Urban Cowboys. (SimCity 3000 (PC))

Member Name: Slide Professor

Product:	SimCity 3000 (PC)
Date:	10/06/00 (56 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Deep addictive gameplay.

Disadvantages: Tough to get to grips with at first

The simcity series brought the whole genre of God games to the attention of even the most ignorant of gamers, and since the simplistic and blocky original, the sequels have pushed the boundaries further and further. The graphics are now much more advanced and the whole atmosphere of your city is deeper and more realistic.

The beauty of the original games was the simplicity of the control system and Sim City 3000 utilises the same basic premise. In accordance with the greater detail of the game, the controls are more detailed too, which is somewhat daunting to begin with, but with a bit of patience and some essential reading from the phat instruction booklet, you will soon be able to flex your social policy muscles and start building your dream cityscape.

Even on the easiest level, this game presents a serious challenge. Buildings do not automatically 'top out' if you put them in a pukka place. Development is a tough process and will need constant attention to achieve the best results. To help you make the right decision, you have a large group of advisors, who double up as tutors on the finer and more subtle points of the game. They relate the feelings of your 'sims' (inhabitants) and allow you to balance up the morale of your city with the burdens of your budget.

Sim City is not as accessible as its older siblings, but the possibilities afforded to you as an urban planner are infinite; all the more so for the connection with the Sim City website which allows you to customise your buildings and even gives you an opportunity to download the Architects' tool which alllows you to design your own 'pads'.

One can start a city from scratch, take on a dwindling metropolis in one of the scenario options or watch as you destroy a famous 'real' city with the disasters tool.

This game is literally bottomless and will provide unlimited interest for those so inclined. It takes a while to get into it
, but is well worth the struggle.

Summary: