Release Notes


v0.3.0.42 - May 1, 2011


May 2011 brings our second major release, v0.3. We wanted to bring two major new features just like last time, however, due to various reasons we could only bring you one, lot density control. The second feature, multiplayer support, will arrive in June.


Nevertheless, along with lot density control comes a brand new save file format that contains more data yet takes a lot less space; with backwards compatibility of course. As well, we finally added an in-game console, reducing the need to memorize the many hotkeys we accumulated thus far.


The simulator also got some major tuning done, specifically, more tighly controlled building heights.



Minimum Requirements:


  • Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7
  • 1 GHz processor
  • 1 GB of system memory
  • Hard drive with at least 50 MB of available space*
  • Support for DirectX 9.0c, Shader Model 2 and 128 MB of graphics memory

* Does not include space requirements of DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributable which may be anywhere from 20kb to 500 MB depending on what has already been installed.


What we install:


  • Synekism v0.3.0.42
  • DirectX Redistributable
  • Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable
  • GPU-Z.0.5.1.exe (to check DirectX support - removed after installation is finished/aborted)

NEW FEATURES:


Lot Density Control:

  • we now have high, medium, and low density lot types
  • this is accessed under the sampi character right beside the zone type selection toolbar in the toolset
  • the different densities have different prices and sizes as well as individual building size limitations
  • industry specifically has been capped in terms of building height across all densities...for the sake of realism

Console:

  • located on the new button bar at the top right corner (the cog wheel)
  • exposes many options which were previously only accessible via hotkeys
  • allows you to permanently set several toolset options instead of holding down hotkeys whenever used
  • when a toolset option is set in the console, the hotkey for it will temporarily disable that option if held down
  • brand new option added to show engine data, for now, just frames-per-second (FPS)

New Save File Format:

  • we now have a system in place to track and handle multiple save file version
  • this means full backwards compatibility
  • the new version of the game will load the old version of the save file just fine
  • when upgrading to the new format (upon first save) it will create a backup file of the old save (just in case)
  • new format includes lot density types and camera information
  • new format is about 30% smaller than the old format

Minor:

  • added a tooltip indicating a zone is too small for any lots to be created if such is the case

BUGS FIXED:


  • fixed lot/terrain draw competition (flickering) - the lots won

KNOWN ISSUES:


  • in DX9, after some play time, roads seem to develop memory and are not cleared as one drags them about; this will be investigated/fixed soon
  • zoning along more than one, non-aligned, road segment does not work
  • zoning very sharp-angled lots can cause them to overlap the road
  • if playing the game on a non-administrator account on Vista or Windows 7 you will not be able to save unless the game is started "Run as administrator"