Difference between revisions of "SimCity 4"

Revision as of 13:18, 13 March 2013

Template:Infobox SimCity (series) Key points

Poorly optimised, but fixable on modern PCs.

SimCity 4 Auto Saver and NAM: Network Addon Mod are both highly recommended.

Enable most fixes by using the Combined launch options, and then enabling Borderless fullscreen windowed.

General information

sc4modds - full list of mods from /r/SimCity community.

Simtropolis Forum

Steam Power Users' Forum

Availability

Template:Availability Table

SimCity 4 is normally only available as SimCity 4 Deluxe, which includes the Rush Hour expansion pack.

It is recommended to only use Deluxe version only, as this has the highest compatibility with mods and other fixes.^[1]

Activate on Origin

All versions register on Origin.^[2]

http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showpost.php?p=29867965&postcount=274

Essential improvements

File:SimCity 4 Auto Saver.png

SimCity 4 Auto Saver.

Combined launch options

Combines Custom 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.

Autosave program for SimCity 4 that will automatically save your game while you play. The program, created by User Yabo of the Hobby Kingdom, allows you to adjust the frequency of the saving, and runs in the background as you play.

Game data

Save game location

Template:Game Location Table

Beware of issues when using multiple duplicate cities.

Save game cloud syncing

Template:Save Game Cloud Syncing

Video settings

Template:Video Settings

Skip intro videos

Instructions

Widescreen resolution

Instructions

Windowed

Instructions

Issues unresolved

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.

Macs 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.

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

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.

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 include: English, UK English, Traditional Chinese and Japanese, depending on where the game has been purchased.

Instructions

Instructions

Mods

Please keep in mind that some mods may require dependencies. Dependencies are files essential for properly running the mod and must be downloaded. The dependencies for each mod are listed on the respective mod's page. Also, the sites on which you will find these mods require that you create a free account in order to actually download the content.

Mod lists and resources

Simtropolis is a very active modding community.

Simtropolis thread

Reddit thread - September 17, 2012

Reddit thread - January 22, 2012

Modding tools

SC4Terraformer - this is a widely used tool that ca render custom maps designed and built within the program.
SC4DataNode - this is a tool that checks your pugins folder, analyzes it, and tells you if any mods are missing dependencies or not.

System requirements

Template:System Requirements

References

[1] ttp://community.simtropolis.com/topic/25419-faqs-and-download-links-for-nam-rhw-and-nwm/#entry685177

[2] ttp://answers.ea.com/t5/Miscellaneous-Issues/SimCity-4-Register-retail-copy-of-Sim-City-4-with-Origin/td-p/280612

[1]

[2]

@@ Line 203: / Line 203: @@
 == Mods ==
-This section is originally based on [http://www.reddit.com/r/SimCity/comments/orbt2/the_super_ultimate_awesome_essential_sc4_mod/ this reddit thread] by [http://www.reddit.com/user/remixof1983 remixof1983], used here with permission and remixed for ease of use. Additionally, [http://community.simtropolis.com/topic/25918-all-you-can-modify-in-simcity-4-poll-inside/page__st__30__hl__ this] thread has been used as a point of reference.
 Please keep in mind that some mods may require dependencies. Dependencies are files essential for properly running the mod and must be downloaded. The dependencies for each mod are listed on the respective mod's page. Also, the sites on which you will find these mods require that you create a free account in order to actually download the content.
-Some of these mods, and many others, can be found on the site [http://www.simtropolis.com Simtropolis].
+=== Mod lists and resources ===
+{{mm}} [http://www.simtropolis.com Simtropolis] is a very active modding community.
-*[http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/files/file/19734-sam-street-addon-mod-version-3/ SAM: Street Addon Mod]. The SAM includes a few set of roads for your city. Gravel, dirt, asphalt, cobblestone and brick roads give you a lot more control over individual neighborhoods. The mod uses starter pieces, so read the instructions before you begin to use it.
+{{mm}} [http://community.simtropolis.com/topic/25918-all-you-can-modify-in-simcity-4-poll-inside/ Simtropolis thread]
-*[http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/23827-network-widening-mod-windows/ NMW: Network Widening Mod]. The NWM is a content pack for the NAM, which adds 3, 5, 6 and 7 lane roads and avenues. It is useful for decorating your city, but the roads help reduce traffic stress as well.
+{{mm}} [http://www.reddit.com/r/SimCity/comments/102cuf/awesome_essential_sc4_mods_updated/ Reddit thread - September 17, 2012]
-*[http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/files/file/19188-realhighway-mod-for-windows/ RealHighway Mod]. The RHM is another content pack for the NAM that provides a new set of highway intersections that utilize dirt roads. These cost less to build and maintain, so they are recommended for rural use. The mod also includes a set of double decker highways and intersections.
+{{mm}} [http://www.reddit.com/r/SimCity/comments/orbt2/the_super_ultimate_awesome_essential_sc4_mod/ Reddit thread - January 22, 2012]
-*[http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/26586-railway-addon-mod-ram-single-track-rail-str-for-windows/ Railway Addon Mod]. The RAM is yet another content pack for the NAM, albeit a simple one. It incorporates a network of single rail tracks into the game, interchangeable at will with the standard rail tracks.
-*[http://www.simpeg.com/forum/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=614 SPAM: '''S'''im'''P'''eg '''A'''gricultural '''M'''od]. The SPAM is a mod that completely replaces the farming system, which was left unfinished at the time of the game's release. It raises farming's importance in the early game to a very high degree, at which point it is actually viable to create cities solely based on agriculture. Being such a popular mod, SPAM [http://www.simpeg.com/forum/index.php?action=downloads;cat=51 addons] exist that allow you to customize your agricultural city even further with that take things even further with custom buildings, roads and lots.
-*[http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=2039.0 CAM: Colossus Addon Mod]. The CAM allows you to use CAMeLots, which completely redefine the look of the game. If you're tired of the same old buildings popping up in your city, CAM alters the stage growth of in-game buildings for better development, which has the effect of spicing up the game by adding a ton of new buildings. There are many dependencies.
-*[http://www.simpeg.com/forum/index.php?action=downloads;cat=35 CDK3: Marina]. Marina is a part of the [http://www.simpeg.com/forum/index.php?action=downloads;cat=12 Coastal Development Kit], which is a series of mods and lots to liven up your coasts, including seaports, seaport villages and boardwalks. They give you an entirely new marina for your game and allow you to actually expend the marina along the entire coast with additional buildings such as boat storage, a yacht club, a sport fishing club, a marina parking lot, and more. The full collection is found [http://www.simpeg.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=295a6e89d0af9c615275d6f50999cf8f&action=downloads;cat=12 here].[http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/7186/marina6.jpg This image] shows you what you can create with the entirety of the CDK3.
-*[http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/files/file/15604-rmip-2-small-airport-edition-vol-1/ RMIP: Runway Making Improvement Project]. The RMIP allows for the creation of unique airports via the infrastructure creation plops. Additional plops can be found [http://community.simtropolis.com/index.php?app=core&module=search&do=user_activity&search_app=downloads&mid=93676 here].Although it won't be out for quite a while, the team behind this are already working on the next mod in this series which you can follow here: [http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6985.0 RMIP-3 Large Airport Edition].
-*[http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/files/file/26923-paengs-parks-revisited/ Paeng's Parks]. This mod gives you the power to create truly beautiful parks in your city, including paths, gardens, gazebos, monuments and similar attractions found in parks. Addons add [http://www.simpeg.com/forum/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=663 administration buildings] and [http://www.simpeg.com/forum/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=678 cemetery walls]. [http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5012419/Plex/centralpark/central03.jpg This] and [http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5012419/Plex/centralpark/central04.jpg this] are two examples of the amazing parks you will be able to create with this mod.
-*[http://www.simpeg.com/forum/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=611 Paeng's Free Waters]. This mod is a set of waterside plops that allow you to beautify your lakes and rivers. If you want to get more in depth, look up [http://www.simpeg.com/forum/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=598 Paeng's Turbulences Vol. 1], [http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/files/file/26557-paengs-turbulences-vol-02/ Paeng's Turbulences Vol. 2] and [http://www.simpeg.com/forum/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=25 PEG Ponds and Streams] which includes waterfalls. [http://dl.dropbox.com/u/5012419/niteowl/turb_v2/turb_full01.jpg Here] is an example of what you can do with the Free Waters and the Turbulences mods.
-*[http://www.simpeg.com/forum/index.php?action=downloads;cat=1 MTP: Mountain Theme Pack]. This mod allows you to create entire communities in the mountains and forests, with many unique lots and buildings, such as trails, a lumber yard, a saw mill, unique roads, parking lots, parks, lodges, cabins, and much, much more. This mod comes from PEG, the same crew behind CDK3, Ponds and Streams, and several other mods.
-*[http://www.simpeg.com/forum/index.php?action=downloads;cat=2 MAPP: Modular Amusement Parks Pack]. The MAPP allows you to create amusement parks within your city and includes a wide variety of rides and coasters.
-*[http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/27928-paengs-age-degradation-mod/ Age Degradation Mod]. It's all in the title. This mod changes the rate and way hat buildings degrade, as the built-in system was both flawed and unrealistic.
-*[http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/27991-paengs-industrial-facelift/ Industrial Facelift]. This mod provides many new props to the industrial part of your city, and changes the amount of lots, buildings and their size.
-*[http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/27979-light-replacement-mod-uk-set/ LRM: Light Replacement Mod]. This mod replaces most of lighting system in the game. Improved streetlights, night lighting and lighting engine make this mod a must have for cities to be truly beautiful.
-*[http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/files/file/22358-coastal-modd/ Rivit's Coastal Mod]. This mod allows you to change the color of the water and beaches in your regions/cities. There are several choices of color for both the water and the shores, giving you a variety to mix and match. The resulting effects are beautiful.
-*[http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/files/file/26340-beach-extend-mod/ Beach Extend Mod]. This mod gives you larger, more realistic beaches by simply extending them slightly further into the water.
-*[http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=36 JRJ Sidewalk Mod]. This older mod allows you to change the sidewalk textures from the Maxis default to the new texture. There are several styles to choose from. An alternative mod is [http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/26423-hd-gravel-sidewalk-mod/ HD Gravel Sidewalks].
-*[http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/files/file/13696-radius-doubler-mod/ Radius Doubler Mod] increases the coverage of your in game services. All the schools, police stations, fire departments along with the clinic and hospital will have increased coverage. Allows for lower density cities.
-*[http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/files/file/21335-toll-booth-booster-v2-0/ Toll Booth Boster V2.0] increases the capacity of your toll booths, letting traffic flow smoothly through your toll booths. optionally, you can also have higher toll booth charges for some extra income.
-*[http://www.simpeg.com/forum/index.php?action=downloads;cat=29 PEG Snow Mods] allow you to create a winter wonderland! Allows the building of ski resorts.
-*[http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=887 BSC Canals] is one of many canal sets available, featuring a lot of different pieces to play with. Additionally, [http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=916 BSC Brick Canals Bridge Pack], [http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2263 Urban Canal Set] and [http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=944 BSC Canals Narrow Set] give you some more choices when building your canal network. for more BATs and lots, check out [http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_lotsearch_lview.php?UPLOADER=simgoober&UPSEARCH=Creator the author's] page on the LEX.
-*[http://www.simpeg.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=8a8441cf3b5daa655111b30e1e0ea0c5&action=downloads;cat=22 PEG CSK: Channel Stream Kit] is another canal mod, this one has some cool addons like restaurants, water taxi, docks, and more.
-*[http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/files/file/11466-canal-set/ Oppie's Canal Set] is just what it sounds like. yet another set of canals for your Simcity.
-===Tools===
+=== Modding tools===
-*[http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=731 SC4Terraformer]. This is a widely used tool that ca 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 ca render custom maps designed and built within the program.
-*[http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/27675-sc4datanode/ SC4DataNode]. This is a tool that checks your pugins folder, analyzes it, and tells you if any mods are missing dependencies or not. Very useful for making sure every plugin works.
+*[http://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/27675-sc4datanode/ SC4DataNode] - this is a tool that checks your pugins folder, analyzes it, and tells you if any mods are missing dependencies or not.
 ==System requirements==