SimCity 4: Rush Hour

 PC
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. GameZone
    86
    The only thing that is puzzling about the entire expansion is that it feels like this should have been included with the original game. The U-DRIVE-IT feature is one of the best things included with this expansion.
  2. PC Gamer
    85
    A must-own for "SimCity 4" fans, and for those who found the game too tough out of the box. [Holiday 2003, p.104]
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  3. GameSpot
    83
    Takes the next step by adding such useful features that you'll wonder why they weren't in the original game.
  5. Gamers' Temple
    82
    If you enjoy SimCity 4, you’re sure to like the new tools and transportation options in Rush Hour. If you found SimCity 4 to be too difficult or to require too much micromanagement, then Rush Hour is probably not for you.
  6. Gamer's Hell
    81
    I find some of the new features should have been part of the original to have made it a more complete game.
  7. ActionTrip
    81
    The all-new vehicle mode has its quirks, but otherwise it's a great addition to the gameplay.
  8. Cheat Code Central
    80
    The level of detail is amazing, although the overall quality of the game will be determined by your PC's capabilities. It's relatively easy to play but the more you get into it the more depth will reveal itself.
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  9. IGN
    80
    The new driving options are a nice consolation for those of us who'd still like to see more scenarios and directed challenges that involve the city as a whole. That, coupled with the new transportation options, make Rush Hour an easy sell for fans of the game.
  10. G4 TV
    80
    An invaluable addition to an already great game. The driving missions are a fun and sometimes useful diversion. But the real winner here is how you can more easily deal with their traffic problems.
  11. Computer Gaming World
    80
    The new focus on transportation adds substantially to an already excellent game experience.
  12. Armchair Empire
    79
    I have mixed feeling about whether anyone should have to pay for features that should have been included in the original release and have already been included in countless patches.
  13. GameSpy
    75
    All the features put together make a fun addition to SimCity, but only because the expansion packs in so many different additions to the game.
  14. Game Informer
    75
    It adds some important elements to the game, but also has a ton of junk that really has nothing to do with the city building experience. [Dec 2003, p.183]
  15. Eurogamer
    70
    At times, yes, it does feel as though most of this stuff should be available on the website along with the rest of the free extras, but the impact the pack has on your creations can't be ignored and, for the Sim City obsessed, they're actually quite essential.
  16. Computer Games Magazine
    70
    Rush Hour makes it a better game, but it's still missing something that past editions delivered, the feeling you could create whatever you wanted. [Jan 2004, p.78]
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  17. Yahoo!
    70
    While some of the new content is rather pointless, there's still a good quantity of solid additional material in this expansion, and the transport improvements alone make it worth the cost.
  18. PC Gameworld
    70
    A great way to add new travel options to your existing Sim City 4 infrastructure, with a somewhat gimmicky U-Drive-It mode.

Awards & Rankings

63
#63 Best PC Game of 2003
58
#58 Most Shared PC Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 55 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 55
  3. Negative: 4 out of 55
  1. AnonJ
    Apr 14, 2014
    6
    SimCity 4 is a great game. However, to be honest, Rush Hour doesn't look like a serious and sincere expansion pack. Newly-introducedSimCity 4 is a great game. However, to be honest, Rush Hour doesn't look like a serious and sincere expansion pack. Newly-introduced mechanisms are mostly trivial. "Drive by yourself" system looks more like cheating as you can gain massive money and mayor point in 5 minutes, for almost nothing. Nowadays as SimCity is being released as a deluxe edition it's fine. But I have to say it's so typical EA expansion that it doesn't deserve a high score.… Full Review »
  2. Braccheus
    May 24, 2011
    9
    To date, this is my second favorite PC game. It gives you the ability to govern how you city will look in a way not previously seen in the simTo date, this is my second favorite PC game. It gives you the ability to govern how you city will look in a way not previously seen in the sim series while at the same time allowing you to simply zone areas if you prefer. The transportation system adds another element to the game which is quite fun to work on while your city is developing. Furthermore, the mods available are excellent. Definitely worth every penny I spent, even when I had to buy a second copy because I lost the first.… Full Review »
  3. BryceJ.
    Aug 9, 2007
    9
    Well done, Maxis! This game fulfills every impulse that any mayor could have, from spending on all of those fancy marble paperweights to Well done, Maxis! This game fulfills every impulse that any mayor could have, from spending on all of those fancy marble paperweights to driving around in a fancy limo to unleashing Independence Day on the city. Best Sim City ever!… Full Review »
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