02-13-2002, 02:55 PM
lights bulbs and spoke detectors... hmmm... yes must admit it seems a bit odd. But the game really isn't made for ancient Rome, so the best I can do is to disguise the modernity of everything, which is more successful in some cases than others. Though I must admit it is funny when someone has to go "change a bulb" in an oil lamp. E EM<br>
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I started working on Roman Sims when I was in HS. I'd already designed a nifty site for my Latin club, which they would not use. I had just gotten the game "The Sims," and was looking through one of those low level Latin books with the pictures during a class. Looking at some floor plans for a pompeiian house, I realized there was no reason why I couldn't create a Roman villa in the sims. It took more work than I thought, and even though I ended up with a nice looking house on the exterior, the walls, floor, furniture and costumes were all wrong. So I taught myself to use different programs for changing the sims so I could romanize my enviroment. By the time I'd done that, I realized I had enough material for a web site and I put it up, using the old site design for the Latin club. One thing led to another and it was recognized by some major sites at that time who promoted it, and ultimately even Maxis. The success of the site has inspired me to continue learning more about Roman history and culture and I'm always finding ways to improve my information. I love designing the add-ons for the game and I enjoy being able to educate the computer-game-playing public in some small way, as I try to provide accurate information along with each download I offer. The site now even has a forum, which seems to keep me busier than the actual site... lots of questions to be answered and it has become a hang-out for some dedicated fans. But mostly, I consider the site to primarily be a learning experience for myself and as such has provided me with a unique hobby. Hope that answers the question. <p></p><i></i>
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I started working on Roman Sims when I was in HS. I'd already designed a nifty site for my Latin club, which they would not use. I had just gotten the game "The Sims," and was looking through one of those low level Latin books with the pictures during a class. Looking at some floor plans for a pompeiian house, I realized there was no reason why I couldn't create a Roman villa in the sims. It took more work than I thought, and even though I ended up with a nice looking house on the exterior, the walls, floor, furniture and costumes were all wrong. So I taught myself to use different programs for changing the sims so I could romanize my enviroment. By the time I'd done that, I realized I had enough material for a web site and I put it up, using the old site design for the Latin club. One thing led to another and it was recognized by some major sites at that time who promoted it, and ultimately even Maxis. The success of the site has inspired me to continue learning more about Roman history and culture and I'm always finding ways to improve my information. I love designing the add-ons for the game and I enjoy being able to educate the computer-game-playing public in some small way, as I try to provide accurate information along with each download I offer. The site now even has a forum, which seems to keep me busier than the actual site... lots of questions to be answered and it has become a hang-out for some dedicated fans. But mostly, I consider the site to primarily be a learning experience for myself and as such has provided me with a unique hobby. Hope that answers the question. <p></p><i></i>
-Christy Beall
