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Difference between revisions of "SimCity 4"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(→‎Availability: added Mac App Store)
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{{++}} [[#SC4Launcher|SC4Launcher]] and [[#NAM: Network Addon Mod|NAM: Network Addon Mod]] are both highly recommended.
 
{{++}} [[#SC4Launcher|SC4Launcher]] and [[#NAM: Network Addon Mod|NAM: Network Addon Mod]] are both highly recommended.
 
{{++}} Enable most fixes by using the [[#SC4Launcher|SC4Launcher]]/[[#Combined launch options|Combined launch options]], and then enabling [[#Video settings|Borderless fullscreen windowed]].
 
{{++}} Enable most fixes by using the [[#SC4Launcher|SC4Launcher]]/[[#Combined launch options|Combined launch options]], and then enabling [[#Video settings|Borderless fullscreen windowed]].
{{--}} The [[#Macs and Intel CPU major flaws|Mac port]] suffers many problems.
+
{{--}} The [[#OS X and Intel CPU major flaws|OS X port]] suffers many problems.
  
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
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{{mm}} [http://www.reddit.com/r/SimCity/ /r/SimCity]
 
{{mm}} [http://www.reddit.com/r/SimCity/ /r/SimCity]
 
{{mm}} [http://community.simtropolis.com/ Simtropolis Forum]
 
{{mm}} [http://community.simtropolis.com/ Simtropolis Forum]
{{mm}} [http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=937 Steam Power Users' Forum]
+
{{mm}} [http://steamcommunity.com/app/24780/discussions/ Steam Community Discussions]
 +
{{mm}} [http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=937 Steam Users' Forums]
  
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability Table|
 
{{Availability Table|
{{Availability Table/row| [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00457VJ3G/ Amazon] | {{ID|Amazon}} | Download or retail. }}
+
{{Availability Table/row| [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00457VJ3G/ Amazon.com] | {{ID|Amazon}} | Download or retail. }}
 
{{Availability Table/row| [http://store.origin.com/store/ea/en_US/DisplayProductDetailsPage/productID.198095500 Origin] | {{ID|Origin}} | }}
 
{{Availability Table/row| [http://store.origin.com/store/ea/en_US/DisplayProductDetailsPage/productID.198095500 Origin] | {{ID|Origin}} | }}
{{Availability Table/row| [http://www.greenmangaming.com/s/us/en/pc/games/simulation/simcity-4-deluxe-edition-na/ GreenMan Gaming] | {{ID|Gmg}}| }}
+
{{Availability Table/row| [http://www.greenmangaming.com/s/us/en/pc/games/simulation/simcity-4-deluxe-edition-na/ Green Man Gaming] | {{ID|Gmg}}| }}
 
{{Availability Table/row| [http://www.gamersgate.com/DD-SC4DEUS GamersGate] | {{ID|GamersGate}}| }}
 
{{Availability Table/row| [http://www.gamersgate.com/DD-SC4DEUS GamersGate] | {{ID|GamersGate}}| }}
 
{{Availability Table/row| [http://www.gamestop.com/pc/games/simcity-4-deluxe-edition/78544 GameStop] | {{ID|GameStop}}| }}
 
{{Availability Table/row| [http://www.gamestop.com/pc/games/simcity-4-deluxe-edition/78544 GameStop] | {{ID|GameStop}}| }}
 
{{Availability Table/row| [http://store.steampowered.com/app/24780/ Steam] | {{ID|Steam}} | }}
 
{{Availability Table/row| [http://store.steampowered.com/app/24780/ Steam] | {{ID|Steam}} | }}
 +
{{Availability Table/row| [https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/simcity-4-deluxe-edition/id804079949 Mac App Store] | {{ID|MacApp}} |Deluxe Edition. OS X only.}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{++}} It is recommended to only use Deluxe version which includes the Rush Hour expansion pack, as this has the highest compatibility with mods and other fixes.<ref>
 
{{++}} It is recommended to only use Deluxe version which includes the Rush Hour expansion pack, as this has the highest compatibility with mods and other fixes.<ref>
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====[http://community.simtropolis.com/topic/54082-simcity-4-launcher-sc4launcher-updated-r5/ SC4Launcher]====
 
====[http://community.simtropolis.com/topic/54082-simcity-4-launcher-sc4launcher-updated-r5/ SC4Launcher]====
 
{{ii}} Launcher utility that can be installed.
 
{{ii}} Launcher utility that can be installed.
{{++}} Combines autosaving (customisable intervals), renderer choice (DirectX, Software, OpenGL), CPU priority, [[#Single CPU affinity|single CPU affinity]], [[#Custom resolution|Custom resolution]], [[#Windowed|windowed]], [[#Skip intro videos|skip intro videos]] and an ATI/AMD graphics card fix into a single launcher program.
+
{{++}} Combines autosaving (customisable intervals), renderer choice (DirectX, Software, OpenGL), CPU priority, [[#Single CPU affinity|single CPU affinity]], [[#Widescreen resolution|widescreen resolution]], [[#Windowed|windowed]], [[#Skip intro videos|skip intro videos]] and an ATI/AMD graphics card fix into a single launcher program.
  
 
====Combined launch options====
 
====Combined launch options====
 
{{ii}} Single line of code to be added to 'Target' field of the shortcut or to Steam launch options.
 
{{ii}} Single line of code to be added to 'Target' field of the shortcut or to Steam launch options.
{{++}} Combines [[#Custom resolution|Custom resolution]], [[#Windowed|windowed]], [[#Single CPU affinity|single CPU affinity]], [[#Skip intro videos|skip intro videos]].
+
{{++}} Combines [[#Widescreen resolution|widescreen resolution]], [[#Windowed|windowed]], [[#Single CPU affinity|single CPU affinity]], [[#Skip intro videos|skip intro videos]].
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Combined launch options reference}}
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Combined launch options reference}}
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==Game data==
 
==Game data==
===Save game location===
+
===Save game data location===
{{Game Location Table|
+
{{Game data|
{{Game Location Table/row|Windows|%USERPROFILE%\My Documents\SimCity 4\Regions}}
+
{{Game data/row|Windows|%USERPROFILE%\Documents\SimCity 4\Regions}}
{{Game Location Table/row|OS X|USER/Documents/SimCity 4/Regions}}
+
{{Game data/row|OS X|~/Documents/SimCity 4/Regions}}
 
}}
 
}}
{{--}} Beware of issues when using [[#Duplicate cities will move from region to download folder|multiple duplicate cities]].
+
{{--}} Beware of issues when using [[#Duplicate cities moved|multiple duplicate cities]].
  
===[[Save game cloud syncing]]===
+
===[[Glossary:Save game cloud syncing|Save game cloud syncing]]===
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
 
{{Save game cloud syncing
 
|origin                =  
 
|origin                =  
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|vsync                      = false
 
|vsync                      = false
 
|vsync notes                =  
 
|vsync notes                =  
 +
|oculus rift                = unknown
 +
|oculus rift notes          =
 +
|high frame rate            = unknown
 +
|high frame rate notes      =
 +
|color blind                = unknown
 +
|color blind notes          =
 
}}
 
}}
  
=== Skip intro videos ===
+
===Skip intro videos===
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Target line to skip intro videos}}
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Target line to skip intro videos}}
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}}
 
}}
  
===[[Widescreen resolution]]===
+
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]===
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Target line to enable widescreen resolution|ref=<ref>http://www.widescreengaming.net/wiki/SimCity_4</ref>}}
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Target line to enable widescreen resolution|ref=<ref>http://www.widescreengaming.net/wiki/SimCity_4</ref>}}
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}}
 
}}
  
=== [[Windowed]] ===
+
===[[Glossary:Borderless fullscreen windowed|Windowed]]===
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Target line to set windowed mode}}
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Target line to set windowed mode}}
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{{Input settings
 
{{Input settings
 
|key remap                = hackable
 
|key remap                = hackable
|key remap notes          = See [[Key Rebinding]]
+
|key remap notes          = See [[#Remapping|Remapping]].
 +
|acceleration option      = unknown
 +
|acceleration option notes =
 
|mouse menu                = true
 
|mouse menu                = true
 
|mouse menu notes          =  
 
|mouse menu notes          =  
 +
|invert mouse y-axis      = n/a
 +
|invert mouse y-axis notes =
 
|controller support        = false
 
|controller support        = false
 
|controller support notes  =  
 
|controller support notes  =  
 +
|full controller          = unknown
 +
|full controller notes    =
 +
|controller remap          = unknown
 +
|controller remap notes    =
 +
|invert controller y-axis  = unknown
 +
|invert controller y-axis notes=
 
|touchscreen              = unknown
 
|touchscreen              = unknown
 
|touchscreen notes        =  
 
|touchscreen notes        =  
 
}}
 
}}
  
=== Key Rebinding ===
+
===[[Glossary:Remapping|Remapping]]===
 
Hotkeys and similar key bindings are stored in plaintext KEYCFG files in simcity_1.dat. A tool like [http://sourceforge.net/projects/ilive-reader/ Ilive Reader] must be used to edit these.
 
Hotkeys and similar key bindings are stored in plaintext KEYCFG files in simcity_1.dat. A tool like [http://sourceforge.net/projects/ilive-reader/ Ilive Reader] must be used to edit these.
  
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|surround sound          = false
 
|surround sound          = false
 
|surround sound notes    =  
 
|surround sound notes    =  
|subtitles                = false
+
|subtitles                = n/a
 
|subtitles notes          =  
 
|subtitles notes          =  
 
|closed captions          =  
 
|closed captions          =  
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|eax support              =  
 
|eax support              =  
 
|eax support notes        =  
 
|eax support notes        =  
 +
}}
 +
 +
{{L10n|content=
 +
{{ii}} Language choice determines display language and which side of the road cars drive on.
 +
{{ii}} The language can be forced if needed but only if the release being used includes that language (see [[#Change language|Change language]]).
 +
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = English
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = Some releases also include UK English (cars drive on the left).
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Danish
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Dutch
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = French
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = German
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Italian
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Spanish
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Swedish
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    =
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Finnish
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = European retail only.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Norwegian
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = European retail only.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Polish
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = European retail only.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Portuguese
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = European retail only.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Traditional Chinese
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = Chinese retail only.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Simplified Chinese
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = Chinese retail only.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Korean
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = Korean retail only.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Japanese
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = Japanese retail only.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 +
{{L10n/switch
 +
|language  = Thai
 +
|interface = true
 +
|audio    = n/a
 +
|subtitles = n/a
 +
|notes    = Thai retail only.
 +
|fan      =
 +
}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Issues unresolved==
 
==Issues unresolved==
=== Macs and Intel CPU major flaws ===
+
===OS X and Intel CPU major flaws===
 
{{--}} Major flaws when operating on computers by Apple using Intel processors.
 
{{--}} Major flaws when operating on computers by Apple using Intel processors.
 
{{--}} Aspyr released a beta of a patch to fix the problems in 2007, but the patch was never finalized and many bugs remain. Some have a serious impact on playability, including frequent crashes if a city exceeds 95,000 population, flawed display of the water surface, frequent blurring or replacement of objects with random other objects, and an inability to significantly accelerate the vehicle in driving mode that prevents many gameplay features from being unlocked.
 
{{--}} Aspyr released a beta of a patch to fix the problems in 2007, but the patch was never finalized and many bugs remain. Some have a serious impact on playability, including frequent crashes if a city exceeds 95,000 population, flawed display of the water surface, frequent blurring or replacement of objects with random other objects, and an inability to significantly accelerate the vehicle in driving mode that prevents many gameplay features from being unlocked.
{{--}} MacOS 10.9 (OS X Mavericks) can render the game completely unplayable, even with the 2007 patch. Running the Windows version in [[WINE]] or a Virtual Machine generally gives a more convenient and reliable result.
+
{{--}} OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) can render the game completely unplayable, even with the 2007 patch. Running the Windows version in [[Wine]] or a Virtual Machine generally gives a more convenient and reliable result.
  
=== Integer overflow ===
+
===Integer overflow===
 
An integer overflow bug is also present in the game. Under certain conditions, the Junior Sports Program and Parks and Recreation expense items will be a negative value - thus adding to the end of month balance instead of reducing it.
 
An integer overflow bug is also present in the game. Under certain conditions, the Junior Sports Program and Parks and Recreation expense items will be a negative value - thus adding to the end of month balance instead of reducing it.
  
 
==Issues fixed==
 
==Issues fixed==
=== Crashes on multi-core systems ===
+
===Crashes on multi-core systems===
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Single CPU affinity|ref=<ref>http://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Sim-City-4-Crashing this tutorial]</ref><ref>http://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Sim-City-4-Crashing this tutorial</ref>}}
 
{{Fixbox/fix|Single CPU affinity|ref=<ref>http://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Sim-City-4-Crashing this tutorial]</ref><ref>http://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Sim-City-4-Crashing this tutorial</ref>}}
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}}
 
}}
  
=== Industrial high-tech (I-H) missing jobs ===
+
===Industrial high-tech (I-H) missing jobs===
 
{{--}} Every I-H lot in the game does not offer high wealth jobs even though it creates a demand for high wealth residents.
 
{{--}} Every I-H lot in the game does not offer high wealth jobs even though it creates a demand for high wealth residents.
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox|1=
Line 232: Line 392:
 
}}
 
}}
  
=== Error message: "Could not initialize graphics card" ===
+
===Error message: "Could not initialize graphics card"===
 
SimCity 4 may crash on startup while reporting an error that claims that SimCity 4 was unable to initialize the graphics card, this may occur when using a hardware-accelerated rendering mode and a non-standard resolution. Changing the rendering mode to "software" or changing the resolution to one of the supported resolutions (800x600, 1024x768, 1280x1024, 1600x1200) should resolve this issue.
 
SimCity 4 may crash on startup while reporting an error that claims that SimCity 4 was unable to initialize the graphics card, this may occur when using a hardware-accelerated rendering mode and a non-standard resolution. Changing the rendering mode to "software" or changing the resolution to one of the supported resolutions (800x600, 1024x768, 1280x1024, 1600x1200) should resolve this issue.
  
=== Details disappear when scrolling ===
+
===Details disappear when scrolling===
 
{{--}} On some AMD/ATI graphics cards users may find that scrolling the view will cause entities and details to temporarily disappear, including lots appearing completely empty until scrolling stops.  
 
{{--}} On some AMD/ATI graphics cards users may find that scrolling the view will cause entities and details to temporarily disappear, including lots appearing completely empty until scrolling stops.  
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox|1=
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{{ii}} Be sure your installation of SimCity 4 is updated to the latest version. Updating it afterwards will remove the fix.
 
{{ii}} Be sure your installation of SimCity 4 is updated to the latest version. Updating it afterwards will remove the fix.
 
{{++}} This fix removes outdated compatibility options that impair performance.
 
{{++}} This fix removes outdated compatibility options that impair performance.
# Open the file GraphicsRules.sgr in the game's root directory in any text editor.
+
# Open the file GraphicsRules.sgr in the game's root folder in any text editor.
 
# Search for the line <code>stringMatch cardIdentity "*7?00*"</code>
 
# Search for the line <code>stringMatch cardIdentity "*7?00*"</code>
 
# Modify the line so it reads <code>stringMatch cardIdentity "*Radeon 7?00*"</code>
 
# Modify the line so it reads <code>stringMatch cardIdentity "*Radeon 7?00*"</code>
Line 249: Line 409:
 
Alternatively, this can be resolved by installing the [http://community.simtropolis.com/topic/54082-simcity-4-launcher-updated-140b-r7/ SC4Launcher Utility.] Once installed, run the launcher and navigate to the 'Hardware & Audio' tab. Enable the option 'Force Draw on Scroll' by checking the tick box. This should resolve the issue completely and will remain fixed regardless of whether the game is started with this custom launcher or through running the normal SimCity 4 executable.
 
Alternatively, this can be resolved by installing the [http://community.simtropolis.com/topic/54082-simcity-4-launcher-updated-140b-r7/ SC4Launcher Utility.] Once installed, run the launcher and navigate to the 'Hardware & Audio' tab. Enable the option 'Force Draw on Scroll' by checking the tick box. This should resolve the issue completely and will remain fixed regardless of whether the game is started with this custom launcher or through running the normal SimCity 4 executable.
  
== Other information ==
+
==Other information==
=== Retail patches ===
+
===Retail patches===
 
{{ii}} EA hosts [https://www.ea.com/simcity-4-deluxe one all-encompassing update] that includes all patch fixes for all versions of the game.
 
{{ii}} EA hosts [https://www.ea.com/simcity-4-deluxe one all-encompassing update] that includes all patch fixes for all versions of the game.
 
{{++}} Retail versions can be registered on Origin through the CD key.
 
{{++}} Retail versions can be registered on Origin through the CD key.
  
=== Duplicate cities moved ===
+
===Duplicate cities moved===
 
{{--}} If two or more copies of the same city exist in the Region folder upon starting SimCity 4, the game uses only one version and the other city copies are either deleted or automatically moved to the Downloads folder.  
 
{{--}} If two or more copies of the same city exist in the Region folder upon starting SimCity 4, the game uses only one version and the other city copies are either deleted or automatically moved to the Downloads folder.  
 
{{--}} SimCity 4 determines which file to use by sorting the city file names alphabetically and taking the first entry.
 
{{--}} SimCity 4 determines which file to use by sorting the city file names alphabetically and taking the first entry.
Line 273: Line 433:
 
The availability of these sets depends on where the game was purchased, or where the purchaser's billing address states in the case of Digital Distribution.
 
The availability of these sets depends on where the game was purchased, or where the purchaser's billing address states in the case of Digital Distribution.
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox|1=
{{Fixbox/fix|Change language through launch options|<ref>http://www.wiki.sc4devotion.com/index.php?title=Tutorial:Shortcut_Parameters</ref>}}
+
{{Fixbox/fix|Change language through launch options|ref=<ref>http://www.wiki.sc4devotion.com/index.php?title=Tutorial:Shortcut_Parameters</ref>}}
 
If running retail or Origin version, set the 'Target' field of the shortcut or add to Steam launch options:  
 
If running retail or Origin version, set the 'Target' field of the shortcut or add to Steam launch options:  
  
Line 281: Line 441:
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Fixbox|1=
 
{{Fixbox|1=
{{Fixbox/fix|Change language through regedit|<ref>http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=3961.0</ref>}}
+
{{Fixbox/fix|Change language through regedit|ref=<ref>http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=3961.0</ref>}}
 
A detailed guide can be found on the [http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=3961.0 SimCity Devotion thread by RippleJet].
 
A detailed guide can be found on the [http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=3961.0 SimCity Devotion thread by RippleJet].
 
}}
 
}}
Line 287: Line 447:
 
{{ii}}The game also recognises Czech, Hebrew, Greek and Russian, however no official translations were ever released and no community translations have been made, possibly due to lack of compatible font sets.
 
{{ii}}The game also recognises Czech, Hebrew, Greek and Russian, however no official translations were ever released and no community translations have been made, possibly due to lack of compatible font sets.
  
== Mods ==
+
==Mods==
 
{{ii}} Mods may require dependencies.  
 
{{ii}} Mods may require dependencies.  
  
=== Mod resources ===
+
===Mod resources===
 
{{mm}} [http://www.simtropolis.com Simtropolis] - a very active modding community, hosts the [http://community.simtropolis.com/files/category/1-simcity-4/ ST/Exchange] (SimTropolisEXchange).
 
{{mm}} [http://www.simtropolis.com Simtropolis] - a very active modding community, hosts the [http://community.simtropolis.com/files/category/1-simcity-4/ ST/Exchange] (SimTropolisEXchange).
 
{{mm}} [http://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/ SC4 Devotion] - a very active modding community, hosts the [http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/Default.htm LEX] (Lot Exchange).
 
{{mm}} [http://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/ SC4 Devotion] - a very active modding community, hosts the [http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/Default.htm LEX] (Lot Exchange).
 
{{mm}} [http://community.simtropolis.com/topic/25918-all-you-can-modify-in-simcity-4-poll-inside/ Thread listing all possible settings and customisations]
 
{{mm}} [http://community.simtropolis.com/topic/25918-all-you-can-modify-in-simcity-4-poll-inside/ Thread listing all possible settings and customisations]
  
=== Mod recommendations ===
+
===Mod recommendations===
 
{{mm}} [https://sites.google.com/site/sc4modds/ sc4modds] - full list of mods from [http://www.reddit.com/r/SimCity/ /r/SimCity] community.
 
{{mm}} [https://sites.google.com/site/sc4modds/ sc4modds] - full list of mods from [http://www.reddit.com/r/SimCity/ /r/SimCity] community.
 
{{mm}} [http://www.reddit.com/r/SimCity/comments/102cuf/awesome_essential_sc4_mods_updated/ Reddit thread - September 17, 2012]
 
{{mm}} [http://www.reddit.com/r/SimCity/comments/102cuf/awesome_essential_sc4_mods_updated/ Reddit thread - September 17, 2012]
 
{{mm}} [http://www.reddit.com/r/SimCity/comments/orbt2/the_super_ultimate_awesome_essential_sc4_mod/ Reddit thread - January 22, 2012]
 
{{mm}} [http://www.reddit.com/r/SimCity/comments/orbt2/the_super_ultimate_awesome_essential_sc4_mod/ Reddit thread - January 22, 2012]
  
=== [http://www.wiki.sc4devotion.com/index.php?title=Colossus_Addon_Mod Colossus Addon Mod (CAM)] ===
+
===[http://www.wiki.sc4devotion.com/index.php?title=Colossus_Addon_Mod Colossus Addon Mod (CAM)]===
 
{{ii}} A significant and popular mod developed by the community at [http://sc4devotion.com SC4 Devotion].
 
{{ii}} A significant and popular mod developed by the community at [http://sc4devotion.com SC4 Devotion].
 
{{++}} Rewrites and improves how cities and regions grow by including more 'lots' or building transition stages, and increases population density.
 
{{++}} Rewrites and improves how cities and regions grow by including more 'lots' or building transition stages, and increases population density.
{{++}} Compatible with [[#NAM:_Network_Addon_Mod|NAM: Network Addon Mod]] - when installing CAM, select 'no traffic simulator'. <ref>http://www.wiki.sc4devotion.com/index.php?title=Colossus_Addon_Mod#NAM_.2B_CAM</ref>
+
{{++}} Compatible with [[#NAM:_Network_Addon_Mod|NAM: Network Addon Mod]] - when installing CAM, select 'no traffic simulator'.<ref>http://www.wiki.sc4devotion.com/index.php?title=Colossus_Addon_Mod#NAM_.2B_CAM</ref>
  
=== Tools ===
+
===Tools===
 
* [http://www.thehobbykingdom.com/forum/default.aspx?g=posts&t=3621 SimCity 4 Auto Saver] - autosave program for SimCity 4 that will automatically save your game while you play, superseded by the [[#SC4Launcher|SC4Launcher]].
 
* [http://www.thehobbykingdom.com/forum/default.aspx?g=posts&t=3621 SimCity 4 Auto Saver] - autosave program for SimCity 4 that will automatically save your game while you play, superseded by the [[#SC4Launcher|SC4Launcher]].
 
* [http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=731 SC4Terraformer] - this is a widely used tool that can render custom maps designed and built within the program.
 
* [http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=731 SC4Terraformer] - this is a widely used tool that can render custom maps designed and built within the program.
Line 315: Line 475:
  
 
|minOS    = 98, ME, 2000, XP
 
|minOS    = 98, ME, 2000, XP
|minproc  = Pentium III 500 MHz or equivalent
+
|minCPU  = Pentium III 500 MHz or equivalent
 
|minmem  = 128 MB (256 MB for XP)
 
|minmem  = 128 MB (256 MB for XP)
 
|minHD    = 1 GB hard drive space
 
|minHD    = 1 GB hard drive space
Line 321: Line 481:
 
|minVRAM  = 32
 
|minVRAM  = 32
  
|recproc  = 1 GHz or faster
+
|recCPU  = 1 GHz or faster
 
|recmem  = 256 MB
 
|recmem  = 256 MB
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
{{References}}
 
{{References}}

Revision as of 10:33, 20 April 2014

Template:Infobox game/row/osxporter
SimCity 4
SimCity 4 cover
Developers
Maxis
Publishers
Electronic Arts
Release dates
Windows January 14, 2003
macOS (OS X) June 20, 2003
SimCity 4 on Wikipedia
SimCity
Subseries of Sim
SimCity (1989) 1989
SimCity 2000 1994
SimCity 2000 Network Edition 1996
SimCopter 1996
Streets of SimCity 1997
SimCity 3000 1999
SimCity 4 2003
SimCity Societies 2007
SimCity (2013) 2013

Key points

Poorly optimised, but fixable on modern Windows PCs.
SC4Launcher and NAM: Network Addon Mod are both highly recommended.
Enable most fixes by using the SC4Launcher/Combined launch options, and then enabling Borderless fullscreen windowed.
The OS X port suffers many problems.

General information

sc4modds - full list of mods from /r/SimCity community.
/r/SimCity
Simtropolis Forum
Steam Community Discussions
Steam Users' Forums

Availability

Template:Availability Table

It is recommended to only use Deluxe version which includes the Rush Hour expansion pack, as this has the highest compatibility with mods and other fixes.[1]
Retail keys can be redeemed on Origin.[2][3]

Essential improvements

Launching game on modern systems

SC4Launcher

Launcher utility that can be installed.
Combines autosaving (customisable intervals), renderer choice (DirectX, Software, OpenGL), CPU priority, single CPU affinity, widescreen resolution, windowed, skip intro videos and an ATI/AMD graphics card fix into a single launcher program.

Combined launch options

Single line of code to be added to 'Target' field of the shortcut or to Steam launch options.
Combines widescreen resolution, windowed, single CPU affinity, skip intro videos.
Instructions

NAM: Network Addon Mod

Extensively reworks of the road system, improves traffic simulator, path-finding and performance.

Game data

Save game data location

Template:Game data/rowTemplate:Game data/row
System Location
Steam Play (Linux) <Steam-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/24780/pfx/[Note 1]
Beware of issues when using multiple duplicate cities.

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
Steam Cloud

Video settings

Template:Video settings

Skip intro videos

Instructions

Widescreen resolution

Instructions

Windowed

Instructions

Input settings

Template:Input settings

Remapping

Hotkeys and similar key bindings are stored in plaintext KEYCFG files in simcity_1.dat. A tool like Ilive Reader must be used to edit these.

Audio settings

Template:Audio settings

Localizations

Language choice determines display language and which side of the road cars drive on.
The language can be forced if needed but only if the release being used includes that language (see Change language).
Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Some releases also include UK English (cars drive on the left).
Danish
Dutch
French
German
Italian
Spanish
Swedish
Finnish
European retail only.
Norwegian
European retail only.
Polish
European retail only.
Portuguese
European retail only.
Traditional Chinese
Chinese retail only.
Simplified Chinese
Chinese retail only.
Korean
Korean retail only.
Japanese
Japanese retail only.
Thai
Thai retail only.

Issues unresolved

OS X and Intel CPU major flaws

Major flaws when operating on computers by Apple using Intel processors.
Aspyr released a beta of a patch to fix the problems in 2007, but the patch was never finalized and many bugs remain. Some have a serious impact on playability, including frequent crashes if a city exceeds 95,000 population, flawed display of the water surface, frequent blurring or replacement of objects with random other objects, and an inability to significantly accelerate the vehicle in driving mode that prevents many gameplay features from being unlocked.
OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) can render the game completely unplayable, even with the 2007 patch. Running the Windows version in Wine or a Virtual Machine generally gives a more convenient and reliable result.

Integer overflow

An integer overflow bug is also present in the game. Under certain conditions, the Junior Sports Program and Parks and Recreation expense items will be a negative value - thus adding to the end of month balance instead of reducing it.

Issues fixed

Crashes on multi-core systems

Instructions
Instructions
Instructions

Poor performance on modern systems

Running SimCity 4 on modern systems may result in large performance problems.
Instructions

Industrial high-tech (I-H) missing jobs

Every I-H lot in the game does not offer high wealth jobs even though it creates a demand for high wealth residents.
Instructions

Error message: "Could not initialize graphics card"

SimCity 4 may crash on startup while reporting an error that claims that SimCity 4 was unable to initialize the graphics card, this may occur when using a hardware-accelerated rendering mode and a non-standard resolution. Changing the rendering mode to "software" or changing the resolution to one of the supported resolutions (800x600, 1024x768, 1280x1024, 1600x1200) should resolve this issue.

Details disappear when scrolling

On some AMD/ATI graphics cards users may find that scrolling the view will cause entities and details to temporarily disappear, including lots appearing completely empty until scrolling stops.
Instructions

Alternatively, this can be resolved by installing the SC4Launcher Utility. Once installed, run the launcher and navigate to the 'Hardware & Audio' tab. Enable the option 'Force Draw on Scroll' by checking the tick box. This should resolve the issue completely and will remain fixed regardless of whether the game is started with this custom launcher or through running the normal SimCity 4 executable.

Other information

Retail patches

EA hosts one all-encompassing update that includes all patch fixes for all versions of the game.
Retail versions can be registered on Origin through the CD key.

Duplicate cities moved

If two or more copies of the same city exist in the Region folder upon starting SimCity 4, the game uses only one version and the other city copies are either deleted or automatically moved to the Downloads folder.
SimCity 4 determines which file to use by sorting the city file names alphabetically and taking the first entry.
If you have copies of cities in your region folder, e.g. "City - TEST 1.sc4" "City - TEST 2.sc4", then only "City - TEST 1.sc4" will be kept, and "City - TEST 2.sc4"either get deleted or will be moved to the Downloads folder

Launch options

More parameters can be found via this link. Please be aware that if you use the -UserDir parameter, changes made in any ingame options may not be saved properly.

Change language

Language choice determines display language and which side of the road cars drive on.
Supported languages sets include:
  • English and Spanish (North American version)
  • UK English, French, German, Spanish, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese and Swedish (European version)
  • Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese (Chinese version)
  • Korean (Korean version)
  • Japanese (Japanese version)
  • Thai (Thailand version)

The availability of these sets depends on where the game was purchased, or where the purchaser's billing address states in the case of Digital Distribution.

Instructions
Instructions
The game also recognises Czech, Hebrew, Greek and Russian, however no official translations were ever released and no community translations have been made, possibly due to lack of compatible font sets.

Mods

Mods may require dependencies.

Mod resources

Simtropolis - a very active modding community, hosts the ST/Exchange (SimTropolisEXchange).
SC4 Devotion - a very active modding community, hosts the LEX (Lot Exchange).
Thread listing all possible settings and customisations

Mod recommendations

sc4modds - full list of mods from /r/SimCity community.
Reddit thread - September 17, 2012
Reddit thread - January 22, 2012

Colossus Addon Mod (CAM)

A significant and popular mod developed by the community at SC4 Devotion.
Rewrites and improves how cities and regions grow by including more 'lots' or building transition stages, and increases population density.
Compatible with NAM: Network Addon Mod - when installing CAM, select 'no traffic simulator'.[4]

Tools

  • SimCity 4 Auto Saver - autosave program for SimCity 4 that will automatically save your game while you play, superseded by the SC4Launcher.
  • SC4Terraformer - this is a widely used tool that can render custom maps designed and built within the program.
  • SC4DataNode - this is a tool that checks your plugins folder, analyzes it, and tells you if any mods are missing dependencies.

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 98, ME, 2000, XP
Processor (CPU) Pentium III 500 MHz or equivalent
System memory (RAM)
Hard disk drive (HDD) 1 GB hard drive space
Video card (GPU) DirectX 7.0 compatible
32 of VRAM

Notes

  1. File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data (use Wine regedit to access Windows registry paths). Games with Steam Cloud support may store data in ~/.steam/steam/userdata/<user-id>/24780/ in addition to or instead of this directory. The app ID (24780) may differ in some cases. Treat backslashes as forward slashes. See the glossary page for details.

References