apeek
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Everything posted by apeek
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Version 1.0
4,116 Downloads
FANTA1990 Presents: Breath life into your skies and water ways with a series of lots built specifically to spawn a variety of marine vessels and one to give your resident dare devils an outlet for their dangerous appetites. 1x1_AirShowParkV2.dat - The crown gem of this package will thrill your sims with regular and sometimes disastrous air shows. Recreational Boat Gen.dat - Plop directly on water to swiftly generate wake with yachts and speed boats to stir up your seas. Cruise & Cargo Ship Gen.dat - Creates two menu icons, one for thumping cargo ships and another that will cause cruise ships to materialize. Fishing Boat Gen + Cargo.dat - Cleverly spawns commercial fishing vessels complete with smoke and seagulls using inconspicuous bouys to prevent surface distortions. The technique is tied to cargo ships, so they too will occasionally crop up amongst the others. Steam Boat Gen.dat - Will add a classical feel to your marine setting with the appearance of steam ships trailed by dirty plumes of smoke and steam. All of the above generators appear in the parks menu. The Maxis Air Force Base must exist in the plugins folder for proper operation of the Air Show Park and Steam Ship Generator. You can download it from the link below (as found on the Maxis Files page). Dependency: Plugin_007_AirForceBase.dat ---------- *** This automata generator mod was originally posted along with many other spectacular creations by Fanta Soda on his SimCity China homepage with the following URL: http://www.SimCity.cn/thread-99303-1-1.html Fanta has taken great lengths to make his site accessible to English speaking users. However, I encourage you to exploit the automatic translation features available in browsers such as Chrome and Firefox, or one of many Add-ons for Internet Explorer. Mandatory registration will unlock Fanta's downloads and all other custom content on SimCity China. A login prompt and two verification screens may seem excessive, but are well worth it. Since Fanta spends considerable time manufacturing custom mods, he specifically requested my assistance publishing his work to the mainstream English speaking audience. All credit and responsibility for this download lies solely with Fanta Soda. He will personally read and perhaps respond to any praise, feedback, criticism, or suggestions to this post. More impressive works from Fanta will follow. -CB Edit: Updated dependency link. -
Version 1.1
7,245 Downloads
FANTA1990 Presents: A Complete overhaul of public safety vehicles preserving the original look and feel. The Police Car itself was extracted from Emergency 4 (aka 911) and resembles real life LA Police units. A matching SUV found its start in Cities XL and a new Riot van was yanked from GTA4. All vehicles override their default equivalents on both lots and roadways bringing with them active night lights, UDI, and Fanta's own signature emergency lights. Finally, props and two demonstration lots round off the package. Since this is essentially an automata reskin, there are no dependencies and no configuration is required. It's an easy way to improve the realism and attractiveness of the game's otherwise monotonous police fleet. Required: LA Police Car+CXL SUV+GTA4 Stockade V1.1.dat - Uses HD textures, but requires Hardware Acceleration to avoid visual defects. -OR- LA Police Car+CXL SUV+GTA4 Stockade V1.1-256.dat - May be used with Software Acceleration. *** For the latest updates and other spectacular creations by Fanta Soda, visit his homepage on SimCity China at the following URL: http://www.SimCity.cn/thread-99303-1-1.html Fanta has taken great lengths to make his site accessible to English speaking users. However, I encourage you to exploit the automatic translation features available in browsers such as Chrome and Firefox, or one of many Add-ons for Internet Explorer. Mandatory registration will unlock Fanta's downloads and all other custom content on SimCity China. A login prompt and two verification screens may seem excessive, but are well worth it. Since Fanta spends considerable time manufacturing custom mods, he specifically requested my assistance publishing his work to the mainstream English speaking audience. All credit and responsibility for this download lies solely with Fanta Soda. He will personally read and perhaps respond to any praise, feedback, criticism, or suggestions to this post. More impressive works from FANTA1990 will follow. -
Version 1.01
2,311 Downloads
FANTA1990 Presents: You may remember an earlier post featuring several new "skins" for the vintage wind power plant. While each bore minor cosmetic differences, they all shared the same default model shipped with the game. A few attempts by others to redesign it lacked animation, functionality, or both. Now, the power of choice has come to the smallest form of renewable energy with two completely reworked prototypes. The first from CitiesXL distinguishes itself with a stockier, slightly weathered tower, stout rotor blades, black generator vents, and external access ladder. Another from Tropico4 sports red tipped, prominently pitched blades, an intricately decaled nacelle, red blinking anemometer, and optional classic base. Both come fully animated, stand firm on 1x1 slope friendly foundations, and share all other characteristics of their predecessor without any dependencies. Available HD textures provide you with the following six options: Required (Choose only one): CXL Wind Power Plant.dat - Installs HD textures from CitiesXL with transparent base but requires hardware rendering. CXL Wind Power Plant-256.dat - Installs textures from CitiesXL with transparent base compatible with software rendering. Tropico4 Wind Power Plant.dat - Installs HD textures from Tropico4 with classic base but requires hardware rendering. Tropico4 Wind Power Plant-256.dat - Installs textures from Tropico4 with classic base compatible with software rendering. Tropico4 Wind Power Plant V2.5.dat - Installs HD textures from Tropico4 with transparent base but requires hardware rendering. Tropico4 Wind Power Plant V2.5-256.dat - Installs textures from Tropico4 with transparent base compatible with software rendering. Optional Bonus: 1x1_WindPower.dat - Installs an independent mod that will insert another icon in the power menu to plop the wind power plant in its presently installed form with a slope friendly 1x1 base instead of the default 1x2 base. (*** Tip: If installed along side one of the versions with a transparent base, you will have one icon for plopping your selection with a transparent 1x1 base and another icon for plopping it with a classic 1x1 base, giving you simultaneous access to both in game.) *** For the latest updates and more spectacular work by FANTA1990, visit his homepage on SimCity China at http://www.SimCity.cn/thread-99303-1-1.html. Builtin language translation of browsers such as Chromium and Firefox significantly ease navigation of this and other foreign sites. The content herein is published with explicit permission from FANTA1990 and may not be reproduced in any other form without said author's consent. FANTA1990 asserts all responsibility and credit for the planning, design, and production of this creation. -
Version 1.1
4,964 Downloads
FANTA1990 Presents: A much needed facelift for all three municipal helicopters inspired by designs from Emergency 4 (aka 911). The Police Chopper brandishes a blue and white paint job with matching decals and a gyrating inset tail rotor. The Medical Helicopter gleams with two-tone emergency orange markings and bold black insignia on the either side. The News Helicopter boasts a red, white, and blue pattern with inset tail rotor and elaborate emblems. Each bird features exquisite detail including wider blades, distinguishing runners, and tinted windows. Since this is essentially an automata reskin, there are no dependencies and no configuration is required. It's an easy way to improve the realism and appearance of the game's otherwise mostly siloughetted renditions. Choose from the following two files: Emergency4 helicoper.rar - Uses HD textures, but requires Hardware Acceleration to avoid visual defects. Emergency4 helicoper-256.rar - May be used with Software Acceleration. *** A version of this mod containing a police chopper with a functioning search light (as pictured below) is featured on the developer's website here: http://http://www.SimCity.cn/thread-123675-1-1.html *** This mod was originally posted along with many other spectacular creations by Fanta Soda on his SimCity China homepage with the following URL: http://www.SimCity.cn/thread-99303-1-1.html Fanta has taken great lengths to make his site accessible to English speaking users. However, I encourage you to exploit the automatic translation features available in browsers such as Chrome and Firefox, or one of many Add-ons for Internet Explorer. Mandatory registration will unlock Fanta's downloads and all other custom content on SimCity China. A login prompt and two verification screens may seem excessive, but are well worth it. Since Fanta spends considerable time manufacturing custom mods, he specifically requested my assistance publishing his work to the mainstream English speaking audience. All credit and responsibility for this download lies solely with Fanta Soda. He will personally read and perhaps respond to any praise, feedback, criticism, or suggestions to this post. More impressive works from Fanta Soda will follow. -
Version 1.0
3,398 Downloads
FANTA1990 Presents: If you can't beat the paparazzi, make them think you're on their side. Fill the TV station's parking lot with these shiny new minivans outfitted with the very latest in sophisticated comm equipment courtesy of Emergency 4. They'll spend more time turning dials and pressing buttons, and less time peeping through your keyhole. A direct link to Fanta's News Chopper ensures they'll never lose a story in traffic. Of course, most commuters will make way when they notice the swiveling satellite dish, two-tone paint job, and flashy decals pasted to every surface. An overhead wind deflector reduces noise, and tinted windows conceal exactly where the camera is pointed to keep things real. This is essentially an automata reskin, so there are no dependencies and no configuration is required. Since the action never stops, all models come with Nightvision technology (Nightlighting), GPS (UDI), and spare parts (props). Help your sims stay informed through good and bad with these state-of-the-art correspondence vehicles. *** For the latest updates and other spectacular creations by Fanta Soda, visit his homepage on SimCity China at the following URL: http://www.SimCity.cn/thread-99303-1-1.html Fanta has taken considerable measures to make his site accessible to English speaking users. However, I encourage you to exploit the automatic translation features available in browsers such as Chrome and Firefox, or one of many Add-ons for Internet Explorer. Mandatory registration will unlock Fanta's downloads and all other custom content on SimCity China. One login prompt and two verification screens may seem excessive, but are well worth it. Since Fanta spends considerable time manufacturing custom mods, he specifically requested my assistance publishing his work to the mainstream English speaking audience. All credit and responsibility for this download lies solely with Fanta Soda. He will personally read and perhaps respond to any praise, feedback, criticism, or suggestions to this post. More impressive works from FANTA1990 will follow. -
Version 1.1
8,701 Downloads
FANTA1990 Presents: If you like Fanta's Police Car Expansion Pack, you'll love his Firetruck Expansion Pack. Five trucks derived from Emergency 4 (aka 911) each having a specific function, join forces to combat breakouts from every angle. 1.) The "Pumper" unit exclusively transports water or other anti-flammable liquids, and can tap into local water sources. 2.) The "Ladder" unit comes equipped with a hydraulic bucket ladder to reach victims several stories up. 3.) The actual Fire "Engine" carries an array of tools, including extension ladders, to tackle many kinds fire hazards. 4.) The "Command" vessel manages logistical support and oversees the whole operation with sophisticated communication equipment. 6.) The "Hazmat" truck hauls specialized protective gear, decontamination supplies, and bomb disabling technology. Every truck comes with UDI, nightlighting, and props that automatically replace their Maxis counterparts. Although not required, Fanta's Fireman Skin Mod will provide your squad with matching hi-tech suits to bolster their performance and moral. Since this is essentially an automata reskin, there are no dependencies and no configuration is required. The improvement over the game's built-in battalion is immense and really helps it measure up to modern standards. *** This mod was originally posted along with many other spectacular creations by Fanta Soda on his SimCity China homepage with the following URL: http://www.SimCity.cn/thread-99303-1-1.html Fanta has taken great lengths to make his site accessible to English speaking users. However, I encourage you to exploit the automatic translation features available in browsers such as Chrome and Firefox, or one of many Add-ons for Internet Explorer. Mandatory registration will unlock Fanta's downloads and all other custom content on SimCity China. A login prompt and two verification screens may seem excessive, but are well worth it. Since Fanta spends considerable time manufacturing custom mods, he specifically requested my assistance publishing his work to the mainstream English speaking audience. All credit and responsibility for this download lies solely with Fanta Soda. He will personally read and perhaps respond to any praise, feedback, criticism, or suggestions to this post. More impressive works from FANTA1990 will follow. -
Version 5.0
9,311 Downloads
FANTA1990 Presents: When it comes to waste management in the game, landfills are probably the least popular option. After all, they exude pollution in every direction, occupy valuable grid space, and are woefully uninteresting to look at. The default tool just doesn't offer much room for originality other than size and shape of the zone. Nothing can make a huge heap of steaming refuse pretty, but now thanks to Fanta, it no longer has to be boring. This mod empowers you to assemble an extensive set of self-orienting puzzle pieces in endless combinations to form a lifelike plot of ordered filth. To be clear, all of the tiles except for one are purely cosmetic and pollution free. New with version 5.0 is a 1x1 puzzle piece that depicts an ordinary bulldozer with a very special function. Each tile plopped mimics the behavior of a small incinerator in respect to garbage reduced and pollution emitted. When plopped strategically throughout a landfill, they endow it with function in addition to form (Go ahead and eat your cake...) Review the change log for a complete list of enhancements. As before, combine them with other garbage consumption mods to achieve a captivating waste management solution totally unique to your city (A clever example using the PEG Garbage Chute is illustrated). Historically, landfills are the most common form of garbage disposal worldwide. So, it's not unreasonable to expect at least one such dump site in every region. Required: Landfill Plop V5.dat - Inserts several new icons for plopping landfill puzzle pieces in Mayor Mode --> Utilities Tools --> Build Sanitation Systems. Optional: SimPEG Plop Orientation Tool (SPOT) - Facilitates alignment of puzzle pieces using a visual queue in the lot preview. *** For the latest updates and other spectacular creations by Fanta Soda, visit his homepage on SimCity China at the following URL: http://www.SimCity.cn/thread-99303-1-1.html Fanta has taken great lengths to make his site accessible to English speaking users. However, I encourage you to exploit the automatic translation features available in browsers such as Chrome and Firefox, or one of many Add-ons for Internet Explorer. Mandatory registration will unlock Fanta's downloads and all other custom content on SimCity China. A login prompt and two verification screens may seem excessive, but are well worth it. Since Fanta spends considerable time manufacturing custom mods, he specifically requested my assistance publishing his work to the mainstream English speaking audience. All credit and responsibility for this download lies solely with Fanta Soda. He will personally read and perhaps respond to any praise, feedback, criticism, or suggestions to this post. More impressive works from FANTA1990 will follow. -
Cyclone Boom, you are a natural class act, a technical wizard, and a kind soul. rsc204's outburst was an opportunistic attack on my personal character with a hostile resolve that confounds me. I vow to stand mute in the face of such bitterness going forward, and carry on in good spirits exactly as you outlined. Despite the general upswing in tempo, this is still my favorite time of year. Best wishes to you and yours.
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This time of year is nuts for me, but I'm going to roll out my procedure asap to clear the waters. In the meantime, ask me anything (specific) you want. FWIW, I perceive you and the others as way out of my league. You're all heros in the one and only video game I've ever cared for. I won't even attempt to produce the content you've shared. I've NEVER suggested or endorsed anything illegal. To be accused of this is disheartening and offensive. One individual has been completely preoccupied with such things from the start. I came forward because I saw a need and I stand to gain nothing. I won't apologize again.
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I'm sorry to have upset you, but you have me completely wrong. Everything I've said is genuine and sincere. I don't pirate software. I purchased the game, Windows 10, and ST discs 2-4 (but I haven't gotten around to 5 yet). From what I learned here, there is only one existing way to play the game on Windows 10, but I'm not exactly sure how to do it except that it involves contacting Origin. I thought you would approve of posting both procedures together, so users could first try the current way. I'm sorry Man. Please forgive me.
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I'm referring to the existing, accepted, and preferred method of playing SC4 on Windows 10.
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UPDATE: Hammering a solution into place on one PC is quite different than making it work consistently across many. Naturally, I aim to amend my instructions periodically, but they will always generate a non-zero percent failure rate. I recently stumbled across the convoluted procedure Cyclone Boom likely referenced and others surely noticed. I'll refrain from naming its source in the interest of public safety. Nonetheless, it is an impressive attempt to manufacture a guide that considers every possible application and contingency. Fortunately, the limited scope of our objective allows me to bypass the bulk of it's content ergo reducing complexity, increasing stability, and heightening security. However, as we've already established, it's still not the foremost strategy. Prior to releasing my procedure or alongside it, I insist we post a clear guide to acquiring and installing the Digital Download too. If necessary, I'll procure the software myself and document the process. Moreover, I seriously consider this project central to the game's continued viability and therefore desire maximum exposure. What conflicts, if any, arise from simultaneously submitting my work on sc4devotion? I agree. A script will come later, if ever, and is certainly not a priority. Believe it or not, there does indeed exist a comprehensive solution to practically every visual anomaly or glitch caused by the game's outdated graphics. Once I can reproduce the problem, an answer won't be far behind.
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Thanks for that, it's a work thing. I can't overstate how thrilled I am to chat with the pros. Each of you are undisputed masters of your chosen skill area, and therefore possess my full attention. I will eagerly look into to your requests and provide you my assessment. Making stuff work better brings me great satisfaction, especially when it involves one of my favorite pastimes.
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I'm currently trying to isolate a few bugs that surfaced during testing. I expect even the least technical user to successfully complete this procedure using primarily copy/paste. I might eventually even assemble a script consisting of only a few basic prompts. I actually have a handful of platform tweaks (not mods) that enhance the SC4 gamer's experience under Windows 10... Kindly excuse the delay.
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Thanks all for your patience. It's been awhile since I needed this, so I had to walk myself through it all over again. In the process, I was able to shave off several steps, making the whole thing shockingly simple. Now, I just have to stitch together a few screenshots and inject some formatting. As it turns out, SECDRV.SYS is found in the Apps directory of Disc 1 (Go figure).
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I just want to add that there's nothing illicit about signing a driver. It's done using Microsoft tools, with the sole intention of playing the game as it was intended. The driver nor the operating system is altered in any way. Although the functionality can be reproduced on another computer, it cannot be transferred. Every single person performing the procedure explicitly grants their approval for the driver to operate on their own system. It's exactly why digital signatures were invented. The sole difference here being instead of the end user trusting a known commercial authority, they impart that trust on the person(s) from whom they acquired the capability. Just because functionality was removed from a core operating system, does not mean it is forbidden. The driver is active only during game play. Any conceivable threat, no matter how unlikely, is defeated upon closing the game. Furthermore, this particular example doesn't merely sign a file, but implements extended features of security certificates. Like he said, you won't find these instructions on google.
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Without quoting terminology or questioning semantics, I detect a distinctly nonpositive, almost adversarial tone. I hear heavy criticism and worry whether I'm about to proceed with my own execution. It's been said that every breakthrough breeds resentment. However, there's been ample time for others to come forward with the idea. Now I'm ready to share it on simtropolis unless someone with authority orders me not to. I will proceed knowing full well critics will likely find fault in anything I produce.
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I find it humorous that I haven't even disclosed what I plan to do with the file yet. The potential controversy is what discouraged me from publishing the hack all this time. Personally, I've never encountered any threats and doubt I ever will. Believe me when I say I've taken much greater risks. The question of ownership is not a new one. We can only hope that others share our integrity and like us, legitimately own both the software and the platform it runs on. Above all, I just love the game and wish to make it as accessible as possible to other customers who feel the same. Moving on, I'll follow Cyclone Boom's suggestion by starting a new topic and reference this ruckus with a footnote... in bold typeface.
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OK. The first step is to locate a copy of SECDRV.SYS (13KB x86 version). It's included with every copy of Windows XP/Vista/7 and found in %systemroot%\system32\drivers. Should I just post the remaining steps here, or is there a special section/format you'd like me to use?
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What can I do to convince you that I am and have been playing the DRM version for years on Windows 10? I am not soliciting information, but rather offering it.
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I've been playing the DRM version of SC4D/RH natively since Windows 8. I've never used the digital version, but ultimately it does sound like the best solution. That said, is there still any need for instructions to make the "disc" installation work in Windows 10? Perhaps I should have spoken up earlier
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Greetings everyone! Although largely unnoticed, I withdrew from the community upon the passing of my little brother in March of '16. Just prior, I discovered a secret of the software installation that could potentially benefit any style player and even help ensure the game's continued viability. However, that knowledge might have been disclosed or perhaps even documented since then. So, I must ascertain if there is any demand for the following procedure, confirmed working on Windows 7 through the recent release of Windows 10 requiring minimal freeware and no special skills: How to make SC4D utilize the discrete graphics adapter in your laptop for a significant performance boost.
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If the game really does utilize your nVidia card without any special workarounds, that's fantastic! However, it is easy to mistake. Fortunately, I don't experience any unwanted anomalies during game play or otherwise. Persuading Windows 10 to engage my performance adapter for SC4 was a hard won battle. So, I was eager to share the knowledge. However, I gather that is not the case en mass. Thank-you for your feedback.
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That would be a great feature indeed, but would negate the advantage of have two display adapters.
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All modern processors include fused within them a separate logical Graphics Processing Unit, not to be confused with the Central Processing Unit. It is optimized for power savings and usually the first one listed under Display Adapters in Device Manager. High-end laptops and many desktops also include a third-party display adapter engineered to efficiently handle the intense demand of modern 3D games and apps at the expense of higher energy consumption. Windows determines which of the two is most appropriate at runtime primarily by whether or not the program implements DirectX 9 or higher. Unfortunately, since SC4 uses DirectX 7, the faster card is never activated. Instead, it and other older games are forced to rely upon the slower, power-saving chip for all graphical computations. Even if explicitly instructed to utilize the high performance adapter through the driver's control panel, Windows does not honor the setting. Many have concluded there is no way around this limitation in modern PCs... until now.
