This is not going to be a typical MD, but more a collection of random shots from cities that I like. There will be little post-processing as I prefer to spend my time playing rather than in Photoshop, so things like Pause Bars and cursors will be seen in most shots.
To begin with, here is the historic center of one of my cities, this took a long time to get it the way it is, because all the rowhomes are grown and not plopped.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg695.imageshack.us%2Fimg695%2F8944%2Fsimcity4201101072348176.jpg&hash=8d636f192ac94db7c97fef1cafc86c83d92ffc5f)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg227.imageshack.us%2Fimg227%2F2497%2Fsimcity4201101072348246.jpg&hash=9648c49b73a5b4797898e7a1fd6eae73dabd3cea)
and an overview of the whole area
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg339.imageshack.us%2Fimg339%2F216%2Fsimcity4201101072348382.jpg&hash=58d0bbfd4f43f80ce3c40f71e4a19f33518b36b6)
oh no, it seems another Travis has appeared. I had to do a double-take when I saw the title. :D
But, I like the creative use of the maxis rowhouses. Despite having enough CC in my plugins folder to choke a horse, I still try every now and then to find a new use for a maxis building- they're usually very good models, used sparingly they blend right in. ;) On that note, perhaps a few of the other maxis rowhouses would look good in your scenes just to break the repetition- but that assumes the repetition was accidental. :P
I'll be looking forward to more. :)
so YOUR the one that took my username ;)
Actually the repetition was not accidental, its the look I was going for, giving it the "planned" look. Tonight i'm in the process of going through every single building in my plugins and changing the tilesets around, Ive already done all the maxis buildings and am about halfway done my custom content ... Long process when you have almost 4 gigs of custom content, but I think itll be worth it
Also, if any of you guys have any comments on how I can improve, please post it :)
Nice city, and very good start on your MD!!! :thumbsup:
I'd be interested in seeing the "commute" view of the area of your city you have shown so far. With that kind of "grown" rowhouse density, your streets should be packed. 'Course, maybe you took the pics on a Sunday?
David
Actually there are not too many cars on the road ATM, most either walk or take the Light rail, which has been extended into the historic district, along with a few new buildings grown that I really like. the area has changed a fair bit since the last update
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg35.imageshack.us%2Fimg35%2F3268%2Fsimcity4201101091722521.jpg&hash=c2a0c8101a6a9b69659baf8a95d53a34a578c931)
the building on the west side of the district (left of pic) is the tallest office tower in the country
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg88.imageshack.us%2Fimg88%2F1281%2Fsimcity4201101091723501.jpg&hash=2ffe56fa04b6c40cc4b1866f8803f9b4a92e6f6b)
and a traffic volume view of the west side, most of the traffic are pedestrians walking to the commercial buildings, or to the Light rail stations to go elsewhere in the surrounding areas (sorry, the interface has to stay up to show traffic views)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg23.imageshack.us%2Fimg23%2F4160%2Fsimcity4201101091725482.jpg&hash=dc339595e6ce8656905143b49fcb5535562b6b17)
I like those friendly roads, and the rowhouses ;) Keep doing great work &apls
My first attempt at detailing a pond, Im not quite sure I like the outcome, but not quite sure what is missing. The forest will obviously continue once Im sure Im happy with the outcome of the detailing. Any suggestions ?
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg210.imageshack.us%2Fimg210%2F8123%2Fsimcity4201101172342154.jpg&hash=fdb1dd362300639d684e192a28c60ab0733217c8)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg802.imageshack.us%2Fimg802%2F9840%2Fsimcity4201101172342470.jpg&hash=901d579a9457b185647e53eedc65d5ed6b5da3be)
edit: actually I filled in the forest, and it looks pretty good with the trees filled in, im happy with it, but still would like suggestions from the kings of rural on how I can make it look a little better. Also, does anyone know of a tutorial on how to make a tree controller? Mayor mode trees are a PAIN :p
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It is definately a very good start. But I would like to suggest some more variety with the trees, some rocks along the shore, some fallen trees, some other types of flora, grasses and maybe other colours of plop water.
I have tried my hand at this type of thing recently and can tell you that it take alot of patience and practise to get it all just right.
Well that may be more than two cents, but it is what I think.
Robin :thumbsup:
thank you Robin, You are very right, its not easy at all and takes a lot of time and a good eye for detail. I will keep working with it tonight, and hopefully can make it look a little better
Beautiful pond! Although I wouldn't consider myself a "king of rural," I do have some suggestions. :)
The biggest part of the natural landscape is: variation, variation, variation! It doesn't matter how pretty one texture may look, use at least upwards of ten different textures/flora/rocks to detail your pond. Think about how much variance there is in nature, and how nothing is ever repeated.
Good luck! You have a really wonderful start on your ponds, and I can't wait to see more of your work!
Jason
Im still working on it, but I think this is a lot better than it was before
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg138.imageshack.us%2Fimg138%2F6118%2Fsimcity4201101182118362.jpg&hash=031680203176314003d58ce3526f920b8c0fc74f)
You are getting there, but it still needs more.
Have a look at some of the pics Badsim has posted in his MD lately to get some other ideas.
Robin :thumbsup:
Tonight I'm going to do some custom lots and am working on finding the props that I want in almost 800 megs of just props. Anyone know if there are there any programs (other than pimx) that can view all props in a file and show them at one time, instead of having to look at them all individually? How do lotters know which prop pack has which props in it?
You're right, that is beginning to look much better. Keep going! :)
Jason
The results of tonights work, its getting better, still working on downloading even more rural stuff, I downloaded more today, some more rocks, dead trees, logs and other stuff, if anyone knows of some stuff I dont have please reply with a link :) Also, I need to manipulate the lighting a little bit, as the jpeg makes it look a fair bit worse than it does in SC4
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg190.imageshack.us%2Fimg190%2F3633%2Fsimcity4201101192158481.jpg&hash=c23b0f29222eb8a905bcbb25873a9b9dd6c5836f)
Definitely coming along. &apls
Robin :thumbsup:
You're making a lot of progress here :thumbsup: A couple things I might consider:
I think having all these very large, evenly-spaced boulders right on the shoreline is this picture's current weak link. The woods look great and of course the water is fine (nothing too tricky there ;) ). Most importantly, you've done an outstanding job with the flora between the forest and the lake (what should be the most difficult part). The little bits of flowers (not overdone), various grass and reed textures, and the bits of greenery and and small rocks extending into the water really look beautiful but those big boulders draw the eye away from them. I don't think the smaller rocks are doing you any harm but I'd ditch those big PEG boulders if it was me.
To make things a bit easier on yourself you could sometimes place trees close enough to the water to hang over it it (especially willows) which results in a pretty nice look.
As you do more of these type of scenes I'd also recommend trying out other water too, especially the Jeronij ploppable transparent stuff, which has its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Thanks for the tips, I really dont like those mossy green boulders either. do you happen to have a link to jeronij's water set? is it this (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1227) one?
Yep, that's it. I think you'll be pleased with what you can do with it :) Nothing wrong with the PEG water you're using either, both have their own advantages and disadvantages....
Ive started a new region to test out the CAM 2.0 rural set. I have never played a region with such interesting terrain, most that I play are mostly flat, So I'm hoping this will inspire me to break free of the grid that usually plagues my cities.
I'm sure most have already seen it, as its quite old, but a very nice region regardless.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstashbox.org%2F1058392%2F11102321440-SimCity-4.jpg&hash=471439b7f7c20239ecfb7cb4104cab047f3ed2b1)
Wow, what a beautiful landscape :o :shocked2: :shocked2: &apls &apls &apls
The mountain areas are certainly challenging to build on. I like what you have done so far. It looks realistic how the development follows the landscape.
An updated region shot after tonight's work, Im quite pleased with how its turning out so far, I will see once I get down into the plains a little farther how it looks.
I will show something other than region view once I have something worth showing :p
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fscrnshots.com%2Fscreenshots%2F275261%2F111025234637-simcity-4jpg&hash=6853530c7ea2fe8a2bf82a72ca650a4d17acf568)
Wow great mountianous region there can't wait to see it in more detail
Will
Very beautiful region there Travis :)
I particularly replied to say something about 'rural landscapes'.
- try breaking patterns, like someone already mentioned above
- sometimes, keep it simple, other times, give the eyes more to do. use zoom levels to maximum effect
- try filling up your mayor mode menu with ALL kinds of flora. theres plenty available out there
- if you really are keen on nature and rural, you can take a look at http://www.simpeg.com/forum/index.php, if you havent already. tons of stuff there
- adding a bit of life around natural scenes always works, try to use all the available fauna out there
- nature isnt always neat
Just my 2 cents :) I'll be following your unique thread here, as I'm a rural junkie myself :) Keep up the good work.
Setting up a new suburban city, and I like the way this rail station is looking so far, so figured I would post a pic :)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fscrnshots.com%2Fscreenshots%2F279893%2F11112702430-simcity-4jpg&hash=c02c4070ad67b5a1400663690d6957d5b5a16119)
edit: resized pic, also recently my rail tracks next to developed land have recently started showing the dirt stuff, Im not quite sure what changed, any ideas why this is happening?
I like your rail station area too! How about a wide-radius turn for the railway leaving the station toward the left-hand side of the picture though? I'm curious to see how the suburban development fills in around here :thumbsup:
Very nice your rail station area!!! :thumbsup:
I'll agree about both the wide-radius turn and how nice is this picture. Keep it up :thumbsup:
Hey Travis.
I missed the start of your MD and just got caught up. I like your region. Did you design it yourself?
Also, I don't usually follow the CAM products much so I had not heard of the CAM 2.0 rural set...now I have to go check that out. Thank you.
I look forward to seeing more of your work.
Cheers!
Scott
Thanks for the encouragement guys ! Im working on some stuff tonight, maybe will post some pics, just wanted to reply to stray cat and answer his question. No I didnt design the region, It is Cape newenham on on the STEX (http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/files/file/5451-cape-newenham-ak/). It is indeed a very nice and challenging map.
Also, CAM 2.0 is currently in beta testing, so you wont find much info about it. Basically, It currently has developer exemplars for Rural, Midrise, Skyscraper and Standard, and you can choose which you want, rural obviously needs a LOT of population in the region to get to stage 15 (I think R$ stage 15 is something like 15mil region pop.)
I got a new sidewalk mod, trying to figure out if I should stick with it, or go back to the sandstone textures, I think I like the black one, as its "different" and not too many people using it. I also switched from Euro to american restyle mod roads for this region. No development yet, but what do you guys think?
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fscrnshots.com%2Fscreenshots%2F281353%2F1112444312-simcity-4jpg&hash=446ed5b2f4e583a77a9c6ad6621de0e13dd69846)
Very interesting sidewalks.... I've actually been looking at these for awhile trying to decide what I think of them. My conclusions:
1. It looks great
2. I think it's probably too dark for normal asphalt road textures
3. I should use more MAVE-4
I think you might be just marginally better off sticking with sandstone but these could definitely be worth a shot. Seeing it in a developed city might give you a better idea what you want too.
Nice pics the railway station does look nice but not sure about the sidewalk mod just too dark
Will
Quote from: travismking on March 02, 2011, 05:39:46 PM
Thanks for the encouragement guys ! Im working on some stuff tonight, maybe will post some pics, just wanted to reply to stray cat and answer his question. No I didnt design the region, It is Cape newenham on on the STEX (http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/files/file/5451-cape-newenham-ak/). It is indeed a very nice and challenging map.
Also, CAM 2.0 is currently in beta testing, so you wont find much info about it. Basically, It currently has developer exemplars for Rural, Midrise, Skyscraper and Standard, and you can choose which you want, rural obviously needs a LOT of population in the region to get to stage 15 (I think R$ stage 15 is something like 15mil region pop.)
Thank you for the response. I grabbed the map and look forward to using it. Also, I will watch for the CAM 2.0 indeed.
Scott
Been playing with my tilesets, and I really like these houses. Could make a whole city with nothing but these and their tenement counterparts. what do you guys think? Not only are the models wonderful, but the lotting is exquisite as well
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fscrnshots.com%2Fscreenshots%2F283477%2F11121722342-simcity-4jpg&hash=349ada38874c5da52a85b13c9f3d95ffd687f3ea)
Why not? Give it a try :)
Couple new pictures, this one of a small town's commercial center. note my favorite houses, and the smalltown USA shops :), they are really nice too
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tmkservices.info%2Fimages%2F11122019298-SimCity-4.jpg&hash=68ea17fc36996433adf514953e2c0480c945ad12)
And the second is a region shot of the region it is in
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Wow, that small town looks outstanding at night! &apls You also do a really nice job with your rural areas.
It really is improving, it is very difficult to make beautiful landscapes and is sure to be patient .
Gotta agree with Noah, the night scene is very nice! :thumbsup:
Thanks guys! Ive been playing with Giraffe's new seasonal MM trees, I really like them A LOT
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tmkservices.info%2Fimages%2F111228235733-SimCity-4.jpg&hash=5f10b7dec72e5e1b99b449d657c1f707079aa0dd)
and a night shot, becuz I recently purchased the game for the 4th time, this time on steam, and can finally use nightlights so I've been playing at nighttime a lot more and I really like it
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tmkservices.info%2Fimages%2F11122901054-SimCity-4.jpg&hash=d1ecb391674f30c213bc150eb9e8c1f1807f9233)
I resized your over sized pics. ;) Robin
That looks very nice :thumbsup:
Looks beautiful! I really like those new trees too.
I cant wait for more of them to be released :) (There are going to be more right?) I hope so :p
That is looking really nice and looking forward to more pictures... ;)
working on a mediteranean region as well, some pics, I really like MBear's stuff as well
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(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tmkservices.info%2Fimages%2F111231211549-SimCity-4.jpg&hash=6623a4ab627f4861ea0f39af6df5f0abcacd968f)
Resized your pics again. Please, no larger than 1024x768. - Robin ;)
Just one shot of a historic neighborhood in a city that is battling takeover from commercial interests
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tmkservices.info%2Fimages%2F111380651-SimCity-4.jpg&hash=2366591f18eeba198a20fa86eb414107c430417d)
Resized again. - Robin
Nice work! That first shot of the Mediterranean village at night is beautiful! &apls
ooo im sorry robin ... ill try to remember from now on :-[
forgot about this thread, my new region ive been playing with, still with cam 2.0 Rural, currently at around 90k pop
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpuu.sh%2FiMqHP%2F0f8d8aa543.png&hash=d864eeeed1f5703471347d31917a147b2bb36e07)
and a transit view
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Welcome back! Nice region so far. It'll be nice to actually see some more in-game pictures. :)
This should be moved out of the "inactive" section, btw.
thanks compdude, an updated region shot. And a nice shot of the largest "CBD" in the mainly industrial region (ignore the yellow pause border and the cursor was in a hurry didnt have a lot of time to edit. I had just finished the new light rail thru the city along with a bus network (first mass transit in the region of 180k pop)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpuu.sh%2FjkEwQ%2Fd6955b9b1b.jpg&hash=e201db48a4857fc92252156fe3bc4320d00ab432)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpuu.sh%2FjkEXv%2F814f1926a2.png&hash=bfdf013f2eb5b7b8d150f54667ad9ae43af2d31e)
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpuu.sh%2FjkEZp%2Fb931786504.png&hash=0582c8488fccf5baaa7bef7f67832edb5d6e5455)
You can see the GLR and see where the section in the other pic is from, by the "break" in the GLR because it goes to tram-in-road. Also the GLR will expand into the other cities to the immediate south/southeast and the northwest once it is finished
Absolutely stunning region shots! &apls
And I like the development, nice BATs and a tram is what we need! :thumbsup:
ahh yea i forgot to turn automata on to take the shot, it slows down the game a little so i have them turned off at that zoom level. I'll try to remember in the future to turn them on
Your city looks nice, and I like how the GLR loops around the business district like that. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your city!