Cities XL

 PC
User Score
4.1

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 132 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 132
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 132
  3. Negative: 80 out of 132

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  1. CasualGamergal
    Oct 18, 2009
    6
    I was looking forward to the ultimate 3D version of SC4. I agree with everything Akiba said. My pet peeves are 1. LACK OF CUSTOM CONTENT (having some customisability could keep us distracted until they finish the rest of the game) 2. WHERE IS THE RAIL NETWORK???? Trains are the basic of any starter city. Hello???? This is supposed to be a CITY BUILDING game??? This game has potential. But I was looking forward to the ultimate 3D version of SC4. I agree with everything Akiba said. My pet peeves are 1. LACK OF CUSTOM CONTENT (having some customisability could keep us distracted until they finish the rest of the game) 2. WHERE IS THE RAIL NETWORK???? Trains are the basic of any starter city. Hello???? This is supposed to be a CITY BUILDING game??? This game has potential. But first - GIVE US THE TRAINS AND LEVEL OUT THE SINGLE PLAYER OR MMO PLAYER. Single play should not be dumbed down. Monte Cristo needs to seduce people into PO with EXTRA CARROTS, not punishing original SOLO user base with starvation STICKS. Passive aggression doesn't go down well with a niche market. Have long view Monte Cristo. I honestly want you to survive so that I get to play a REAL SC4 replacement!… Expand
  2. SamsonH
    Oct 11, 2009
    5
    CitiesXL is yet another unfinished product rushed into the market. Although pretentious, it is not even worthy of beta development status. The UI is awful. It freezes and crashes into main menu way too often. The multi-player mode is slow and the website is not complete.
  3. Akiba
    Oct 13, 2009
    6
    Despite the many shortcomings it's still very possible to have fun with this game, however you're always left with a bitter taste that the game was intentionally released half finished to milk gamers for the "Planet Offer" (PO) which promises to add the features that should have been included out of the box. Single play is possible, although with the trading being such a vital Despite the many shortcomings it's still very possible to have fun with this game, however you're always left with a bitter taste that the game was intentionally released half finished to milk gamers for the "Planet Offer" (PO) which promises to add the features that should have been included out of the box. Single play is possible, although with the trading being such a vital part and the NPC agent charging 4x what he pays you on resources, you can only go so far unless you play on a balanced map. Problems bugging me the most at this point: - No public transport. Yes, there is an icon for it in the menu, but it will have no feature until content update #3, which again you only get when subscribing for the PO - High maintainance leasure buildings which keep higher-class citizens unsatisfied no matter how many you build - Terraforming being level-only. No possiblity to create rivers, seas or mountains, once you've leveled an area it's leveled for good - Often malfuctioning trade window, even offline - No inter-city trading amongst your own cities With time this game could blossom into something great, but I ain't holding my breath for it, especially not with the current attitude of having to pay extra for missing content. Apart from that the PO only offers chat and inter-player trading, which you practically only need to escape the insane prices of the NPC trader in offline mode.… Expand
  4. MacM
    Oct 19, 2009
    7
    Cities XL when first played, can be somewhat daunting and confusing compared to the easy to pick up strategy of the Sim City series. However, some of the confusing issues are partially down to some bugs which need fixing. Since it's release it has already had numerous hotfixes which one by one, are starting to improve the game. So, it at least is nice to know that the developers are Cities XL when first played, can be somewhat daunting and confusing compared to the easy to pick up strategy of the Sim City series. However, some of the confusing issues are partially down to some bugs which need fixing. Since it's release it has already had numerous hotfixes which one by one, are starting to improve the game. So, it at least is nice to know that the developers are working away to fix and improve on their game, which was likely a little early to be released. The online features of the game are interesting, and has an "MMO" feel to it with player trading and a chat box where most of the time, players seem very helpful with questions asked. The planet feature is also quite nice too. I am still not sure that the online features are enough to warrant paying a subscription for, but if things improve, I may consider having it. In the UK it costs £11.95 for a 3 month sub, which, providing fixes and improvements continue, may be worth it. Overall, and early play aside, Cities XL is something worth looking at if you are interested in the genre, but don't expect to be blown away just yet.… Expand
  5. JesperN
    Oct 15, 2009
    6
    A journy in how not to develop a game. Lots of broken promises and bad design descitions gives this game a 6!

Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Most Discussed PC Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. GamesNation
    81
    Cities XL fills in the void left by SimCity, since it turned more attention towards human interaction. Its building and management systems are incredibly varied and complex, giving the player complete control over the city’s growth. And the possibility to share online the whole town with other players in an interactive manner guarantees longevity to the gameplay.
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  2. Cynamite
    80
    Finally a worthy city building successor to SimCity 4! The prices for playing online are quite high, though.
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  3. IGN
    81
    Its friendlier learning curve as compared to the SimCity series will rope in new players, while its greater city design freedom will keep vets interested. However, even with multiplayer trading and resource balance and management, Cities XL is still not as hardcore as the SimCity series, and the subscription cost is questionably worth the arguably shallow multiplayer content.
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