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. shenmue1981
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Di sicuro il gioco meraviglioso.. o almeno cosi penso perchè dopo 2 giorni ho visto solo la schermata introduttiva.. nulla... niente... utilissimo avere un gestionale chiaramente e da sempre SINGLE PLAYER costantemente online... Grazie EA... mi hai fatto odiare una delle mie saghe preferite... REINSTALLO SIM CITY 4!!!!!
  2. Codpeace
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I am a long time gamer and have never known such an appalling act of disrespect for honest game purchasers. You cannot play this offline and Electronic Arts/Maxis have deemed it unnecessary to provide enough servers to adequately cater for everyone at release (or anywhere near enough apparently), despite running a beta test for just this eventuality and knowing exactly how many units theyI am a long time gamer and have never known such an appalling act of disrespect for honest game purchasers. You cannot play this offline and Electronic Arts/Maxis have deemed it unnecessary to provide enough servers to adequately cater for everyone at release (or anywhere near enough apparently), despite running a beta test for just this eventuality and knowing exactly how many units they had produced and sold pre-order. I am not going to get angry as there is simply no point, when a company writes into its small print that when you accept installation of their game you waiver any right to take part in any class action lawsuit said company yet they are happy to take your money without out providing you with the product described they are crooks.… Expand
  3. jeanrossi100
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    First game I've ever bought the requires always on internet and I cant even play it at the moment because apparently the servers are constantly down. I only want to play this by myself anyway. Really is unacceptable. It should have an offline single player option, then I might be able to review it higher!
  4. element7791
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    This game although semi-single player is crippled with horrible DRM and a requirement to constantly be online. This has made the game nearly impossible to play. They've also disabled achievements and the ability to make the time pass. I used to make my sims wait for me. Well they are getting their revenge now making me wait to be able to log in, able to select a server, to select a mapThis game although semi-single player is crippled with horrible DRM and a requirement to constantly be online. This has made the game nearly impossible to play. They've also disabled achievements and the ability to make the time pass. I used to make my sims wait for me. Well they are getting their revenge now making me wait to be able to log in, able to select a server, to select a map and a city, to load the game. I saw a tweet from one of their developers blowing off the poor reviews because people will go back and change them once they fix the game. I will not do that this 0 will be for all time and to let other developers know that they need to stop launching half finished garbage.… Expand
  5. pwoman1
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I was so excited to see this game release because I played the original. I installed the game and nothing happened. I had to un-install it, re-install it, update all my drivers, un-install, then re-install...and the game STILL has not worked. I have spent countless hours trying to make it work. I remember now why I don't ever buy PC games. This will definitely be the last time I ever buyI was so excited to see this game release because I played the original. I installed the game and nothing happened. I had to un-install it, re-install it, update all my drivers, un-install, then re-install...and the game STILL has not worked. I have spent countless hours trying to make it work. I remember now why I don't ever buy PC games. This will definitely be the last time I ever buy one! It would have been nice if I could have at least played it offline...but that's not even an option. This game is GARBAGE don't waste your money!… Expand
  6. ShadowBlade72
    Mar 10, 2013
    0
    After hearing all of the negative reviews about SimCity, I was still interested in at least purchasing it and trying it out once the issues were resolved. I went to the Origin store and added the game to my cart. I entered in all of my payment information and... "Payment Authorization Failed." I tried this several more times with different cards, and even a direct bank transfer fromAfter hearing all of the negative reviews about SimCity, I was still interested in at least purchasing it and trying it out once the issues were resolved. I went to the Origin store and added the game to my cart. I entered in all of my payment information and... "Payment Authorization Failed." I tried this several more times with different cards, and even a direct bank transfer from PayPal.

    After finally realizing that it was their site that was broken, I decided to contact their support. After waiting for nearly 45 minutes to reach a representative, they told me that I would be unable to purchase the game because my transactions were showing up in their system as "At risk", and the only thing I could do was wait for 3-5 days and try it again. So while everyone else is unable to play the game, I am unable to even purchase it.

    What a disappointment. This is why I refuse to use any distribution platform other than Steam. At least Valve seems to care about their customers.    … Expand
  7. Z1Warpig
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    It has been 84 hours since launch and I have not had 1 minute of game time! DO NOT BUY THIS GAME UNTILL ALL SEVER ISSUES ARE RESOLVED. The beta was great, but why pay $60-$80 for a product that does not work. I will update this review when I can actually try the product I paid for. Thanks EA you guys had a great idea with the always on DRM!!!
  8. netwerk
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    So, I do not understand WHY people STILL buy EA's games. They suck. Period. Let me repeat that...THEY SUCK. EA is about MONEY and MONEY only! They could give a crap about gamers....CONSUMERS have the power to bankrupt EA but they still support EA by buying their garbage games. /facepalm

    This game sucks. I like the original....but this one...lol...EA can suck it as they will never get    So, I do not understand WHY people STILL buy EA's games. They suck. Period. Let me repeat that...THEY SUCK. EA is about MONEY and MONEY only! They could give a crap about gamers....CONSUMERS have the power to bankrupt EA but they still support EA by buying their garbage games. /facepalm

    This game sucks. I like the original....but this one...lol...EA can suck it as they will never get anymore money out of myself.    … Expand
  9. jackal27
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I created an account just to add to the voices. Waited for hours to get nickle and dimed by EA, a company my brother and I had already given $60 to in order to play this game in the first place. SimCity is a shining example of everything that is wrong with AAA game development these days. I'm done EA. The last game I bought from you was Henry Hatsworth. Why did ever choose to break that streak?
  10. danchez
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Great game so far, but you CANNOT PLAY IT! This game needs an offline mode with online option, and until then it ranks at zero in my book. Additionally, the customer service from EA is truly insulting. DO NOT PURCHASE
  11. EAPissed
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I paid for the game 48 hours ago and have yet been able to connect to a server. What a joke! EA must have completely ignored the recommendations to up the server capacity. They cheated the client and the brand!
  12. setezerocinco
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Is just not possible to play the game. I did try several times and everything they did is show to me a counter of how many minutes I should wait again. This is a shame.
  13. dannyjerome0
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Well, I paid $60 for a game I haven't been able to play at all. 'Nuff said. No need to buy this one. May as well wait at least a couple weeks for EA to fix their game.
  14. indigojoe
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Not happy at all with this game as it locked up constantly and could not even start a game more than half the time. After several hours i was finally able to play, and simply was not impressed.
  15. curfew
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    What a mess that Maxis/EA have made of such a well loved franchise. All involved in making the game online only should be ashamed of themselves. You cant sign in to play, if you do then you can lose everything when the servers go down. Do not buy until Sim City becomes available for offline play.
  16. tonyneville
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I've been excited about this game ever since I heard about it 12 months ago. I played and loved Sim City 4 and after reading about this game I couldn't wait to play it. And there in lies the irony; I'm still waiting to play it even though EA have got my money. Even having bought a DVD copy in to attempt to avoid to download pain I still cannot connect to the servers. I'm sure the game isI've been excited about this game ever since I heard about it 12 months ago. I played and loved Sim City 4 and after reading about this game I couldn't wait to play it. And there in lies the irony; I'm still waiting to play it even though EA have got my money. Even having bought a DVD copy in to attempt to avoid to download pain I still cannot connect to the servers. I'm sure the game is very good from the critics reviews I had read. My rating is based on the DRM method. I have many other games that I play through Steam which is a similar concept and I have never had a problem like this. Suddenly piracy seems like an attractive option...… Expand
  17. tidecmb1974
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Anyone that tells you this game is not seriously flawed is delusional. First off, the "always online" component is a disaster. EA/Maxis was adamant they could handle this...THEY CAN'T. The second problem is the game play itself: Tiny city sizes, lacking features. It's a massive misfire! Everything you loved about previous SimCity games has been reduced to rubble to make way for this awfulAnyone that tells you this game is not seriously flawed is delusional. First off, the "always online" component is a disaster. EA/Maxis was adamant they could handle this...THEY CAN'T. The second problem is the game play itself: Tiny city sizes, lacking features. It's a massive misfire! Everything you loved about previous SimCity games has been reduced to rubble to make way for this awful multiplayer mess. In order to alleviate strain on their servers they are now removing game features. Game features the public has paid for...such as Cheetah speed. This removal alone has rendered the game play wretched (when you can actually play). It doesn't save cities...if you change servers...you're cities do not go with you. It's all in the SimCity cloud service. AVOID THIS GAME! I honestly don't think EA/Maxis can fix this debacle. I think in a few days everyone will get a refund and this think will be shut down. A FAILED EXPERIMENT!… Expand
  18. WillMBarbosa
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    You can't play, so 0. Also, even if you could play, I would give a 5 because of the always online DRM, even though the game itself is really great. If there was an offline mode, it would easily get a 10/10
  19. xtom
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Can't play because of stupid online only requirements for what is essentially a single player game. Not interested in socializing or any of the other "in the cloud" rubbish features. Just want to play what was always a fun single player game.
  20. Marvis
    Mar 14, 2013
    0
    Still problems with having my cities lost... I can't believe that this long after the game has been released I am having issues just saving the damn game....
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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!.
  25. 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.
  26. 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
  27. firefly212
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I love the SimCity franchise, which is why this pains me so much. I owned the original SimCity, SimCity2000, SimCity4, and I think one other somewhere in the mix. This game is unworthy of the name. From tiny maps that are not even a fraction of the size of SimCity2000 and artificially scarce resources meant to push this "connective" social experience (meant to justify the always onlineI love the SimCity franchise, which is why this pains me so much. I owned the original SimCity, SimCity2000, SimCity4, and I think one other somewhere in the mix. This game is unworthy of the name. From tiny maps that are not even a fraction of the size of SimCity2000 and artificially scarce resources meant to push this "connective" social experience (meant to justify the always online DRM), the game is simply terrible. Gone are features like subways and pipe laying to make your town more efficient, and the ability to save games or go back to old saves... introduced are hours-long waits to connect to DRM servers, random city deletion from their servers, and excuse after excuse as to how the always-online feature would make the game better if you could play it.

    It might merit a 1 on any other day, but EA/Origins is denying customers who bought directly a refund, if you purchased from Amazon or anywhere else, you're in luck, but if you bought the game directly from the maker... they want you to be far more patient with demanding a refund than they were with charging you for their non-functional product.

    Between the abject failure of the game and the absolutely terrible customer service, my only regret is that I cannot give this game a negative score. Not only have I not enjoyed it, purchasing this game has caused considerable stress and frustration as I either waited to play or waited on the phone with my bank to get the chargeback. This experience has been so awful that not only would I not recommend purchasing this particular title, I would strongly urge readers to not purchase anything from EA ever again.    … Expand
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
  31. Myvoiceisdubbed
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I know this is beating a dead horse, but buying a game that you can't even play? In the three days since I've bought this, I have had the ability to go through the walkthrough once, but not the actual game. Servers are up and down constantly. What schmuck thought it was a good idea to make this game strictly online, even when playing single player, was a moron. Yes yes, I am aware of theI know this is beating a dead horse, but buying a game that you can't even play? In the three days since I've bought this, I have had the ability to go through the walkthrough once, but not the actual game. Servers are up and down constantly. What schmuck thought it was a good idea to make this game strictly online, even when playing single player, was a moron. Yes yes, I am aware of the DRM consideration but there are so many indie games coming out that are just throwing the whole DRM thing out the window. The vast majority of people who pirate were probably not going to buy your game anyways. *facepalm* I wish I had bought this as a physical copy, so I could return it. Now I am probably going to have to wait a month before everything is mostly usable.

    Thanks EA. Think about your players occasionally, and not just your coffers.    … Expand
  32. TrickyD
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Love how the game says I've played 3 hours so far....Guess time spent encountering login failures count as game play time. Because I have not been able to connect even once. Haven't played one second.
  33. phentix
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Let this be a lesson to other companies. Sell a trash product and you get trashed by user reviews. To those who say just wait till the servers get running, I would rather just refund but unfortunately many of the player base do not have that option. I don't care if it it will be enjoyable in 2 weeks or 2 months from now, I bought the game to enjoy now. A company as big as EA shouldLet this be a lesson to other companies. Sell a trash product and you get trashed by user reviews. To those who say just wait till the servers get running, I would rather just refund but unfortunately many of the player base do not have that option. I don't care if it it will be enjoyable in 2 weeks or 2 months from now, I bought the game to enjoy now. A company as big as EA should have ZERO excuses. EA does not deserve to have my money. First and last product.… Expand
  34. castigere
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Can't really add anything thats not already written, awesome game ruined by forced multiplayer and online dependency. Avoid at all costs! And I'll like to add that EA ruined origin!
  35. austindoggie
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    This game is literally worse than Hitler. I have to wait 30 minutes for the always-online holocaust. Amazon even is refusing to sell this awful game. They pulled it because it is broken. EA disabled some features of the game because their server couldn't handle it! Worst game of all time.
  36. QSquared
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    There is NO Offline Mode. None.

    That means to play SINGLE PLAYER you have to put yourself through the never ending head-ache of tyring to connect to woefully inadequate services. OH! AND the single player is missing features it does nto need to be missing, and does actually run on your local computer s you can play for about 30 minutes while the servers are unavailable before it kicks    There is NO Offline Mode. None.

    That means to play SINGLE PLAYER you have to put yourself through the never ending head-ache of tyring to connect to woefully inadequate services. OH! AND the single player is missing features it does nto need to be missing, and does actually run on your local computer s you can play for about 30 minutes while the servers are unavailable before it kicks you out.

    Connecting to servers just means you will get a 20 minute countdown that keeps repeating (If the server is "Busy") or a 5 minute count down that keeps repeating if the server is "Available"

    Yay!

    If you CAN get on, most of the time you can;t create or join a region, or restart your own region.

    If you can do any of those you can expect brutal lag, and glitchyness, like the in-game clock being stuck at a particular time.

    If you can get in, but not to the server you were on you have to start a brand new city.

    If you can get some good play (usually between 3 AM and 5 AM EST you can get on a server for a little while.) Then the city sizes are very small, and you can not build in the region, no highways, no real rail, no subways, ugh.

    You can no longer control your zone density, except by street density.

    FYI if you can get in they have eliminated cheetah speed, and several other aspects of play including the regional great works, which basically means a lot of waiting, and also the only meaningful new feature they added are gone.

    If you buy this game digitally they WILL NOT REFUND YOUR     … Expand
  37. ssfire
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    DRM fail. It would like to play the game, but I can't because the DRM can't connect to the servers. Apparently, EA is disabling some of the features to get the servers to handle the load. So not only is DRM preventing me from playing the game, it's forcing EA to remove features. Epic fail.
  38. bakyelli
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Probably the worst piece of software I have download to my PC in a long time. I was charged $60 for a non-functioning computer program and was denied a refund. I wish there was a negative score I could give to this game.
  39. Burry
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I paid 80 bucks for a game I can't even play! When I have been able to log on the game freezes or wont let me create a city. And what is with the single size city plot? This should have been a updated SC4 not this garbage EA has shoved down our throats.
  40. reubensandwich2
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I feel that the entire staff should be fired and replaced with feces throwing chimps. At least something will stick unlike the complete waste that Maxis and EA created. I'm sure this server condition is a ploy from EA to make people pay simtaxes to play the game after they ponied up the cash to buy it. But what do I know, I haven't had a chance to even play the stupid game in 3 days.I feel that the entire staff should be fired and replaced with feces throwing chimps. At least something will stick unlike the complete waste that Maxis and EA created. I'm sure this server condition is a ploy from EA to make people pay simtaxes to play the game after they ponied up the cash to buy it. But what do I know, I haven't had a chance to even play the stupid game in 3 days. Never in my 20 years of computer gaming have I seen such a level of incompetence.… Expand
  41. Freaky
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Online DRM, the biggest pile of for single player games. A great franchise gets butchered because of it. Nobody can play the game on launch and a week after it. These companies need to be crucified to set an example of. So that Online DRM goes down in history like nazism.
  42. Jjjjjoe
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I bought this game and have yet to be able to play it. It is completely worthless. I wish I has read a few reviews before I made this purchase. What a complete failure in planning. Simcity is a single player game and should be available for offline playing and saving.
  43. Luckless
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Lack of forethought by the developers truly spoils what would otherwise have been a mostly acceptable but not exceptionally notable game. Every aspect of their "Always online" 'service' could easily have been simulated for offline play, or configured to work in an ad-hoc peer to peer system. City saves are limited, and out of your control. There are no means (That I've been able to find)Lack of forethought by the developers truly spoils what would otherwise have been a mostly acceptable but not exceptionally notable game. Every aspect of their "Always online" 'service' could easily have been simulated for offline play, or configured to work in an ad-hoc peer to peer system. City saves are limited, and out of your control. There are no means (That I've been able to find) to backup your games, to split your saves to take the same city in two directions, or share the cities themselves between friends.

    Users are completely at the mercy of servers being up and working properly. I can currently log in without issue, but I can't create a new city.

    Half a thought about what happens when the user was offline would have made this game a decent 7.

    City lots are small, much of your choices are limited to "Doesn't do much" and "Does a all you can ask but costs a fortune" with limited middle ground. Options are also highly limited for what I had expected.

    Simulation aspects frequently fail. With one city having industry begging for workers, but a solid mix of all 3 wealth classes of residential each begging for jobs in a city with nearly zero traffic problems and solid public transit?    … Expand
  44. dizzbert
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    $60 for an utterly unplayable game. Digital downloaders have no recourse for refunds Brilliant strategy EA! Take the money and run! You would think the decision makers at EA would have reviewed the history of always online DRM.
  45. Matadorian
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    EA, you need to wake up.
  46. Mirinu
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    This is a disaster. EA why have you screwed the SimCity Franchise. Curse you!! 1. Always online DRM 2. No local saves 3. Buggy mechanics 4. My crap dump size is bigger than your city maps 5. FCKIN Huge login queues what??? did I buy this game to stand in the queue to play?
  47. whereiwannab
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Unable to connect. Why did I pay $59 again? I really hope EA gets their act together with this horrid experience. I am hoping for a some kind of action to alleviate any lost time trying to play a game. Maybe some free dlc? Either way, f* this game.
  48. vironsusi
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    My, my... how could a company screw up this badly? The complete and utter catastrophe that is trying to log on to play the game, the horrible DRM. You'd think someone at Maxis would've had the the brains to work around this. How did this happen? How in the world did this happen? All right, I won't waste my with an essay on the horrible practices used by the majority of big developersMy, my... how could a company screw up this badly? The complete and utter catastrophe that is trying to log on to play the game, the horrible DRM. You'd think someone at Maxis would've had the the brains to work around this. How did this happen? How in the world did this happen? All right, I won't waste my with an essay on the horrible practices used by the majority of big developers because who would actually read them? How about I just help the opposition with the zeros and hope in vein that EA learns their lesson. Psh... as if that'll happen.… Expand
  49. nintyblue44
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    This game is a summarization of everything wrong with video games today. You have microtransactions/DLC for starters. On day one even. But the most glaring thing is this always-online DRM. It stopped people playing it for about three days, simply because it was too difficult to get online and "claim a city", whatever that means. And here's the kicker... it stopped pirates from playing itThis game is a summarization of everything wrong with video games today. You have microtransactions/DLC for starters. On day one even. But the most glaring thing is this always-online DRM. It stopped people playing it for about three days, simply because it was too difficult to get online and "claim a city", whatever that means. And here's the kicker... it stopped pirates from playing it for exactly the same amount of time. That's right. There's ALREADY something out to bypass this crap. This whole exercise has served only to punish paying customers and kill their reputation further. Did they learn nothing from Spore?

    If you support good video games done in the name of art with attention paid to things like morals and integrity, then I beg of you, do not now or ever purchase this title. Talk to your friends about this too. People have to be willing to use willpower and abstain from being manipulated by this garbage if we are ever to return to a time where big publishers put out nice, decent things that reward paying customers.    … Expand
  50. MattDavBen
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I haven't even gotten to play the game yet. It's a $60.00 clock that repeatedly counts down from 20 minutes...because you're not really waiting to get in, you're waiting to be denied again. Definitely ensures I will never purchase an EA product again, and likely has stopped me from ever preordering a video game again. After three days and dozens of attempts, I still haven't gotten to play.
  51. DetectiveCake
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    DRM..really? EA you are ruining the gaming industry. I will never buy another EA game again. All they bring out are mediocre half finished games and if you want the full experience you have to buy there DLC even though you already paid 70$ for the game. DO NOT BUY!
  52. EndTheory
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    You can expect anything that comes from EA to be utter garbage, they have tarnished the good records of countless titles and franchises, you can thank them for destroying the command and conquer franchise RTS fans.
  53. JLishere
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    The negatives: Single-player mode should not require a constant internet connection. Some game play features have been retracted by EA in order to alleviate server issues. Game progress may be lost. Cannot save anything locally. Regional players are dependent on you being logged to the same server. City size is too small. Transportation modes that previously existed in SC4 are missing.The negatives: Single-player mode should not require a constant internet connection. Some game play features have been retracted by EA in order to alleviate server issues. Game progress may be lost. Cannot save anything locally. Regional players are dependent on you being logged to the same server. City size is too small. Transportation modes that previously existed in SC4 are missing. Multiple AI problems, including emergency vehicles that stop at every intersection and are stuck in traffic. Specializations are too limited. The graphics are amazing. SimCity is ruined by EA and Origin's insistence on making this a locked down DRM game.… Expand
  54. AshtonVibe
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    This game looks to be a VERY good game. Completely online will have its advantages. However, I purchased a game that I want to play when I want to. This has not happened. I can get it, and I just want to play as simple as possible. I even don't care if the data I made is lost forever, but I hate the lag. It is very uncomfortable to sit through.
  55. larzle
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I could look past the DRM and pointless online garbage if the basic game was intact. But this is beyond broken. Simcity as we know it has been raped.
  56. Lutrogale
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    The Short: Save yourself the hassle and don't even buy this game. Don't tell yourself that enough time has passed and you will be able to get on the server much easier too, these same problems could crop up at any time and wreak havoc on your ability to play the game. I can't imagine how awful the servers will be after an expansion is launched. The Long: I feel like I'm just adding aThe Short: Save yourself the hassle and don't even buy this game. Don't tell yourself that enough time has passed and you will be able to get on the server much easier too, these same problems could crop up at any time and wreak havoc on your ability to play the game. I can't imagine how awful the servers will be after an expansion is launched. The Long: I feel like I'm just adding a bunch of poo to a pile of poo that already has entirely too much poo in it. I'm one of the unlucky customers that pre-ordered this game. I was eagerly looking forward to it as well as I have been a fan for nearly two decades and the game looked amazing in the beta and their Let's All Be Mayor campaign. Let's face it, this has all been said before and this poor review will boil down to server issues. It's a shame that this launch was handled so poorly. Not just that I couldn't log in to play the game, but that everyone from Maxis was so quiet about what was going on. When you have upset customers, the last thing you want to do as a company is remain silent. After trying this afternoon and evening to get on the servers once again, and still failing despite adding nearly twice as many servers as a couple days ago, I gave up.

    The silver lining in this whole thing is that Amazon stepped up to bat for me. They gave me a full refund, and apologized for my experience with this game. That's more than I've heard from people who have ordered this game from Origin. At best they get a customer service rep who is nice enough to refund them, most likely they get one who flat out refuses to refund the money and at worst they (supposedly) threaten a ban of the entire Origin account.

    It's a shame that such a big company cannot treat its customers better. Maxis has lost a loyal customer here, and EA has lost any business from a formerly neutral customer, now anti-fanboy.    … Expand
  57. AllenZulu
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Incredibly sad release. I was permitted to download my $60 purchase 3 hours after release. Then, I was not able to play my game for about 2 days because of "server issues." Keep in mind, this is SimCity, a single player game. If you have any Internet issues whatsoever, you will lose all your progress. The game must always be hooked up to EA. Worst. Idea. Ever. If you do have 99.8%+Incredibly sad release. I was permitted to download my $60 purchase 3 hours after release. Then, I was not able to play my game for about 2 days because of "server issues." Keep in mind, this is SimCity, a single player game. If you have any Internet issues whatsoever, you will lose all your progress. The game must always be hooked up to EA. Worst. Idea. Ever. If you do have 99.8%+ Internet connection quality, you will still lose everything because the EA servers will become "overloaded" and shut down. That's where you are forced to save everything. You might be lucky to connect to a different server, but you must REDO EVERYTHING because data does not synchronize between servers. That includes the tutorial. Like starting a brand new game. God awful launch and DRM and design. Epic fail for EA and Maxis. I heard SimCity had new disasters. Pretty much everything about it.… Expand
  58. ValidEmail
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    Pathetic. Refusal to refund money when they breach their end of the contract. Threatening people with bans if they argue about wanting their money back. DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM EA or MAXIS. FORCED ONLINE DRM is ANTI-AMERICAN and ANTI-GAMER! do not buy or use this product. Wait until it is hacked and put up online then get it for free and play it at will on YOUR computer when YOU want to!
  59. fightmejimmy
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    Absolutely devastated the new Sim City, which looked so good, is lumbered with always online DRM. Even if they claim the servers are fixed, I am in a constant state of wondering if it will cut out again. Not an enjoyable experience. Will return to EB and get something else.
  60. cttc
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    This game is absolutely abysmal. Not only is SimCity a seriously dumbed down version of its predecessors, without terraforming, highways, subways, water tubes OR power lines, but the maps are TINY as well. One can only assume that this is a direct result of the always online DRM, and server side 'simulation' that this game comes packed with. This, in turn, also means that the small 'city'This game is absolutely abysmal. Not only is SimCity a seriously dumbed down version of its predecessors, without terraforming, highways, subways, water tubes OR power lines, but the maps are TINY as well. One can only assume that this is a direct result of the always online DRM, and server side 'simulation' that this game comes packed with. This, in turn, also means that the small 'city' limits we have now will be stuck with us for the foreseeable future due to hardware limitations on EAs side (which have been made very obvious over the past few days), despite what EA and their sockpuppet Maxis have constantly been promising. These limitations, coupled with the ongoing connectivity problems, have really ruined this game for me. I absolutely adored playing the older versions of SimCity, and all EA would've needed to do with this game for it to be good would've been using SimCity 4 mechanics and adding CityXL graphics, but they managed to screw it all up. This complete sack of crap is more worthy of the name 'The Sims 3 Build Your Neighbourhood' than the name it was given, and I beg anyone out there who is thinking of buying this game to NOT give it the benefit of the doubt, for I certainly did and I am now stuck trying to get a refund for my Origin purchase. Ugh.… Expand
  61. Levo
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The farthest I could get was the tutorial loading screen, something smart and funny about "herding llamas", I think. But EA made something even smarter, they herded us and our wallets. Spoiler alert "THIS JUST SUCKS!"… Expand
  62. nundes
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    I would have preferred that put me in the queue to pay for and download the game and not for play it. EA scandalous. Too bad the game itself is very well done. Well done Maxis. Much worse EA games.
  63. repoulin
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT I am WAS a fan of the game from the early days on mac. The server failed and lost all my progress! All the work I did was gone and not recoverable. I was forced to play online and then they can't even provide a secure platform.
  64. RantMonkey
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    1. Terrible online concept, 2. the citysize should be three times larger, this is like kindergaren facebookgame-size.. my tip to EA, you should change your name from EA, because i see a huge decline in your name.
  65. nanddo
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    One of the worst games I've ever played. The DRM it's killing the game. You are forced to be online whenever you wanna play the game... WTF? The game has good ideas, but it's imposible to play because of the DRM. Epic Fail
  66. Elky_Black
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    We are a few days after launch and the same problems persist, altough slightly improved. EA and Maxis try to buy off the buyers opinion with an apology that came way too late and a freebie was promised. But they do not acknowledge the fact that the fault lies by the always online DRM. This not sit well with this hard working avid Gamer. Too litle too late. Save your money, don't buy EA
  67. 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
  68. 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
  69. garythegrave
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    when it says servers are available, they actually aren't, I've spent the better part of 3 hours trying to connect to available servers only for ea to say servers are not available, on at least 6 different ones, the game looks good, but i cant play it, its a waste of time now even attempting it, if i could get on to play, who knows, i'd probably enjoy it, but i guess even tho i bought thewhen it says servers are available, they actually aren't, I've spent the better part of 3 hours trying to connect to available servers only for ea to say servers are not available, on at least 6 different ones, the game looks good, but i cant play it, its a waste of time now even attempting it, if i could get on to play, who knows, i'd probably enjoy it, but i guess even tho i bought the game we shall never know if its any good, money thrown away buying this.… Expand
  70. MagnusTacitus
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    Well what's left to say? EA doing it again and deserves the ****
    Every game EA touches becomes an fortunately i didn't buy this piece of ****.

    It's over EA is finished
  71. robertaswanson
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    Is this a scam game?

    My wife bought this game for me as a birthday present, but it does not work!

    I can't get into game because there is some sort of queue. I can't turn off multiplayer, I just want to play single player! WHY I NEED TO WAIT?
  72. uberzoned
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    Remember the last time you bought a book that was missing the first 10 chapters? Neither do I............................................................................................................................................................
  73. Ballademager
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    I want my money back....
    This game is not worth the bit it takes to throw it around in cyberspace server connection in a single player game is a joke. Graphics is way below standards of the average 2003 game (yes correct...2003 not 2013). The atmosphere that has been a trademark in the earlier versions of this game is all but gone. Why, why, why did I ever by this piece of junk????
  74. Pibadi
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Nipaigrat`!!!111 Lamal vseh v anal! EA nubyi suka, vashu papu, deda! Vse plohom igra crutaya, no servera huynya, ya vas shatal vseh!!!111 nipaigrat`!!! Ad vas zhdet!!!… Expand
  75. Nowaczek
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    It's a great game, but there is a one little problem with it, it doesn't work. Great job EA, the title of the worst company in the USA is fitting You great.
  76. Tomwa
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    Broken Game, Missing Features, Always On DRM, Generally Awful.

    Another game EA truly got it's hands on. I'm honestly not surprised that EA has managed to turn a game which was highly anticipated and could have been game of the year into a pile of smoldering garbage.
  77. AmpedCanada
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    This is the most useless game I've ever seen. Ontop of the servers being down since launch a worse debacle since Dialbo3 the game wouldn't even work anyway. Forcing people to have an ALWAYS on internet connection to play a single player offline mode is about as pointless as having three forks in one had trying to eat a meal.
  78. ShananaLa
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    At some point they'll turn the servers off and it won't be possible to play ever again. Not that it's possible to play now... I'd recommend buying an old used copy of Sim City 4 instead. Or an old copy of Civ.
  79. SoCo1906
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    Sim City was based on two things when I was growing up. 1) the ability to create huge sprawling cities (enter cheats, create disasters, etc) and 2) to run the game on cheetah if you did not cheat and allow you to accumulate money. EA has completely blundered at recreating any nostalgia for people that grew up playing Sim City. I do not mind playing on servers, if the servers are adequateSim City was based on two things when I was growing up. 1) the ability to create huge sprawling cities (enter cheats, create disasters, etc) and 2) to run the game on cheetah if you did not cheat and allow you to accumulate money. EA has completely blundered at recreating any nostalgia for people that grew up playing Sim City. I do not mind playing on servers, if the servers are adequate and allow for all of the game to be played. I looked forward to playing many hours of this game. Now, I have friends that have lost cities due to the server inconsistency. Then, because EA wanted this to be a multiplayer game because the city size is not large enough for single player.I had a useless region with half of the cities corrupt because of server issues. EA I have owned many of games and I can say that this is the game that broke the back for the company. I will no longer be purchasing EA titles. Goodbye Madden, NCAA, Tiger Woods, et al.… Expand
  80. PhineasPoe
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    This always on DRM limits the usability of games in ridiculous ways. Gone is the ability to play this game on a road trip, during a long layover, in a hotel on vacation, or anywhere else you might not have an always on connection. But what scares me even more is how blatantly the DRM proclaims you aren't buying the game, you're only renting it. This DRM means you can only play this game asThis always on DRM limits the usability of games in ridiculous ways. Gone is the ability to play this game on a road trip, during a long layover, in a hotel on vacation, or anywhere else you might not have an always on connection. But what scares me even more is how blatantly the DRM proclaims you aren't buying the game, you're only renting it. This DRM means you can only play this game as long as EA allows you to and they can pull that permission any time they want to. As soon as EA decides it isn't worth it to maintain the servers necessary to play, the game you paid $60 for becomes absolutely useless. And I know this review hasn't touched on the actual game play but it's very difficult to review something that you can't play because of the stupid DRM.… Expand
  81. Sydian
    Mar 10, 2013
    0
    This online-only game was pretty much unplayable due to EA's servers and lack of testing. I was able to login for a total of 2 hours in the first four days. None of my progress or cities were ever saved on EA's servers. On top of this, EA is refusing refunds for online purchases. This lack of goodwill gives me little faith that the issues will be resolved. If the game was playable itThis online-only game was pretty much unplayable due to EA's servers and lack of testing. I was able to login for a total of 2 hours in the first four days. None of my progress or cities were ever saved on EA's servers. On top of this, EA is refusing refunds for online purchases. This lack of goodwill gives me little faith that the issues will be resolved. If the game was playable it might deserve a 5/10. It was certainly massively over-hyped by the critics. I won't be trusting any critic site reviews after this release.… Expand
  82. J-Wo
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    While the game looks great, it is not satisfying in the way its predecessors were. My biggest complaints include the city plot size (which is confusingly small), and lack of terraforming. I want to create a large customized city as in Simcity 4, and I'm stuck with building villages on cookie cutter terrain. Massive disappointment.
  83. Gamecraze
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    DRM Is a Part of the game, and good game journalist's scores should reflect that. As should the always On experience be reflected in the games score.

    Hopefully gamers will now know not to trust scores from people who do not take both of these into consideration. If you cannot play a single player game single player at launch for any reason, the game is not worth the time of day nor    DRM Is a Part of the game, and good game journalist's scores should reflect that. As should the always On experience be reflected in the games score.

    Hopefully gamers will now know not to trust scores from people who do not take both of these into consideration.

    If you cannot play a single player game single player at launch for any reason, the game is not worth the time of day nor your money.    … Expand
  84. DrEdward
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    Great game! Due to multiple circumstances, I am unable to acquire a stopwatch in my area. I am very grateful, however, that Sim-City is here to fulfil my timing needs. I do enjoy watching the half-hour server-queue timer tick down, it also supplies me with a great watch. Sometimes I let my friend come over and play a game of 'Will the game successfully connect to a server once the timerGreat game! Due to multiple circumstances, I am unable to acquire a stopwatch in my area. I am very grateful, however, that Sim-City is here to fulfil my timing needs. I do enjoy watching the half-hour server-queue timer tick down, it also supplies me with a great watch. Sometimes I let my friend come over and play a game of 'Will the game successfully connect to a server once the timer has depleted?', we've never won so far.
    A fine work of art I highly recommend this game to anybody who likes to hit themselves over the head with a brick.    … Expand
  85. NullRider
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    I will only play this game alone. DRM automatically sucks, but having to be online at all times is like having to confirm your account number every time you change the channel on your TV.
  86. ferenyx
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    Haven't been able to play at least half the time I've wanted to because the servers were down. These issues they are having are well known and have been solved by tons of other companies. Incompetent developers spoiling an amazing series.
  87. mrjd
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    There are many reasons why I think Maxis and EA have ruined simcity for me. First, server issues, I (and lots of other people) would much rather play simcity as a single player game. They force us to always be connect to their servers to play, not a deal breaker for me but when their servers can't handle the traffic it is. Next the game itself, they removed some of the best features fromThere are many reasons why I think Maxis and EA have ruined simcity for me. First, server issues, I (and lots of other people) would much rather play simcity as a single player game. They force us to always be connect to their servers to play, not a deal breaker for me but when their servers can't handle the traffic it is. Next the game itself, they removed some of the best features from previous simcity games, you can't create your own regions or cities and terraform the land, making hills and rivers ect. The size of the cities is ridiculously small, the whole city can be filled up in an hour, so you have to choose what to demolish to continue building.
    Also there are very limited public transportation options, I'm sure they will have DLC with more in the future, but for the price of the game, more options should have been included. One of my favorite features of SC4 was that it allowed modding, the community created some amazing mods for the game, that's why it has been around and popular for over 10 years. I'm also worried about money hungry EA and their "micro-transactions", what happened to expansion packs, rush hour was awesome and totally worth it. I guess for now I'll just have to stick with SC4 until Civitas (moddable, DRM free, city simulator on kickstarter) is funded and released.    … Expand
  88. elmergu
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    Is sad how Electronic Arts DRM, and servers removed the fun for such a good game, I wanted to play while I was offline in my free time and got surprised when I wasn't allowed to play and when I got online the servers where down EA has lost a user today the only good thing about this is that I got my money back
  89. mikednkc
    Mar 9, 2013
    0
    Where to start. Always online, small maps, frustrating game play, inability to control saves. Inability to alter the landscape. Make a mistake and you will have to basically start over. I built a high school and it didn't show up except for a little access road that I can't delete now. Building roads is so frustrating. Upgrading placed buildings is a great concept, but they require spaceWhere to start. Always online, small maps, frustrating game play, inability to control saves. Inability to alter the landscape. Make a mistake and you will have to basically start over. I built a high school and it didn't show up except for a little access road that I can't delete now. Building roads is so frustrating. Upgrading placed buildings is a great concept, but they require space outside their footprint, which F's up your entire layout. And the map, the tiny little city size I filled it up in a couple hours, and now just sit and watch as it progresses. This game would be great if they had just improved the deficiencies of the last Sim City game without dumbing down the parts that made it challenging. A complete and utter disappointment on so many levels. I waited for over 10 years for this game and they ruined it. Any of the "professionals" who gave this a 10 are either high, stupid, or just easily entertained. Farmville was more challenging. DO NOT BUY THIS GAME! If you must own it, wait a week, they will selling used for 10 bucks. I think I will use mine for a coaster.… Expand
  90. neisep
    Mar 10, 2013
    0
    There is just way to much server issues to even ENJOY this game, and Electronic Arts takes this as a joke, to make a pirated protection that is so strong that normal buying customers can't EVEN play the game makes me think i do not wanna buy a game from Electronic Arts or Maxis ever again,
    Frustration when contacting EA support they do not even listen at all, you get threated by EA    There is just way to much server issues to even ENJOY this game, and Electronic Arts takes this as a joke, to make a pirated protection that is so strong that normal buying customers can't EVEN play the game makes me think i do not wanna buy a game from Electronic Arts or Maxis ever again,
    Frustration when contacting EA support they do not even listen at all, you get threated by EA support instead not funny.
    Overall i don't know since i can't even start the game so my enjoyment is stucked with the protection so i would like too give a big thanks to Maxis and Electronic Arts for making a great game suck THANK YOU    … Expand
  91. davejohanson
    Mar 10, 2013
    0
    I am completely disappointed in what EA (Maxis) has developed for a game upgrade that I have waited almost 10 years for! I am shackled to a an overburden and sometime unavailable DRM server to even play this game in single play mode!! I cannot play the game if my Internet connection is down or if the EA servers are unavailable!! This seams to be the future of software "in the cloud".I am completely disappointed in what EA (Maxis) has developed for a game upgrade that I have waited almost 10 years for! I am shackled to a an overburden and sometime unavailable DRM server to even play this game in single play mode!! I cannot play the game if my Internet connection is down or if the EA servers are unavailable!! This seams to be the future of software "in the cloud". You do not have the ability to run it on your own PC when you want unless you are shackled to the EA servers. The size of the city you can create is also very limited and EA will probably take years to update it. Thank you EA for completely ruining my expectations for this new game release!!!… Expand
  92. fenderjaguar
    Mar 10, 2013
    0
    Hey EA, thanks for ripping me off. I couldn't even play my game, because you seem to think that paying customers need to be tied up by a dog leash connected directly to your iron grip, all to prove that we didn't steal the game. At least Ubisoft learned eventually that this kind of DRM will MAKE PEOPLE VERY VERY VERY ANGRY. You'd think that after the Spore debacle, EA would never haveHey EA, thanks for ripping me off. I couldn't even play my game, because you seem to think that paying customers need to be tied up by a dog leash connected directly to your iron grip, all to prove that we didn't steal the game. At least Ubisoft learned eventually that this kind of DRM will MAKE PEOPLE VERY VERY VERY ANGRY. You'd think that after the Spore debacle, EA would never have pulled this crap again. So yeah, boycott EA. Do not buy any of their games until this stupid DRM is truly stamped out for good. It might take a while, but they'll get the message if enough of us have the balls to do the right thing. I know I personally boycotted a lot of Ubisoft games, and Far Cry 3 is the first one I've bought off them in years (excellent game btw, and none of the stupid always online crap).… Expand
  93. Kicki2000
    Mar 10, 2013
    0
    Frustrated!
    Bought the game 4 days ago, have only got to the tutorial wich I played 3 times before the game lost connection. If i knew before what i know now i would never bought the game.Now i play simcity 4 instead.
  94. Joe_Dalton
    Mar 10, 2013
    0
    After trying to connect for almost a week i could finally try the game. Created a city after the tutorial however when i tried to resume the game a hour later i again could not reconnect to my server. Tried another server and about 20 min i could reconnect to EA en start simcity.. however my previous game/city was lost in space.. 30min game and about 10u trying to get connected. I have noAfter trying to connect for almost a week i could finally try the game. Created a city after the tutorial however when i tried to resume the game a hour later i again could not reconnect to my server. Tried another server and about 20 min i could reconnect to EA en start simcity.. however my previous game/city was lost in space.. 30min game and about 10u trying to get connected. I have no words for this disaster.. and they still are selling the game while you cannot play it. A worldwide SCAM just to get money from users… Expand
  95. justindp86
    Mar 10, 2013
    0
    Have to login to play a private game... which is stupid. Have random zombie attacks which I cannot do anything about and the maps are pathetically small. Played for 6 hours over 2 days, lost all my progress twice due to server issues.... so I'm not playing anymore.

    EA, go f u c k off
  96. amelendez
    Mar 10, 2013
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Nice promise, terrible deployment and planning! After managing to play about 3 days later from its launch, you get really dissapointed to see how your time and effort spent in building your cities is lost due to server problems. I don´t care about the online requirement to play, but EA, or Maxis, or Origin (I don't know who is responsible and don´t care) should have done a staged deployment to control all these mistakes. When you can actually play, the game is great although still has some bugs (overlaping homes and problems with borderline streets). I would not recommend this game, its just a general frustration, that is not worth the money payed for it. The EA support is terrible. I don´t get why my games end up saved on one server, and if I move to a different one I lose my progress done in the other server? What kind of implementation is that? Its a terrible design or terrible sync implementation. Overall, don´t buy this game... not yet! Its not worth your money.… Expand
  97. C_Arnoud
    Mar 10, 2013
    0
    Can't buy one of these always-online games. Couple this with it being a digital copy that you cannot resell and i dont think you really own this. Instead of charging an amount for people to BUY the game, they should rent it. because thats what it is.
  98. dmp19
    Mar 10, 2013
    0
    The game requires that you play mutli-player online, which is awful idea in my opinion. Since when to mayors want go head to head. At least let those who desire play the single player version should be allowed to. There are tons of single player with online mutli-player mixed that are great. The server issued, although sometimes expected a little for a new game, but this is at ridiculousThe game requires that you play mutli-player online, which is awful idea in my opinion. Since when to mayors want go head to head. At least let those who desire play the single player version should be allowed to. There are tons of single player with online mutli-player mixed that are great. The server issued, although sometimes expected a little for a new game, but this is at ridiculous levels. I played a total of a couple hours and I prerecorded the game, so I started playing on release date. The servers would not be an issue if you cold just player the game not multi-player, and just sign in basically instantaneously via internet like all steam, etc. games. This games fails horribly on all aspects, except for ok graphics. As far as gameplay itself, it has clunky controls and no room to build or move.… Expand
  99. coolkev99
    Mar 10, 2013
    0
    Don't fool yourself. This is a $60 game rental. After an undetermined amount of time, EA will turn off the servers, meaning you can't play anymore. Forget about your future children enjoying this game. It won't be possible. Not only is it a rental, it is one that requires you to be on the internet ALL THE TIME. Forget taking this on vacation with you where you won't have internet. Have aDon't fool yourself. This is a $60 game rental. After an undetermined amount of time, EA will turn off the servers, meaning you can't play anymore. Forget about your future children enjoying this game. It won't be possible. Not only is it a rental, it is one that requires you to be on the internet ALL THE TIME. Forget taking this on vacation with you where you won't have internet. Have a lousy internet connection? Guess what, your game will drop. If you want a future where ALL video games are like this... and possibly where all music, TV, Movies... basically anything digital works like this, and where you HAD to be online ALWAYS... then by all means, be a fool and waste your money "buying" this game.… Expand
  100. Rea
    Mar 10, 2013
    0
    Don't you just love the (paid) whining about people refusing to pay heavily for DRM-infested software?
    EA wants to live in your wallet, and if you buy this game, they do.
    This game can be reviewed for its real worth AFTER all the crapware is removed.
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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]
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