The first version of SimCity was released in 1989 for personal computers. Over the years many different versions of the game have come out on a variety of consoles and devices. This newest rehash of the classic game brings players many familiar elements with a few new surprises. The game is bright, having a distinctly Nintendo feel to it. The avatars present in the game look very similar to the Mii avatars created by Wii users. SimCity can be a very complex game so I was pleased to see 15 different tutorials. Each tutorial is presented by a different avatar which explains game play. It was fun to see each of the avatars, of which many were women and/or had alternative styles of appearance. The tutorials were short and very basic. After completing them I didn't feel too much more confident in my ability to play the game. Once I started playing I realized that some of game play aspects did not translate over from the tutorials to free play. This proved frustrating, making me go back to the main menu and re-watch the tutorials again. A better approach would have been to create longer more interactive tutorials, engaging players as they learn game rules.
Players can choose different options for their gaming experience. Some may want to complete missions, while others want to create a city from scratch. During the game play users are proclaimed Mayor and hold responsibility for the town. Players must build cities including all utilities, roads, schools etc. They must monitor citizen happiness, tax rates, legislation and natural disasters. Once the city is built users can switch from protecting the city to destroying it. From the destruction menu, players can destroy the city by alien invasion, monsters, earthquakes, floods or a whole host of other options. The game is a great learning tool, as it has been for many years. Players learn about money management and dispersal of funds and resources among other skills. There is a steep learning curve for the SimCity games and this version is no different. Generally speaking the game has the same feel as its predecessors, but with a bit more challenging control system to learn. In addition menus are quite extensive, though well labeled. This is not a sit down and play casually type of a game, instead requiring player to invest at least a couple of hours in just learning the controls. For those teens who have patience and enjoy the strategic puzzles, SimCity is perfect.
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Date: 2008
ESRB Rating: E, everyone (Alcohol reference, mild violence, tobacco reference)
Why I Included This Game: SimCity can actually be an educational video game. The game can be used in Social Studies, Economics, or Civil Studies classrooms.
ASIN: B001AIL4ZG
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