Custom Contents
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[edit] What are custom contents?
Custom contents (CC) are user created items that can be used in the game to enhance the look/gameplay. CC can be either Sims, lots, objects or mods/hacks. CC can be an important factor in movie making because it add variety to the objects already provided in the game.
For example, Maxis created genetics are unrealistic and flat looking. With CC, Sims can look much more realistic adding the aesthetic value to a movie.
CC can help movie makers build sets and create new environment by helping pulling the viewers into the movie. When the sets are realistic looking, it’s easier for he viewers to feel the story. Hacks especially animation hacks are practically lifeline for movie makers. It simplifies a director’s job by making animations available on command instead of having to provide environment that will trigger the animations.
[edit] How do I get CC?
CC can be downloaded from various Sims sites. For vast collection of downloads, try community download sites such as Modthesims2 [1] or InSIMenator [2] where you can find practically everything from objects to hacks. Other sites are more specific such as site specializing in furniture, clothing, hair or others. Just look around and you will find what you need.
[edit] What should I know before downloading?
Before downloading anything, make sure to read the description provided by the creator. Know what you’re getting.
- You need to know is the item a Sims/Lot, an object or a hack
- If it’s an object, find out which category it is in so you know where to find it in your game
- Check compatibility. Some CC requires you to have certain expansion pack or stuff pack. If you do not have the required games, the CC won’t work in your game. If it’s a hack, check if the creator mentions if the hack will conflict with any other available hack.
- Find out it the item is a mesh/mesh recolor/Maxis recolor. If the item requires a mesh, be sure to download them or the item won’t show in your game.
[edit] What is a hack/mod?
Hacks are files that change the way the game works. An example would be a hack that would stop something from happening such as prevent food from going bad or a hack that would make something happen such as adding teen pregnancy. Hacks can create conflict and may result in game crashes so use with caution.
[edit] What are the differences between mesh and recolor?
Mesh is basically a template for a newly created object and recolor is the texture to the mesh. You can see mesh and recolor as a wall and a wallpaper. The wall holds the wallpaper as in the mesh holds the recolor. With the wall, you can change the wallpaper to different design without having to build a new wall.
Only new item created from scratch requires mesh. Any other recolor based on Maxis objects will not need one.
[edit] What is CEP?
CEP is Color Enable Package. It enable recolor for Maxis based objects and is required for any Maxis based object recolor to show in your game. Download CEP here [3]
[edit] What do I need to have before downloading?
Most download files are compressed in zip or rar file, so you would need both winzip and winrar to extract the file.
[edit] Where should I saved the downloaded file?
It’s easier to save it in My Document. Create a new folder in My Document and name it Sims 2 Downloads. Saved all your CC downloads in there for easy file management.
[edit] What should I do after downloading?
After downloading, you need extract the file to put the file in your game. Downloaded items should be transferred into the game Downloads folder. The folder is located at:
My Document > EA Games > The Sims 2 > Downloads
If there is no Downloads folder in your The Sims 2 folder, you can simply create new folder and name it Downloads.
The CC file can either be sims2pack file (for Sims/lots) or .package file (for objects/hacks). Only .package files goes into the Download folder. Sometimes, CC creators include other type such as .txt or .jpeg file for reference. You do not need those files in the Downloads folder. Sims2pack should also not be in the Download folder. Instead you simply double click the icon and choose install for the item to be automatically be in the game.
[edit] How do I extract the downloaded file?
[edit] Unzip
- Double click the zip file.
- Select the .package file(s), click “Move this file”
- In the pop up, choose the path to the Downloads folder and click Move button.
[edit] Unrar
- Double click the rar file.
- Select the .package file(s), right click and choose “Extract to the specified folder”
- In the pop up, choose the path to the Downloads folder and click Ok button.
[edit] How do I manage my Download folder?
The Download folder can be very messy very easily. Manage it properly by having subfolders. You can divide the subfolders according to download type, date of download etc. It is highly recommended that you make a special subfolder for hacks so if there’s any problem, it’s easy for you to take them out. It is also a good idea to add a quarantine subfolder for newly added CC. After you check them working properly in the game, you can move them to the appropriate subfolder.
