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AnyGameStarter v. 2.1.3 (for CD/DVD games) * UPD 29 Dec 2017

SCREENSHOTS
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Uploaded: 27th Sep 2007 at 9:41 AM
Updated: 28th Dec 2017 at 11:28 PM
This mod is NOT compatible with the Ultimate Collection
If you use the Ultimate collection, please download the AGS v.2.2.0-UC

Collection packs other than Deluxe, Double Deluxe and Holiday Ed. 2005/06 are not supported. If you install the AGS with any other collection pack, you will probably have to uninstall and reinstall all of your games to get back to a working state.

>>> ANYGAMESTARTER <<<
Build your game (and BodyShop!) the way you want it
for testing purposes or nostalgic pleasure!




IMPORTANT - COMPATIBILITY LIST
This AGS version is compatible with any game and expansion on physical CD/DVD.
It support also Store Edition, Deluxe, Double Deluxe and Holiday Ed. 2005/06.
Don't use the AGS with expansions bought online from EA site, the Ultimate Collection or other game editions not listed above

The installer has been tested under Windows 10
(but should work fine with any older Windows version down to XP)
and must be run under an administrator account.


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WHAT'S NEW IN THE LATEST VERSION
  • Version 2.1.3 (29 Dec 2017)
    • Fixed a bug that prevented the AGS to run in a 32bit environment.
  • Version 2.1.2 (27 Dec 2017)
    • FEATURE: The AGS installer now correctly manages both 32bit and 64bit game installations (while previously the installer could run under a 64bit Windows, but couldn't create a working Registry file in such environment).
    • The useless online check for updates has been removed; the AGS now does not require any more an active internet connection.
    • The screen resolutions has been updated to more... modern values (1024x768 / 1280x720 / 1600x900); Bodyshop max resolution is still 1024x768. In order to use these resolutions, some users may need to fix the issue with the Sims2 not recognizing the latest video cards (search Google for a replacement of the "Graphics Rules.sgr" file).
    • The installer, in order to correctly manage some game configurations that include specific stuff packs (H&M, IKEA and K&B) now permanently renames the three mentioned game folders, so to remove any non-standard characters like "®" and "&". This won't affect in any way the normal "full" game.
    • Minor improvements in the internal code and the batch files.
  • Version 2.1.1 (9 May 2009)
    • BUGFIX: The "Replace" function didn't actually delete and replace the AnyGame1 any more (the bug was introduced with v. 2.1.0 and affected only the AnyGame1, while the AnyGames 2 and 3 were correctly replaced).
  • Version 2.1.0 (30 Apr 2009)
    • Introduced the ability to UPDATE existing AnyGames to a different EP configuration, without deleting and replacing the saved AnyGame (neighborhood, sims, downloads, etc.). The option is available only in Standard Mode (not in BGS mode), and only if the update is actually possible (see details in the "How to Use" and "Hints & Tips" sections, below).


WHAT IS THE ANYGAMESTARTER
The AnyGameStarter (in brief: 'AGS') allows to create a temporary test-game (and optionally a test-Bodyshop) including or excluding any Expansion Pack, Stuff Pack and Add-on Packs (among the ones that you own, of course).
Typical usages of the AnyGameStarter include, for example:
  • Set up a game with few (or no) EPs, where to create lots with low (or no) game requirements.
  • Set up mutiple alternate themed Full Games (e.g. medieval, sci-fi etc.), with their own default replacements that don't affect the main game.
  • Set up an alternate game (with or without EP/SP) to play Legacy challenges.
  • Set up a game without Seasons, where to create functional CAS screens.
  • Set up a "base-game only", or a game with an unusual configuration, where to test an object or mod under specific conditions.
  • Set up a game with only one specific EP or SP, so to explore the new objects and features provided by that single pack (ever tried the thrill of running a game with only FFS, CEL and a Xmas pack? Geeeeez! )


HOW TO USE
First off, you have to download the rar attached to this post and extract the installer ("AnyGameStarter_Setup.exe"). I suggest NOT to extract it to the desktop, so to avoid an eccessive clutter: better put the installer in a folder somewhere on your hard disk.
When done, double-click on the "AnyGameStarter_Setup.exe"; you need to double-click on the installer only once: the very first time you run the installer, it will check if your Registry holds the correct path to the Documents folder, and will update all the existing AGS and BGS games making them compatible with Mansion & Garden (if you have it). Then, the installer will create two icons on your desktop:



You won't see any activity from the installer (apparently it doesn't even start...), but you will see the two new icons on your desktop. From this moment on, use the two icons tu run the AGS:
  • use the "Standard" icon to run the normal AnyGameStarter. Click the button below to know more.

  • use the "BGS Mode" icon to activate the special BaseGameStarter operating mode. Click the button below to know more.


Either mode you choose (Standard or BGS), the installer will let you - in addition to create new games - to delete existing games or making them permanent.

NOTE: the AGS installer must be run using an administrator account (the same used to install the full game).

HINTS & TIPS / F.A.Q.
Questions? Doubts? Problems? Click the button below!



HOW TO UNINSTALL
You can either use the Add/Remove Program panel, or run again the AGS installer and choose the option "Delete existing AnyGames" (and then select all the games). When you delete the last mini-game, the AGS is automatically uninstalled anyway.
NOTE: uninstalling the AGS will delete the three AGS games; neither the Full Game nor the PermaGames will be deleted.


CREDITS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thanks a million to MaryLou for creating most of the icons and the community lot included in the mini-game.
The AGS installer has been created using Inno Setup, the ISTool user interface and a lot of self-learned Pascal coding -


CHANGELOG and HISTORY
It's a long story, but if you're interested, click the button!