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
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  1. luist3k
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    I bought a game that I can not play. I am dumb. After all the hype created, and the cost of $60. EA has once again destroyed a successful franchise because of their greed. When is it gonna be over?
  2. Icely
    Mar 7, 2013
    1
    I think when the servers are up and running this game will be one of the best. But as of right now it is busted. I would suggest waiting on buying the game as of right now. if one has bought it and is not happy. dont bother trying to go to EA for a refund they will just deny you. I would call your credit card company and ask for a Charge Back. Its to bad EA is greedy they could of had aI think when the servers are up and running this game will be one of the best. But as of right now it is busted. I would suggest waiting on buying the game as of right now. if one has bought it and is not happy. dont bother trying to go to EA for a refund they will just deny you. I would call your credit card company and ask for a Charge Back. Its to bad EA is greedy they could of had a great game. Would have worked allot better with Steam.… Expand
  3. groonis
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    BOUGHT GAME FOR 699 SWEDISH KRONA APROX $110) 24h ago.

    Havent been able to log in.
    Want my money back because: EA/MAXXIS dont give me any information or ETA when it should be fixxed.
  4. Suicidemoon
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Unlocked at an unknown time so i could BUY A NON PREORDER COPY AND PLAY RIGHT AWAY! This game is NOT online DRM for Cloud saving and servers helping your PC run the game! This is ONLINE ONLY for the milking of DLC and a CASHSHOP for drip feeding you buildings that SHOULD BE IN THE GAME. Just like the DAY ONE DLC for 80 dollars. 2 Days after launch and still problems playing a game i PAIDUnlocked at an unknown time so i could BUY A NON PREORDER COPY AND PLAY RIGHT AWAY! This game is NOT online DRM for Cloud saving and servers helping your PC run the game! This is ONLINE ONLY for the milking of DLC and a CASHSHOP for drip feeding you buildings that SHOULD BE IN THE GAME. Just like the DAY ONE DLC for 80 dollars. 2 Days after launch and still problems playing a game i PAID FOR. AMAZON even took it off their site till EA GETS THEIR together. STAY AWAY FROM THIS GAME UNTIL ORIGIN AND ONLINE ONLY IS REMOVED!!!!… Expand
  5. Rnadmo
    Mar 7, 2013
    3
    SimCity is an amazing game. There's hours worth of challenges just getting the game installed and operating at a base level, then then later trying to get it to connect. Once you can actually get a region started, you might be able to actually start a city. Once you do start a city, the ACTUAL amazing game starts. And it is really good. Deserving of the name and the franchise. Until youSimCity is an amazing game. There's hours worth of challenges just getting the game installed and operating at a base level, then then later trying to get it to connect. Once you can actually get a region started, you might be able to actually start a city. Once you do start a city, the ACTUAL amazing game starts. And it is really good. Deserving of the name and the franchise. Until you try and save the game that is, which is when you'll notice that there is no manual save option. You have to trust that the game has managed to save your progress. Which is fine except it usually doesn't save anything. Anyway, this game doesn't work, don't buy it right now. Once it does actually work though, it's a great game.… Expand
  6. Neves_Meid
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Bought this game against my better judgment, and my better judgment proved right. DRM is very, very bad unless it's done right and stable, like good MMOs do, but EA is not up to the task of maintaining a cloud-based game, apparently. I can put up with DRM, but not broken DRM. Anyway, after getting about 10 hours of gameplay about 80% of which was lost to rollbacks, crashes, andBought this game against my better judgment, and my better judgment proved right. DRM is very, very bad unless it's done right and stable, like good MMOs do, but EA is not up to the task of maintaining a cloud-based game, apparently. I can put up with DRM, but not broken DRM. Anyway, after getting about 10 hours of gameplay about 80% of which was lost to rollbacks, crashes, and disconnects, I decided I no longer wanted to play SimCity, that it was not worth the 60 bucks. I called GameStop customer support to check the return policy and the customer support person basically said I was SOL, and that they'd told me that the last time I called... I only called once, and hearing this messed-up Jedi-mind-trick tactic from GameStop Support, to try and insinuate that I was some kind of repeat caller who couldn't take no for an answer...WTF? Was this a $60 ticket to The Twilight Zone? Anyway, I told the fail Jedi customer service rep that I was okay with keeping the useless game disk, they could keep my $60, and I would keep the rest of my money because I would never shop at GameStop or buy another EA product again! On a side note, I thought people giving low reviews to this release were being heavy-handed, but NOW I KNOW WHY! CAVEAT EMPTOR!… Expand
  7. MrPotato123
    Mar 7, 2013
    10
    the review of the people are so subjective and there are so many trolls apart that we can put whatever you want. I say the best game of the century, omitting the crappy Origin
  8. rockmegax
    Mar 7, 2013
    1
    What were they thinking?
    We tried to warn them to not do this "on-line only" but they refused to listen! Now they have a bunch of players who can't play the game because of connection issues. Never support this kind of DRM! It will just harm the consumer! They will shut down the servers in a few years and the players will be locked out.
    They should have made Sim City just like a normal    What were they thinking?
    We tried to warn them to not do this "on-line only" but they refused to listen! Now they have a bunch of players who can't play the game because of connection issues. Never support this kind of DRM! It will just harm the consumer! They will shut down the servers in a few years and the players will be locked out.
    They should have made Sim City just like a normal game, but with multiplayer capabilities. Remember Sim City 2000 Network Edition? I don't know if it had a good multiplayer (I played the normal 2000), but it's close to what I am trying to describe.
    Come on! What's up with the city size? Why is it so small? Where are the huge cities from SC4? I was playing another city simulator game today and realized that the city I spent 30 minutes building already reached the same size as Sim City's.
    Good work EA! You guys destroyed many franchises I loved (C&C, Sim City, SWTOR, DA).
    I am giving this game a 1 because the "Sim Villages" looks cute from very far away.    … Expand
  9. freezer
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Game is unplayable. Paid 80 Euro for this crap titlecannot play at all.

    Server Busy.
    Server Disconnect
    Could not log in to SimCity due to a network error.
    Unable to connect to the SimCity servers. Please try again,
    When u do login cannot create game.
    Authenticating with servers and play button greyed out.

    It is Error 37 but then even worse
  10. udine
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    As the other users already said, the game is currently unplayable and in the future you also have to rely on EA to be gracious enough to let you. Maybe if we all sign the petition at:

    https://www.change.org/petitions/electronic-arts-inc-remove-always-online-drm-from-simcity-and-future-games

    EA and other publishers will realize that we will not accept their behavior!
  11. Mawz
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Bruuuuuutal. Not what I thought I was buying. So much anticipation for this game... and let down. It looks far to cartoony, and too damn easy. The taxes are a joooke.
  12. TheFandango
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    I've tried to play this game a few times now. Like everybody else is saying cannot connect to the server. DRM is the worst idea in the world. I'll be asking for a refund.
  13. Orphanmaker
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Ok, I bought it and I can't play, so my score 0... simple like that... Need to be online to play single player? Oh, "internet and providers never fails..."... what a joke...
  14. esocid
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Waited an hour and a half to get into the game. Played for a good 20 minutes until the game crashed. Guess what? I had to wait even longer to get back into the game.

    Pros: My computer didn't come to life and kill me.
    Cons: My computer didn't come to life and put me out of my misery while waiting.
  15. CoachCager
    Mar 7, 2013
    7
    The Sim itself is amazing.
    I am not a fan of the DRM, though I understand where they are coming from.

    My major dislike is the size of the "towns" I used to love building big sprawling metropolises. I can understand that why the size is small due to the level at which they are simming.
  16. Susperio
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    It is just this simple: EA is essentially selling hot air, and making HUGE profits on gullible people like me. Do not buy this game. Do not be swindled out of your hard-earned money like me and so many other gamers.
  17. tomke78
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    For DRM Online i will never buy this game, await for scene release then play as well as other EA games never buy again, waste of money. Simcity sales would be down below forecast for this.
  18. Slaunyeh
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    With a gameplay so shallow it could be a facebook game an obligation to have internet connection to play sigle player, all this under the patethic excuse its how "modern games are", once more EA is cheering a boost in sells while a brand has been thrown in a pit .
    Microscopic cities, pretty grafic and dumbstreamed gameplay doesn t cut it. EA is as Ubisoft, are a cancer for the future of    With a gameplay so shallow it could be a facebook game an obligation to have internet connection to play sigle player, all this under the patethic excuse its how "modern games are", once more EA is cheering a boost in sells while a brand has been thrown in a pit .
    Microscopic cities, pretty grafic and dumbstreamed gameplay doesn t cut it. EA is as Ubisoft, are a cancer for the future of gaming. And once more it is clear you can ttrust the corrupted payed to review gaming publications.    … Expand
  19. 0M9H4X
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    This is an offline, single player game that one plays ALONE in front of their computer. I have played Sim City 4 and Sim City 3000 before, and enjoyed them for quite some time. This one however forces you to connect with EAs Servers in order to do anything such as playing an offline game by yourself. That alone is almost reasoning enough for a 0 rating, but it gets better. EAs servers DOThis is an offline, single player game that one plays ALONE in front of their computer. I have played Sim City 4 and Sim City 3000 before, and enjoyed them for quite some time. This one however forces you to connect with EAs Servers in order to do anything such as playing an offline game by yourself. That alone is almost reasoning enough for a 0 rating, but it gets better. EAs servers DO NOT WORK. They cannot be reached, and even if you manage to connect to one (so it lets you play AN OFFLINE GAME) it crashes after taking 10 minutes to load the tutorial which you cannot skip. I have literally not played a single game yet because I AM NOT ABLE TO. This game is a waste beyond believe, I would not recommend it if you can find it for $10. Although I haven't been able to play the game yet, I heard it's not even that good. The CITYS you are supposed to be able to build are supposedly more like nano-villages, and if you want to build bigger and wider you will have to start a new city and connect the two. Online or something I don't get it. Maybe I'd be able to look into it, if the game would function. A definite 0/10.… Expand
  20. sambo7
    Mar 7, 2013
    3
    Ignoring the whole server issues and always online DRM (which I don't mind that much if it wasn't for this terrible launch) the game still completely falls flat for me.
    Apart from the traffic and population simulators it's a complete downgrade from simcity 4 in almost every way. tiny as cities
    -no farms -no terraforming -barely no public transport -Day 1 DLC -always online DRM    Ignoring the whole server issues and always online DRM (which I don't mind that much if it wasn't for this terrible launch) the game still completely falls flat for me.
    Apart from the traffic and population simulators it's a complete downgrade from simcity 4 in almost every way. tiny as cities
    -no farms
    -no terraforming
    -barely no public transport
    -Day 1 DLC
    -always online DRM -bugs, bad graphics errywhere

    I don't play simcity to muck around with a tiny village, I play it to create a huge, thriving megalopolis. What a disappointment... I may return to the game once they add all the features sim city 4 had (and more) but no doubt this will be payed DLC.    … Expand
  21. NilartPax
    Mar 7, 2013
    1
    I go and buy SimCity in a retail store... only to find out the only thing on the disk is actually something called "Origins", which apparently some kind of crappy steam wannabe. THE GAME IS NOT ON THE DISK! I have to download something like 13-14 GB of data, which is the actual game! YOU THINK THIS IS OKAY! DO YOU REALLY! NO WHERE ON THE BOX DOES IT SAY "GAME NOT INCLUDED: MUST BEI go and buy SimCity in a retail store... only to find out the only thing on the disk is actually something called "Origins", which apparently some kind of crappy steam wannabe. THE GAME IS NOT ON THE DISK! I have to download something like 13-14 GB of data, which is the actual game! YOU THINK THIS IS OKAY! DO YOU REALLY! NO WHERE ON THE BOX DOES IT SAY "GAME NOT INCLUDED: MUST BE DOWNLOADED. THIS IS JUST A GAME CLIENT HIDDEN IN THIS BOX."

    After I wait the 4-ish hours it takes to download (clearly not using torrent-type installer... download way lower than max speeds for my connection). the game servers are full... unable to play.

    last night at about midnight MST I was able to play... for about an hour. The game itself was... okay. Cities are smaller than even the original simcity. the game is fun... but not the "deepest simcity" it was touted as.

    Then "Unable to sync with server". I have a feeling that my city didn't get saved on the so-called cloud servers though this morning I was unable to log in to check.

    I filed a complaint with the BBB during lunch after again trying to log in and being unable to.    … Expand
  22. Agarwel
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    It is sad, but if I would spend my 80eur on empty DVD box from Tesco, I would received more content :-/
    Simcity so far took my money, time (googling for status updates) and provided no content at all.
  23. Complexes
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    I'm confused why this is in the PC games section. I thought you were meant to play games, not watch a server time tick away for hours. I strongly suggest this is moved to the movies section.
  24. RogerWilco2099
    Mar 7, 2013
    2
    The premise has been lost with this game, with a name like Sim City you want to create just that. A vibrant metropolis of large scale. Unfortunately this has been lost forever now it seems. Maps are smaller then ever and while it has many great features these are virtually the same as the four games before it. The innovation that was promised really isn't there. The game forces you moreThe premise has been lost with this game, with a name like Sim City you want to create just that. A vibrant metropolis of large scale. Unfortunately this has been lost forever now it seems. Maps are smaller then ever and while it has many great features these are virtually the same as the four games before it. The innovation that was promised really isn't there. The game forces you more so then ever to link your city to neighbors which I felt was the fundamental flaw in Sim City 4. Everything under one roof so to speak now doesn't work. The choice isn't even there and has been simply removed. The are bugs and I had to hard restart the game on two occasions due to crashes. These didn't seem linked either so two hard restart bugs on launch isn't good at all. The biggest issue so far is the constant connecting to server issues associated with the needlessly over the top DRM. This function shouldn't make a game non-playable but it does. It kind of shocking that EA are so over-protective now that they will willingly hamper a players experience. I hope this is quickly patched. If so my rating will be higher, but in its current state the game is verging on unplayable.… Expand
  25. cbam101
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    This is a good Game, IF you can play it. EVERY server is either down or dose not work. Maxis says that they are currently working on the problem and they said that is will be resolved by today but it isn't, Until they fix it don't waste your money.
  26. Alkanine
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    No mitigation strategies for downloads (Preloading).

    Severe disregard for possible server needs. Horrible customer service. Releasing in Europe when most United States players are using those servers just to play already. If you are going to release a game that is online only, you better damn well be ready to support the thousands or millions of sales that you expect. This    No mitigation strategies for downloads (Preloading).

    Severe disregard for possible server needs.

    Horrible customer service.

    Releasing in Europe when most United States players are using those servers just to play already.

    If you are going to release a game that is online only, you better damn well be ready to support the thousands or millions of sales that you expect. This criticism is only important because there is absolutely no way to play the game without their server infrastructure. Denial of service to their own customers. No excuses.

    As for the game its self.

    Extremely small city size. I managed a fully grown city with great income/traffic/population in just under 5 hours. Almost funding a archology all on my own. This of course, before the servers crashed.

    It's not very challenging, too small, and quite frankly, a step backwards from Sim City4.

    Emergency services are now a part of your traffic, but the AI can't determine their importance. They stop at lights, traffic does not let them by. A criminal can hold up traffic which holds up the police that are trying to catch him. Not very intuitive.

    It has its moments, I'll give it that, but it is truly a disaster. I assume there will be fixes to many of these things in the future, but wouldn't be half surprised if EA mandated them as DLC costs to the consumer.

    Overall, extremely despairing. It deserves nothing more than a 0. Any merits the game had are lost in horrid customer service and flaws that 10 years of development couldn't possibly miss.    … Expand
  27. XitArS
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Yesterday I was able to connect to the servers, but I was unable to play a game. Apparently there was some global issues with the tutorial not working (you have to play the tutorial before you can play the actual game). Well, I thought that problems can always happen so let's just wait until tomorrow, read today. And now, ALL servers are FULL so I am unable to even launch the game :D. WhatYesterday I was able to connect to the servers, but I was unable to play a game. Apparently there was some global issues with the tutorial not working (you have to play the tutorial before you can play the actual game). Well, I thought that problems can always happen so let's just wait until tomorrow, read today. And now, ALL servers are FULL so I am unable to even launch the game :D. What a joke, I spent €60 on a game that I can't even play becuse their mandatory online servers (for a single-player game) are full :D. It's hilarious. Never EVER AGAIN will I buy anything from MAXIS!… Expand
  28. bayareaartist
    Mar 7, 2013
    2
    Loaded the game the night before, took an HOUR at least to load. Then it updated another hour, THEN the servers were busy.
    Finally got on in the morning. Slow and clunky. Servers busy AGAIN, then the game drops the connection to the server??? did I lose my information???
    Simcity 4 was great, I eventually had to cut the disk in half because I was spending TOO much time on it. With this    Loaded the game the night before, took an HOUR at least to load. Then it updated another hour, THEN the servers were busy.
    Finally got on in the morning. Slow and clunky. Servers busy AGAIN, then the game drops the connection to the server??? did I lose my information???
    Simcity 4 was great, I eventually had to cut the disk in half because I was spending TOO much time on it. With this UNPLAYABLE game my time is my own. A $60 game should not have you waiting in a que. With all the power of computers and memory and gig's one should be able to play stand alone and then go to the server to update WHEN I WANT TO. where can I get my money back???
    and supposedly my graphics card is not powerful enough also???

    Real Amateur hour Maxis...    … Expand
  29. ymqwtqoq
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Made a metacritic account just to say how bad this game is. I paid $60 and have not been able to play even one moment. The servers are constantly "Busy" or "Full" and even if you find one that is available it will make you wait upwards of half an hour just to play. DO NOT BUY!
  30. EvilTerrorizer
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Besides having to wait an inordinate amount of time to play, get used to being kicked out once in a while when you lose connection to the server. Who cares what's inside the game if you can't play it whenever you want and for however long you want.
  31. vapiarius
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    This game just not work.
    I have pay money to EA, and can't play because ALL servers are ALREDY busy.
    I want play solo, but this impossible.
    Tutorial not working to.
  32. stripe523
    Mar 7, 2013
    4
    Ignoring the DRM/online only requirement/servers are crap issue for a minute I still have mixed feelings. The lack of a save/load feature is painful because you can't experiment with your city layout once you put down your roads, if you made them slightly too widely or narrowly spaced, you can't plop the buildings you want. And since the addons to the different upgradable buildings (aIgnoring the DRM/online only requirement/servers are crap issue for a minute I still have mixed feelings. The lack of a save/load feature is painful because you can't experiment with your city layout once you put down your roads, if you made them slightly too widely or narrowly spaced, you can't plop the buildings you want. And since the addons to the different upgradable buildings (a nice feature in itself) can only be placed in certain locations, you may need to bulldoze and rebuild the base building a few times to find the right location but you can't just reload a save to do so. The map size is also way too small. Sure you can specialize and design multiple cities in a region, but I play SimCity because I like creating and designing massive urban sprawl it's too simple to do it in bite sized chunks. And then the region map looks strange with tightly packed squares of development separated by empty wide open spaces. If they want to leave regions intact, so be it, but make them directly adjacent to each other so the empty space is gone its an eyesore otherwise. Now to go back to the server issue pure incompetence. They should have known by the amount of the preorders what the expected server volume needs to be. Once the game rolls out in other countries, the volume is only going to go up, and they haven't even solved the problem for existing customer. Not only is this a PR disaster by itself but EA's overall marketing strategy of micropurchasing depends on satisfied customers. Customers aren't going to be willing to be nickeled and dimed for add-ons if they feel cheated by the initial product. Irritated fanbois with short attention spans are one thing. SimCity has a lot of long term fans who are now well into adulthood and have been playing the series for decades (such as myself) cynical marketing and poor technical execution. This game is taxing everyone's patience and customers deserve much better. ***One final comment from someone who knows PR: thanking customers for their patience when they are actually not patient, and have valid and justifiable reasons for their frustration is the opposite of soothing it causes more frustration by making the speaker sound condescending and arrogant. Just apologize and tell us what you're doing to fix the problems stop thanking us for our waning 'patience'.… Expand
  33. EABanBoy
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    EA After years of destroying franchises and companies, they have finally broke the camels back for me. Thus I have now boycotted all products with EA's name on it. Their "Worst Company In America" award is well deserved.
  34. josrm
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Bought the game launch day, and I'm still waiting to play for the first time! Servers have not allowed me to play at all. This is very disappointing especially with a company as big as EA. These issues should be non existent.
  35. Grady
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Despite how well this game is designed from a gameplay perspective, we should NOT allow EA the satisfaction of thinking that we are perfectly fine with an always-online interface by purchasing SimCity. If we buy this game, we are telling EA: "I'm completely okay with your decision to make this game all online, all the time! Why don't you do that with ALL OF YOUR OTHER GAMES?"

    If games    Despite how well this game is designed from a gameplay perspective, we should NOT allow EA the satisfaction of thinking that we are perfectly fine with an always-online interface by purchasing SimCity. If we buy this game, we are telling EA: "I'm completely okay with your decision to make this game all online, all the time! Why don't you do that with ALL OF YOUR OTHER GAMES?"

    If games like these see financial success, gamers like us will be continually screwed for the years to come. Game companies will no longer see the value in making a single-player experience at all. They will push un-wanted (and un-necessary!) social features on us until we eventually start to believe what they are trying to tell us right now: "You guys wanted this, right? We're just giving you what you wanted!"

    NO. Just...NO! This isn't right. EA knows that, and you know that, so let's make it perfectly to them that we will not support this intrusive, obnoxious, and completely unnecessary inclusion into what would've been an incredible game. Vote with your wallet.    … Expand
  36. ubermeta
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    I think this game is made for the perfect submissive consumer, i.e. a brain in suspended in a vat that receives pleasure only from giving money away for virtual experiences.
  37. Essex85
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Game Seemed fun on the beta. Haven't been able to play since then though. Failure as per typical EA business model... terrible. If a company is to release a pathetic excuse of an online game requiring DRM perhaps they should be able to support said requirements before launch. Oh I forgot, THEY DON"T CARE! Never mind.
  38. umbriele
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    the game does not work at all.Lots of people cannot play their single player game poor customer service and delivery of product (waited almost an hour to connect to my single player game)
  39. tenkemann
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    EA u can go f... ur self, Server reached maximum capacity and so I was placed in a queue, afther 18min of wait, request fail, and placed in new queue SRSLY, i have tryed to play my new game for 12 hours an can get in to try my game!! common, EA YOU NEED TO FIRE THAT IDIOT WHO DESIDED TO MAKE IT AN ONLINE ONLY GAME.. AND FIX UR F...ing SERVER!
  40. liamfabri
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Unable to play due to server at capacity. In a single-player game. This is ridiculous. Simplified gameplay that does not provide as deep an experience as any of the previous SimCity games. While I'm sure that the server errors will be ironed out over time, the simplified gameplay will not., never more in my life I will buy a game from maxis.
  41. Virfolf
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Bought the game today, can't play it because of the server load. The only server I'm even able to choose is Oceania 1, and even that has a 30 min queue, and I live in Europe. First Mass Effect 3 and now this; I'm seriously considering of avoiding EA in the future.
  42. FirstAidErrata
    Mar 7, 2013
    1
    So I just bought this game with my hard earned money and just want to enjoy a night of SimCity on my day off. Guess what, oh yeah I can't play a single player game because EA's crappy servers won't let me. So what did I pay for? Not only are you shoving this DRM "social experience" crap down my throat but you won't even let me play a game on my own that I paid for? The game itself is alsoSo I just bought this game with my hard earned money and just want to enjoy a night of SimCity on my day off. Guess what, oh yeah I can't play a single player game because EA's crappy servers won't let me. So what did I pay for? Not only are you shoving this DRM "social experience" crap down my throat but you won't even let me play a game on my own that I paid for? The game itself is also bugged. Since you can't save due to server issues but also the game itself feels unfinished. The city maximum is SO SMALL! WHY?! Is it also due to server capacity?

    This year seems to be the biggest debacle for gaming fans from EA. With microtransactions and now always online bullcrap. I was already skeptical of EA since you guys ruined Mass Effect and Dragon Age. I don't think I'll buy another piece of your crap products again.    … Expand
  43. PieSnatcher
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    A horrible game mechanic masquerading as a "feature"- the always-on connection is a hurdle for would-be pirates, and at least for now, a game-breaking blemish on EA's rather terrible reputation. While the game in and of itself has the potential to be an improvement in the series, the inability to play it makes this a moot point. Were it nearly any other publisher, I would be cautiouslyA horrible game mechanic masquerading as a "feature"- the always-on connection is a hurdle for would-be pirates, and at least for now, a game-breaking blemish on EA's rather terrible reputation. While the game in and of itself has the potential to be an improvement in the series, the inability to play it makes this a moot point. Were it nearly any other publisher, I would be cautiously optimistic about this game's future. But I can't help but feel constantly cheated by a publisher that constantly dilutes great games with policies that hurt consumers. Combined with horrible customer service on EA's part, I recommend this to exactly zero people.
    If you want to be able to enjoy a single-player game at your leisure, this one isn't for you, at least not yet.
    If you want to play this game a decade from now, tough luck. You can always buy access to the next one.
    If you want to actually own the game- well, see above.
    If you have a solid internet connection and you want to play with others, are okay with possible future micro-transactions, don't mind occasional server maintenance, and don't care if the game can no longer be played once EA takes the servers down, then you just might have the most enjoyable SimCity experience yet.
    I hate to base a score partly on the publisher, but in this case it directly impedes my enjoyment of the game. So despite the talent that went into making this game, the experience as a whole is not something I enjoy in the least, nor will I support in the future. Score: 0/10. Chances of future revenue lost from this customer? 9/10.    … Expand
  44. AshFA
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Do not by this game. You will be burned. I am asking for a refund. I am so disappointed. After all these years.

    The game is unplayable and likely will have periods of unplayability far into to the future. At the end of its life, EA(being EA) will likely shut down the servers without releasing an offline patch or the source, thereby locking out legitimate buyers from playing it. Might as    Do not by this game. You will be burned. I am asking for a refund. I am so disappointed. After all these years.

    The game is unplayable and likely will have periods of unplayability far into to the future. At the end of its life, EA(being EA) will likely shut down the servers without releasing an offline patch or the source, thereby locking out legitimate buyers from playing it. Might as well pirate it. Which is shame for the developers who put such hard work into this game.

    How could they do this to Simcity?     … Expand
  45. hifenix
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Hi, I bought the new'' SimCity'', my judgment is bad bad, always online?? To date I have not yet to play a minute.
    I am hoping for your immediate response to the problem.
    Please do not reply with email apologies if not accompanied by a solution to the problem.
    Signed: fan so disappointed!    … Expand
  46. Branden3113
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Gameplay is great, but you can't even play the game. Terrible DRM and server issues. PLEASE AVOID, DO NOT BUY!! EA has really ruined this game, as the continue to do with most games nowadays. Please avoid all EA titles, or give them a call and let them know how you feel! Oh wait, I've been on hold for an hour now.
  47. Keengerm
    Mar 7, 2013
    2
    Unfortunately, the game remains unplayable. An unplayable game (3 days after launch), gets a 0. Even if all were fine, the manual indicates a dumbed down city building experience.

    Given Spore, and The Sims Medieval, it really looks like Maxis is slumping. Also, given the revenue EA has made off The Sims DLC, I suspect they intended to make Sim City a cash cow with similar add-ons (and    Unfortunately, the game remains unplayable. An unplayable game (3 days after launch), gets a 0. Even if all were fine, the manual indicates a dumbed down city building experience.

    Given Spore, and The Sims Medieval, it really looks like Maxis is slumping. Also, given the revenue EA has made off The Sims DLC, I suspect they intended to make Sim City a cash cow with similar add-ons (and attempting to "protect" it through ridiculous DRM). Who knows, maybe they can turn it around. I know other games that required always on Internet, and they changed it. But, I doubt EA will, even if their game tanks.    … Expand
  48. Kaehl0311
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    I was excited about this game.... until I bought it and tried to actually play over the last few days. Simply awful. I've been continually booted from the server and I've lost cities because of this stupid DRM crap. "Always Online" is the worst thing that ever happened to SimCity. I want a refund.
  49. ncc1701jv
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Cannot review what I cannot play. This is ridiculous.

    Also, I still play SimCity games from 10+ years ago. What happens when I want to play this game I purchased with hard-earned cash in a 10 years after EA shuts down the servers? I can't play it? Seriously, screw online-always drm. This has to stop.
  50. dr_skegg
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    When you pay a great deal of money for a game you should at least be able to play a single player game. But that is not the case here. EA forces you to always be online when you play the game but fails to offer enough server performance for all it's paying customers. I will never buy a EA game again that forces the user to be online when it shouldnt be necessary, just because they insistsWhen you pay a great deal of money for a game you should at least be able to play a single player game. But that is not the case here. EA forces you to always be online when you play the game but fails to offer enough server performance for all it's paying customers. I will never buy a EA game again that forces the user to be online when it shouldnt be necessary, just because they insists on puting an always online DRM protection in the game… Expand
  51. icarus1080
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    In the beginning, games were simple. Complete. A unit that you could purchase, and actually own. But then game companies got bigger and bigger, and those companies decided that their consumers were getting dumber and dumber. So, they decided to start screwing them out of their ownership, which serves two purposes: first, to protect the massive game company's bottom line, which isIn the beginning, games were simple. Complete. A unit that you could purchase, and actually own. But then game companies got bigger and bigger, and those companies decided that their consumers were getting dumber and dumber. So, they decided to start screwing them out of their ownership, which serves two purposes: first, to protect the massive game company's bottom line, which is REALLY the most important thing. Second, to make sure that we get burned out over the hurdles and blockades set before us when we realize our game isn't complete until we perform microtransactions, or we cant even play it until we can get online. Yes I could have described SimCity's specific issues here, but at this point it's the icing on a much bigger cake that the gaming industry has baked. And I'm not taking it anymore. Thank you, SimCity, for being such a glaring example of the poor direction that the gaming industry is headed. Hopefully the rest of the consumers who've made you rich will realize you don't care about them, too. The game was good, but unfortunately, I can't play it. ZERO.… Expand
  52. DuncanIdahoTPF
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    In the middle of the day on a weekday 3 days after launch and all the servers are busy the game is unplayable.

    Obviously EA only responds to hits to their pocketbook, please be sure to rate this game 'fairly' on 3rd party retailer sites such as Amazon.
  53. jaredmergel
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Always Online DRM is the worst thing that has happened to games. Thought other companies would of learned after Diablo 3. But no......And with EAs latest stance on micro transactions you can bet you will be shelling out more cash on top of the price of the game to get everything that the game already came with. Biggest let down for me in a long time.
  54. klenodder
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    I am sure this game is good, the problem is that I have not been able to logon since the release last night so I havent even been able to try it! I have seen all different kind of errors. Once I could at least connect to a server but after choosing the area to play with it would not open it. On https://twitter.com/simcity they write the following "We are working on the servers 24/7 expectI am sure this game is good, the problem is that I have not been able to logon since the release last night so I havent even been able to try it! I have seen all different kind of errors. Once I could at least connect to a server but after choosing the area to play with it would not open it. On https://twitter.com/simcity they write the following "We are working on the servers 24/7 expect performance fluctuations. Our fans are our number one priority. Thank you for your patience.". First of all, I am not yet your fan since I cant even play the stupid game. You have to earn fans you know!… Expand
  55. SirBunnyEater
    Mar 7, 2013
    1
    Complete failure of EA servers makes the game unplayable. The actual game is great from the little I've been able to play. Alas the constant failure to get in game and when I do I get booted crash has caused me great frustration. AVOID AT ALL COSTS. A waste of I understand there may be issues on release day but to have even worse issues after 2 whole days is unacceptable. They claim theyComplete failure of EA servers makes the game unplayable. The actual game is great from the little I've been able to play. Alas the constant failure to get in game and when I do I get booted crash has caused me great frustration. AVOID AT ALL COSTS. A waste of I understand there may be issues on release day but to have even worse issues after 2 whole days is unacceptable. They claim they have offered a refund but many people who have tried have been denied and have posted their conversations with EA tech support online. You can rest assured that this is the very last EA game I will purchase in quite some time. Maybe someday they will redeem themselves but that will take quite a bit of work to accomplish.… Expand
  56. Mavericknz
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Downloaded the game this morning after getting the available email from Origin.
    Started the launcher and took a while to connect to the server, then by the time you get past the annoying introduction (which isnt disableable it seems but you can skip once it starts), and to the menu, the game loses the connection to the server, and the only way to reconnect it seems is to exit and start    Downloaded the game this morning after getting the available email from Origin.
    Started the launcher and took a while to connect to the server, then by the time you get past the annoying introduction (which isnt disableable it seems but you can skip once it starts), and to the menu, the game loses the connection to the server, and the only way to reconnect it seems is to exit and start the launcher again! Got about 2 minutes tutorial time before losing connection and kicking me out and have not been able to get back in since! UNPLAYABLE at this point!    … Expand
  57. BillyBrinks
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Always online DRM should be illegal. Saying otherwise is like saying 'we don't need the FDA! I'm petitioning food and drug companies that sell harmful products by not buying from them!'

    Guess what? That didn't work. It kept happening. We need to sign this petition (https://www.change.org/petitions/electronic-arts-inc-remove-always-online-drm-from-simcity-and-future-games#) en masse, by    Always online DRM should be illegal. Saying otherwise is like saying 'we don't need the FDA! I'm petitioning food and drug companies that sell harmful products by not buying from them!'

    Guess what? That didn't work. It kept happening. We need to sign this petition (https://www.change.org/petitions/electronic-arts-inc-remove-always-online-drm-from-simcity-and-future-games#) en masse, by the tens, or hundreds of thousands. Then, once we've won this battle, we need to create a White House petition calling for legislation against this business practice.

    It should be illegal to sell a product to consumers which said consumers will not be able to use. Refusing to buy the products won't fix that. The market very rarely actually corrects itself.
    Sign the petition, make it blow up, and then let's take this to the consumer protection agency and get legislation passed to see that it never happens again.

    Or just put your feet up and kick back with the smug "I'm not buying their games!" Excuse. Yeah. We needed labor, voting, food and drug, and countless other kinds of laws in the past. This, unfortunately, is yet another problem that will ultimately require a law to fix it.    … Expand
  58. joasoze
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Lets take a single player game, shrink it, make it multiplayer og always online. Great idea. This is one of the worst reboot a game series have ever had.
  59. Whaletailign
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is a ripoff I hate this game it sucks total garbage fest I want my money back. The critic journalists feel they must cram it down our throats because they don't want to burn a bridge with ea. I get it, but its a crime. This game is a waste of money.… Expand
  60. Skitterin
    Mar 7, 2013
    2
    Always on, internet connection required SINGLE PLAYER GAME! Pass on this one guys, You'll get maybe 10 hours of gameplay out of it before you're bored. It's still SimCity, but not the way you want to remember it.
  61. ReparmanJacked
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    I went through the process of registering an account here simply so I could give this game a 0. This game has been out since Tuesday morning. It's now noon Thursday, and I'm still unable to play it. After watching the Diablo III debacle almost a year ago, Maxis and EA had plenty of time to come up with a way for this not to happen. I have 0 issues with always on DRM if they areI went through the process of registering an account here simply so I could give this game a 0. This game has been out since Tuesday morning. It's now noon Thursday, and I'm still unable to play it. After watching the Diablo III debacle almost a year ago, Maxis and EA had plenty of time to come up with a way for this not to happen. I have 0 issues with always on DRM if they are thoughtfully implemented. Forcing me to be always online isn't a big deal, since I'm always online. The problem is that the company, and its servers aren't. This makes it so I can't play a single player game that I wanted to play. For this, they get a zero in my review, and zero dollars coming towards them in the future until they prove to me they as a company have a combined IQ above zero.… Expand
  62. asmodian3
    Mar 7, 2013
    2
    Too much forced structure to be SimCity as we knew it. Cities are very small and meant to rely on each other for services and buildings. Once city cannot do more than one or two things. Even "sandbox" mode doesn't change this. No way to save a city, try something out, and then go back to the earlier version if you don' t like it. I am very disappointed as at the start of a new city itToo much forced structure to be SimCity as we knew it. Cities are very small and meant to rely on each other for services and buildings. Once city cannot do more than one or two things. Even "sandbox" mode doesn't change this. No way to save a city, try something out, and then go back to the earlier version if you don' t like it. I am very disappointed as at the start of a new city it feels like a great update of the old games. Social should have been an optional extra not forced to be the entire game. They broke the game for single player because they needed the restrictions to get multiplayer to work. If you don't want multiplayer this SimCity (5) is not for you.
    I do not like that it requires a constant connection to the servers, if it loses connection it doesn't save and it will eventually kick you out of your city (and not save it). Someone took a great game and broke it trying to figure out how to make more money out of it.    … Expand
  63. wpenris
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Unplayable... server overload stuff... What if you have a Green Wheels plan and you cannot get a car due to server overload... Ridiculous! Get your stuff in order before you launch! Always have surplus server capacity or emergency backups ready. I just paid for a game I cannot play. And the best of it is that I am unable to send a complaint for the website is also overloaded. :S:S:S Wait,Unplayable... server overload stuff... What if you have a Green Wheels plan and you cannot get a car due to server overload... Ridiculous! Get your stuff in order before you launch! Always have surplus server capacity or emergency backups ready. I just paid for a game I cannot play. And the best of it is that I am unable to send a complaint for the website is also overloaded. :S:S:S Wait, don't buy it yet. All other buyers should get a 10 euro or dollar refund.… Expand
  64. actionbob
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    I am truly let down with this entry into the Sim City series. Maxis/EA have systematically destroyed a gaming franchise that many, like myself, have loved for years. Although the game may turn out to be decent after all of the horrible launch issues, that does not sweeten the sour taste in my mouth. EA This was the first, and the LAST game I have ever purchased using your OriginI am truly let down with this entry into the Sim City series. Maxis/EA have systematically destroyed a gaming franchise that many, like myself, have loved for years. Although the game may turn out to be decent after all of the horrible launch issues, that does not sweeten the sour taste in my mouth. EA This was the first, and the LAST game I have ever purchased using your Origin platform. Promised refunds by high officials in the company are downright lies. They never intended to refund anyone. Lesson learned though, fool me once... Maxis Please; if you can't get out from underneath the tyrannical reign of EA, just close the doors and stop developing. This is beyond disappointing, it's a down right disgrace to the gaming industry as a whole. Pardon me while I climb down from my soapbox now...… Expand
  65. ZodiacThriller
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Can't even connect to be able to play SINGLE PLAYER. Garbage. 0/10. Going back to Sim City 4, atleast I'm able to get into that game to be able to play it.
  66. moproblems
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Ridiculous that you cannot play this game offline. I understand the always online philosophy but at what cost. This experience has soured my taste on constantly online DRM. EA is large enough to know better and if someone didn't understand the possible server loads for this game they should be fired. The graphics on this game are a little underwhelming as well. I wish there was a wayRidiculous that you cannot play this game offline. I understand the always online philosophy but at what cost. This experience has soured my taste on constantly online DRM. EA is large enough to know better and if someone didn't understand the possible server loads for this game they should be fired. The graphics on this game are a little underwhelming as well. I wish there was a way to give a negative score because this debacle sure deserves it.… Expand
  67. Cwilson336
    Mar 7, 2013
    2
    I realize that most negative reviews posted here have been regarding the DRM and always online requirement. While I'll agree that has been a major nuisance and limitation to the game, there's more absent from this game than just the simple inability to play when one chooses (a major flaw in its own right).

    First, the game has a very limiting feel to it. I've played SimCity since version    I realize that most negative reviews posted here have been regarding the DRM and always online requirement. While I'll agree that has been a major nuisance and limitation to the game, there's more absent from this game than just the simple inability to play when one chooses (a major flaw in its own right).

    First, the game has a very limiting feel to it. I've played SimCity since version 1.0 in the early nineties and not since that version have I felt so boxed in. The city size, the method for which zones are laid down, the size and scale of certain city facilities. There seems to be no organic aspect to this game, and it brings back memories of the Societies debacle from a few years ago. From SC4, I could build a network of major roads and then spray a large residential zone within a major road loop and all of the smaller streets would auto create (sometimes with a bit of frustration, but nonetheless). In the new SC, I spend most of my time redesigning road layouts to maximize the usage of my zones.

    Build your city your way is simply not the case. And while I don't want this to be a rant on the city size, it cannot be ignored. We've gone from small cities in SC1 to medium cities SC2000 to all-out metropolises in SC4. Part of the excitement and what has kept me occasionally going back to a 10 year old game in SC4 is the almost hobby nature associated with building and cultivating a large, mega city with all of the intricacies, challenges, and endless opportunities for uniqueness. The new Simcity completely fails in this regard as the new city size feels almost claustrophobic. It would be one thing if the region seemed more connected, but instead it feels like you're building a vacuum that has some distant connection to a far away land. You have almost zero control on designing the connection between one neighboring city to another, that's already been done for you.

    The online integration of this game has created unending frustration. No ability to locally save is the big negative for me. I recognize the desire for a server connection for DRM or other reasons, but not allowing me to save my game locally just opens up EA to constant complaints about lost game saves, etc. This is extremely frustrating (as I've already lost 3 cities to the apparent server outage of 3/6).

    I've often explained Simcity to non Simcity players as the modern version of collecting model trains. It is not really a computer game, but more of digital hobby machine. A place where creativity and design can be tested in real-world with mathematics and simulation. This new Simcity completely misses that mark. While its pretty, it fails as the open creative world so well mastered in its last true previous iteration. Furthermore, the simulation engine appears to fail at creating an accurate sim environment.    … Expand
  68. payonel
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    The dev team did an AMA on reddit which I missed, and I wish I had not. The ama got less than half as many upvotes as did a single comment in the ama which collected all the other redditors questions/concerns/comments regarding online-only for a single player game. The dev team completely ignored this majority; they are ignoring the fans. I LOVED previous simcities; imo no other gameThe dev team did an AMA on reddit which I missed, and I wish I had not. The ama got less than half as many upvotes as did a single comment in the ama which collected all the other redditors questions/concerns/comments regarding online-only for a single player game. The dev team completely ignored this majority; they are ignoring the fans. I LOVED previous simcities; imo no other game delivers the same experience. But this game is just The Sims with a few more houses (far too small for real city planning/late game) and curved roads. You won't be seeing any user generated mods, you can no longer terraform, no farms or subways. After first installing the game I had to wait 30 minutes just to play it the first time (servers were full). After that I got in, but the game crashed so I got to wait another 30 minutes (again, servers full). I never wanted to play multiplayer with this game, and now I'm not even allowed to play singleplayer. Epic waste of money. Please...please do not buy. I've emailed my rant to EA do the same.… Expand
  69. charmew
    Mar 7, 2013
    4
    I was able to play for a few hours yesterday, and what I can say is that the visual aspect of the game and the interface are very well done. It's simple and efficient, you don't need much explainations to know what's going on thanks to the very well designed UI. As for the graphical design itself, the buildings and vehicles look very toyish, I personnaly didn't mind but that didn't feelI was able to play for a few hours yesterday, and what I can say is that the visual aspect of the game and the interface are very well done. It's simple and efficient, you don't need much explainations to know what's going on thanks to the very well designed UI. As for the graphical design itself, the buildings and vehicles look very toyish, I personnaly didn't mind but that didn't feel real.
    In terms of gameplay, well it's really like the other sim cities. I don't understand the "reboot" of SimCity since not much has changed in terms of gameplay, except it became much, much more simple. Indeed, while you may have some negative cash income for a few minutes when you're building stuff, you'll get back on your feet in no time thanks to loans and no-cost RCI zones. Pop houses, raise taxes, people keep coming anyway. Wonderful. This makes the game very sandbox-style, but not for long. Indeed, cities size are very small and you won't spend more than 5 hours to fill completely a city, and another 5-10 hours to upgrade it to its full extent.

    The worst part, though, is how the game is designed to be played: you'll need a permanent connection to internet if you want to play. Yes, SimCity intends to behave like a MMO... for a solo experience (well, you can play with other people too, but you'll still build your own city in the end regardless of what's being built in your neighboors cities). And what a shame this is. As of today, the game is not playable because of servers issues since several hours.
    This raises the question of what will happen, in five years (or less), when EA decides to close the servers. After 10 years of sc4, I sometimes find myself reinstalling the game and play it a little. Obviously this won't be doable with SimCity if the servers are shut down, the game just won't be accessible.
    Add all of those troubles to the fact that you could already buy DLC before the game was launched, and you got the gist of it.    … Expand
  70. bubbers214
    Mar 7, 2013
    1
    I typically have no issues with DRM, but when it makes a game I just purchased unplayable for what's going on 2 days now, it's impossible not to have problems with it. It's a shame that EA has ruined what could be and probably is actually a good/great game. The times I have been successful at actually playing, I have enjoyed it. However, the current server situation has made me decideI typically have no issues with DRM, but when it makes a game I just purchased unplayable for what's going on 2 days now, it's impossible not to have problems with it. It's a shame that EA has ruined what could be and probably is actually a good/great game. The times I have been successful at actually playing, I have enjoyed it. However, the current server situation has made me decide to abandon my attempts to play at this point and with my current backlog, that may mean never picking up this game again. It's a shame for Maxis and EA. One lesson that companies like EA still aren't learning is that stress testing involves much more than a closed beta limited to a small number of people. There is no way this will replicate what will happen on launch day. Companies like these need to understand that adequate testing is paramount for a successful launch and take what you feel to be reasonable performance with load and double it. If you're enough to admit in an interview that you are beyond ready for what's to come, you better be ready for it.… Expand
  71. trimitri
    Mar 7, 2013
    1
    Map is wayyy too small. This game is only game's marketing that's all Price, dlc joke from EA and FORCED ONLINE DRM. What a waste for the franchise....
  72. viisual
    Mar 7, 2013
    2
    I really do feel slighted having purchased this game.

    I have now spent more time attempting to play this game than actually playing it. When I can play it, I'm unsure of the status of my game, will it be saved and playable later? The answer is that I don't know because I've lost more cities than I've kept and there's no feedback to the player. I also fear for the long term future    I really do feel slighted having purchased this game.

    I have now spent more time attempting to play this game than actually playing it. When I can play it, I'm unsure of the status of my game, will it be saved and playable later? The answer is that I don't know because I've lost more cities than I've kept and there's no feedback to the player.

    I also fear for the long term future of this game, not replay-ability mind you... but playability. EA is renowned for closing down online features of games after their popularity dwindles, will this happen to my beloved SimCity as well in 5 years... 10 years?

    If I could go back I would, and because I can't I will change my habits: No longer will I support any media that uses online only DRM.    … Expand
  73. danp33
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    game would not load city. switched servers and was able to load a city but crashes constantly and i have to restart my computer and start a new city. because it does not save my city. EA needs to get all bugs worked out before they launch a game. wish it had an offline mode.
  74. Rickjedebeste
    Mar 7, 2013
    9
    Yes, Online DRM is stupid, I know. But that doesn't mean that if you manage to get in the game, the game is horrendous. Actually I found it very enjoyable. Starting off with a complete set of regions, all with different kind of landscapes, you're going to make your first connection to the rest of the world and from there, it's all yours. You can even expand buildings, like a city wasn'tYes, Online DRM is stupid, I know. But that doesn't mean that if you manage to get in the game, the game is horrendous. Actually I found it very enjoyable. Starting off with a complete set of regions, all with different kind of landscapes, you're going to make your first connection to the rest of the world and from there, it's all yours. You can even expand buildings, like a city wasn't enough. Only flaw I have is that I kind of miss the terrain tools and at a 50.000 population, some problems start becoming serious. I had to place ten water towers across the city for example and all my buildings became poor, dirty appartments just because I had too much industry. But I can't really blame myself because the cities are a bit to small. But that's no problem; they already promised to patch that problem in the future. Other than that, the game is really enjoyable and one of EA's best in years (Sims 3 get's kind of outdated at the moment). Multi City play is very fun and the online leaderboards, SimCity World, is also very enjoyable. 9 out of ten, because the game deserves more than a 2.0! And that DRM flaw: don't blame EA, but the damn pirates!… Expand
  75. vposta
    Mar 7, 2013
    3
    The fact that I cannot play what I paid for because the servers are overwhelmed, is a total fail. And even when I managed to start a city today, the game crashed twice, not saving the progress, so I am not even trying to load anymore. what a shambles.

    However, when I did manage to play for several hours yesterday, it was pretty obvious that the city size is just too small. Even without    The fact that I cannot play what I paid for because the servers are overwhelmed, is a total fail. And even when I managed to start a city today, the game crashed twice, not saving the progress, so I am not even trying to load anymore. what a shambles.

    However, when I did manage to play for several hours yesterday, it was pretty obvious that the city size is just too small. Even without trying to fill the space, 2h down the line and you will have nowhere else to build. So once your city is full, you have to move onto another one and start from anew. In the end, you will just end up with several cities across several servers and that's where it all stops making sense...

    As for the multiplayer, everyone seems to be doing their own thing anyway, no interactions, and because I cannot rely on purchasing water/electricity/other utilities from other players once your city gets too big, I rather build all the utilities myself, so I can be in control.

    Very disappointed with how the trade port and big ships look, was hoping for a proper pier with loads of cranes, similar to the concept art.    … Expand
  76. dockan
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    This had the potential to be a great game, but short sighted business decisions made sure that potential was thoroughly wasted. The DRM system requires you to be connected to the internet at all times, but the problem is the EA servers don't seem to be. After several beta testing weekends for load testing they still didn't get the required infrastructure in place to ensure a smoothThis had the potential to be a great game, but short sighted business decisions made sure that potential was thoroughly wasted. The DRM system requires you to be connected to the internet at all times, but the problem is the EA servers don't seem to be. After several beta testing weekends for load testing they still didn't get the required infrastructure in place to ensure a smooth gameplay experience at launch, or any gameplay experience at all for that matter.

    I wish I had made this purchase with my credit card, so I could cancel the purchase, because this is a disaster.    … Expand
  77. Joel8
    Mar 7, 2013
    4
    I'll start by saying that it is a fun game except for the 20 or so problems that I have PERSONALLY experienced. We'll start with server troubles: My friend and I were trying to play with each other. P1: I couldn't get on any server on my continent so I had to switch, and when she switched she couldn't find me. P2: We went to a different server which forced us to do the tutorial again,I'll start by saying that it is a fun game except for the 20 or so problems that I have PERSONALLY experienced. We'll start with server troubles: My friend and I were trying to play with each other. P1: I couldn't get on any server on my continent so I had to switch, and when she switched she couldn't find me. P2: We went to a different server which forced us to do the tutorial again, but on this server the tutorial was broken and wouldn't progress at all. P3: On this server and on others the 'find friends' UI element was just missing entirely. After about an hour and a half, we finally found eachother on a european server and started playing together. There is more but I want to get to the in game stuff too.

    In game troubles: P4: Crashes, occasional crashes, or cities that load forever until you reset the game. P5: Cities that you claim once, but if you go to region view and try to get back the 'wrong' way tries to make you claim them again. P6: Absolutely terrible concurrency. I gifted 50k simoleons to a neighbor but it didn't show up for 2 hours (but immediately came out of my account). P7: Confusing or broken sharing of power, water, etc. I have a city producing an extra 200MW of power and another starts buying power, but it says it is buying 13MW of available 40MW, and still has a deficit of another 20MW. Why not just get more power??? P8: Firetrucks and buses that are REALLY stupid: If there are multiple fires, all buses go to one fire and let every other place burn. Almost all buses go to one stop, then the next bus stop, etc. I had a line of about 15 buses once. P9: Cities failing to 'process' meaning you can choose to destroy and restart or let the server try to 'process' it to possibly fix it for... at least 12 hours, maybe more, maybe forever? P10: Firetrucks sometimes don't even leave the fire station when there are fires. No explanation... P11: Recyclying centers that just stop recycling. There is recyclable material, storage space to do it, but it just doesn't do any work. P12: I have a surplus of water, but multiple buildings have no water??? P13: Again, concurrency between cities: Some cities that have just appeared don't even show up on the region view, for maybe an hour or more. I want to play with my friends in real time, not waiting for updates like this.

    Anyway, I could go on, but I'm on lunch break so I should wrap this up, but it seems like it COULD be a fun game. I haven't had any trouble with my own network, which I was actually expecting, I only have mild reservations against always-on DRM. But this thing is broken. Avoid it for at least a month I would say.

    The problem is I really want to enjoy it, and I do have fun between the times that I get really frustrated that this thing is released in this terrible state.    … Expand
  78. atzach
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    City size is too small but that doesn't matter because you won't be able to play the game because "they are working on the servers". Not worth the money, they won't give refunds. It was a big cash grab and and epic failure. EA is a terrible company.
  79. SuperBeefChief
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Complete trash. I have no idea if the game is any good as I can't access anything. Makes a really pretty screen saver for $70. EA, this is a pathetic and ridiculous situation you've gotten yourself in and there are no excuses. If you guys didn't anticipate high traffic for this game then you're idiots. Anyone making excuses for these morons should not be giving them a pass that easy.Complete trash. I have no idea if the game is any good as I can't access anything. Makes a really pretty screen saver for $70. EA, this is a pathetic and ridiculous situation you've gotten yourself in and there are no excuses. If you guys didn't anticipate high traffic for this game then you're idiots. Anyone making excuses for these morons should not be giving them a pass that easy. Their product is busted and they did it to themselves (and us) for making it on-line only. I didn't pay to be a beta tester, I paid for a working product.… Expand
  80. Gankatron
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Well it looks like the people have spoken their feelings to online DRM. If EA feels that this is the future of gaming then they had better expect an even greater stigma attached to their name as many people will refuse to support this. I cannot understand how EA marketing seems to purposely degrade their brand with a constant barrage of heavy-handed policies which demean their potentialWell it looks like the people have spoken their feelings to online DRM. If EA feels that this is the future of gaming then they had better expect an even greater stigma attached to their name as many people will refuse to support this. I cannot understand how EA marketing seems to purposely degrade their brand with a constant barrage of heavy-handed policies which demean their potential customer base.… Expand
  81. drevils
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    I got to play past a unskippable tutorial, after that the game wont start because of online DRM servers. Just helping to drag down the rating here in hopes that EA will learn a lesson here.
  82. Antonius
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    I love SimCity. I still have the original box from the first SimCity 24 years ago. Sadly, EA/Origin REALLY screwed the launch of this game up. I was actually looking forward to the online component of the game being able to build cities and share resources with my buddies was actually fun in the Beta. I have managed to log a total of ONE HOUR of game time since the release on Tuesday.I love SimCity. I still have the original box from the first SimCity 24 years ago. Sadly, EA/Origin REALLY screwed the launch of this game up. I was actually looking forward to the online component of the game being able to build cities and share resources with my buddies was actually fun in the Beta. I have managed to log a total of ONE HOUR of game time since the release on Tuesday. This is a SINGLE PLAYER GAME. I am honestly SHOCKED at how things have turned out since the launch date. Luckily, I have Tomb Raider.… Expand
  83. chrispyer41
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Ok the game is fun when you can play it. The always on DRM is killing this game. Servers are down 99% of the day. I would hold off on buying this game until EA can get their act together.
  84. setco
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    A $60 reminder (the hard way) of why I pledged long ago not to buy games requiring online access. "Time Played 10 Hours" really means "Time Spent TRYING to Play 10 hours and Time Spent Regretting this Purchase and Investigating My Local Store's Return Policy 2 Days."

    What little of the game I have seen (a simplified, watered-down simcity) actually had me longing for the bugfest that    A $60 reminder (the hard way) of why I pledged long ago not to buy games requiring online access. "Time Played 10 Hours" really means "Time Spent TRYING to Play 10 hours and Time Spent Regretting this Purchase and Investigating My Local Store's Return Policy 2 Days."

    What little of the game I have seen (a simplified, watered-down simcity) actually had me longing for the bugfest that was SC4. FAIL    … Expand
  85. Jopoo
    Mar 7, 2013
    1
    Always-on DRM is pushing many of us PC gamers to crack/pirate sites to get around it and I've personally stopped giving money to offending companies as punishment.
  86. pfunkbizunk
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Always online? More like, always offline and unplayable. Personally, even if the game did work properly, its a major reach to have a quality multiplayer experience in this type of game. Don't let them fool you, EA stamped the online only on this game for DRM purposes. GREED! Judgement day is finally here EA!
  87. loran1212
    Mar 7, 2013
    8
    I have now sat down with this game constantly for 2.5 hours, and at max got it to work for 20 minutes. this game, although it has nice visuals and from what i can see fine game play, is literally unplayable. it will probably become a whole lot better over the next few weeks. This will be my final lesson. I am not going to by another PC game until at minimum six months after launch.
  88. ScottieClayson
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    EA deserve all of this. The only way they'll ever stop being such a horrible company is if we make it clear how much we hate things like always on DRM. Releasing a game which is unplayable is an automatic zero.
  89. Orbies
    Mar 7, 2013
    1
    I have not been able to play. So now I will not play, regardless if they get this working. I am absolutely done with EA forever, and will voice this to as many people as I know.
  90. 718bc
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Do not buy this game, so not support corrupt businesses. EA continues to harm their paying customers in every way possible. Do not let them see a single penny.
  91. rodier
    Mar 7, 2013
    10
    If you look on reviews of almost everyone here who did red rating.. they are just doing this on all games. Putting negative score on games to decrease rating. Metacritic should ban them all. This game is epic. No problems with DRM here.
  92. Rybolt
    Mar 7, 2013
    5
    I cannot fathom the reasons for the online-only gameplay forced upon players of this game. After playing for 4 hours; (server issues aside), my city has disappeared. All of it. The server ate it, despite having started a private region in which only I was playing. This is, and should be a single player game; as its predecessors have always been. The game itself is actually very good, onceI cannot fathom the reasons for the online-only gameplay forced upon players of this game. After playing for 4 hours; (server issues aside), my city has disappeared. All of it. The server ate it, despite having started a private region in which only I was playing. This is, and should be a single player game; as its predecessors have always been. The game itself is actually very good, once you are able to log in of course. It's a very enjoyable simulation that could live up to its expectations. The new grid-less approach to organizing your city is simply amazing, as are the new features that the game has to offer. The only significant irk I have despite the ridiculous online connectivity requirement is that they should have named it Simtown, as you cannot actually create a city; the size constraints are simply too strict. Why can't I choose to build cities 4 or even 16 times the size of the football field that is provided?

    In short: It's a very good game; that has been destroyed by online connectivity requirements. Admittedly, the situation regarding the overflowing servers should be rectified, but as it stands it is unplayable. A game costing as much as this shouldn't suffer from these kind of launch issues; not after the debacle that was Diablo 3's launch.    … Expand
  93. Qgal5kap
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Despite the poor reviews, I bought the game. At least i found the cheapest possible copy I could,
    which was 100,- Norwegian Kroner cheaper than on the Norwegian EA site.
    Why did I buy it you ask? Simply because I was curious as to how bad it could actually be. I'm two hours into trying to play it. So far all servers are full, and even though I occasionally manage to log on an    Despite the poor reviews, I bought the game. At least i found the cheapest possible copy I could,
    which was 100,- Norwegian Kroner cheaper than on the Norwegian EA site.

    Why did I buy it you ask? Simply because I was curious as to how bad it could actually be.

    I'm two hours into trying to play it. So far all servers are full, and even though I occasionally manage to log on an american server, I am rewarded with a different bug. Bottom line. I can't play the game, yet!    … Expand
  94. legend2360
    Mar 7, 2013
    9
    The game is great!
    Yes, there is a problem with the server, but it is related to the protection and the large influx of players, of course, this is temporary. Just need to wait.
    As the saying goes: "Forbidden fruit is sweet."
    Rate 9 of 10.
  95. Broken1477
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Online only DRM is absolute garbage. I will never, ever pay for a single-player game that requires me to be online again. Why should I have to be connected to EA to play MY game. Bad form EA.
  96. Phorosis
    Mar 7, 2013
    1
    Since I am an expat living outside of the US it was near impossible to download the game since Origin matches language payment by IP address. Luckily, Amazon offers a direct download which I was able to do no problem (reason for my 1 point score). After downloading the game, I was unable to even start the tutorial which continued to disconnect me, even after trying different servers. ISince I am an expat living outside of the US it was near impossible to download the game since Origin matches language payment by IP address. Luckily, Amazon offers a direct download which I was able to do no problem (reason for my 1 point score). After downloading the game, I was unable to even start the tutorial which continued to disconnect me, even after trying different servers. I have no choice but to wait until they fix the issue because as of right now the game is literally un-playable. This is the first time that I have ever seen this before. To actually hand over $60 for a game that doesn't even work. Of course I will continue to be patient and hope the issue gets resolved because I love the SIm City franchise but I will think long and hard before I ever purchase another game from EA.… Expand
  97. Godhimself
    Mar 7, 2013
    1
    Day-1 DLC:Check. Always online DRM:Check. Forced to use Origin spyware: Check. Dumbed down mechanics and removed features: Check.
    This is one of the worst pieces of garbage gaming has put out in the last few years, shame on EA, MAXIS, and anyone who gives this game a good rating.Nice bribes, EA.
  98. CashBeast
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    What a let down. Played for a few hours and really liked the game. Only to return to my city a few hours later and realise it didn't save my city's progress because the server connection failed during play. Two hours of playing were gone. Unacceptable!!!!
  99. acadien
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    I bought this game. I would like to play it please. Is that too much to ask? I don't mind DRM when it doesn't break the game but this is taking it way too far.
  100. 010011010110010
    Mar 7, 2013
    4
    Not really much good to say about a game that doesn't even work 75% of the time.
    I loved the previous instalments of the series so had high hopes for this one, but sadly no cigar. Why the hell did they make this traditional single player game with a on-line requirement, that is not only a authentication server connection but an actual game server connection where the server capacity is    Not really much good to say about a game that doesn't even work 75% of the time.
    I loved the previous instalments of the series so had high hopes for this one, but sadly no cigar. Why the hell did they make this traditional single player game with a on-line requirement, that is not only a authentication server connection but an actual game server connection where the server capacity is clearly not enough to feed the demand, my first ever attempt to play was on the 7th EU launch day, and first try entry got in and the game told me i had timed out and told me to log back in. 2nd try the same server was suddenly full with a 19min queue, even though it shows green and not full in the list.

    3rd attempt to play resulted in yet another time out due to the 15minute queue hurray!
    When I finally got to play the game it crashed in 20 min or so and back to the god damn queue.

    So my first thought on this new Sim City is a big WTF?!? where you smoking Maxis?

    Shame that so many critics based there review solely on the EA press version they got to play without the thousands of real players crammed on to the few servers. Would love to see the reviews if 90% of them would spend 30min or more in a queue to play for the review, and then have the game crash on them in 20min 3 hours repeatedly.

    I can already hear the lawyers over the pond getting ready to process the class-action lawsuit that this embarrassing excuse of a game will likely produce in true Americana style. Maybe we EU citizen should also put our class-action lawsuit powers in to good use here     … Expand
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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 »