Question about the Simtropolis Disc

[jray1981 5]

I hope a mod or here can comment and/or PM me.

But I have a question about the discs that we can donate for in order to get them. 

My question is: Are the files downloadable from the disc, or do they have to be downloaded and then unzipped like other files?

Either way, Simtropolis has been epic for me these past few days and I would like to help out the community by donating for the disc. 

And, would you guys advise that I clear out my other plugins in order to just use the ones from the disc? 

Those questions, and any other information would sincerely be appreciated, and if I asked this is the wrong forum, I apologize. 

[Cyclone Boom 16,829]

Hi there,

Thanks for your support and welcome to the community!

The selected files on the DVDs are in the same format as hosted on the STEX. On the discs, it has a user interface similar to the STEX, and allows files to be browsed and saved to your local storage. For example, if a file on the STEX is named "Parks_Vol1.zip", this file would also be duplicated on the disc. Of course, the big difference is it works without an internet connection.

I'm not sure if there's a way to download all files at once. Also, some items may require additional files (dependencies), which may not be included.

For clearing out your plugins folder, I guess it's a personal preference. As long as there's no conflicts, the files would work fine with an existing plugins set, or equally well on their own. Just remember that some mods may have been updated since the DVDs were released, so it might be worth checking for newer versions.

A possible option is to create one (or more) separate SC4 user areas. This can be achieved by using the -UserDir: command:
 

Steps:

1. Create a new folder in any drive, separate from the default SimCity 4 folder. Make a note of this location path (e.g. "D:\SimCity 4 New").
 

2. Make a copy of the SC4 shortcut used to start the game.
 

3. Go to the shortcut properties and in the "Target" box, enter the following after the game's path:
-UserDir:"D:\SimCity 4 New\"

It's important that a closing backslash (\) is added, and the path is surrounded by quotation marks (" ").

The full command would then be:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SimCity 4.exe" -UserDir:"D:\SimCity 4 New\"
 

4. Start the game using this new shortcut, and then the default folders (Plugins, Regions) would be created in the new "SimCity 4 New" user area.

Also if you'd like, it's possible to add other commands to the shortcut. See this page and scroll down for a full list (it doesn't just apply to the Steam edition).
 

5. Exit the game and place any plugins in the new folder. They'll be used on the next load.
To go back to using your default plugins set, just start the game using the original shortcut (without the command).

 

Hope this helps!

-CB

[jray1981 5]

Helps a lot, thank you!

I just placed my order for the disc right now.

This site has been so amazing, that I am happy to help out in any way that I can.