So, I simply chose to manually apply the 4GB patch myself (not using NAM). I'm happy, and I think all is installed properly. I just bring it up, because there may be something that is preventing NAM from modifying (a legal 640 version) SimCity 4.exe and applying the 4GB patch, or perhaps the NAM team decided it was not required.

[Tarkus 6,933]

We'll have to check on that.  We did have to change the code in the memory patch section to get rid of the problematic boot.ini prompt, so it's possible that the 4GB patch check might have inadvertently been affected by the changes.

Oh, and the little workaround you found . . . it's not something we actively promote, but it's there for folks who have a legal copy and are smart enough to figure it out on their own.   We had discussed getting rid of the version check in light of Microsoft's nonsense, but we didn't want to be seen as somehow rewarding piracy, nor did we want a recurrence of the situation where we had one user badger us for two years to "fix" a few issues that Maxis themselves had addressed before the NAM even existed.

Also, it's so great to see one of the pioneers of the SC4 modding community back around these parts.

-Tarkus

  Edited December 2, 2015 by Tarkus  

[Bones1 96]

We'll have to check on that.  We did have to change the code in the memory patch section to get rid of the problematic boot.ini prompt, so it's possible that the 4GB patch check might have inadvertently been affected by the changes.

Okay, if you can't reproduce it, I'll see if I can figure out what I did. It might have something to do with me reapplying NAM after I had already installed it once. From the looks of the reinstall progress, it seems than NAM uninstalls and reinstalls itself, but I might be completely wrong about that. I could do a complete delete and reinstall to see if the issue goes away.

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

Cool.  As I mentioned earlier, I deleted the NAM folders and did a cold custom install, but my executable had already been patched by V 32.  And yes, I have version 641.

[Sabretooth78 808]

The stuff Microsoft has been doing, jerking around retrogaming consumers with their apparent decision to make secdrv.sys be Public Enemy No. 1 is absolutely insane, and frankly.  It's right up there with what Apple's done with OS X El Crapitan (which basically killed future NAM Mac releases for the foreseeable future).

-Tarkus

Not sure exactly what your problem stems from, but Wineskin wrappers will work in El Crappo.  Old ones will not, however, so you need to recreate them.  I haven't had any problem with SIP and running them.

[Tarkus 6,933]

The stuff Microsoft has been doing, jerking around retrogaming consumers with their apparent decision to make secdrv.sys be Public Enemy No. 1 is absolutely insane, and frankly.  It's right up there with what Apple's done with OS X El Crapitan (which basically killed future NAM Mac releases for the foreseeable future).

-Tarkus

Not sure exactly what your problem stems from, but Wineskin wrappers will work in El Crappo.  Old ones will not, however, so you need to recreate them.  I haven't had any problem with SIP and running them.

All the Mac users who have tried to install the existing NAM 32.1 release on El Crapitan have reported getting blocked by SIP/rootless, which apparently doesn't (or at least, didn't) like X11, and all the info I had been pointed to said that SIP didn't like Wineskins.  Part of the issue right now is that our one Mac developer (memo) hasn't been active since August, so we're basically in the dark and having to rely on the hearsay of the Mac userbase to figure out what's going on.  If new Wineskins are immune, then it sounds as if there may be hope after all.

-Tarkus

  Edited December 3, 2015 by Tarkus  

[Sabretooth78 808]

Yeah, I tried running my SC4 wrapper and it wouldn't work.  It basically would launch and then nothing would happen; no process would exist.  Updating the engine within Wineskin didn't help at all.  After finding evidence that the authors had achieved compatibility with El Crappo during the beta phase (beta as in before public release), I found that they needed to be recreated.  Not sure of the specifics; I didn't look into that but I'm sure SIP has something to do with it and the updates probably rearranged the structure somewhat.

I've since recreated my SC4, Civ4 and RCT wrappers exactly as they had been previously and they work just as well as before - so I would suspect the solution is as "simple" as generating a new wrapper and loading it up.

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

A bit of curiosity from the Linux side.  Here we have the option of creating a wine prefix with either 32- or 64-bit decor.  Generally, the 32-bit decor seems to be better, but the programs I am currently running with wine (SC4, Banished) don't seem to care.  Does wineskin produce a 32- or a 64-bit wrapper, or do you get the choice?

[Somnolence 81]

Since i updated NAM to version 33, RHW ramps override only for L0 networks, on elevated networks they stay RHW-2. I got all the options for RHW checked. What could cause this problem?

Please help, I can't even make a simple diamond interchange!

[Tarkus 6,933]

Sounds as if you might have accidentally checked "Enable RUL Decoupling", and ended up with the files but no RULs for the other RHW networks in the process.  Reinstall the NAM, and make sure the Decoupling box is not checked.

-Tarkus

[JessiLaurn 184]

The custom bridges & ferry interactions work.

The custom bridges & ferry interactions work.

THE CUSTOM BRIDGES & FERRY INTERACTIONS WORK!!!

At long last, I can watch a train cross the Garabit Arch Bridge while a ferry glides underneath.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

- Jess

  Edited December 7, 2015 by JessiLaurn  

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

  Well, Jess, that is a blessing.  I use a lot of rail and have refrained from using those bridges.  Now I can use them.  Thanks for the report.

[tariely 4,499]

Nate into the fray. Double reaction "yay!" and "oh no, just when I was getting ready to overcome my terror and work with NAM32 after installing it..." Ah well...

[Somnolence 81]

On 12/5/2015 at 11:50 PM, Tarkus said:

Sounds as if you might have accidentally checked "Enable RUL Decoupling", and ended up with the files but no RULs for the other RHW networks in the process.  Reinstall the NAM, and make sure the Decoupling box is not checked.

-Tarkus

I reinstalled, it's not checked, still doesn't work. What I realized is that inside ramps do work, I don't know why.