Circular Walls?

[morphius1]

I wonder if EA wil ever let us simmers have curved walls. I don't mean with CFE. I mean being able to have round or oval rooms. They must have at least thought about it, you know? It can't be that hard to do, not with the tech we have today.
What do you think? Will EA ever give it to us?

[tizerist]

I agree it's about time we had that, and the technology has been there for ages, but in terms of innovation this is like two bridges too far for this design team. It would be an asset to the game rather than a gimmick, so that alone tells me the boneheads in suits would never consider such a ground-breaking idea.
I mean, who needs building tools when you can have Katy Perry decorative objects!

[RedCherries]

Maybe it'll be featured in TS37.
:rofl:

[sierrakusterbeck]

I'd love to have circular walls so I'd be able to build my Pretty Odd room, but how would furniture fit up against the wall? Wouldn't they have to make all new meshes or something with every single piece of furniture in every EP/SP to work with the walls? I'd love it if they could make it work though.

[rian90]

Circles are high in polygons compared to angular walls. If overused, it could slow rendering in games. This is why most circular items are really not circles..but have lots of straight sides that make it look like a circle until you get close enough.

I don't know how this would work in Sims since it is a single player game rather than an MMO, but I suspect that it would add to all the CC and other features of the game and cause problems in some people's computers, again if overused. More than likely, EA just didn't want to deal with the issues of reduced performance from someone's game who built a bunch of circular walls. :)

[crocobaura]

I'd rather they did more useful things than circular walls. What would you even use them for apart from building the odd tower? And you won't even be able to hang anything on them them, no windows, no paintings, nothing.

[Tempscire]

I'd love to have circular walls so I'd be able to build my Pretty Odd room, but how would furniture fit up against the wall?
It wouldn't, in the same way that a real life couch doesn't fit flush against a curved wall unless it's been custom built. It'd work much better in TS3 than it ever could have in TS2, what with the native ability to rotate objects or place them off-grid and still have them be usable by Sims.

[minimogut]

What would you even use them for apart from building the odd tower?

Ironically, that's the exact reason I would even want curved walls. I mean, I've made towers in the sims, but they were all square or octagonal. Not that I've actually made any towers recently, but...

[Lilly Rose1231]

That..sounds like a bad idea, honestly. The polygon count would be pretty high, and it would be impossible to fit furniture into a circular room. I'll stick to square or octagonal towers, I think.

[morphius1]

Well, if they made circular walls they would make windows to fit them, furniture to set against them, and so on....
I don't care about the polygon count. My PC can handle it...and by the time they brought them out I would probably have an even better PC.
I know that the sims is "just a game" but I try to have as much realism in my game as possible. Call me a fanatic. Or a simnatic. :)

[rian90]

You might not care, but some people will definitely care since many run this game on barely the minimum and fill it with CC. Why would EA want to tempt people to add a bunch of round stuff to their game and then have to deal with their complaints when the game lags? Not good business. Hmm..that probably means they will add them someday. ;)

[kewpie]

I wouldn't need curve walls, but I would like to be able to have more options in angles.

[HarVee]

My PC can handle it

Do not overestimate the power of your computer.

Overestimation leads to disaster, while underestimation leads to failure.

[morphius1]

Do not overestimate the power of your computer.

Overestimation leads to disaster, while underestimation leads to failure.

Haven't experienced disaster or failure yet. But, of course, I spent almost two grand for my pc and it's made to handle high graphics games.
You can't fit 20 oz in a 8 oz bottle. Get a bigger bottle, or do without. If your pc/laptop can't handle the sims don't buy the sims.

[Ghost sdoj]

But if your computer can handle the base game, it sometimes convinces people that it should be able to handle the base game plus all the EPs and SPs, plus 2G of CC.

Agreed, you can't put 20 oz into an 8 oz bottle. But putting 8 oz in and then constantly adding "just one more drop" also leads to disaster. And circular walls, etc. (Cool as they would be.) would be another "just one more drop" for people with lower-end systems.

[matrix54]

I love how people make it seem like every lot in town would have curved walls. The face of a wall in game 1 polygon - top to bottom. A curve for a wall, depending on length would exceed no more than 20 polygons, 60 total. Even 100 isn't that bad, but then again, why would it need to. There are quite a few items in the game that except 60 polygons already. Sims included. Since they are used on mainly modern places, and places where a curve would naturally fit, it wouldn't kill anyone's computer as curved walls are, naturally, scarce.

And no one complained about curved pools, which do the same thing a curved wall would. Limit it to 5x5, and there would be no problem. And like above, furnishing isn't a problem, just rotate what you need. For windows, EA can make a few with a few purpose needs. Everyone is making this out to be more than it really is.

[PhenethyaSim]

Why would curved walls be a problem? We have curved pools and fountains. Would it be all that different?

Edit: Ah matrix54 you got there first and basically answered my question.

[morphius1]

why would curved wall be a problem? We have curved pools fountains would it be all that different?

Thank you, PhenethyaSim.

[morphius1]

I love how people make it seem like every lot in town would have curved walls. The face of a wall in game 1 polygon - top to bottom. A curve for a wall, depending on length would exceed no more than 20 polygons, 60 total. Even 100 isn't that bad, but then again, why would it need to. There are quite a few items in the game that except 60 polygons already. Sims included. Since they are used on mainly modern places, and places where a curve would naturally fit, it wouldn't kill anyone's computer as curved walls are, naturally, scarce.

And no one complained about curved pools, which do the same thing a curved wall would. Limit it to 5x5, and there would be no problem. And like above, furnishing isn't a problem, just rotate what you need. For windows, EA can make a few with a few purpose needs. Everyone is making this out to be more than it really is.

Amen to that, matrix54!

[ViolettaVie]

Well I wouldn't use circular walls unless I was building a castle. But I would not mind using 1x, 2x, or 3x curved walls along with straight walls. I think the option should be there. If your computer is on the low end then you would just have to use your discretion on what it can and cannot handle and so not use curved walls as much. I hardly think having one curved wall in your game will make it lag. Having many trees or many sims or reflection also does this. If you have to have your base game settings on low then you must know getting EPs won't help optimize your game.

Edit: matrix54, thank you. I completely agree.

[PhenethyaSim]

^ Yes in fact like matrix54 said curved walls with the same dimensions as the curved pool/fountain curved walls shouldn't be a problem. in fact this feature wouldn't add weight to any computer file unless they used it. unless EA used it extensively in hood but then you just don't use the hood if your computer can't handle it.

ALSO I'd like to point out that by saying this I'm not being disrespectful to people with lower computer specs. Trust me I was one of them once if your computer can't do it you just have to live with that.

Because its unfair to the rest of us if EA only includes things in the game that can be added to computers that fit the lowest specs.

[levini]

So basically, if one doesnt have a high powered computer that can run every EP without problem along with have 2gb of CC , they can just sit and be stuck playing the base game or minimal EPs because they just dont deserve to do anything more than that? that sounds like what some are saying to me. To be honest, Curved walls serve very little use in a lot of cases, which is why I do not believe EA didn't add them in. They are basically eye candy and would cause them to have to completely rebuild every single object to be able to fit this new wall which would serve no purpose in most cases of Games, not to mention have to hear numerous complaints of This breaking CC and the Lagging and crap performance on lower end machines (which I doubt EA wants. AFAIK EA would want a product that everyone can use, so they can attract more money and more customers).

I do not have the Ultimate gaming PC of my dreams that can run all three Sims games with all Ep's and 2gb of CC ( and To be honest I dont really need it, Im happy and fine with my laptop. It does all I need, and I can hang out wherever I want to. It's a bit slow, but that is because I keep a lot of Junk on it and I need to clean it) Yet I still have an ability to Run all EP's with a few Mods and some Patterns ( I dont usually run with all EP's, I use the AGS and untick Ep's I dont need depending on the game. And believe it or not I have fine performance with my games. A bit of lag, but Fine nonetheless)

[matrix54]

Honestly, anyone can test it in game now. Plop down about 20 of the round modern columns from the base game, or make a 10 5x5 (which is still kind of big) pools on a big lot. It your computer can handle a those, it can handle curved walls.

Hell, if you can handle the Sunset Valley pool on the lowest settings, which has plants galore, and the pool chairs have a trillion polygons (and thee quite a few) you can handle curved walls. -_-

^Ea doesn't need to rebuild anything. Curved pools serve a decorative purpose, and EA had no problem adding them in. Of course, they could add things for them, like a custom sectional, or walls, or whatever - even stairs - but that'd be icing on the cake. People forget/don't know that the Sims was a game about Architecture before "Sims" were added to the game. If people would like curved walls (even then the feature kind of already exists in the game), excuses about poly count are BS.

[levini]

To be honest, it is more like Candy. Pretty to have, but useless to keep. What would one do with these in a post apocalypse game or in a 1940's game or a not so modern/medieval game? besides, EA would have to rebuild a lot of shit, due to the fact that these curved walls would pose a possibility of breaking restrictions on object placement (along with add new states to Doors, arches, windows, and anything else they think of that would go along a curved wall) , the Floor placement, so saying " oh EA wouldn't have to rebuild anything" is not really true.

[matrix54]

Maybe no rebuild, but they certain would have to build stuff to go along with it, if they felt so inclined. Have yo seen pool light on curved walls. Did it really bother you. Doors, arches, etc. on curves is necessary, but EA could make it if they felt like it.

The only real thing EA would need to do is way floor are handled, which are, also, polygons, and I'll tell you, handling floors in no an issue. It would probably amount to polygon usage and an alpha channel (and a few more fixes), but, like I said, everyone is over thinking this.

Being honest, nothing would be broken, because people are implying that people are asking for unrealistic stuff. Curved walls would act the way they do in real life. They look nice, and of course, can be used creatively, just like curved pool for a variety of purposed.

In terms of usability, that's been disproved by every item in the game - some thing just don't go everywhere. Would you use a palm tree in a snowy landscape? Would you use a curved wall for architecture in anything earlier then the 20th century?

Some people are really closed minded.

[PoisonFrog]

I don't think they would have to build more than one door and one window for each of the 5 single radius shapes(if even that)...modders could remesh those for variety . They might not even need to change the animations that way. Other objects like bookshelves and whatnot could stay as they are and only be used on flat walls...unless modded.

[Riptide651]

As far as I know the only place for circular walls is CC. Volvenom posted about them on the The Lot Review review blog a few days ago: http://wereviewlots.blogspot.com/2012/04/lunasimslulamai-rebujito5.html

[zigersimmer]

I don't see how an option to build with curved walls would disenfranchise people who play on sub-prime hardware.

[rian90]

I am amazed that people care so much about one feature. There are so many other things we need instead...like a bug free game? :) I highly doubt EA is going to put in curved walls. If you really want them, why don't you go into Milkshape and make curved walls that you can place to snap together. See if they impact your game performance and then report back here. Make sure you test them will all the store content and CC that you normally use. I am sure you can prove some of us wrong.

[matrix54]

We all want a bug free game - we've all made that clear, but a bug free game is less likely to happen than curved walls. An a curved object is very much different compared to an actually curved wall.

[PhenethyaSim]

So basically, if one doesnt have a high powered computer that can run every EP without problem along with have 2gb of CC , they can just sit and be stuck playing the base game or minimal EPs because they just dont deserve to do anything more than that? that sounds like what some are saying to me. To be honest, Curved walls serve very little use in a lot of cases, which is why I do not believe EA didn't add them in. They are basically eye candy and would cause them to have to completely rebuild every single object to be able to fit this new wall which would serve no purpose in most cases of Games, not to mention have to hear numerous complaints of This breaking CC and the Lagging and crap performance on lower end machines (which I doubt EA wants. AFAIK EA would want a product that everyone can use, so they can attract more money and more customers).

I do not have the Ultimate gaming PC of my dreams that can run all three Sims games with all Ep's and 2gb of CC ( and To be honest I dont really need it, Im happy and fine with my laptop. It does all I need, and I can hang out wherever I want to. It's a bit slow, but that is because I keep a lot of Junk on it and I need to clean it) Yet I still have an ability to Run all EP's with a few Mods and some Patterns ( I dont usually run with all EP's, I use the AGS and untick Ep's I dont need depending on the game. And believe it or not I have fine performance with my games. A bit of lag, but Fine nonetheless)

That is a radical interpretation of the text. But you have to realize that EA isn't designing these games for the lowest supported specs AND knowing this make some choices you can't get mad at EA or anyone else because your computer can't handle all the EPs/SPs. I don't use some ultimate gaming PC either and when I realized my computer was starting to slow because of it all I had to make cuts I got rid of HELS and lots of non-sim stuff. We are not saying your stuck we're telling you to accept your limitations and problem solve.

Also It wouldn't be eye candy making realistic building options isn't an eye candy thing. Half of the simmers I know don't play with SIMS they build. So wanting curved walls is no different than wanting different sims sliders! Plus I didn't see anyone complaining when people started asking for curved pools. I swear I didn't see anyone complain about high polys when it was that on the table.

I am amazed that people care so much about one feature. There are so many other things we need instead...like a bug free game? :) I highly doubt EA is going to put in curved walls. If you really want them, why don't you go into Milkshape and make curved walls that you can place to snap together. See if they impact your game performance and then report back here. Make sure you test them will all the store content and CC that you normally use. I am sure you can prove some of us wrong.
^ I didn't see anybody saying this sort of thing when we wanted half walls. Why was it okay to hope for half a wall but not a curved wall?

[PhenethyaSim]

I see your point rian90 but what I don't under stand is how this is accurate when curved pools haven't caused this issue. Is there a difference and how so?

Edit: Saying I must be kidding about half walls was dismissive and my point was wanting to have something to improve building realism isn't wrong even though it might not be easy and there may be issues. So I wasn't trying to compare poly count I completely understood that half a wall would have less poly than a standard wall.

[matrix54]

There are quite a few objects in the game that would make the game lag more than curved walls. Why? Because their poly count would exceed that of the curved wall. If polygon count was in issue, Bridge port wouldn't exist. Don't post random facts without back checking everything in the game. It's been said before - curved walls exist in the game and do nothing to it whatsoever. We just can't use them above ground.

[rian90]

Actually...I really need to learn to stop posting here.

[PhenethyaSim]

Matrix, you really need to do some research yourself. Every item in the game adds to load. The point is what you want to add to the load. A curved lampshade or curved walls? How many curved lampshades would you add to a lot? How many curved walls?

I never said they could not do it..just whether it would be worth it? At least I am spouting facts, not just wishful thinking.....
That is a bit unfair to matrix on the wishful thinking thing but You're right about one thing. IT IS about what a person wants to add to the load. What matrix and I are trying to point out is that if you don't want the curved wall you don't use them but you not using them is no reason for them not to be a game option. which you said you were not against right?

I hope you understand I'm not attacking anyone.

[PoisonFrog]

As far as I know the only place for circular walls is CC. Volvenom posted about them on the The Lot Review review blog a few days ago: http://wereviewlots.blogspot.com/2012/04/lunasimslulamai-rebujito5.html

Have you worked with these Riptide651? I downloaded the set from the originating site, but it's in Spanish and Google translate is inefficient due to frames in the pages html.

I put the packages in my mods folder, but am unsure how to locate the items ingame. Also, it came with both packages and Sims3packs...wondering if they are duplicates or I need to install both?

Looks very promising :)
I'll keep translating paragraphs and see if I can learn more...

Edit:
Doh!!! Nevermind, I figured it out. Use packages OR Sims3packs & they are located in the columns section of the build panel.

Edit 2:
The shapes are limited and they have no routing, being mesh objects...
http://www.modyourpanties.com/hosting/35361_120426231741Screenshot-220.jpg
I don't see why they couldn't be meshed to a variety of shapes that would clip to existing flooring so you could make usable terraces and home sections though, and be able to use that existing flooring to add a working door...
Of course, it would need recolors to match EA standard flooring.

[ViolettaVie]

For Sims 2 Windkeeper made curved 1x and 2x windows that if you put on diagonal walls gave the appearance of curved walls. I really like the look and would love something like that for Sims 3, if not actual curved walls.

BTW, I think floor tiles would act the same with curved walls as they do with curved pools.

[treeag]

I thought there's already a curved wall in TS2? Or maybe I dreamed it? If it worked just fine in TS2 I don't see why it would be a problem in TS3.

[ViolettaVie]

That's the thing. We didn't have curved walls for Sims 2. Many were hoping that we'd get that when Sims 3 was about to come out.

[treeag]

I could've sworn it came with one of the later EPs in TS2. While I never used the feature I seem to remember a producer waklthrough showing that.

[matrix54]

Pool, yes. Walls no.

And I still don't know why people argues against them here, with the primary reason being polygons, knowing full well circular walls already exist in the game, without a problem.

[treeag]

Really? This is really creepy because I can see the image clearly in my head. The room being pinkish/purplish when they demonstrated the circular/curved wall, and they were talking about how you can't put paintings on those walls :blink: And people in the forum was like "Finally!"

Maybe I slipped through another dimension.

[Zokugai]

You know, if you can have curved walls for pools...the side of a pool is essentially the wall of a (water-filled) basement. I don't think it would have been unreasonably more difficult for EA to enable them for full walls.

[Riptide651]

@PoisonFrog: I haven't but Volvenom has, I would ask her. I have downloaded them but I haven't had the time to play with them. I don't believe there is an objects with routing capabilities, but they make for interesting interior walls if you use them right.

Edit: Actually an extremely versatile set would be a set of curve, both sides cast-able or see-through at a variety of angles so that you could fit them into any shape you want, and on top of that add a flooring type of object that's curved with routing to match the set.

[ViolettaVie]

Really? This is really creepy because I can see the image clearly in my head. The room being pinkish/purplish when they demonstrated the circular/curved wall, and they were talking about how you can't put paintings on those walls :blink: And people in the forum was like "Finally!"

Maybe I slipped through another dimension.
Numenor also made a window set and some of them were curved to give the illusion of curved walls. Maybe you were thinking about those?

[DigitalSympathies]

(I'd like to add to the argument over computers here that my simming computer that handles 80 GB of CC (roughly 101,000 files) only has 3 GB of RAM and was built in 2006 for video editing. And it does just fine - it chomps everything up on highest for both games.)

I've read that curved non-dummy walls are possible, but it just about breaks the game's source code.

[~MadameButterfly~]

If I had curved walls, the first thing I would make are one-roomed huts for my Oooga Booga Island. Of course, I'd have to throw in at least one straight wall between curves for the door.

[morphius1]

If EA gave us curved/circular walls I would use them for bay windows or brkfst nooks. The main reason I want them is because I like to build wierd shaped modern houses. The closest that I/we can get right now are 45 degree walls. :(
I doubt if we will get them for TS3. Maybe for TS4, if there will be a S4. I hope so.

[matrix54]

See, there are quite a few things to do with curves. ;)

It's kind of strange plopping a round roof on an octagon.

[Volvenom]

We have the age old arguement between builders and players. For many builders, only being able to build square and diagonal is a major disadvantage. Lots of modern houses use curves as well, what about those lovely curves on Art Deco houses? You have all seen them.

[High Plains Gamer]

It probably would not be a big deal for some creator to make curved walls or faux curved walls. But people would avoid them because they are cc. They would much rather wait for EA to produce a defective version.

[PoisonFrog]

It probably would not be a big deal for some creator to make curved walls or faux curved walls. But people would avoid them because they are cc. They would much rather wait for EA to produce a defective version.

We might get reputations as being bad consumers, otherwise :blink:

I know these could be done fairly well faux style, but wonder if the existing pool tool could be co opted to better effect...the pools do have backing walls behind the curve, which may be problematic to remove.

[kattenijin]

More than curved walls, I'd love walls that were useable on the 1/4 grid. (1/2 grid? Whatever the size of the furniture placement grid is.)

[Periandre]

I would love curved walls in Sims 3. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they're coming. After all, you have the curved wall in the pool, but TS3 added the curved wall in the fountain (roughly foundation height?). As for CC created objects, I use them but they're pretty fiddly and generally the differences in language make it hard to figure out their usage. That, and the route-able issue are why I want EA to add them to the game.

For what it's worth, Demonic (Hekate999) also has a quarter curved wall that comes with the ceiling piece in their Sci fi build set: http://dymcreations-demonic.blogspot.com/

[Inge Jones]

It would be quite hard to have genuinely curved room boundaries with the current data structure. Each tile has four sections represented by a byte each, divided diagonally the way you can split a floor pattern. So unless they completely rewrite the data structure making everyone's existing lot unusable, you couldn't have real curved boundaries, and probably not curved walls on a spline.

[edejan]

Haven't experienced disaster or failure yet. But, of course, I spent almost two grand for my pc and it's made to handle high graphics games.
You can't fit 20 oz in a 8 oz bottle. Get a bigger bottle, or do without. If your pc/laptop can't handle the sims don't buy the sims.

Somehow I don't think the suits at EA would want to produce a game that only the elite could use.

[Riptide651]

Turrets just don't seem complete if they are octagonal rather than circular.

[morphius1]

Somehow I don't think the suits at EA would want to produce a game that only the elite could use.

All I was saying is don't buy a cheap computer and then complain later that you have lag, or your game is slow. The game requirements are noted on the package. I am a gamer, so I bought a gaming pc.
If there was any offense taken in my earlier post(s), let me say that it was not intended. And I apologize to anyone who was offended.

[rian90]

All I was saying is don't buy a cheap computer and then complain later that you have lag, or your game is slow. The game requirements are noted on the package. I am a gamer, so I bought a gaming pc.

You don't need a $2000 computer to handle the Sims 3 according to the game requirements on the box. ;)

[morphius1]

You don't need a $2000 computer to handle the Sims 3 according to the game requirements on the box. ;)

True. But the sims isn't the only game I play on it. And I just wanted to have the right pc. I admit that I probably...maybe....okay, okay I spent a little too much for it. I learned the hard way that it's better to be safe than sorry. ;)
The thing is I didn't even buy the sims for myself, I got it for my daughter. And I play it more than she does. (That's beside the point, I know.)

[rian90]

Funny..someone disagreed with me! My computer cost much less and is far above the Sims 3 specs. I sure hope people realize they do not have to spend that much to play this game!

[Anonymous101]

A circular wall can be interpreted as a part of a circle, and a circle can be interpreted as a n-gon as n approaches infinity. Perhaps, instead of attempting to make a perfect circle, the developers can make something that appears like a circle, with far fewer polygons. Perhaps, the n-gon shaped thing that looks like a circle is really a 24-sided regular polygon, or walls can be adjusted by length and by angle on the grid.

[morphius1]

Funny..someone disagreed with me! My computer cost much less and is far above the Sims 3 specs. I sure hope people realize they do not have to spend that much to play this game!

Hillarious!
Just remember that you get what you pay for.
I would rather spend the extra money and not have to worry about it later. I have seen too many post on this site how the game lags, the game crashes, or whatever. Like I said earlier: I am a gamer and demand the best, and I will spend the money for it.
Anyway, I thought this post was about circular walls.

[Mootilda]

A circular wall can be interpreted as a part of a circle, and a circle can be interpreted as a n-gon as n approaches infinity. Perhaps, instead of attempting to make a perfect circle, the developers can make something that appears like a circle, with far fewer polygons. Perhaps, the n-gon shaped thing that looks like a circle is really a 24-sided regular polygon, or walls can be adjusted by length and by angle on the grid.As Inge Jones explained above, this would require a new data structure for floors, walls, and possibly roofs, and a complete rewrite of the logic which handles these architectural elements.

I did exactly what you suggested for Sims 2 and the "curved" walls crashed the game because the data structures and logic don't handle walls which are off of the grid. From what Inge said, it sounds like the same is true for Sims 3.

Maybe they'll consider a complete redesign of the architectural components for Sims 4.

[Miko09]

Maybe for TS4, curved walls will become a necessity and we will get tons of other neat stuff for building.

[morphius1]

Maybe for TS4, curved walls will become a necessity and we will get tons of other neat stuff for building.

My fingers are crossed.