Daeris

So in region view it looks great, however in a city tile I seem to be having some issues with zooming. I'm wondering if this has anything to do with Hardware rendering vs. Software rendering being selected?

Working! 2560x1440 windowed! Soooo pretty! I am wondering how much this might impact performance though. =/

Hey Flann, I just tried this and it didn't seem to want to launch at 2560x1440 for me. I placed the ddraw.dll file directly in my folder with the simcity4.exe as was indicated. Then I attempted to launch through steam with: Wondering if a I overlooked something for this particular wrapper. EDIT: Oh wait I see more posts above on this topic!

Hey all, I'm attempting to set up my game to play at 2560x1440 in windowed mode. Currently I run the game at 1920x1080, but I'm really sick of every time I alt-tab out it minimizes my game. Here is the current steam launch options I am using: So I figured adjusting to this would work: ...but, instead the game just crashes when attempting to launch now. It almost starts, but then crashes. Would anyone have any insight into launching the game in a windowed mode, but making full use of my 2560x1440 screen?

Thank you @Flann, I will investigate!

OMG I'm just soooo happy to know she's alive. @CorinaMarie, no pressure at all.... but I'm here for you to talk to as a supportive and understanding friend regarding anything EVER. Please take all the time you need to focus on yourself during this time and do whatever you need to do to find balance within. Simtropolis is here for you when you need us to lean on. That's what friends are for. <3

This is very saddening news. Cori was one of the most helpful and kind-hearted souls I've ever spoken with. I'm at a bit of loss of words, and I just really hope this isn't true. Please Cori come back. CB, I'm really sorry for the emotional turmoil you must be going through. I'm shedding tears of sympathy for you my friend. Thank you for being such a pillar of the community. I hope you can find others to lean on for support. Cori please please please, come back. It's your favorite natural growth builder, I need you to please come back and wake us up from this bad dream. You are loved by this community and there are genuine friends here.

Previously on Uncovering Junon Vale: An unexplored ravine heading north (perhaps past that spooky haunted forest) was found while laying trail for Oxtrain Pass. Oxtrain Village was founded! ~ It smells a little funny, but it's ok Slyside Lake was founded! ~ "Can we go there, Can we go there?" cry all the settlers. Sharpbend was founded! Pebbleplum was founded! ~ Today's forecast is 60% chance of light stony rain Tidehook was founded! An unexplored great island called to many of the sailors of Tidehook. Oakfall was founded! ~ smells much better than Oxtrain Village Oxtrain Pass connects Oxtrain Village and Oakfall. During the recent convening of the leaders, it was decided: The lands southeast of Slyside Lake would be scouted, to find suitable land for farming. "Yes, we've had breakfast, but what about 2nd breakfast?" Young and eager Tidehook sailors would set sail to explore the great island to the south, and look to create a port to call their own. The fastest most badass scouts from Oxtrain Village would be sent through the unexplored ravine, searching for answers, or other settlers, or perhaps both. There were many suitable volunteers ready to venture north, away from Oxtrain Village. "Why so many volunteers? Does is smell funny here or something?" The current map: And so, the young brash sailors of Tidehook rounded up their families, jumped aboard their boats and merrily cussed sang their way along the tide to the southeast. ^(artwork ~ Witcher 3 concept art, uploaded by Lodbrok: https://wallhaven.cc/w/0wr2xp) The westernmost tip of the great island was truly impressive to the sailors, however the land seemed mostly comprised of rolling hills which were not ideal for a new port (nor the farming that would be required for sustenance). Afterall, these sailors were truly craving a port that would challenge Port Novel and Tidehook as the grandest port around. At any rate, as they drifted along, an artist aboard noted in his journal how the western tip of the great island resembled "...a lance piercing the western waters." Little did he know, one day this area would be known as Westlance (perhaps due to his writing, perhaps not...). Westlance (not yet settled): As impressive as the western portion of the island was, the next notable land feature dropped their jaws even further! It seemed quite clear this would be an ideal spot for their rival port, as there was decent flatlands surrounding this location. Plus, it just looked pretty freakin' cool. After making landfall, and exploring the surrounding hills, it was easily and unanimously confirmed that the oddly shaped peninsula resembled nothing less than a raven's head. Thus, these lands would be known as the Ravenloch. Time to get started building a port! Ravenloch (to be settled) Meanwhile, the foodies of Slyside Lake begin pushing through the woodlands to the southeast, in search of lands to expand the farming for all of the settlers. Quite quickly the explorers realized there was much work to be done in these lands, as the rolling hills looked expansive and perfect for farming. The land was gentle, so they curiously explored further (even after discovering the rolling hills), and they found a curious little sandy cove hidden behind a thin island. With lands just as visually appealing as Slyside Lake, but with more tillable ground, these areas would most certainly be desirable to not only live, but to work as well (everyone loves to eat afterall). In a flash, new villages were seemingly erected overnight (but who knows how long it really took... time is actually kinda strange for the settlers, though it's not really been discussed amongst themselves yet ). Sundown Fields & Graincove founded: Sundown Fields: The workday in this little busybee village was fast paced and endless, with farmhands working from sunup, until sundown. So these fields were known as the Sundown Fields. Some sly(side) farmhands would find secret sleeping spots under trees, or in between the silos, but those relentless farm owners were always on the prowl to catch said sleepers. "Those lazy Slysiders!" they'd say, while their sleepy farmhands would hustle back to work. ^Even the cattle eat good in Sundown Fields. ^No sleeping farmhands here (we think) ^Even though Sundown Fields was founded and built up quickly, there was still much flatland begging to be home to a brand new farm. As the time passed, new settlers would flock to work and strive to create their farming empire in Sundown Fields, some of them residing in either Slyside Lake (the lazy ones say the rumors ) or some even further south in... Graincove: With all the style points of Slyside Lake, but with workable land surrounding it, Graincove is where all the hardworking farmers decided to plop their boots at night. ^A food shipment from Graincove getting loaded up and ready for the departure back north to Slyside Lake and Port Novel. Like Sundown Fields, much of Graincove's land was awaiting the first would-be tycoons to simply stake their claim. As such, the southeast continued to be a migratory pull from the coastal villages with limited land and opportunity. Long before, Sundown Fields and Graincove were founded, the scouts from Oxtrain Village were eager to depart to the unexplored north (with fresh air ), in search of answers unbeknownst to the settlers. Who were they and where did they come from? What lands were these? Were the answers out there, or others who could provide answers? ^(artwork - The Lewis and Clark Expedition, by Thomas Mickell Burnham) Branching off north of Oxtrain Pass, the explorers made their way across the terrain. As agreed, they left markers along the way for a few reasons: 1. To let trackers following know of the direction they took, and 2. To provide recommendation on the ideal path through to the north. The idea was that - in due time - more trailblazers would create a trail to follow in their footsteps, looking for new lands to settle in the north, and to more quickly hear any news from the explorers upon their hopeful return. "Simgodspeed to them!" the settlers would all say, in regards to the scouts seeking the northern fresh air answers to the north. Meanwhile, during the settling of the other landlubber villages southeast of Slyside, the seadogs from Tidehook were seeing the fruit of their labors on the great island. Port Ravenloch founded: ^The sailors were quite proud of their accomplishment, and felt quite confident their port was better than Port Novel and Tidehook combined. Of course, they still needed food and supplies from the other ports, so perhaps best to keep the boasting to a minimum, for now... ^Construction still underway to finish up the storage sheds, holding valuable and essential goods from the other ports. As the strange time continued to pass, more and more of the unknown lands were explored and settled, but it was still but a small sliver. However, the maps were always updated: A closer look: While they all awaited word of the northbound explorers, some more pertinent "domestic" matters were discussed and considered: Travel along Southpath to Slyside Lake, Sundown Fields, and Graincove already is rather bustling, and is only going to get worse. We should investigate a road from Tidehook to the area. We should also construct a port just south of Graincove to serve as another primary source of travel to ease the burden on Southpath. In Port Ravenloch, they discussed the importance of becoming self-sustainable, especially if they want to boast as being the grandest port in the parts! To do so, we'll need to find more flatlands on the great island for farms, as well as other spots to settle. Also, a path looping around the island would allow quick travel and aid in settling/constructing these new locations. Also, what should we name the island? Great island just isn't cutting it any longer and doesn't sound grand enough. The residents ponder. It's been several weeks since the scouts went north. Let's send a secondary expedition to follow their tracks, ensuring they are proceeding nicely. This secondary expedition can also report back on any potential locations for northern settlements, and commence new trail if such spots exist. Updates of Uncovering Junon Vale: Opportunists and would-be farming tycoons ventured southeast of Slyside Lake and discovered swaths of farmable land. Sundown Fields is founded! ~ No sleepin' on the job farmhand! Graincove is founded! ~ Hardworkin' and stylish farmers choose to live here, unlike those lazy Slyside Lake folk. Eager sailors ventured southeast to the great island, jaws dropped at the unique landscape along the coast. Port Ravenloch is founded! ~ The grandest port in the land (just don't tell anyone else yet because we still need to eat and get supplies from them, ok thanks!) Brave scouts seeking answers (and perhaps fresh air away from Oxtrain Village) have crossed forth into the North. While we all await their return, a secondary expedition will likely be sent in their wake.

Hi @Pille0503. Sorry for my late reply as I haven't been around as much. I haven't played with this style as much as many others, but so far I'm just going without money cheats. If I run into any snags, I'm sure I'll trick ask Cori to linking me to her mod, which sounds like a great way for small rural communities to make needed money.

I do the same thing with my approach. I don't have a strict definitive rule per se, but basically what I do is I start out with the curvy & winding dirt streets, and I get all my villages set up first. Then when the traffic density starts to become a widespread problem, I'll begin to upgrade some sections to road. Then I sorta let the same thing occur... I let the roads develop up until traffic becomes a noticeable issue again, and then perhaps start laying down bigger highways and avenues. Eventually, when it's clear there are multiple bigger commercial hubs, I will begin considering the groundwork for an actual freeway that will connect all those bigger commercial hubs. I am thinking I will start laying a rail system before actual roads develop, since this seems in line with the way the American West was built up. From what I know, it was mostly just paths and trails heading out west, until the rail industry boomed and connected many of the larger towns out there, linking the western frontier with the civilized cities of the East. Eventually the roads made their way out West, but not before the railroads. @younghappy - Great post! I absolutely love how well the visuals you shared communicate your points. Interesting question. I haven't paid much attention to Cities Skylines in many years. I don't think it's a bad game, but it's definitely a different approach than SC4. To me, I tend to consider Cities Skylines more as a City Painter than a City Builder/Developer. The regions are pretty, and the buildings and transit networks are absolutely pretty, but to me they lack the realistic and "natural" character that can be captured with SC4. That's why I still consider SC4 the better game overall.... to me it really lends itself more to the Natural Growth playstyle, and therefore there's a greater sense of wonder when playing SC4. To me, SC4 regions take on a life of their own more than Cities Skylines regions, which makes sense if you consider what I said: That CS is more of a City Painter (the artist is in control), and SC4 is more of a City Builder/Developer/Simulation (you control it, but it takes on a life of its own). Just my take. I hope CS has released some mods to give it more character.

Not going to lie, I've been exceptionally depressed and isolated due to this pandemic. Every day is a blur and I'm very likely dissociating. That said, I did just get my 1st vaccine dose on Wednesday, so idk I hope it's a light at the end of the tunnel; a sign of hopeful things to come.

Very much so; such an inspiring post. Thank you for more contribution.

@Simmer2 Personally, I think that's perfect!

@Jasoncw Yeah I figured it would be a longshot, but if it ever makes it into SimCity 4 one day, I'd just consider that bonus. I appreciate you and @nofunk creating the buildings you do (especially the Detroit ones since it's my hometown!), and look forward to more. Are you working on any others from Detroit in particular (or is it a surprise)?

Awesome, I'm so honored that someone like you would grab this! (and now very very excited)!

Hello again everyone, I'm back ! I know I just made a BAT request for those Wooden Crossroads Signs (which I am most certainly still interested in), but I was feeling greedy (), and just thought hey why not also post my longshot dream lot..... which would be the Book Tower in Detroit, MI. This is my all-time favorite building in Detroit (where I'm from and live), built in an Italian Renaissance style (with some Art Deco vibes as well). The Book Tower was completed in 1926, and for 2 years was the tallest building in the city; unfortunately over the course of many decades it fell into decline. However! In 2015, it was purchased by a Detroit bigshot, and it's currently under renovations to restore its former glory. Part of these renovations will include residential spaces, and it's long been a dream of mine to live in this building one day. Book Tower, Detroit MI Description: Oh oops, I suppose my description was first! I just love this building, and always have since I first saw it as a child. Renovation link on Book Tower: http://www.dailydetroit.com/2017/07/03/8-pictures-detroits-beautiful-book-tower-coming-back-life/ Wikipedia link on Book Tower: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_Tower Why this would be beneficial for the game or community: I'll be honest, this is more of a selfish request from me, since it's my favorite Detroit building, and just a dream residence of mine one day. However, I would argue that it adds to the community by providing more majestic looking older buildings in the Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Baroque, or Italian Renaissance styles. I've seen some other Detroit buildings crafted by @Jasoncw, such as the Penobscot Building and the Guardian Building (both fabulous as well!), so I figured the Book Tower would be a great addition to the iconic Detroit buildings. I hope you all like the pics, and can momentarily share in my appreciation of this storied building.

Hello clever BATers. Wooden Crossroads Signs Description: I'm hoping for a 1x1 (or maybe even a few varieties of 1x1s) of a wooden crossroads sign. Something that you can plop in a forest or rural area to act as signposts for nearby towns or such. I'd like the signs to have some visible (but not legible) town names if possible, just so it looks like there are actually things written on the signs. Why this would be beneficial for the game or community: I personally feel like this would add a lot to the community because there are many players who are getting into rural or western playstyles, and natural growth playstyles. These wooden signs would be a great addition to add flavor to such cities! Thanks for your consideration! EDIT: The more I think about this, I think perhaps MMPs make more sense than 1x1, not sure I would leave that up to the experts if anyone picks this up. =p

Oh oh, didn't even know about this cheat. I'll try that! Sorry, I'm a bit of a hot mess today. Thanks you two.

I think I'll try out Cori's zotzapper for some screenshots. Of course, I wish there were an easy quick on/off zot button. This makes me ponder the question, for the cheat mod, can new cheats be coded into that? Or are only the original dev cheats enabled with that cheat mod? If new cheats could be coded, I wonder if we could do a drawzots/hidezots type of cheat for example.

Omg I feel so silly, I always thought the standard marina was bigger than that. Oh sheesh, thanks!

@SIM-ple Jack @Kloudkicker Here are some more questions for whoever the fastest gun in the west is... ...do either of you know of any 1x1 wooden sign type of lots? Like wooden signs to put at crosswords in the middle of the desert or forest?

@rsc204 Thanks for all the useful tips!

Hi @Naomi57, do you know what marina/dock lot that is? I did a little searching but couldn't locate it. I like the minimalistic nature of it! It would be good in some of my smaller villages.