SimCity

 PC
User Score
2.2

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 4557 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 602 out of 4557
  2. Mixed: 428 out of 4557
  3. Negative: 3,527 out of 4557
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. ahallsworth
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Can't even play all the servers are busy. I feel that the always on internet connection as added so much to this single player game. My fibre optic broadband clearly showing its value with this title. What a joke EA at least I can use the CD as a coaster.
  2. Archammer
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    So sad that Maxis gave this game to EA to handle because they COMPLETELY BRICKED IT!!!! Now they're refusing refunds for a non-functioning game! We will get our refunds and you will find new jobs! Get some respect and some ethics!
    When you're done reading this because you're angry too, sign this:
    http://www.change.org/petitions/electronic-arts-100-refund-for-simcity-2013
  3. mcussell
    Mar 8, 2013
    2
    After building a gaming PC for this game and a couple of other recent releases I have to say I'm pretty disappointed. I can't even play the tutorial level at the moment as I keep getting a 'servers are full' message. Not quite the gaming experience I hoped for when paying nearly £50 for a digital release!
  4. Jarmitz
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    This is my first review and I have to say this release of Simcity has ruined my love of this game. I've been looking forward to it's release for months and have never been so disappointed! I hate Origin! I want to play the game alone, not on a public server and it shouldn't be a requirement. I tried to download it and it didn't work. Took me two months to get my money back. Then I boughtThis is my first review and I have to say this release of Simcity has ruined my love of this game. I've been looking forward to it's release for months and have never been so disappointed! I hate Origin! I want to play the game alone, not on a public server and it shouldn't be a requirement. I tried to download it and it didn't work. Took me two months to get my money back. Then I bought the CD and I still can't play! What a ripoff!… Expand
  5. civicshelf
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Cant play becouse the always online DRM to EA.. Servers always has down time when i want to start a single player game... I regret i bought this game when the publiser punish me for bying it!.
  6. alewares
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Online DRM by an extremely terrible and controlling company, which seeks to squeeze money out of its consumers at every possible opportunity. Game doesn't play due to server load, which is also 100% EA's fault for implementing such a stupid way to "prevent pirating." Absolute shame to one of my favorite childhood games, and a spit in the face of any self-respecting game enthusiast. Pathetic.
  7. HudsonFalcon
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I per-ordered the uber expensive version of the game right from Origin so it was waiting for me on the morning of the release. I was able play without issue for 10 hours or so before the infamous server crash. I was actually in game when the crash was starting to unfold and could see a "searching for connection" bubble fruitlessly searching for a connection like a bar fly searching forI per-ordered the uber expensive version of the game right from Origin so it was waiting for me on the morning of the release. I was able play without issue for 10 hours or so before the infamous server crash. I was actually in game when the crash was starting to unfold and could see a "searching for connection" bubble fruitlessly searching for a connection like a bar fly searching for love at closing time. A friend called and asked if I was in game and I said yes but no for long apparently. He recommended I say a eulogy for my city as it would be going into the cyber graveyard very soon.

    I haven't connected since the issue but I'm hearing there's a lot of changes to the game and apparently they're not fixes but features being scaled to limit strain on the servers?
    I haven't experienced them for myself so I'm not really sure.

    What I can do is give feedback from the 10 or so hours I have dedicated to this game and the bottom line is it's mediocre at best and at worst a disaster and a plague upon the Maxis house.

    The Good:
    I"m racking my brain here but maybe the graphics? I don't know they look kind of cartoonish to me.
    Upgrade roads feature
    Curved roads

    The Bad:
    No offline single-player (there is, or at least was, an option to create a private region while playing online.)

    No Terra-forming. No more creating custom terrain that you can be proud of.

    Always have to be online to play. Sim City is traditionally a game you spend hours upon hours playing by by yourself so why do I have to be online when I'm not, and don't want to be, interacting with other mayors.

    No local saving. If the server issues are ever fixed how many people are going to lose saves and hours of work due to a saving error. You can see this one coming a mile away.

    City size (or lack thereof) In the last Sim City you can spend hours, days, months, and even years carefully building, destroying and rebuilding your mega-cities in huge regions. Now in only a matter of hours you can use up all your land and you're left scratching your head saying "what's next?" I'm sure this space constraint is also a result of this DRM EA is pushing. All the more reason we should have an offline single-player mode and with huge regions. In fact for the money that was spent by folks it shouldn't be a suggestion it should be a demand.

    I'm sure there are a few more positives, and a lot more negatives, but the bottom line is EA missed the mark with this game big time and tarnished a great franchise.

    Will I keep playing the game? Maybe if I can connect but even then I see the staying power of this game won't last long.

    I'll be reinstalling Sim City 4 on my PC once again!    … Expand
  8. theatomicfrog
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Absolutely the last dollar EA will ever see from me, EVER.
    The online drm, I thought I could live with it... nope.

    There is NEVER a need for this kind of Draconian control over software.
    DUMB does not even describe this.

    Wish this reviewing had negative digits.

    BOOOOOO EA
  9. FukUEA
    Mar 8, 2013
    1
    EA What a bunch of incompetent neanderthals! Kicking myself for wasting my money for a product that does not work, and a company that does not care. Your Lame!
  10. thouse007
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I think we should get a lawyer to fill a class-action law suit for breach of warranty. They sold us a broken game. I think it's about time that us gamers get some power back and stop the game developers from screwing us like this.
  11. BrockSamsonV
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I paid $60 for a product I cannot use over 50% of the time. Any brand new product that functions less than half of the time deserves a horrible review. 0/10. Don't support this kind of behavioral from EA. I hope to get my money back, but it's looking like I will not be able.
  12. JihadJonny
    Mar 8, 2013
    3
    Oh SimCity, how I yearned for you. I needed my city building fix and I had such high hopes for you. It's not your fault SimCity. Maxis sold you, and EA raped you. This game has more problems than Calculus book, and the issues are centered around the Always Online DRM...that and the fact that no content is saved locally. If you can look past the fact you can't log in to play, EA removingOh SimCity, how I yearned for you. I needed my city building fix and I had such high hopes for you. It's not your fault SimCity. Maxis sold you, and EA raped you. This game has more problems than Calculus book, and the issues are centered around the Always Online DRM...that and the fact that no content is saved locally. If you can look past the fact you can't log in to play, EA removing game features to smooth out server side issued, the fact that EA as the worst customer service in the world, and the real sticker for a massive city building simulation....the lots are WAY too small. Overlooking all of that, the game, for the 45 minutes I've been able to play, is fun and the graphics are nice. The only reason I gave this game a 3 is because some poor peon at EA has slaved away to make this, for that he or she deserves some recognition.… Expand
  13. scoobyff666
    Mar 8, 2013
    3
    This game was seriously affected by a really bad choice of making a essentially single-player game into a "online-only" game. You can only play connected to EA servers, even if you want to play alone. I will probably never use any of the online features of the game, so I really hate this. You can't save your game to your hard drive and even in the servers you can't save when you want. IfThis game was seriously affected by a really bad choice of making a essentially single-player game into a "online-only" game. You can only play connected to EA servers, even if you want to play alone. I will probably never use any of the online features of the game, so I really hate this. You can't save your game to your hard drive and even in the servers you can't save when you want. If you're thinking about trying something with your city that you may regret, it's better not to do it, because there's no way back. I have already paid for this game and it is very expensive, but when someone out there make a pirated version with no online requirements, I will start using it and forget about the original game.

    If you are thinking about buying this game, my advice is: DON'T!

    And I would like everybody to note that I'm not even talking about the server problems, because I know it can happen and I know when they fix it it will be alright. My problem is with the internet connection requirement. I can't play my game when I want because I don't always have a internet connection (and of course EA won't keep the servers running forever). If the game had an offline mode, I would not even care about the servers. They could even explode.    … Expand
  14. Modano09
    Mar 8, 2013
    1
    Actually Can't get on the game.. even when it says I am connected and try to play it then drops connection to the servers constantly.. tried all night and couldn't get on.. will try again tomorrow but I'm not hopeful!
  15. Xclusive
    Mar 8, 2013
    1
    I pre-ordered the game and since Tuesday, I havent played for more than 2 hours... but tried connecting for about 20 Now its friday, and servers are still all busy and been waiting an hour in front of my screen for the game to load... This is ridiculous that you can only play the game online. Additionally, maps are very small. Within 30 minutes, you can easily finish a city. Graphics areI pre-ordered the game and since Tuesday, I havent played for more than 2 hours... but tried connecting for about 20 Now its friday, and servers are still all busy and been waiting an hour in front of my screen for the game to load... This is ridiculous that you can only play the game online. Additionally, maps are very small. Within 30 minutes, you can easily finish a city. Graphics are generally good, but still a lot of bugs to fix, especially roads that get blended into the surronding environment. They took out a lot of important features such as customization of terrain and glitches occur with services and trades between cities. All in all, I give this game a 2 out 10 for not only the current problems, but also because of the lack of professionalism on behalf of EA/MAXIS. Updates are few on their forums and they erase bad comments from Facebook... and BEWARE of certain reviews, they have paid certain people in different countries to post positive comments... a really unprofessional company...… Expand
  16. shempm
    Mar 8, 2013
    1
    Silly me for not reading the reviews first but I thought it was a fair assumption that with 20 more years of computer gaming technology behind us that this game would be truly amazing given how great the old sim cities were. So in my excitement I bought it. I am so disappointed on 4 blatantly obvious factors:
    1/ I can't get in most the time this 100% reliance on the internet is a    Silly me for not reading the reviews first but I thought it was a fair assumption that with 20 more years of computer gaming technology behind us that this game would be truly amazing given how great the old sim cities were. So in my excitement I bought it. I am so disappointed on 4 blatantly obvious factors:
    1/ I can't get in most the time this 100% reliance on the internet is a disgrace.
    2/ SimCity takes up a lot of time.....make saving the game easy and minimise the risk of losing all your work please! This is crucial for the SimCity game.
    3/ I couldn't give a rat's arse about multi player....I just love being immersed in my own city so scrap the need for me to use the internet please!
    3/ This shouldn't be called SimCity call it SimVillage.....give me a big metropolis to build like the other ones! Not a tiny little box to build in! It looks completely stupid.

    What a complete waste of my time and money. After being so excited (the most I ever have about a game) I am left wondering how the hell could they stuff this up so much.....what an anti-climax.    … Expand
  17. b12arr0
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    Long time user of MC, first time poster. Long time player of Maxis games(Simcity, earth, ant, copter, etc). I've had this game since March 5th when it came out. I installed it that day. I've attempted to just play the game since then without success. It is now March 9th at 5:45am. I have tried every server listed. All I get is "Unable to load the city at this time. Please try again."Long time user of MC, first time poster. Long time player of Maxis games(Simcity, earth, ant, copter, etc). I've had this game since March 5th when it came out. I installed it that day. I've attempted to just play the game since then without success. It is now March 9th at 5:45am. I have tried every server listed. All I get is "Unable to load the city at this time. Please try again." Origin shows that I've played this game for 36 hours. That is how long I have attempted to get in to play the game I've been waiting years to play. I have not played it once. I have no problem with online DRM but I do have a problem with using it when your infrastructure before, during, and after game launch clearly can not handle it. Very highly disappointed with Maxis and EA. I'm sure they are trying to fix things but this is just completely unacceptable. I will not be changing my user score, even once I get to play it. People need to know what they are buying(consumers) and what their inadequate infrastructure and operations is doing to their reputation and future sales(Maxis/EA).… Expand
  18. Aurelian7
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    Why do i have to be always online, to play offline singleplayer? I would like to play when im on the road, at my grandparrents house or on vacation. Those places either don't have a internet connection, or a steady connection. Not just is the online forced on us! But it dosn't even work correctly, people can not login to play the game they purchased. And those few who can, end up gettingWhy do i have to be always online, to play offline singleplayer? I would like to play when im on the road, at my grandparrents house or on vacation. Those places either don't have a internet connection, or a steady connection. Not just is the online forced on us! But it dosn't even work correctly, people can not login to play the game they purchased. And those few who can, end up getting server issues, their cities are not saved etc..

    Day 1 dlc also leaves a bad taste in my mouth, it's sad to see that things that where already finished and ready to be put in the game. Is now being sold the same day the game releases. To turn a even greater profit for EA. The game is mostly bare bones, with content needing to be purchased to fullfill the emptiness. This game is not worth the money, the wait or the troubles. I can not recommend it, and i myself have turned it back to EA. 0/10    … Expand
  19. PunisherNOR
    Mar 16, 2013
    2
    I specifically created this account to express my distaste for this game. Let alone the incredibly horrible and incompetent launch, the always online DRM and the small maps, the game itself is broken and should never have been released in its current state. Let me emphasize that if you do buy the game; know that you’ll feel like you’re participating in a beta test and not a finishedI specifically created this account to express my distaste for this game. Let alone the incredibly horrible and incompetent launch, the always online DRM and the small maps, the game itself is broken and should never have been released in its current state. Let me emphasize that if you do buy the game; know that you’ll feel like you’re participating in a beta test and not a finished product. First, the traffic system does not work and it creates traffic hell. And hey you can’t alleviate it with a subway system, but what you can do is create a snake like road system with no interactions so the AI does not screw itself over. Also, the sewage system is broken (it seems like it follows the same pathing as traffic, that is ALWAYS taking the shortest route even though there are other routes available), the power grid system is broken and the water system is broken too with similar issues as traffic. Even though you have plenty of capacity for these things, the engine does allow distribution between routes A, B and C, but only chooses one route, leading to congestion and full stop. And this did not show up in internal testing? Furthermore, if there is a disaster such as a fire, all your fire trucks are sent at the same time, often driving in weird circles or not arriving at the fire at all. Moving on, the regional trading system is also broken. If you send money to another city, know that the money arrives (if it arrives) several hours or maybe a day or two later. I have not tried sending any other resources in fear of losing them permanently. And then there’s the main problem, the RCI zoning issue. You can build a city completely made up of residential. No need for commercial zones and industrial because parks take care of the jobs! The developers have purposely created a game where residential zoning is independent of commercial zones; they only need industrial for jobs, and in the extreme case you only need parks. The fundamental core of the whole series is in shambles. And good luck with getting a refund if you bought this over origin, it’s impossible.… Expand
  20. childofmaxis
    Mar 22, 2013
    0
    I have played every Sim game since Sim Ant, except for all the Sims expansions and sequels. The main reason i have stopped playing these games is this; Will Wright no longer has any creative input on the Sim Anything franchise. It is a glom of the conglomerate of EA. This game advertised itself as the "winner of 27 awards" In the pre-release trailer. Winner of 27 awards? For what?I have played every Sim game since Sim Ant, except for all the Sims expansions and sequels. The main reason i have stopped playing these games is this; Will Wright no longer has any creative input on the Sim Anything franchise. It is a glom of the conglomerate of EA. This game advertised itself as the "winner of 27 awards" In the pre-release trailer. Winner of 27 awards? For what? Creating a tilt shift city viewer? This game is a dumbed down version of Sim City, think of it as a garden, where you can't actually kill anything, but you can make it look reeeal bad. I am going to play my copy of SimCity 2000, still the best one.… Expand
  21. dogshtally
    Mar 22, 2013
    0
    I'm a software tester by trade and an avid fan of Sim City games over the years. I feel deeply insulted by this game. It's clearly not fit for purpose. Even after patching up to the latest updates, performance is dreadful, there's zero resilience in the game it crashes. I've had to kill it twice from the task menu and both times my City's have ended up corrupted and lost. It runs like aI'm a software tester by trade and an avid fan of Sim City games over the years. I feel deeply insulted by this game. It's clearly not fit for purpose. Even after patching up to the latest updates, performance is dreadful, there's zero resilience in the game it crashes. I've had to kill it twice from the task menu and both times my City's have ended up corrupted and lost. It runs like a dog. Hype about the graphics and look and feel of the game is pathetic. I will NEVER buy an EA games again… Expand
  22. omgitsphil
    Mar 25, 2013
    0
    This game has about a 4hour max play time. Once you get your city up and running it will come crashing to a hault from glitches/bugs or as Maxis calls it 'by design' errors. Traffic jams up. Which effects everything from Firetrucks responding to fires, trucks delivering goods, people going to work. You don't even need to try to play the game. Just build a city with only low wealth highThis game has about a 4hour max play time. Once you get your city up and running it will come crashing to a hault from glitches/bugs or as Maxis calls it 'by design' errors. Traffic jams up. Which effects everything from Firetrucks responding to fires, trucks delivering goods, people going to work. You don't even need to try to play the game. Just build a city with only low wealth high density residential. You don't even need to provide them with power or water. They will just keep moving in. I for one will never purchase another EA product or online only game for that matter.… Expand
  23. violentj
    Mar 26, 2013
    0
    Wow, I'm so glad that I decided not to buy this game. I pre-ordered it from Amazon and tried out the beta, but after my test run, I was not compelled to keep my order. My initial impressions were the same as all those highlighted by most reviewers here. That is...

    1) Small city size and severely decreased regional flexibility, 2) Forced online play for a single player game, and 3) A    Wow, I'm so glad that I decided not to buy this game. I pre-ordered it from Amazon and tried out the beta, but after my test run, I was not compelled to keep my order. My initial impressions were the same as all those highlighted by most reviewers here. That is...

    1) Small city size and severely decreased regional flexibility, 2) Forced online play for a single player game, and
    3) A dumbed down experience overall.

    I guess not much has changed from the beta. The funny thing is that I saw tons of reviews echoing these complaints in the beta forums, yet EA has completely ignored feedback from their customers. How stupid can you be? And look at the difference between the user reviews and the critic reviews! It just goes to show that all these "critics" are completely worthless and full of crap. I truly mourn for all those who suffered the loss of $60 for this game. It's nothing short of a tragedy.    … Expand
  24. Jaypanwan
    Mar 26, 2013
    0
    Games is buggy in so many ways. No motivation to play this game after a few hours. when you realise all the bugs there is no more fun to play. Lost money.
  25. JohnnyPark
    Mar 29, 2013
    4
    Don't bother purchasing this game. It's been over 3 weeks, and core features of the game (filters for joining multiplayer, cheetah speed, global trading) are either disabled or not working properly. As a supposed "multiplayer" game, there is very little, if any opportunity to play with others outside your own friends list. Beyond the launch problems (which were immensely frustrating), theDon't bother purchasing this game. It's been over 3 weeks, and core features of the game (filters for joining multiplayer, cheetah speed, global trading) are either disabled or not working properly. As a supposed "multiplayer" game, there is very little, if any opportunity to play with others outside your own friends list. Beyond the launch problems (which were immensely frustrating), the game feels too simple to have any longevity. Small city spaces fill up quick, and populations stop growing either because of the small space, or the broken traffic. The only redeeming quality of the game is that it looks beautiful. But again, a game that looks nice and plays like dirt, is not a game you should play.… Expand
  26. Ozelot
    Mar 30, 2013
    0
    Its not worth to play. You are not able to connect to a server and if you lose connection because the server crashed (which happens a lot) you'll will lose your work of hours. The glassbox engine is a fail and the game is not realistic. The map is way to small and you will finish this game in 2 hours because your map is full. In 1-2 years EA shuts down the servers and you wil not be ableIts not worth to play. You are not able to connect to a server and if you lose connection because the server crashed (which happens a lot) you'll will lose your work of hours. The glassbox engine is a fail and the game is not realistic. The map is way to small and you will finish this game in 2 hours because your map is full. In 1-2 years EA shuts down the servers and you wil not be able to play anymore because of the DRM. Do not buy this game!… Expand
  27. Airaindust
    Mar 31, 2013
    0
    The 'simulation' is a lie. The fact that sims switch job and homes everyday screams of laziness and an inability to comprehend what a simulator is. I grew up on SNES Simcity and SC 2000 both those games still get played on occasion but I don't see myself ever re-installing this game to play again. It was a waste of 60 and If you really want it I just say wait for a sale. This game is aThe 'simulation' is a lie. The fact that sims switch job and homes everyday screams of laziness and an inability to comprehend what a simulator is. I grew up on SNES Simcity and SC 2000 both those games still get played on occasion but I don't see myself ever re-installing this game to play again. It was a waste of 60 and If you really want it I just say wait for a sale. This game is a travesty and a black eye to the memory of Simciy. I have lost my faith in MAXIS.… Expand
  28. scschwarz
    Apr 1, 2013
    0
    Terrible, buggy, unplayable game. Crashes my modern, up-to-date gaming computer on startup every time. Maxis tech support is useless and even though they can't make it work they won't do a refund. Don't buy downloadable games and DON"T BUY THIS GAME.
  29. Voodoo311er
    Apr 1, 2013
    0
    Takes everything you loved about Simcity 4 and replaces it with EA. The always on DRM, lack of a single player game, and ridiculous prefab region setup ruin what this game should have been. You would think EA would learn lessons from each franchise that it gobbles up and destroys, but they doggedly stay focused on the dollar bills at the expense of gamers everywhere. Reinstall Simcity 4Takes everything you loved about Simcity 4 and replaces it with EA. The always on DRM, lack of a single player game, and ridiculous prefab region setup ruin what this game should have been. You would think EA would learn lessons from each franchise that it gobbles up and destroys, but they doggedly stay focused on the dollar bills at the expense of gamers everywhere. Reinstall Simcity 4 and remember from now on to skip anything with an EA logo on it.… Expand
  30. aliegursoy
    Apr 2, 2013
    1
    New Sim City game is a real disappointment for me. Sim City 4 was one of my favorite games, I bought it in 2013 and I am still continuing to play it. I bought it yesterday and downloaded it. I was expecting a wonderful game, bigger maps, realistic graphics and deep strategy. But when I started the game I was shocked. Where was the single player mode?! I learned that there is no offlineNew Sim City game is a real disappointment for me. Sim City 4 was one of my favorite games, I bought it in 2013 and I am still continuing to play it. I bought it yesterday and downloaded it. I was expecting a wonderful game, bigger maps, realistic graphics and deep strategy. But when I started the game I was shocked. Where was the single player mode?! I learned that there is no offline mode. And, it is a real trouble for me because in Turkey we use the slowest and the most expensive internet in the world. I started a private server and I was shocked again. Old region system and terraforming were gone! When I started to build my city I started to stop hating the game, I started to dislike the game and after that I had one problem. In population bar there was something says "amount:number" and all of the numbers were gone there was only "amount:number"s. I closed the game I thought that the problem will be solved when I restart the game, but it didn't because I couldn't save my game. Graphics are very bad, it really looks like Sims 3 or a cartoon. I can say that I spent 120 Turkish Lira ($67-70) for nothing.… Expand
  31. Bibilitz
    Apr 4, 2013
    1
    I have played almost every simcity released. I have also put in over 100 hours playing this version, this version is beyond a buggy let down, to fans of the original game it can be seen as an insult. SimCity is about Simulating a City, although the graphics are nice the game uses nothing but smoke and mirrors initially to capture players into thinking there's "a lot going on" behind theI have played almost every simcity released. I have also put in over 100 hours playing this version, this version is beyond a buggy let down, to fans of the original game it can be seen as an insult. SimCity is about Simulating a City, although the graphics are nice the game uses nothing but smoke and mirrors initially to capture players into thinking there's "a lot going on" behind the scenes, when this is absolutely not the case.

    RCI has almost no usage in this version. Entire cities have been built using nothing but residential lots.
    The muti-player "features" advertised do not function. Players are losing hours of work when disconnects happen. This game was clearly rushed out the door, and by rushed I mean by months and months, not just a few bugs here and there.

    EA had bought the recipe for SimCity's success from Will Wright/Maxis and failed to even use it when producing this version.

    The only upside to this game are the graphics(which do glitch out as well from time to time) Even the music cuts in and out with building/layer sounds getting stuck in infinite loops. The EA forums are on fire with angry users who want refunds, fixes and updates on the situation.

    A month after launch, the game launcher "Recent News" post is dated March 8th. It seems EA is determined to further Alienate their fanbase.

    This game truly deserves a 1/10 1 for fancy dance graphics and a slick interface which even fooled me initially for a few hours.    … Expand
  32. yalamander
    May 7, 2013
    3
    great idea horrible game. still played it for 100 hours.
    The game is way to expensive, requires players to be online for nothing, is so full of bugs and problems that playing gets very frustrating quickly. To the gameplay: cities are to small, regions don't act as regions because in big regions only 4 cities can be connected, a $10.000 an hour fire station will not keep fires in control    great idea horrible game. still played it for 100 hours.
    The game is way to expensive, requires players to be online for nothing, is so full of bugs and problems that playing gets very frustrating quickly. To the gameplay: cities are to small, regions don't act as regions because in big regions only 4 cities can be connected, a $10.000 an hour fire station will not keep fires in control after you reach 150k sims in your city and many, and so on and on.
    Problem is the game gets addictive really quickly. You want to do good and that makes you keep trying. If EA could've just released a good thought out and well developed game... *shake my head*    … Expand
  33. Teewilliger
    Jun 5, 2013
    0
    You can shove your DRM where the sun don't shine EA! Oh yeah, and this game is a dumbed down piece of garbage too! Simcity 1,2,3, and 4 were better than this.
  34. dam1306
    Jun 19, 2013
    0
    This game follow the CYBIECGM ideology ("convert your Brand in easy casual gamer money").
    It is a shame that a such great series, with such a great appeal, is ruined by the developing of social interaction (that no-one wants) instead of real city-building related functionality (Mass Transit! Mass Transit! Mass Transit!).
    I am very, very, very, disappointed.
  35. Oligharch
    Jun 23, 2013
    3
    Wow. Im stating to realize just how delusional the critics are. I honestly doubt they played simcity 4. The maps are disgustingly small.The traffic is ridiculous, but i guess when you cram 300 000 people in 2 fuking squared kilometers, thats what you get. Extremely inadequate public transit systems (trams cause more traffic then they relieve) and busses never reach their destination, theyWow. Im stating to realize just how delusional the critics are. I honestly doubt they played simcity 4. The maps are disgustingly small.The traffic is ridiculous, but i guess when you cram 300 000 people in 2 fuking squared kilometers, thats what you get. Extremely inadequate public transit systems (trams cause more traffic then they relieve) and busses never reach their destination, they just get stuck in traffic. 3 out of 10. I regret buying this game. If EA thinks they can just nickle and dime us to death with stupid expansions that they removed from their origional appalling mistake of a video game, they are trully mistaken.… Expand
  36. Maruge
    Aug 18, 2013
    1
    Stereotypical EA game, Little content, multiple DLC's that add little content, for high prices. Dull, full of bugs, obvious cash grab. This game is terrible when compared to previous games such as Simcity 4 They had so much potential, they could of made the game of 2013, but instead they scrapped the core gameplay of simcity 4 and removed a majority of the functions and sold it to us for $70
  37. Duke0102
    Jul 21, 2013
    3
    The graphics are great, the new building systems are pretty cool and the connections between the different cities actually works.
    A big issue is the game is too reliant on having an internet connection as maps are stored externally.
    My major problem with this game is that the size of the cities are too small, you get so far in then find you have to destroy parts of the city to build new    The graphics are great, the new building systems are pretty cool and the connections between the different cities actually works.
    A big issue is the game is too reliant on having an internet connection as maps are stored externally.
    My major problem with this game is that the size of the cities are too small, you get so far in then find you have to destroy parts of the city to build new things meaning finding a balance is more of a struggle than a challenge and takes the fun out of it.
    If they make the city maps larger I will happily rate this 6/7 out of 10 as this will make the gameplay so much more fun.    … Expand
  38. junkerlicious
    Aug 17, 2013
    0
    The fact that Maxis decided to sacrifice player experience for 'multiplayer' components in a predominantly single-player oriented game doomed this sequel to the epic simcity franchise from the start... tiny maps, always online DRM, ugly regions filled with deadspace, no terraforming, terrible lag, server downtime... the list goes on.

    Seriously, even if u just took SC2000, SC3000 or SC4    The fact that Maxis decided to sacrifice player experience for 'multiplayer' components in a predominantly single-player oriented game doomed this sequel to the epic simcity franchise from the start... tiny maps, always online DRM, ugly regions filled with deadspace, no terraforming, terrible lag, server downtime... the list goes on.

    Seriously, even if u just took SC2000, SC3000 or SC4 and made it 3D and give it a graphic makeover without changing any features, it would've been better than SC2013...

    And stop making excuses about not giving the players what they want. "we can't make bigger maps because mainstream computers cant handle the computation", or "it's always-online to offload computation to the server", or "maps are smaller to encourage cooperation within regions and enhance multiplayer", or "you can't demolish cities or create multiple saves because it would mess up the leaderboard"...

    Just admit that you wanna make money off a pretty much dysfunctional game at release (it's not a cheap game) and keep making money off every single DLC that eventually completes the game (2016 maybe?). There'd be a DLC for bigger maps, another DLC for subways, another one for computation optimization, perhaps an expansion or two for terraforming and region design...

    Maxis really disappointed me, I've been a huge SimCity fan since SC SNES and I've waited for nearly 10 years since SC4 rush hour. THIS IS HOW YOU LOSE FANS don't be the next big sell-out like Westwood or Bullfrog, great studios that sold their fans and their souls to EA for a quick buck that destroyed great franchises that they build up themselves.

    On the other hand, I'm not surprised that EA is still the same old greedy d-bag that rips everyone off, but please leave simcity alone    … Expand
  39. fredinator
    Aug 20, 2013
    2
    Horrible game. Long loading, expensive dlc, pseudo multiplayer, server problems, functional buildings not working. This game does most of what it is trying to achieve wrong.There are in fact so many problems with this game that you can not even count them and Maxis is not able to fix it so what do they do? They release DLC for around 10€ that adds blimps for transportation which is one ofHorrible game. Long loading, expensive dlc, pseudo multiplayer, server problems, functional buildings not working. This game does most of what it is trying to achieve wrong.There are in fact so many problems with this game that you can not even count them and Maxis is not able to fix it so what do they do? They release DLC for around 10€ that adds blimps for transportation which is one of the broken features of the game. Well at least the game looks good when you are in the statistic screens.… Expand
  40. Hecatone
    Aug 21, 2013
    0
    I wish I could give this game less than a 0. This and the Sims are the only games I've played since the start and this game was far less than the start. I preordered this game and walked away after the first few weeks hoping they would undo what they did. I came back much later and I have to say I feel violated that they took my money on my trust and gave me steaming zhit.The cities areI wish I could give this game less than a 0. This and the Sims are the only games I've played since the start and this game was far less than the start. I preordered this game and walked away after the first few weeks hoping they would undo what they did. I came back much later and I have to say I feel violated that they took my money on my trust and gave me steaming zhit.The cities are tiny unlike the sprawling utopias that Simcity is known for and impossible to balance. You rely on other near players to balance your city who abandon the game and leave you out to dry.On top of that it is still glitchy as fuku and often results in your long time goal for a city not able to work. You can't save the city and the joy of destroying it is gone. I just wish i could have my money back and a 'Eternal Sunshine' to forget it ever happened.… Expand
  41. barwnkesteven
    Aug 22, 2013
    2
    This game made me sad I have played and loved this franchise for as long as I can remember (well, except Societies which I pretend didn't happen). Unfortunately, SimCity gets far too much wrong. I can overlook the always online thing; though at the same time, for all the hype and drama caused by it, I don't feel it adds very much to the experience.

    The main reasons I don't like this    This game made me sad I have played and loved this franchise for as long as I can remember (well, except Societies which I pretend didn't happen). Unfortunately, SimCity gets far too much wrong. I can overlook the always online thing; though at the same time, for all the hype and drama caused by it, I don't feel it adds very much to the experience.

    The main reasons I don't like this game are the maps are far too small, traffic is an abomination your city is eventually brought to its knees no matter how small it is and too much generally goes wrong. Fundamentally, there are too many limitations in the game. SimCity's marketing line is "Your City, Your Way". I find it is anything but...it is "My City, Maxis' Way".    … Expand
  42. koh
    May 11, 2014
    0
    Its 2014 and this game still sucks. Yeah there is an offline mode now. But the maps are still super small which completely removes the city aspect. This wouldn't be a huge deal breaker if the city tiles where right next together giving it a city look from the region view. But even this still hasn't happened. So what you get is a bunch of small blocks full of sky scrappers scattered throughIts 2014 and this game still sucks. Yeah there is an offline mode now. But the maps are still super small which completely removes the city aspect. This wouldn't be a huge deal breaker if the city tiles where right next together giving it a city look from the region view. But even this still hasn't happened. So what you get is a bunch of small blocks full of sky scrappers scattered through out the region.… Expand
  43. AdamE
    May 4, 2014
    0
    I bought the deluxe (or whatever) edition before the game was release because I am a huge simcity fan. I've tried the game on several different occasions but even with the patches (which do help) the game is terrible. The biggest issue for me personally is how small the maps are - the other simcity games felt way more epic. I loved seeing my cities grow to be huge. You just end up withI bought the deluxe (or whatever) edition before the game was release because I am a huge simcity fan. I've tried the game on several different occasions but even with the patches (which do help) the game is terrible. The biggest issue for me personally is how small the maps are - the other simcity games felt way more epic. I loved seeing my cities grow to be huge. You just end up with tiny cities that are connect with congested highways. I would not recommend this game to anyone, even if you are a diehard fan of simcity like I used to be.… Expand
  44. oddible
    Apr 24, 2013
    2
    Patch 2.0 has come out, a patch so huge that they gave it a .0 release number. It resolves many issues with the game but unfortunately BREAKS many others. Unbelievably, they have resolved traffic issues from fire trucks and police cars piling up, but have broken taxis and school busses which now pile up. They broke pollution and now tiny cities with zero industry will see MASSIVEPatch 2.0 has come out, a patch so huge that they gave it a .0 release number. It resolves many issues with the game but unfortunately BREAKS many others. Unbelievably, they have resolved traffic issues from fire trucks and police cars piling up, but have broken taxis and school busses which now pile up. They broke pollution and now tiny cities with zero industry will see MASSIVE pollution rolling across their glass box reducing land value and making your 500 person city unhappy this even on regions with zero other cities. Maxis cannot seem to get it right. After their complete failure with Spore failing to deliver the game that they had presented at all the expos, I really expected them to nail this one, but alas this is a cataclysmic failure that will likely spell the demise of Will Wright's brainchild.… Expand
  45. BarimLee
    Jan 7, 2014
    0
    I just wasted my money into EA's trash. So many bugs still in it, and there is no advantage of ONLINE play and just poor play style. The datas that I choosen are not connect directly into order. Packages for Huge building is not supplying as they just reach that construction site.
    More than that, CITIES ARE TOO SMALL
    it's not SIMCITY. it's TOWN, SIMTOWN.
  46. oshaylinux
    Mar 28, 2013
    0
    Forced Origin always online cant mod it. Too many DRM requirnments. This game is a prime example of what happens when the pub/dev think it's more important than those who buy it.
  47. ZZtop
    Apr 5, 2013
    0
    Terrible game, full of game breaking bugs, not worth paying for this game. Yet another game that EA has rushed to release to make a quick buck. They are poised to win America's Worst Company yet again as voted on Consumerist and for good reason.
  48. grungebob
    Mar 6, 2013
    1
    If you like to play this game... you can't. EA in their typical manner doesn't have enough servers and you are always trying to log in, even for single player games. Maybe in a few weeks it may be great... but if you want to play a city building game, stick with playing SimCity 4 or Cities XL for now.
  49. Ramlosa
    Apr 4, 2013
    0
    Simcity is a SINGEL-PLAYER GAME so why in hell do I always need to be connected??
    Simcity is one of those games you play at the airport or on the train, so the time will past a little bit faster.

    Even if didnt always needed to be connected Simcity is still the worst game in the series,
    Looks a bit better but the maps are small as hell and everything is dumbed down.

    EA you!!!!!
  50. kevtheobald
    Mar 27, 2013
    1
    I had a nice long review written, but their servers had an error and it was lost. Here is the short version. EA is using a DRM which requires you to always be online to play. You cannot save a game locally on your computer. That means if you drop your connection, you lost your city. They do not allow you to turn off disaster mode and the game has little to no challenge to it. The only goodI had a nice long review written, but their servers had an error and it was lost. Here is the short version. EA is using a DRM which requires you to always be online to play. You cannot save a game locally on your computer. That means if you drop your connection, you lost your city. They do not allow you to turn off disaster mode and the game has little to no challenge to it. The only good thing is the game is pretty. Avoid this game and you will avoid many headaches.… Expand
  51. MasterBeta
    Apr 2, 2013
    0
    I have never seen such a poorly developed game in my life. There are so many bugs, crashes, rollbacks, City not responding error's, that it is literally impossible to play for one night with out smashing your keyboard. What's even more pathetic is the lack of any patches to address all the issues.
  52. Pathogen
    Mar 8, 2013
    2
    Fun game when it works, but servers are congested and rarely function. Basically unplayable. EA's stated they're going to remove functions from the game to decrease load, but that's also reducing the fun factor. Do not buy. Complete waste of money.
  53. sota767
    Mar 6, 2013
    1
    I was able to play the game a few hours after it released, and since then it has been nothing but connection issues and server errors. This always-on, cloud-saved, server-side-only design is completely terrible. SimCity always has been a massive game you played by yourself. Introducing a multiplayer mode and these other online components would have been fine if you could simply ignore themI was able to play the game a few hours after it released, and since then it has been nothing but connection issues and server errors. This always-on, cloud-saved, server-side-only design is completely terrible. SimCity always has been a massive game you played by yourself. Introducing a multiplayer mode and these other online components would have been fine if you could simply ignore them and play offline if you still wanted, but forcing everybody to go this route is insane and is causing the release of the game to be a utter failure.

    EA you're not defeating piracy, your defeating your customers. If there ever becomes a way to bypass the online component of SimCity 2013 (crack, private server, whatever) I'll use it in a heartbeat instead of dealing with this crap.    … Expand
  54. me-0815
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    As if it wasn't enough that EA once again insists on a DRM system like Origin, they now additionally enforce a permanent internet connection for what is and should remain primarily a singleplayer game. And then of course there are the small city maps and the DLCs already being sold on release day which should have been a part of the main game. Such schemes should be reason enough even forAs if it wasn't enough that EA once again insists on a DRM system like Origin, they now additionally enforce a permanent internet connection for what is and should remain primarily a singleplayer game. And then of course there are the small city maps and the DLCs already being sold on release day which should have been a part of the main game. Such schemes should be reason enough even for the fans of the series to refrain from purchasing this game.… Expand
  55. forlani
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    No matter how good the game is, the bottom line is that DRM ruins all that was good and there wasn't much good to begin with. Also worth mentioning is the casual appeal the game has. It's nothing but a insult to my intelligence and other hardcore gamers out there in the world. Thanks Maxis EA for another steamy pile! I'm completely done with anything EA is involved with from this dayNo matter how good the game is, the bottom line is that DRM ruins all that was good and there wasn't much good to begin with. Also worth mentioning is the casual appeal the game has. It's nothing but a insult to my intelligence and other hardcore gamers out there in the world. Thanks Maxis EA for another steamy pile! I'm completely done with anything EA is involved with from this day forward!

    - Sincerely, A PISSED CUSTOMER!    … Expand
  56. Darmog
    Mar 6, 2013
    1
    As a long time fan of the series this game is very disappointing. The cities are way too small. The AI for fire, police, traffic, and mass transit are terrible. The online DRM is infuriating, especially when there are server issues. The game crashes far too often, especially when selecting cities. They charge full retail price for digital delivery. It's hard to make any kind of decentAs a long time fan of the series this game is very disappointing. The cities are way too small. The AI for fire, police, traffic, and mass transit are terrible. The online DRM is infuriating, especially when there are server issues. The game crashes far too often, especially when selecting cities. They charge full retail price for digital delivery. It's hard to make any kind of decent large city without going bankrupt, how not to do so is not very apparent at first. Cities in regions only connect with cities in the same corner. There a few new and interesting concepts but all in all the game is a huge disappointed and not worth the premium price, especially for digital delivery. Oh, and launch-day content for extra cost, bad form EA. Put it in the game and add content later.… Expand
  57. KevinCam
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    I have been looking forward to this game for years, finally it comes out, and what? I can not play. I get in for 2 seconds, make a city, and get booted, only to come back and the city is not even saved? What a shame.
  58. Agorash
    Apr 3, 2013
    0
    EA don't waste this saga EA with this damn DRM. EA don't waste this saga EA with this damn DRM. EA don't waste this saga EA with this damn DRM. Don't do it!
  59. canie
    Mar 26, 2013
    1
    I bought this game about 1½ week after launch, I've not had many server issues, but I have had other issues. My city with 100.000 citizens only has about 10.000 workers and about 3000 students, what do the other 87.000 do all day? The lack of workers means that big cities don't generate much income compared to the cost of having hospitals, public transport etc. for 100.000 people.
    The    I bought this game about 1½ week after launch, I've not had many server issues, but I have had other issues. My city with 100.000 citizens only has about 10.000 workers and about 3000 students, what do the other 87.000 do all day? The lack of workers means that big cities don't generate much income compared to the cost of having hospitals, public transport etc. for 100.000 people.
    The traffic is terrible, really terrible, I can't get it flowing in spite of having many buses and streetcars.    … Expand
  60. X0R
    Mar 27, 2013
    3
    Lots of negative reviews here, so I won't go through this with a new microscope. Overall, it's been a very disappointing experience so far. Previous Simcity versions were great for the times they were developed in IMHO I really thought they were going to release something very special and amazing for 2013. Outside of the lame reasons to use server DRM instead of something similar butLots of negative reviews here, so I won't go through this with a new microscope. Overall, it's been a very disappointing experience so far. Previous Simcity versions were great for the times they were developed in IMHO I really thought they were going to release something very special and amazing for 2013. Outside of the lame reasons to use server DRM instead of something similar but more functional. The frequent downtime and overall bugginess is awful. I read that one of the developers said something to the effect that this has MMO components. Where? For example, I created an instance but you can't find it when browsing player cities. After a day or two, the game is now boring to me.… Expand
  61. Anwest
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Been trying for days to create a new city but can't. The game keeps saying the servers are down. Sometimes I pass the first check and the game let me choose a world. But when I try to select a zone to start my city in the game lose the connection to the server once again. It's really bad and you should not even consider to buy this game in the current state.
  62. Tiller828
    Mar 6, 2013
    1
    I find it hard to believe that anyone can give this game a high score as of now. I havent even been able to play it period, let alone enough to be able to rate it. This is just another failed launch from EA,, and its starting to become habit.
    I did notice most of the positive comments are people not actually rating the game but giving their braindead opinions on why DRM games are great,    I find it hard to believe that anyone can give this game a high score as of now. I havent even been able to play it period, let alone enough to be able to rate it. This is just another failed launch from EA,, and its starting to become habit.
    I did notice most of the positive comments are people not actually rating the game but giving their braindead opinions on why DRM games are great, even though their launch fails everytime, so I guess that would explain it    … Expand
  63. MetaGuy321
    Mar 6, 2013
    1
    Trouble getting online. Couldn't play for the longest time. Really pissed right now at EA. I'm sorry but customers should not be treated in this way.
  64. Broadnick
    Apr 5, 2013
    2
    I played all SimCity versions from the first one and SimCity 5 is nothing else than a piece of garbage. I don't care about the DRM; that is something that don't bothered me. But, the game himself is a big deception in many ways. First, the size of the map is ridiculous. Imagine... you have to think two times before adding a single football field because it take too space on the map!!I played all SimCity versions from the first one and SimCity 5 is nothing else than a piece of garbage. I don't care about the DRM; that is something that don't bothered me. But, the game himself is a big deception in many ways. First, the size of the map is ridiculous. Imagine... you have to think two times before adding a single football field because it take too space on the map!! Other disaster is the very strict link between road and building, park, etc. Nothing can be build freely in the map because everything have to connect to a road... and you cannot turn objects to fit in a particular orientation. This result in most space lost (so precious space) is you want curve roads in your city.

    There is no beach stuff, no marina-harbor or ship industry, no tree, very limited choice of building.
    I already write enough about this game. Please, do not give your money to EA; keep it for another more serious developper.    … Expand
  65. TheUnbeholden
    Mar 29, 2013
    1
    it requires a constant internet connection AND origin. Nuff said.
    I don't care if a million critics hail as game of the year or game of the god damn universe. The day draconian DRM gets this entangled into my computer is the day I pretty much put CCTV camera's into my house, bend over and accept minimum wage back breaking work for the rest of my natural born life. Or more realistically    it requires a constant internet connection AND origin. Nuff said.
    I don't care if a million critics hail as game of the year or game of the god damn universe. The day draconian DRM gets this entangled into my computer is the day I pretty much put CCTV camera's into my house, bend over and accept minimum wage back breaking work for the rest of my natural born life. Or more realistically HAVE A STABLE CONSTANT INTERNET CONNECTION which only 30% of the population of America has. I'm not going to argue against EA because they can probably buy out or black mail anyone who speaks against it in the professional review world & I haven't said anything has already been said by millions of other people. To hell with EA & their stupid logic for treating everyone like criminals & hurting only their customers.    … Expand
  66. PanzerBabe
    Mar 28, 2013
    0
    Lets get one thing straight about this game-- you're not actually "buying" it. You are paying 60-40 dollars to "lease" it. 40-60 dollars for the right to use it when EA sees fit. Hopefully you will not get banned by EA for trying to mod it, and hopefully the servers are up from now until kingdom come --otherwise once those servers are down you will never be able to play this game everLets get one thing straight about this game-- you're not actually "buying" it. You are paying 60-40 dollars to "lease" it. 40-60 dollars for the right to use it when EA sees fit. Hopefully you will not get banned by EA for trying to mod it, and hopefully the servers are up from now until kingdom come --otherwise once those servers are down you will never be able to play this game ever again.

    "Please EA, oh pretty please, can I play the game I paid you 60 dollars for, please! I'm sorry my internet connection isn't stable, but I promise you it's not my fault, honest!" ---DONT LET THIS BE YOU. JUST SAY NO TO INVASIVE DRM    … Expand
  67. adamcb
    Mar 6, 2013
    2
    I went to the trouble of creating an account just so I could warn folks not to buy this game. A persistent online, single-player game where the servers do not work is a setup for failure.

    Now, granted, when you do get in (for me about 15/100 times), the game is very good. Visually a delight. But from server issues at launch to ongoing issues on the first and second days post-launch, I    I went to the trouble of creating an account just so I could warn folks not to buy this game. A persistent online, single-player game where the servers do not work is a setup for failure.

    Now, granted, when you do get in (for me about 15/100 times), the game is very good. Visually a delight. But from server issues at launch to ongoing issues on the first and second days post-launch, I just cannot recommend this game. And this comes from someone who has played every SimCity since the first in 1989 when I was still in high school.

    I play games to relax and unwind. And this game has been an utter frustration instead. I'm going to return this game for a refund and hopefully re-purchase in a month or two when either the servers get better or EA realizes the DRM and persistent online scheme appropriate for a MMORPG is not appropriate for a single-player city simulator.    … Expand
  68. MERC123
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    I can't believe how horribly EA trashed the venerable Simcity series. The DRM makes the game unplayable. No matter how many times you restart the game, you won't be able to build a city for more than an hour or so (if you're lucky). Thanks for screwing over the law-abiding people of the world by not letting them play a game that they purchased EA. You've successfully converted me into a pirate.
  69. Fenris13
    Mar 6, 2013
    2
    Probably nothing more to add than anyone else did. Could be a great game, but the ineptitude of EA and Maxis could be a brand killer. I don't mind the smaller city sizes as much, but to require that the player have to be connected to servers and then not to have them ready to go is just ridiculous.
  70. Troa
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    The game is unplayable at launch. The number of servers was low, and now even though they claim servers are up they are not allowing authentication to play. This game needed much more time in beta before this horrifically flawed release, and should be taken off market until they get it working. To someone who has seen computer releases since the 90's, this is unforgivable.
  71. jaxbert
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    I have had this game for 2 days now, and I still have been unable to play because of a "Network Error", or busy server, or other error. I hope to be able to try it out soon, but most of the reviews from people who actually can play are negative as well...
  72. TheQuirkyGamer
    Mar 6, 2013
    2
    It's sad to see that the potential and future success of this game was ruined by the always online DRM, the constant server crashes, the inability to actually play Single Player, which I was hoping to have been able to do. The ways these ideas were implemented was a slap to the face for the gaming community and me. If anything, Sim City does not deserve the 83 Metascore it currently holdsIt's sad to see that the potential and future success of this game was ruined by the always online DRM, the constant server crashes, the inability to actually play Single Player, which I was hoping to have been able to do. The ways these ideas were implemented was a slap to the face for the gaming community and me. If anything, Sim City does not deserve the 83 Metascore it currently holds until they can listen to their consumers and correct the online DRM they have on play. If they honestly think that having these strict DRMs actually prevent piracy...they are wrong.… Expand
  73. epilogue
    Mar 6, 2013
    2
    It was a completely terrible decision for EA to add such restrictive DRM to a single player game. I may have been more forgiving if the game was actually playable for me. But even still the online features are ridiculous, especially online only saves and the inability to play this game at launch.
  74. xr2xr2
    Mar 7, 2013
    2
    FIX YOUR SERVER ISSUES EA You should have been prepared you had thousands of pre-orders and two beta tests to indicate the level of demand and plan for it accordingly. Loyal fans of the SimCity brand have waited 10 years to play this game and you have proven yourselves to be completely and utterly ill-prepared and downright incompetent in dealing with the demand. I cannot give moreFIX YOUR SERVER ISSUES EA You should have been prepared you had thousands of pre-orders and two beta tests to indicate the level of demand and plan for it accordingly. Loyal fans of the SimCity brand have waited 10 years to play this game and you have proven yourselves to be completely and utterly ill-prepared and downright incompetent in dealing with the demand. I cannot give more than 2/10 as I have only managed to get 2 hours of gameplay since launch day pathetic!!… Expand
  75. dethedrus
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    An absolute travesty. The dumbing down of the single best city building franchise... the one that literally created the genre back in the late 80s. I've played every PC version since the original, and I'm floored at just how much got left on the cutting room floor or badly botched (traffic modelling is particularly abysmal). Or worse, reserved for copious DLC consumption. Add in theAn absolute travesty. The dumbing down of the single best city building franchise... the one that literally created the genre back in the late 80s. I've played every PC version since the original, and I'm floored at just how much got left on the cutting room floor or badly botched (traffic modelling is particularly abysmal). Or worse, reserved for copious DLC consumption. Add in the positively craptastic backend "support" from EA and it's one of the single worst game launches I've ever see. It makes Diablo 3 and Elemental look like shining paragons of good coding and infrastructure.… Expand
  76. wickewitch1983
    Mar 7, 2013
    1
    The game itself is good,actually it is great.I dont mind the addition of "multiplayer" but the always online has made the game not playable.I am not a computer gamer and this has definetly ruined any chance of me buying another one that requires always on internet.The customer service from EA has soured me on them.I will never buy another EA game.i advised a friend of mine who is an avidThe game itself is good,actually it is great.I dont mind the addition of "multiplayer" but the always online has made the game not playable.I am not a computer gamer and this has definetly ruined any chance of me buying another one that requires always on internet.The customer service from EA has soured me on them.I will never buy another EA game.i advised a friend of mine who is an avid simcity player not to buy the game,at least not now, due to the inability to play.If I could return it I definetly would but the gaming industry as a whole has prevented this.I worked hard and saved my money for this game and its gone without an apology or any offer of compensation from the manufacturer about this fiasco.So to summarize please dont buy this game no matter how good it is when you play, it is impossible to even play it.… Expand
  77. drkplx
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    GG ea on blowing the release of an otherwise good game (from what I hear). I wouldn't actually know because I can't even play the game I paid $60 for. Apparently some people have received refunds via their support chat, however I had no luck. Boycott, boycott, boycott.......
  78. Marra82
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    The game itself is fun, but I can't give this anything else than a 0 just because it's basically unplayable for longer periods than a few minutes at a time. Stupid DRM destroys everything for all the honest paying customers who have longed for this game for ages.

    My origin account says I've played SimCity for 14 hours, but I'm certain I haven't been building cities for more than 30    The game itself is fun, but I can't give this anything else than a 0 just because it's basically unplayable for longer periods than a few minutes at a time. Stupid DRM destroys everything for all the honest paying customers who have longed for this game for ages.

    My origin account says I've played SimCity for 14 hours, but I'm certain I haven't been building cities for more than 30 minutes, tops. That kinda sums it all up.    … Expand
  79. Phakt
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Metacritic, how much did EA pay you to write this tripe? Even when the game works it is a baby's toy. It's great for a preschooler. Also, you have to be online to play single player? That is sickening. Sorry, not only did EA lose a customer, you lost a site visitor.
  80. ramonfelipe
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Always on DRM is retarded, and can turn a great game into complete crap. Hopefully they are still in time to reconsider this strategy and apply a patch to allow offline play.
  81. Cannily
    Mar 2, 2014
    1
    SimCity is a great idea with a bad engine.
    Maxis is an innovative developer with an evil publisher.
    So what does this mean? The engine is rubbish because it can't simulate a city. Each citizen lives in the nearest free home in relation to his position at the moment he wants to go home. Thus each citizen lives each day in a different home and because every citizen does this, there is    SimCity is a great idea with a bad engine.
    Maxis is an innovative developer with an evil publisher.

    So what does this mean?
    The engine is rubbish because it can't simulate a city.
    Each citizen lives in the nearest free home in relation to his position at the moment he wants to go home.
    Thus each citizen lives each day in a different home and because every citizen does this, there is always a huge traffic jam, because every citizen goes to the same home, than to the next and so on.
    This is also true for work, shopping etc.
    In conclusion the roads ware always full and a city with more than 10.000 people (which aren't exactly 10.000 units, more 100 or so) will not work, the jams will hold your trucks which are needed for your production line. Of course, fire trucks and the other public service cars will stuck in traffic too. They don't get an extra lane, the even have to wait if the lights are red and no car will make room for them. Thus your city will burn down. Because of the engine, every truck will drive to the next fire, not to a fire with no truck already moving in.

    But never the less this game is fun to play, until you notice, that you can't optimize the roads and your public service because of the broken engine.

    So if this was it, I would give this game a 4 or 5 out of 10, because it will take you a while to notice.

    But EA lied about this game and is still lying because the are selling it as a simulation of a city. But this game does not simulate anything.
    The even bring out DLCs and AddOn which make the problems worse or are simply overprices and/or bring ingame advertising with them instead of fixing the engine (maybe it's not possible).
    The maps are ridicule small sized and the DRM is a pain, because the benefits (trade with neighbor cities) are not working proper.

    So I give this game a 1, it is more a 0 but if you naively think that your city planing is the issue, like me, it is fun to play a while until you notice the limits of this fake simulation engine ;)    … Expand
  82. jimbob2100
    Mar 8, 2013
    3
    Couldn't play at midnight as the servers went down, then I had to wait over 20 mins today to get on. Played for 2 hours, then server crashes and I get kicked out of the game. Actual game is brilliant which is why I'm not giving it a 0 (although the city size limit is ridiculous). I just don't understand why a SINGLE PLAYER game has this NEED to be online. I get they are trying to forceCouldn't play at midnight as the servers went down, then I had to wait over 20 mins today to get on. Played for 2 hours, then server crashes and I get kicked out of the game. Actual game is brilliant which is why I'm not giving it a 0 (although the city size limit is ridiculous). I just don't understand why a SINGLE PLAYER game has this NEED to be online. I get they are trying to force this multiplayer way of thinking into the game. And I actually think that its a good idea and it opens possibilities to expand the game further from a gameplay perspective. But they should have at least given the option to turn it off. I don't know how it works exactly but maybe they could've had like an authentication process that requires a internet connection and after that it doesn't matter, you can play an offline single player mode with an option to turn on your multiplayer when you feel like it. The always on DRM is retarded and will always be retarded. Until game publishers realise this then consumers are gonna get screwed over time and time again… Expand
  83. BrainBreak
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    It's like paying for a lap dance and after 3 days, you still don't get a friggin' lap dance. Not even a comped drink. Just more lies about how they are appreciate you as a customer and that they are working on getting the dancers on the dance floor. Hey, EA, I played for a lap dance. On second thought, just give me my money back.

    The game doesn't work and EA refuses to response or give    It's like paying for a lap dance and after 3 days, you still don't get a friggin' lap dance. Not even a comped drink. Just more lies about how they are appreciate you as a customer and that they are working on getting the dancers on the dance floor. Hey, EA, I played for a lap dance. On second thought, just give me my money back.

    The game doesn't work and EA refuses to response or give refunds. Call your credit card carrier, and dispute the charge with reason "DEFECTIVE PRODUCT, MANFACTERED REFUSING RETURN".    … Expand
  84. AN1NSAN1TYH0UR
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Do NOT waste your money on this broken game. EA's "Always On DRM" has ruined what could have been a great game. Long (and sometimes eternal) server wait times and a broken save system have rendered SimCity unplayable. This is also not a "true" city building game, for you can only build a portion of a city (120x120 square). The true tragedy is it did not have to be like this, for if you areDo NOT waste your money on this broken game. EA's "Always On DRM" has ruined what could have been a great game. Long (and sometimes eternal) server wait times and a broken save system have rendered SimCity unplayable. This is also not a "true" city building game, for you can only build a portion of a city (120x120 square). The true tragedy is it did not have to be like this, for if you are granted the ability to play on EA's servers long enough you will find that there is a fun game underneath all of EA's imposed restrictions. Ultimately, EA has killed yet another one of my favorite series.… Expand
  85. rhiwn
    Mar 8, 2013
    1
    I've been playing games for 20 years. This is the most expensive game I've ever bought. And the worst experience ever. Have sat and waited for hours to play. What a load of rubbish
  86. JJRambo
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Always online DRM means all types of problems, and SC improves on them in the worst way possible with lots of bugs. It also means less play, server's issues are beyond ridiculous. But also cities wayyyyy to smal, it's frustrating the neighbor colaboration. Broken game.
  87. Shallowheart
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I can not see any other way to rate this game than 0. I bought the game for almost 60€ from Origin and can not even play it. All the European servers are in full capacity so i can not join those, i can join to American ones, but it disconnects all the time so i can not really play. One time i could get into the tutorial part but i could not click anywhere, i had to exit. Hoping to playI can not see any other way to rate this game than 0. I bought the game for almost 60€ from Origin and can not even play it. All the European servers are in full capacity so i can not join those, i can join to American ones, but it disconnects all the time so i can not really play. One time i could get into the tutorial part but i could not click anywhere, i had to exit. Hoping to play this game someday.… Expand
  88. VilePirate
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    So disappointed, but hey it's EA. At the end of the day it's not about the game or experience, but it's about the Benjamin's. The fact that day one DLC and DRM to prevent piracy only proves this point. Hit EA where it hurts and do not buy this game.
  89. ultra-kitten
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    With the always-online-DRM you are at the mercy of EA at all times, given you do have a internet connection. You don't own the game, you rent it on the conditions set by EA. If they pull the plug on the servers, you are no longer able to play the game you bought. The very first Sim City released in 1989 still works today. I have major doubts the 2013 release of Sim City will work in 5With the always-online-DRM you are at the mercy of EA at all times, given you do have a internet connection. You don't own the game, you rent it on the conditions set by EA. If they pull the plug on the servers, you are no longer able to play the game you bought. The very first Sim City released in 1989 still works today. I have major doubts the 2013 release of Sim City will work in 5 years time, considering server shut-downs by EA for games using similar DRM technology.… Expand
  90. OrzoKnight
    Mar 8, 2013
    2
    My number one complaint is that you have to be online to play this game, even if you're playing by yourself. Number two complaint is the city size. They're downright tiny. I would like to be able to build much bigger cities. Lastly, it's a very frustrating process to even try to play, mainly because servers are always busy. It's taken me up to 30 minutes to be able to connect. I know thisMy number one complaint is that you have to be online to play this game, even if you're playing by yourself. Number two complaint is the city size. They're downright tiny. I would like to be able to build much bigger cities. Lastly, it's a very frustrating process to even try to play, mainly because servers are always busy. It's taken me up to 30 minutes to be able to connect. I know this is a launch issue which will get solved eventually, but people who payed $60 to be the first to play this highly-anticipated game probably are feeling cheated.… Expand
  91. Nicke
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    First it took me seven hours to download because of my slow internet connection, and once installed I find out that it has selected my native language for the game, which can not be changed from within the game. I like to use English instead of my native language, but in order to change the language I have to remove the game from my computer, change language settings in Origin and thenFirst it took me seven hours to download because of my slow internet connection, and once installed I find out that it has selected my native language for the game, which can not be changed from within the game. I like to use English instead of my native language, but in order to change the language I have to remove the game from my computer, change language settings in Origin and then download and re-install the game again... wasting another seven hours.

    Once the game is installed I can't actually play because there are no servers available, and since it only plays online I have to wait in queue for a server slot for about 20 minutes... while in queue I can't check for other available servers, or the waiting time will be reset to 20 minutes. Well, I finally managed to get into a server and from then I thought I'd be able to play the game within a few minutes, but with the server connection working randomly from one minute to the next, I never managed to get into the city builder... I tried to start the game for 2½ hours before running out of patience; I've now removed the game from my computer, and regret ever paying any money for it. What a catastrophic release!    … Expand
  92. ryan1923
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    the only thing going for the game is the graphics. everything else is broken. i wouldnt pay $20 for this game, let alone $60. please listen to me dont spend any money on this game. go get sim city 2000 and enjoy sim city, the way it's meant to be. not with DRM that is required. if EA makes it optional, or better yet removes it entirely, and gives us single player, then i might change mythe only thing going for the game is the graphics. everything else is broken. i wouldnt pay $20 for this game, let alone $60. please listen to me dont spend any money on this game. go get sim city 2000 and enjoy sim city, the way it's meant to be. not with DRM that is required. if EA makes it optional, or better yet removes it entirely, and gives us single player, then i might change my mind, but if that doesnt happen, this garbage game is going in the trash.… Expand
  93. shall0917
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    What a joke. SimTown is a completely broken game. If you enjoy error messages, not being able to save, or flushing money down the toilet, then go buy it. If you're the type of person who wants to use something they buy, you might wanna steer clear of this train wreck. This is the first time I've ever rooted for the pirates to win. Always on DRM is a joke, EA Origin is a joke, and theWhat a joke. SimTown is a completely broken game. If you enjoy error messages, not being able to save, or flushing money down the toilet, then go buy it. If you're the type of person who wants to use something they buy, you might wanna steer clear of this train wreck. This is the first time I've ever rooted for the pirates to win. Always on DRM is a joke, EA Origin is a joke, and the biggest joke is on me, since I bought it.… Expand
  94. dme1970
    Mar 8, 2013
    1
    Great game when you can play. I had no problems on launch day other than a random restart. Since then I cant play mostly because the servers keep crashing. Even better yet if I find a server that is working, then I get to go through tutorial again. You would think there would be file that would tell the server you have already done the tutorial, or even better yet a skip option.
  95. giraffe
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Sorry, but if you actually still give money to EA at this point you deserve everything you get.

    They see theirs customers as enemies and don't care about quality of games. They're agenda-driven, corrupt and totally unethical.

    Never buy a game published by EA.
  96. Nanoflex
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Great game but it does not deserve a single point if you are going to shove always on drm down my throat have the decency to DO IT RIGHT. Instead during simcity launch I will be playing Civilization wait doesn't that have online play as well OH WAIT, IT DOES. Enough Said
  97. ryanweb
    Mar 8, 2013
    1
    I can no longer contain my frustration. Between the game's limited features vs previous titles and the nagging, persistent server issues causing both 1) inability to play the game and 2) severe data loss, this game has officially crossed the threshold into awful. They've had over three days to fix these problems and I know that FedEx and UPS can deliver some servers within that time frame.I can no longer contain my frustration. Between the game's limited features vs previous titles and the nagging, persistent server issues causing both 1) inability to play the game and 2) severe data loss, this game has officially crossed the threshold into awful. They've had over three days to fix these problems and I know that FedEx and UPS can deliver some servers within that time frame. Give me a break.… Expand
  98. clikzip
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    The 30 minutes ive got to play this game were fun. Other than that ive spent over 12 hours trying to play it. The always online DRM put in place to prevent the 5% bad eggs has spoiled it for the rest of us. I want my $60 back...
  99. Mujaidin
    Mar 19, 2013
    1
    I have a feeling that the residents in the city will increase beyond the things we do as mayor. I think the game mechanics are too simple and trivial!
  100. sl5581
    Mar 24, 2013
    0
    promised online features don't work until now (no rankings, region play full of errors)
    - tiny map sizes
    - dumped down difficulty (only problem is the fight against bugs) - no logic simulation recognizable (traffic ui terrible, sim behavior terrible, satisfaction system terrible) - less complexity than in sim city 4 (no water, electricity lines, no orders) - much less buildings     promised online features don't work until now (no rankings, region play full of errors)
    - tiny map sizes
    - dumped down difficulty (only problem is the fight against bugs)
    - no logic simulation recognizable (traffic ui terrible, sim behavior terrible, satisfaction system terrible)
    - less complexity than in sim city 4 (no water, electricity lines, no orders)
    - much less buildings diversity (no highways, trails, monorail, fusion power, toll system, one way street, metro, military base)
    - few statistics

    everything i liked in sc 2000/3000/4 has been canceled/dumped down DONT BUY    … Expand
Page:

Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Most Discussed PC Game of 2013
21
#21 Most Shared PC Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64

Mixed or average reviews - based on 75 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 75
  2. Mixed: 39 out of 75
  3. Negative: 10 out of 75
  1. PC Master (Greece)
    Jun 5, 2013
    65
    Given enough patches and DCLs, SimCity might eventually become the game that should have been on its release and justify the ambiguous choices that its developers made. [May 2013]
  2. Games Master UK
    May 9, 2013
    68
    Hints at great things but is limited by small cities and promises it can't deliver on. [June 2013, p.80]
  3. Hyper Magazine
    May 9, 2013
    40
    There's more problems with this game than I have words. Looks great though. [June 2013, p.80]
See all critic reviews »