Editing SimCity 4 (section)

==Development==

===Graphics===
Unlike its predecessors, which used an engine based on 2D [[Isometric video game graphics|isometric graphics]] and [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprites]], ''SimCity 4'' primarily uses a [[3D computer graphics|3D]] engine to render its graphics. The landscape and moving props such as vehicles are modeled as fully [[Polygon (computer graphics)|polygonal]] and rotatable 3D objects. Small buildings and props are drawn as flat images, which are pasted onto [[Sprite (computer graphics)#Billboarding|billboards]]; polygons with their [[surface normal]] facing into the camera. Larger buildings are modeled using a hybrid approach; a simple polygonal model defines the shape of the building, then [[Texture mapping|textures]] are added to create detail such as doors, windows and rooftop clutter.

Although a 3D engine is used, the camera in ''SimCity 4'' is restricted to a fixed [[Trimetric projection|trimetric orthographic projection]] for performance reasons.<ref name="trimetricview">{{cite web | url = http://simcity.ea.com/about/inside_scoop/sc4_retrospective.php | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100411080445/http://simcity.ea.com/about/inside_scoop/sc4_retrospective.php | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2010-04-11 | title= SimCity Retrospective Pt III -SimCity 4, Rush Hour, and the Web | publisher = [[Maxis]], [[Electronic Arts]] | access-date=2008-06-18}}</ref> Additionally, a simulated city can now be seen at nighttime as well as during daytime. The time of the day does not affect the gameplay.

===Audio===
The game includes over three hours of background music in [[MP3]] format, ranging from three to eight minutes in length.<ref name="spotify">{{cite web | url= https://open.spotify.com/album/1iY0oI5KShRWxWniHVgg9l | title= SimCity 4 - Spotify | date= March 5, 2007 | publisher= [[Electronic Arts|EA Games]] | access-date= May 14, 2019 | archive-date= May 14, 2019 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190514030718/https://open.spotify.com/album/1iY0oI5KShRWxWniHVgg9l | url-status= live }}</ref> The music is divided between that used in region mode and god mode, and that used in the city view in mayor mode and MySim mode. In addition, the game has a facility for players to use their own music in the game, also divided between the two views. The music, largely composed by [[Jerry Martin (composer)|Jerry Martin]], was also released separately as a soundtrack.<ref name="discogs">{{cite web| url= https://www.discogs.com/Jerry-Martin-Music-From-SimCity-4/release/888422| title= Music From SimCity 4 - Discogs| website= [[Discogs]]| access-date= May 14, 2019| archive-date= July 2, 2018| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180702204630/https://www.discogs.com/Jerry-Martin-Music-From-SimCity-4/release/888422| url-status= live}}</ref>