Sim City 2000 (GBA) (Sim City 2000 (GBA))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Sim City 2000 (GBA)
Date:	01/06/09 (8 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Accurate to original release, Audio

Disadvantages: Gameplay

"SimCity 2000" is a video game released for the Gameboy Advance console in 2003 by Zoo Digital Publishing. It is a simulation game based on an earlier release of the same name. In the United States, the game received a rating of "E" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for all ages.

The gameplay of this title reflects the earlier personal computer game very closely. It is the player's objective to create a city after acquiring a large plot of land and this is accomplished through extensive micromanagement. The player starts by constructing a power plant, creating transport links to a neighbouring city and zoning residential, commercial and industrial plots for construction. Construction occurs automatically and slowly the player's city will being to be inhabited providing the sites have adequate power and water supplies. As the city grows, residents will make demands for what would improve their quality of life including police stations, schools, stadiums and public transportation. These features were all seen in the earlier computer game and playing the PC CD-ROM version was a pleasure. This sentiment, however, is not shared with the Gameboy Advance release. The Gameboy's fixed directional controls make it very difficult to zone areas for construction. I found that many times I would go to lay down a plot of residential zone but the awkward arrow system would send my development spiraling out of control and nearly bankrupt me before construction could even take place. This was not evident in the PC CD-ROM video game as the computer mouse enabled very precise control.

The graphics are presented from an overhead isometric view which looks onto the development below. Again, the Gameboy appears limited in its very tiny display versus a much larger computer monitor. While each of the components of the city bear resemblance to the original PC CD-ROM game, it is difficult to notice them in the fully "zoomed out" camera angle which is quite necessary for large scale construction. When zoomed in I was able to identify the assorted blocks of flats from local markets with ease. The soundtrack is also identical to the original SimCity 2000 game with extended and very catchy musical scores following the player throughout.

Overall, SimCity 2000 for the Gameboy Advance is a game which I would be hesitant about recommending. It's likely that only those purchasing the game for its nostalgia factor would enjoy it as it is severely limited in the Gameboy's hardware capabilities.

Summary: Thumbs in the middle