Tutorials and/or Threads: Using the game to simply build

[Sorengaard]

Hi, I have no real interest in playing the "game" SimCity 4.  My interest is simply developing regions from scratch.  If it were possible to plop every item in the game I would.  I am interested in any tutorials or past threads that would discuss ways to use the game in this manner. Thanks for any help.  Steve 

[cogeo]

"Developing a region" is very much the objective of "playing the game"! 

Seriously, I don't think this is possible, the way you mean it. You can cheat and "get" unlimited funds, and build networks, make terraforming/landscaping, plop parks, civic buildings etc, and finally Commercial buildings. Industrial can be plopped too, but grown industrial lots work better. However, Residential will have to grow, but at least initially, it won't be able to support C and I, especially CO$$$ (these require high EQ, and this takes time). You will also need time to get the high-growth-stage (residential) buildings. During that time, much of C lots will collapse, I'm afraid.

Sorry for disappointing you, but you have to be quite patient with this game! 

[sim-al2]

I also find it much more fun to actually play the game and solve problems as they appear then just pure sandboxing, but that's just me. It's somewhat more difficult to make a nice looking city by growing then plopping but it's worth it to me to zoom in and see all the little things that go on in the game.

[Sorengaard]

Hi, It's not a lack of patience but more a sense of a lack of control.  For example there are some great townhouses of a particular style that would look great all in a row in a given city block. But the game won't necessarily put them on a given block let alone the entire block. This is just one of numerous examples.  If there are hints as to how to put things where you want them to go I guess my original sentiment wouldn't be felt.  Thanks for the replies.  Steve

[FrankU]

Hi Sorengaard,

Well, everyone plays the game the way he or she likes it. It's no use in telling you what I would do in your case, because I am in my own case and not in yours.
If you want to plop all buildings this is OK. I once did it also and it can be very nice, although tedious to do. Just don't let the game run, because everything will be spoiled.

What you need is the "SimCity 4 Extra Cheats Plugin.dll" file. You can find it here: http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2261

With this cheat you can use the building plop or the lot plop cheat. It will take time, because it is hard to tell what building or lot you see (it shows only some exemplar name, and I don't even know which exactly).

[SC4BOY]

As long as you don't "run" the game.. ie let time pass by, you can plop to your heart's content.. what is your problem with it?

[WC_EEND]

As long as you don't "run" the game.. ie let time pass by, you can plop to your heart's content.. what is your problem with it?

Yeah, but you need to run the game to make the nightlights work

[Sorengaard]

Obviously I have made it seem that I don't enjoy the game at all.  It's 7 years later and I still play.  I was just expressing that if it was possible to have more control over what I put where and when  it would give a much enjoyed addition to the game.  And I was wondering what others thought and do.  If there are ways to enhance that aspect of the game.  I know I can just not run the game and plop away.  I suppose I was just dreaming of doing both.  Steve

[FrankU]

Steve,

It was also one of my wishes to have more control over what buildings come where. In my country there are areas in the cities filled with rowhouses in the same design. Re-creating this look with growing techniques is a pain in the place where the sun don't shine. So I gave that up.
For doing this I have a special region with its own plugins folder wehre I use the plop away technique. It is fun, but it needs to be done inbetween days that I play other regions where buildings grow. Because it is a bit dead.

Anyway: it is possible, apparently without nightlights (I hardly ever use the night look, so I didn't even know that), and you need the cheat.dll.

Have fun, which ever way you buse or abuse the game! Everything is permitted.