SimCity 4 for Mac: Steam or App Store?

[rathefalcon 395]

After playing on windows for many years, I have found myself in a situation where I now only have access to a mac computer. I have a copy of the aspyr mac port on disc but sadly it proves impossible to install on El Capitan (the Universal Binary Patch installer is incompatible with El Capitan). This brings me to the crossroads where I must choose between the steam version and app store version to get a copy for my mac. The app store edition sits at an enticing $9.99 whereas the steam edition costs $19.99, $10 more. From what I have gathered in this forum, the steam version is generally preferred because of "problems" with the app store version – namely some need to move around directories for proper implementation of plugins and the terrible concept of "sandboxing" which I don't entirely understand.

My question: is it really worth the extra $$ to purchase the steam version? I intend to play relatively frequently so if the app store version significantly compromises the playability of the game, then I would be willing to pay.

[TEG24601 32]

Never buy the AppStore version.  It is far too locked down and difficult to mod.  The Steam Version will function just like your Disc did, you don't even have to move the plugins.

[rathefalcon 395]

Thanks. I was leaning toward the Steam version and now you've convinced me.

[CorinaMarie 29,605]

I voted "Yes" based on @TEG24601's post since I have no clue at all myself.

[alicenychto 41]

I think the best solution is to buy a GOG version and run it through wineskin (or possibly wine, I'll try this further)

[rsc204 21,808]

I agree, the Mac version has always been borked, running the PC version in a VM is so simple these days, you'll get a much better experience from doing this.