Looking back: Sim City Classic (PC) (Sim City Classic)

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Sim City Classic
Date:	27/03/09 (56 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Original gameplay

Disadvantages: Short appeal

SimCity Classic is a construction simulation game released to the personal computer in 1995 by Maxis Software. It is a remastered "port" of the earlier game of the same title in the late 1980s. Chronologically, it follows on from the "later" game title of SimCity 2000. The system requirements include a 386SX Processor, 4 MB of RAM and 5 MB of available hard disk space. The game also requires a 2X CD-ROM drive to install. It is pleasing to note that, despite the release date, I found it to still be working on Microsoft Windows XP although the game only features sound effects for audio.

There does not appear to be a certain plot following this game if one is playing in a free building mode. It is simply a matter of constructing a financially viable city and keep mayor approval ratings high to attract the most residents. This is accomplished through simply clicking a designated object, such as a power plant (coal or nuclear), road or building zone (residential, commercial, industrial). Unlike it's predecessor in SimCity 2000, SimCity Classic does not require the user to shape a certain space into a certain zone. SimCity Classic has predefined squares which the user must place within his or her map. This could be seen as somewhat of a hindrance as an object, such as a square of residential area, may not be able to "fit" in the "right spot".

Gameplay is standard to other top-down perspective simulation games. SimCity Classic is very simple in comparison to other titles in this genre and may not offer much by the way of replay value for considerable lengths. In-game experiences often become repetitive with the game becoming a matter of building a power plant and surrounding it with an even proportion of commercial, industrial and residential squares. It is also required of the player to insert taxed emergency services to attract further growth. It is not something I readily enjoy but can appreciate it as a simple simulation title. There is some element of difficulty in the form of natural disasters, which can be disabled by the player, which occur at random intervals and often make construction hellish; an earthquake can easily destroy one's afternoon efforts in constructing a stable city.

Neither graphics nor sound are something to be particularly boastful about. Colouring is simple and did not use a wide palette. I do feel as if that could have been a standard implementation for a more relaxed title such as this one, but nonetheless did find it noticeable. I was not able to review music but did find the sound effects to be repetitive and straining with constant "pop" sounds after each building.

Overall, SimCity Classic is not a title I would recommend under today's computing conditions. It's release date is also odd as the, in my opinion, far superior title of SimCity 2000 was released before Classic. The simple building methods could perhaps appeal to a younger audience but would not likely engage an adult mind for too long.

Summary: Thumbs down