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. bearsdenred
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    bought this game 2 days ago from Greenmangaming on discount, really should have checked the forums before purchasing this game. Simcity is not like the old games from Maxis, this is a hybrid EA online DRM fools paradise of a system. Launch here in Europe just like America has been one big joke, a joke played by the DEVS from Maxis and EA buisness managers that must be laughing their headsbought this game 2 days ago from Greenmangaming on discount, really should have checked the forums before purchasing this game. Simcity is not like the old games from Maxis, this is a hybrid EA online DRM fools paradise of a system. Launch here in Europe just like America has been one big joke, a joke played by the DEVS from Maxis and EA buisness managers that must be laughing their heads off with all the coming in. Yet whats the problem with this game. First, because EA want you to be forced to logon to their servers for DRM checking you cant ACTUALLY logon. Why? Because EA didn't provide enough SERVERS for the game. they claim they are fixing the issue yet at 1940PM on launch day NOT ONE single apology has been provided by EA MAXIS to the gamers out here wanting to play! BE WARNED DO NOT BUY THIS GAME STOP BUYING EA GAMES PERIOD. Until us the gamers revolt and stop putting cash into EA will they stop treating us like this. Everyone demand refunds, if none provided start Suing them… Expand
  2. Eflite
    Mar 8, 2013
    3
    Only a couple of more minutes of waiting left! After waiting 18 minutes that is. For the Nth time. And when the wait is finally over, it's fifty-fifty chance of actually being able to enter the game. Every other time I'll just get an error message, and I have to wait for another 18 minutes. Lets cross our fingers for this time.
  3. 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
  4. MadMagpie
    Mar 8, 2013
    3
    I'm not going to go into the details because it's already been said by everyone else. I won't simply give it a "0" either because it's a great game if you ever get to play it, but the frustrations with server issues destroy the experience. If I do successfully login, I'm too ticked off to enjoy it because I'm just waiting until I get kicked out again. Folks say that you should review aI'm not going to go into the details because it's already been said by everyone else. I won't simply give it a "0" either because it's a great game if you ever get to play it, but the frustrations with server issues destroy the experience. If I do successfully login, I'm too ticked off to enjoy it because I'm just waiting until I get kicked out again. Folks say that you should review a game based on the gameplay itself, but the gameplay hinges on being able to connect to a server. EA said it was part of the experience. The start menu is part of the experience for most video games. If you were stuck at the start menu forever, then the game would get poor reviews because it's broken. People are stuck at what is essentially the start menu for SimCity, so, in its current sate, it is broken.

    I can see this turning into a case study for future game design students and developers on how not to run your business. The fall of EA (hopefully) would only validate the entire thing. Do yourself a favor and save your money unless they magically make an offline version or update for it. I had originally written a positive review, but I felt compelled to come back and replace it with this one because I couldn't stand the feeling of betrayal anymore. I really want to like the game, but I'm tired of looking like an idiot trying to defend it despite everything that has happened. Fix it or finish committing professional suicide already EA because I'm done with you.    … Expand
  5. 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?
  6. 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!!!
  7. 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
  8. patax23
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    City Size too Small, the DRM SUCKS!, I want single player offline, NO MODS, NO HIGHWAYS, I cant believe how ea and maxis ruining this game series, i am seeing coming DLC Store
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. TheSmokey
    Mar 8, 2013
    1
    Pre-ordered the game and picked it up Tuesday. The "install" took over 2 hours because Origin's authentication servers were so bogged down. Since then I've managed to get logged in 3 times for a grand total of 90 minutes of playing.

    First time I got the boot after 15 minutes. Second time, my entire first city was gone so I had to start over. I managed 45 minutes that time before I got    Pre-ordered the game and picked it up Tuesday. The "install" took over 2 hours because Origin's authentication servers were so bogged down. Since then I've managed to get logged in 3 times for a grand total of 90 minutes of playing.

    First time I got the boot after 15 minutes. Second time, my entire first city was gone so I had to start over. I managed 45 minutes that time before I got booted off because of a server disconnect. Third time, I played for 30 minutes and actually logged off of my own accord. I've been met with queues and Server Busy or Full messages since then/

    The game, when it runs, is decent looking. But small map size, traffic problems, regional resource sharing (as in you can't) and overall AI issues hamper the gameplay severely. Poorly handled launch, very poorly handled DRM and extremely poorly handled communication between EA and its (I'd imagine rapidly dwindling) fanbase mean this one leaves a very poor taste in your mouth.    … Expand
  12. 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!
  13. PyroFD3S
    Mar 8, 2013
    1
    This is looking to be a trend with the gaming industry, forcing gamers to be online for games that are clearly single player games. In doing so, all they do is deter paying customers from playing the game. Diablo 3, Simcity, pretty sure there are others but these are the big ones. This should never have happened if the game was properly stress-tested and QAd, but the gaming industryThis is looking to be a trend with the gaming industry, forcing gamers to be online for games that are clearly single player games. In doing so, all they do is deter paying customers from playing the game. Diablo 3, Simcity, pretty sure there are others but these are the big ones. This should never have happened if the game was properly stress-tested and QAd, but the gaming industry doesn't care about their consumers anymore. This happens when big publishers like EA buy up all the intellectual properties and churn out games that are unfinished or locked and force you to pay them more to unlock them.
    If any companies did what the gaming industy did they would have a class action on their hands, but nope not here.    … Expand
  14. NoAssociation
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    The game is currently un-playable. Even if it was playable, you can't build a modern city. No bicycle infrastructure, no subways, the streetcar can only be built on a 6 lane highway, etc. The plot you build your city on is also quite small. You will end up with skyscrapers next to grassy plots of land you can't build on for some odd reason.
  15. 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
  16. Amstramgram
    Mar 8, 2013
    9
    Ok, so I'm writing this to everyone who want to know if they should buy the game. This is my first review by the way. I saw how this game got bashed by users and after playing a couple of hours I decided some things had to be clarified to make justice to the team behind this game. First, this is a ***g a m e***. The ***g a m e*** is not really a sequel to previous SimCity to myOk, so I'm writing this to everyone who want to know if they should buy the game. This is my first review by the way. I saw how this game got bashed by users and after playing a couple of hours I decided some things had to be clarified to make justice to the team behind this game. First, this is a ***g a m e***. The ***g a m e*** is not really a sequel to previous SimCity to my point of view, I mean it breaks lots of classical rule the previous one established, its kind of a revolution in the series... not a evolution. That's why you see so many simfans lobbying here. But the game is really fun once you accept the fact that they used SimCity franchise to make something different. To my point of view, its less realistic visually than the previous game. But... the gameplay is incredible. You have to plan more, use more collaboration of other cities, and your cities is confront to organic like challenges... your cities is making huge profit based on coal industries? Don't sit on your back like previous SimCity, cause one day your cities mines will run out of coal... So as a mayer its your role to plan a head for the transition... Much more challenging than previous SimCity. You cant save your city Haha, even better you must think of your choice. Critics about the map size didn't realize they where playing another game than SimCity. Small size cities is really important for the balance of this game. You have to manage your ressources, large land would screw this charming mechanic, cause otherwise, even if the coal or ore is vanish from your city you wouldn't care cause you simply would have build everything. SimCity 5 looks a bit like RTS strategy game, except this is to build with others. The challenges of gathering all the ressources for a great work is also very nice. Compare to SimCity 5, SimCity 4 was like painting a city while the new one is planning it. Once you started playing with the specialisation, this game really hook you. I thanks the team behind the game for having the gots not to follow everyone opinion (which shows they don't just want your money) and make a nice piece of art with this game. But be aware if you buy the game early, the macroeconomics severs are being hammered hard, and they probably waited to the last minute before plopping enough server So yes, there is a lot of disconnect and waiting right now, and yes this is really annoying.… Expand
  17. 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!!!!!
  18. Griffon
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I'd love to actually play this game. Sadly... server says no. Pity. Will try again later, and may revise this opinion. In the meantime, the game deserves no better.
  19. Yarpen
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Ok so to start off I have registered on Metacritic just to warn people how bad of a game this is. Something I haven't done before...
    Sim City has a forced DRM something EVERYONE knew for a while now. This is bad to a stage where I haven't been able to run my game in 2 days. I got as far as claiming my city and playing 5 min past tutorial when server disconnected.
    I CANT LIVE WITH    Ok so to start off I have registered on Metacritic just to warn people how bad of a game this is. Something I haven't done before...
    Sim City has a forced DRM something EVERYONE knew for a while now. This is bad to a stage where I haven't been able to run my game in 2 days. I got as far as claiming my city and playing 5 min past tutorial when server disconnected.
    I CANT LIVE WITH THAT, early days are always hectic I o not approve of always on DRM and I even hate it but I will not mar Sim City low for that as I knew what I was getting into.

    THE BAD PART is that this is not Sim City, game is dumbed down from the start and city squares are so TINY that this can't even be called Sim Town but merely a Sim Village.

    If the game was called something along the lines of Sims 3 Societies I am sure people wouldn't mind as it would attract a different type of players but for the love of what's sacred to you PLEASE do not call it Sim City.

    If not for the fact I actually have some decent games on Origin I would try selling my account just to give it away! Luckily for me I still own good old Sim City 4 Rush Hour on Steam so I am signing off and goin to build a new metropolis.

    P.S: If Sim city 5 adds bigger city squares through a paid DLC we should consider adding a negative scores on Metacritic as this is a piss poor marketing policy...    … Expand
  20. Gibbins
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Despite the client and the SimCity facebook page all claiming that the servers are online, whenever you load up the game (and get through the 20 minute queue) it won't let you do anything because the servers are down. Somebody at EA decided that demanding online play had to be in the game, and thanks to them they have turned a fantastic looking game into a frustrating, unpleasantDespite the client and the SimCity facebook page all claiming that the servers are online, whenever you load up the game (and get through the 20 minute queue) it won't let you do anything because the servers are down. Somebody at EA decided that demanding online play had to be in the game, and thanks to them they have turned a fantastic looking game into a frustrating, unpleasant experience. I absolutely regret pre-ordering this game.… Expand
  21. Abr0ham
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    It has finally happened. All practices that have been destroying gaming have culminated in this biblical failure for all the world to see. Ever since the success of Farmville the gaming industry has been trying to cash in on "social gaming" foisting it upon gamers that have zero interest in it. This usually manifests itself as a unused feature or minor inconvenience. It was not until EAIt has finally happened. All practices that have been destroying gaming have culminated in this biblical failure for all the world to see. Ever since the success of Farmville the gaming industry has been trying to cash in on "social gaming" foisting it upon gamers that have zero interest in it. This usually manifests itself as a unused feature or minor inconvenience. It was not until EA combined it with the abomination that is DRM to form the perfect storm of consumer neglect; once a single player classic, now a mandatory social game played on servers that are virtually unusable. EA has once again completely shafted all their paying customers to avoid losing a few bucks to pirates. In the same greedy line of thinking they also criminally under-supplied servers, not wanting to pay for more than would be needed after the post launch population dropoff. The result is a game that is virtually unplayable. Not "this game is so bad that I don't want to play it" unplayable, actually unplayable; the game can not be played at all. If by some miracle you do get into a game, you will not be able to get back into the same game again, because all the save data is on the broken servers. If you've bought this game and cannot get a refund, contact the Better Business Bureau at http://www.bbb.org/ and file a complaint. It is illegal to offer goods and services that are nonfunctional. This is inexcusable. Literally, they cannot be allowed to make excuses for this. They made the conscious decision to make a game that was one server crash away from bricked, it was their responsibility to make sure that did not happen and obviously it did. I hope they feel most severe repercussions possible to assure that no publisher ever attempts this again.… Expand
  22. oteg
    Mar 8, 2013
    1
    While the load screen is clean and to the point, the lack of actual gameplay make this title hard to love. Perhaps it's my own fault for thinking that SimCity allows you to build a city, when in fact it seems to be nothing but a loading screen for a City-building game which is impossible to log into.
  23. SunstrokedWill
    Mar 8, 2013
    1
    Looks promising but one thing gets in the way of a good game Can't even play.. 4 days after release... Servers are always crashing down and city are not syncing..! Enough said.
  24. djprinvale
    Mar 8, 2013
    1
    Thanks for gimping a fully purchased game. I think the game itself has potential and I would like to play it but always online DRM is unacceptable for a SINGLE player game.
  25. reticle2020
    Mar 8, 2013
    6
    Well despite the glaring server issues, bugs and inability to play offline. This game is actually a lot of fun. I was able to play for several hours last night, however, on one of the European servers. There are some game crippling bugs I will admit. It's a shame that Maxis is under the thumb of EA I honestly believe that, if they were under the banner of any other producer they wouldWell despite the glaring server issues, bugs and inability to play offline. This game is actually a lot of fun. I was able to play for several hours last night, however, on one of the European servers. There are some game crippling bugs I will admit. It's a shame that Maxis is under the thumb of EA I honestly believe that, if they were under the banner of any other producer they would have waited, ran proper beta testing and released the game when it was ready, instead I think big brother EA was pushing them to release a product to meet their budget. It's a shame really, because once your able to play the game it's really a lot of fun!… Expand
  26. Bobbydylan
    Mar 8, 2013
    3
    Well this is frustrating, isn't it? That's the best description, I think, Frustration. Not because I'm suprised, or not because I cant get onto an online game on the launch day (or even week), thats to be expected these days. No, I'm frustrated that the game "needs" to be online in the first place. The online "requirement" adds nothing to the game that Option Multiplay wouldn't have done aWell this is frustrating, isn't it? That's the best description, I think, Frustration. Not because I'm suprised, or not because I cant get onto an online game on the launch day (or even week), thats to be expected these days. No, I'm frustrated that the game "needs" to be online in the first place. The online "requirement" adds nothing to the game that Option Multiplay wouldn't have done a million time better. It's something no body wanted stopping us playing a game we want to play. And now EA are trying removing Leaderboards and Achieviments and other online featurs that were sold to players as the reason we should love to be online. So now we're online (if your lucky enough to be online) for the sole reason of being online. If EA want me to be always online to play a game I paid £60 for, then they should be always online when I want to play it. http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee481/Bobbydyland/Simcity_zps7799c437.png… Expand
  27. dfiler
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    This game is entirely comprised of server errors and endlessly failing to run. If it does run, it crashes without saving. I will never buy another EA game with online copy protection again. EA is quite simply incompetent and has sold a product which does absolutely nothing.
  28. JTack
    Mar 8, 2013
    1
    Always on DRM ruins this single player game. Diablo 3 all over again. Had I known, which is admittedly my own fault for not researching this game more thoroughly, I wouldn't have bought it. The game was fun for the whole 2 hours I've been able to play it since launch.
  29. Adlerson
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    It would be a good game, I'm sure, IF I could play it. I've had a few hours in it, over the past few days, but having to start over because your progress on this 'Always online DRM' 'feature' isn't saved is becoming old.
    And today I can't get in at all, no matter which server I try, or now many times I try.
    EA screwed the pooch with this one. No more 'always on' DRM! Ubisoft tried and    It would be a good game, I'm sure, IF I could play it. I've had a few hours in it, over the past few days, but having to start over because your progress on this 'Always online DRM' 'feature' isn't saved is becoming old.
    And today I can't get in at all, no matter which server I try, or now many times I try.
    EA screwed the pooch with this one. No more 'always on' DRM! Ubisoft tried and failed, EA should have taken note.    … Expand
  30. lord222
    Mar 8, 2013
    1
    I love SimCity series buying the game, I really thought long waiting behind but the trouble! Paying money for this game, all the time since its launch on the market, I have not played it it's why I put one ball.I no desire now even include it in the near vremya.EA undermined my confidence specifically! Agee first Dragon 2 then Medal of Honor 2012 Now SimCity
  31. MaizePanthera
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    So you pay for a game to play it but you can't get in to the game because the EA server have a lot of problem. Stay away from this game in Release!! you will not get in to the game because server is always overload and the game have a lot of problem! If you buy the game you cannot get the refunds if you can't play the game. EA is a evil money lover company, don't support or buy any of EASo you pay for a game to play it but you can't get in to the game because the EA server have a lot of problem. Stay away from this game in Release!! you will not get in to the game because server is always overload and the game have a lot of problem! If you buy the game you cannot get the refunds if you can't play the game. EA is a evil money lover company, don't support or buy any of EA product. This will be my last game I will ever buy from EA.… Expand
  32. ochemypie
    Mar 8, 2013
    1
    map way too small, no farming, some sims complaning about shopping but other sims are happy with shopping. I think maxis just programmed sims to whine about it so we can keep building stuff and never end with the game itself. can't even play the game.
  33. Heywood1979
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    EA once again destroys a proud franchise. I've been playing SimCity through all it's iterations since 1989. This version though is so horribly flawed. You cannot play it offline. Period. And even if all is well on your end, EA's servers are so horribly out gunned by the number of people trying to play, that nine times out of ten, you can't even connect to a server. If you are lucky enoughEA once again destroys a proud franchise. I've been playing SimCity through all it's iterations since 1989. This version though is so horribly flawed. You cannot play it offline. Period. And even if all is well on your end, EA's servers are so horribly out gunned by the number of people trying to play, that nine times out of ten, you can't even connect to a server. If you are lucky enough to connect though, the connection drops so frequently that attempting to play the game is akin to enduring an hours-long bout of schizophrenic rage.
    EA: Take note. "Always-On DRM" is a disaster and all you've done is to infuriate hundreds of thousands of your customers. Patch in an offline mode and salvage what little of your tattered reputation remains.    … Expand
  34. Ecclesiastes
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    You'll pay $60 or $80, the game will only function for about five minutes of every hour, and EA will refuse to refund your money. Do not buy. If functionality is this bad at launch, when EA is putting all their resources into supporting their draconian DRM, imagine how bad it will be in a year or two when EA no longer thinks it's a priority.
  35. adamwouldcould
    Mar 8, 2013
    5
    Time for me to pile on also. I've lost several hours of gameplay due to server issues. I know it's ultimately my fault for expecting more... but the nostalgia of playing the original made me do it. The DRM is the problem for me.
  36. Xoatl
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Always on DRM with aweful servers means you WILL NOT have the freedom to play a SINGLE PLAYER game whenever you want. Come back from work? Too bad you can't play, thanks for the cash though. The city maps are way smaller than SC4 maps due to server side and engine limitations. Day one DLCs are already documented which is at the VERY LEAST an unethical business practice. Unable to makeAlways on DRM with aweful servers means you WILL NOT have the freedom to play a SINGLE PLAYER game whenever you want. Come back from work? Too bad you can't play, thanks for the cash though. The city maps are way smaller than SC4 maps due to server side and engine limitations. Day one DLCs are already documented which is at the VERY LEAST an unethical business practice. Unable to make sprawling cities, In SC4 a map can be 1/10 that of Manhattan, In this game it's 1/40.… Expand
  37. dapac
    Mar 8, 2013
    4
    Paid for the game, but the very stupid system didn`t let me get english version because I live in Azerbaijan. What a joke. At least they gave me a refund.
  38. TPoulsen
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    It's kinda hard to like a game that you cannot play... Apart from that, i think that the citylimits are terrably small, the deliberately let out important parts of the game so that they can make money from selling DLC's
  39. fengald
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Purchased this game with the expectation of Sim City 4 being taken to the next level, well this game has flushed Sim City down the drain. What should have been a single player game that allowed a multi-player co-op flavor is nothing but a giant mess. Cannot play in it by my self and have had a total of 45 minutes of game time that was not interrupted by errors or messages about the SimPurchased this game with the expectation of Sim City 4 being taken to the next level, well this game has flushed Sim City down the drain. What should have been a single player game that allowed a multi-player co-op flavor is nothing but a giant mess. Cannot play in it by my self and have had a total of 45 minutes of game time that was not interrupted by errors or messages about the Sim City servers being down. Wasted $80 at this time and will never buy anything from EA again. Bravo to their marketing department and an epic fail on execution.… Expand
  40. Orb44
    Mar 8, 2013
    1
    If you can connect to the server and play, the game itself is great: deep, but with very useful interfaces. However, being able to play only 5% of the time can't be justified. If you are reading this 6 months after release and the server is stable, this game is easily a 9.
  41. UltimateCD
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    game have potential but ea didn't unleashed

    The Good
    Lots of wonderful details that make you feel connected to your city and its people

    The Bad

    Uncooperative players can mess up your plans.
  42. d4haxor
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    This game is unplayable. You are placed in a queue for an unspecified wait (mine was almost an HOUR), only to start building and get disconnected due to the unstable servers. This is unacceptable. Paying good money for a game to go through this many hoops, and EA wonders why Spore was so widely pirated. STAY FAR AWAY.
  43. Jetteseraph
    Mar 8, 2013
    1
    SimCity is unfortunately plagued with problems both to it's infrastructure and gameplay. The always online DRM and abysmal server support have resulted in a net of 2 hours played this week for myself. Even then, my city was entirely lost due to a game freeze and a lack of architecture in when the game saves your progress. Regarding gameplay, the city size limitation is quite small, notSimCity is unfortunately plagued with problems both to it's infrastructure and gameplay. The always online DRM and abysmal server support have resulted in a net of 2 hours played this week for myself. Even then, my city was entirely lost due to a game freeze and a lack of architecture in when the game saves your progress. Regarding gameplay, the city size limitation is quite small, not allowing for a sprawling metropolis that covers the face of all digital creation. If you're interested in city building and management that's a bit more free form, go back to Sim City 4.… Expand
  44. TboneMcG
    Mar 8, 2013
    1
    I registered here solely to come and join the rally against always on DRM. I am 100% fine with a publisher verifying I purchased the game I am trying to play. But why oh why would they need to do this 100% of the time? This isn't the matrix we're not all connected every single second of every day. I buy single player games just for the purpose of playing on trains, buses, on airports,I registered here solely to come and join the rally against always on DRM. I am 100% fine with a publisher verifying I purchased the game I am trying to play. But why oh why would they need to do this 100% of the time? This isn't the matrix we're not all connected every single second of every day. I buy single player games just for the purpose of playing on trains, buses, on airports, when I'm abroad, etc. So I will NEVER buy this game as long as they insist on always-on DRM.… Expand
  45. Surf3Com
    Mar 8, 2013
    3
    Due to EA Games unreasonable no refund policy for its digital download of Sim City, someone has created a petition on We the People White House website in which with 100,000 signatures the White House will have to form an official response. Thought everyone would like to know....Due to EA Games unreasonable no refund policy for its digital download of Sim City, someone has created a petition on We the People White House website in which with 100,000 signatures the White House will have to form an official response. Thought everyone would like to know.... https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/institute-industry-wide-return-policy-video-games-rely-remote-servers-and-drm-function-properly/nMy1wrtC

    P.S. A lot of potential, just loose the DRM, always on, and increase the city size and I'll be much happier lol.    … Expand
  46. bcoolrob
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I spent over $70+ Dollers on this game and i can't find an open server to play on!
    Unable to play the game. EA should have had there Servers "READY" at launch DAY!
  47. thriceq
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    You know what I love about single player games? Sitting in never ending server queues for the DRM. This is an awful system. Electronic Farts is a terrible company who has swallowed up the best properties. Forget this game. Play Sim City 4 with mods. At least then you won't be constrained to a tiny city.
  48. benjaminus
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    It's very sad that Maxis had a wonderful game that was made unplayable by EA's nonsense (DRM single-player). Sadly, the only way to get their attention is to not buy their games. Gonna try to send mine back to Amazon and get back my $50.
  49. Andrei2k
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    The whole concept and implementation of making this game dependent upon an internet connection and the overwhelmed servers is completely flawed. There should be an off-line and online option! As far as the game play the main flaw is that once resources are used up you have to start a new city? No sense of accomplishment of challenge of saving the city you have spent hours on? There shouldThe whole concept and implementation of making this game dependent upon an internet connection and the overwhelmed servers is completely flawed. There should be an off-line and online option! As far as the game play the main flaw is that once resources are used up you have to start a new city? No sense of accomplishment of challenge of saving the city you have spent hours on? There should be expansion of city limits available after a certain point based on density and other factors. There should be a balance in the way the engine handles 'needs' from the player based on what resources are abundant in a city and which aren't since it differs across landscape. A lot of great idea and mechanics but with flawed logic at the very top and flawed servers that should NEVER be overwhelmed given the resources of EA.… Expand
  50. Mehlicious
    Mar 8, 2013
    7
    First two days of release I spent 3 hours each night failing to login the appropriate servers for my region (NA East 1 and 2). Last night and this morning, I was pleasantly surprised with stable access and unhindered playability. Although certain details of the game have been removed, overall, the sandbox-like atmosphere of past generations is still there. Aside from an initial shock toFirst two days of release I spent 3 hours each night failing to login the appropriate servers for my region (NA East 1 and 2). Last night and this morning, I was pleasantly surprised with stable access and unhindered playability. Although certain details of the game have been removed, overall, the sandbox-like atmosphere of past generations is still there. Aside from an initial shock to just how unstable the Simcity/EA always on DRM can be, I will most likely continue to play this game. I knocked off 2 points for requiring an always on DRM for single player sandboxes, which clearly can and have ruined playability. There is nothing worse than an unintentional rollback of a city hosted on EA servers because of a crash from server side. The fear of a rollback to my work is in my head every second I play this game, but I will admit it wanes as the stability persists from this point forward. Finally, one other point was taken because the map sizes are too small. I would like to see a larger map size and single player always on DRM removed. Since the developers/staff have been working so hard to stabilize servers and bring additional server capacity online, I logically think that future patches will only strengthen this game and fix the concerns I have stated with map size and single player always on DRM.… Expand
  51. Nanoflex
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Great game but it does not deserve a single point if you are going to shove always on drm down my throat have the decency to DO IT RIGHT. Instead during simcity launch I will be playing Civilization wait doesn't that have online play as well OH WAIT, IT DOES. Enough Said
  52. ryanweb
    Mar 8, 2013
    1
    I can no longer contain my frustration. Between the game's limited features vs previous titles and the nagging, persistent server issues causing both 1) inability to play the game and 2) severe data loss, this game has officially crossed the threshold into awful. They've had over three days to fix these problems and I know that FedEx and UPS can deliver some servers within that time frame.I can no longer contain my frustration. Between the game's limited features vs previous titles and the nagging, persistent server issues causing both 1) inability to play the game and 2) severe data loss, this game has officially crossed the threshold into awful. They've had over three days to fix these problems and I know that FedEx and UPS can deliver some servers within that time frame. Give me a break.… Expand
  53. clikzip
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    The 30 minutes ive got to play this game were fun. Other than that ive spent over 12 hours trying to play it. The always online DRM put in place to prevent the 5% bad eggs has spoiled it for the rest of us. I want my $60 back...
  54. Nicke
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    First it took me seven hours to download because of my slow internet connection, and once installed I find out that it has selected my native language for the game, which can not be changed from within the game. I like to use English instead of my native language, but in order to change the language I have to remove the game from my computer, change language settings in Origin and thenFirst it took me seven hours to download because of my slow internet connection, and once installed I find out that it has selected my native language for the game, which can not be changed from within the game. I like to use English instead of my native language, but in order to change the language I have to remove the game from my computer, change language settings in Origin and then download and re-install the game again... wasting another seven hours.

    Once the game is installed I can't actually play because there are no servers available, and since it only plays online I have to wait in queue for a server slot for about 20 minutes... while in queue I can't check for other available servers, or the waiting time will be reset to 20 minutes. Well, I finally managed to get into a server and from then I thought I'd be able to play the game within a few minutes, but with the server connection working randomly from one minute to the next, I never managed to get into the city builder... I tried to start the game for 2½ hours before running out of patience; I've now removed the game from my computer, and regret ever paying any money for it. What a catastrophic release!    … Expand
  55. dme1970
    Mar 8, 2013
    1
    Great game when you can play. I had no problems on launch day other than a random restart. Since then I cant play mostly because the servers keep crashing. Even better yet if I find a server that is working, then I get to go through tutorial again. You would think there would be file that would tell the server you have already done the tutorial, or even better yet a skip option.
  56. giraffe
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Sorry, but if you actually still give money to EA at this point you deserve everything you get.

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

    Never buy a game published by EA.
  57. CypherLH
    Mar 8, 2013
    9
    I would give this game a 10 if not for the server/launch issues they are having. I also don't like the lack of a local save option. Setting those issues aside, when the game works it is AMAZING. I loved Simcity 4 and this is better than it, hands down. The sheer amount of content and the stunning level of detail and power of the simulation engine are astounding. Also, the ability toI would give this game a 10 if not for the server/launch issues they are having. I also don't like the lack of a local save option. Setting those issues aside, when the game works it is AMAZING. I loved Simcity 4 and this is better than it, hands down. The sheer amount of content and the stunning level of detail and power of the simulation engine are astounding. Also, the ability to customize/expand the plop-down buildings is a huge leap in functionality for SimCity. Its too bad the launch problems and online-only are giving the game a bad rep.… Expand
  58. Flybynight_1
    Mar 8, 2013
    3
    Since I have not been able to play the game, for any sustained period of time, due to the terrible launch....I have based my rating on my observations as follows.

    A... 0 for, price, launch, service, playability, exclusion of certain portions of the game at launch. B... 6 for, Gaming experience, (Very limited play time) C... 7 for, depth and immersion D... 2 for, Map/Plot size, (I feel    Since I have not been able to play the game, for any sustained period of time, due to the terrible launch....I have based my rating on my observations as follows.

    A... 0 for, price, launch, service, playability, exclusion of certain portions of the game at launch.
    B... 6 for, Gaming experience, (Very limited play time)
    C... 7 for, depth and immersion D... 2 for, Map/Plot size, (I feel that the area of the city should be bigger)
    E... 0 for, Options of single player, having to use Origin

    Score 3

    I sincerely hope that the developers fix the playability of the title soon. They should have had a smoother launch and should have been prepared having contingency plans in place. Nevertheless...I hope that attend to the problems at hand and communicate well with their clients from this point.

    I also hope that we are not bombarded with package upon package of DLC.

    Further more.....I am not a fan of Origin....and would like to see titles offered across other platforms. I would have bought this through another medium, even if I had to wait longer or pay a bit more.    … Expand
  59. MotoVegas
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Don't launch a game, until its ready. If its not ready, don't launch it.

    I bought this game for single player mode only, and yet you are forced to keep an open connection to the internet. If their servers are down (which they are quite a bit during launch so far), you can't play... regardless whether you want to simply play in your own sandbox. Lame.
  60. shall0917
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    What a joke. SimTown is a completely broken game. If you enjoy error messages, not being able to save, or flushing money down the toilet, then go buy it. If you're the type of person who wants to use something they buy, you might wanna steer clear of this train wreck. This is the first time I've ever rooted for the pirates to win. Always on DRM is a joke, EA Origin is a joke, and theWhat a joke. SimTown is a completely broken game. If you enjoy error messages, not being able to save, or flushing money down the toilet, then go buy it. If you're the type of person who wants to use something they buy, you might wanna steer clear of this train wreck. This is the first time I've ever rooted for the pirates to win. Always on DRM is a joke, EA Origin is a joke, and the biggest joke is on me, since I bought it.… Expand
  61. ryan1923
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    the only thing going for the game is the graphics. everything else is broken. i wouldnt pay $20 for this game, let alone $60. please listen to me dont spend any money on this game. go get sim city 2000 and enjoy sim city, the way it's meant to be. not with DRM that is required. if EA makes it optional, or better yet removes it entirely, and gives us single player, then i might change mythe only thing going for the game is the graphics. everything else is broken. i wouldnt pay $20 for this game, let alone $60. please listen to me dont spend any money on this game. go get sim city 2000 and enjoy sim city, the way it's meant to be. not with DRM that is required. if EA makes it optional, or better yet removes it entirely, and gives us single player, then i might change my mind, but if that doesnt happen, this garbage game is going in the trash.… Expand
  62. OrzoKnight
    Mar 8, 2013
    2
    My number one complaint is that you have to be online to play this game, even if you're playing by yourself. Number two complaint is the city size. They're downright tiny. I would like to be able to build much bigger cities. Lastly, it's a very frustrating process to even try to play, mainly because servers are always busy. It's taken me up to 30 minutes to be able to connect. I know thisMy number one complaint is that you have to be online to play this game, even if you're playing by yourself. Number two complaint is the city size. They're downright tiny. I would like to be able to build much bigger cities. Lastly, it's a very frustrating process to even try to play, mainly because servers are always busy. It's taken me up to 30 minutes to be able to connect. I know this is a launch issue which will get solved eventually, but people who payed $60 to be the first to play this highly-anticipated game probably are feeling cheated.… Expand
  63. Belkanell
    Mar 8, 2013
    1
    Impossible de télécharger, de jouer un jeu pourtant facturé 70€ dans sa version collector. Gros foutage de gueule de la part d'Electronic Arts. Ce n'est pas comme si il n'y avait pas eu d'exemples juste avant avec Diablo 3 ou même Guild Wars 2. Ce n'est pas le joueur qui doit s'adapter aux jeux, mais bien l'inverse.
  64. aggrazel
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I had such high hopes for SimCity because I love the genre. It would have been an instant buy except for the fact I cannot play offline. I cannot mod the product. I cannot have my own save games. You don't buy the game, you basically buy a subscription, which they can revoke for any reason at any time. (they reserve this right, its in their ToS) So if a few years from now some bigwigI had such high hopes for SimCity because I love the genre. It would have been an instant buy except for the fact I cannot play offline. I cannot mod the product. I cannot have my own save games. You don't buy the game, you basically buy a subscription, which they can revoke for any reason at any time. (they reserve this right, its in their ToS) So if a few years from now some bigwig decides to kill this Simcity because they want to release a new one, there is absolutely nothing you could do about it. I can right now go and load up my original Commodore 64 Sim City disc if I want to and play. But 20 years from now you will more than likely not be able to play this game. If your internet has problems, this game will be problematic. If you like to play offline, you won't play this game. If you like to own your games, you can't play this game. Its terrible. Not to mention, the hideous cash grab about making all the normal features of the game "DLC".

    Do not support EA. Do not buy this or any EA game until they stop this nonsense. Vote with your dollar and let them know you won't put up with being treated this way. I will not be a customer of EA any longer.    … Expand
  65. Sal
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Not really worth writing a review for this, the game itself isnt even really worth a negative review, It's worth nothing. Horrible always online DRM is only the start, Releasing with barely any features worthwhile so they can hit your wallet later is obvious in every area. Pretty obvious why they don't want people to be able to mod the game... Gameplay has a few decent points, but the DRMNot really worth writing a review for this, the game itself isnt even really worth a negative review, It's worth nothing. Horrible always online DRM is only the start, Releasing with barely any features worthwhile so they can hit your wallet later is obvious in every area. Pretty obvious why they don't want people to be able to mod the game... Gameplay has a few decent points, but the DRM alone overshadows these without even mentioning the other issues.… Expand
  66. ultra-kitten
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    With the always-online-DRM you are at the mercy of EA at all times, given you do have a internet connection. You don't own the game, you rent it on the conditions set by EA. If they pull the plug on the servers, you are no longer able to play the game you bought. The very first Sim City released in 1989 still works today. I have major doubts the 2013 release of Sim City will work in 5With the always-online-DRM you are at the mercy of EA at all times, given you do have a internet connection. You don't own the game, you rent it on the conditions set by EA. If they pull the plug on the servers, you are no longer able to play the game you bought. The very first Sim City released in 1989 still works today. I have major doubts the 2013 release of Sim City will work in 5 years time, considering server shut-downs by EA for games using similar DRM technology.… Expand
  67. Anwest
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Been trying for days to create a new city but can't. The game keeps saying the servers are down. Sometimes I pass the first check and the game let me choose a world. But when I try to select a zone to start my city in the game lose the connection to the server once again. It's really bad and you should not even consider to buy this game in the current state.
  68. Sharrpa
    Mar 8, 2013
    3
    Played for about 3 hours day after launch in the middle of the night. The game was very enjoyable for those 3 hours. Since then, unable to connect, unable to claim a city if I do connect. Should not have always on DRM for this very reason. I've been betrayed by EA and will get a refund, because in gaming, wallets are our only voice. One point for each hour I was able to play in the firstPlayed for about 3 hours day after launch in the middle of the night. The game was very enjoyable for those 3 hours. Since then, unable to connect, unable to claim a city if I do connect. Should not have always on DRM for this very reason. I've been betrayed by EA and will get a refund, because in gaming, wallets are our only voice. One point for each hour I was able to play in the first 48 hours of ownership.… Expand
  69. Derythor
    Mar 8, 2013
    9
    So, after buying the game last night, even after reading scores of reviews and commentary on Origin, EA, and DRM server issues, I have to say I'm very happy I didn't listen to the negative scores. The game itself is a 9/10 for me on a couple of basis. For one thing, the lack of in depth public transportation option is a tad annoying. I'm a huge fan of monorails and subways in the classics,So, after buying the game last night, even after reading scores of reviews and commentary on Origin, EA, and DRM server issues, I have to say I'm very happy I didn't listen to the negative scores. The game itself is a 9/10 for me on a couple of basis. For one thing, the lack of in depth public transportation option is a tad annoying. I'm a huge fan of monorails and subways in the classics, and miss building them. For another, I bought a physical copy of the game. When using the disc to install a portion of the game, it causes graphical errors where there is no terrain, but you see buildings. It's an easy fix, just download it. So, after fighting my way through the server base, thinking it would be more fun to hit my phallus with a hammer, I was pretty upset. Then I got into my region. I paused it, set my preliminary road network, wind plant, and zoned, then unpaused it. Fellow gamers, I've been waiting for an online SimCity since SimCity 2000 Network Edition where I played one multiplayer game with a school chum, that is nearly 15 years and I have to say, this game is art. Once I fought through all that, the moment I watched the Price family buy their mobile home, and search for a job in my buddy's neighboring city, it was all worth it. I won't judge the game for it's Server issues, that's the company's fault not the game. I'm not here to stroke EA's ego, lord knows that company needs to hide in a cave in the Sahara waiting for future archeologists to rediscover them. But the game itself brings me back to the original SimCity, playing it on a DOS run computer, waiting for my grandmum to bring me tea. I highly recommend this to any true SimCity fan. So, as I eagerly await the work day to end, I leave you with one more thing to say. "Simcopter 1 reporting heavy traffic"… Expand
  70. kevinh456
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I've had the game since Wednesday morning, but I've yet to successfully play it. I don't have time to wait for space on a server. I've got about 30 minutes a day to play a game. I need to play it when I want to play it. I have an internet connection with 60 Mbps/down. I shouldn't have any issues with an online game. And yet, I am completely unable to play this one. I didn't have suchI've had the game since Wednesday morning, but I've yet to successfully play it. I don't have time to wait for space on a server. I've got about 30 minutes a day to play a game. I need to play it when I want to play it. I have an internet connection with 60 Mbps/down. I shouldn't have any issues with an online game. And yet, I am completely unable to play this one. I didn't have such issues with Diablo 3, despite the launch issues.

    FAIL EA. This is the first game I've purchased from you in a long time, and it's going to be the last. Piracy or just won't even bother.    … Expand
  71. frabo
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I would like te write a review, but after spending a LOT of money on it, the game has not worked due to servers offline. A total waste of money. Therefore costumer rating: absolute zero. For EA consumer service also an absolute zero because EA nowhere mentions these problems, nor is EA reachable in any way for specific questions or complaints. Sad to see a legendary game totally destroysI would like te write a review, but after spending a LOT of money on it, the game has not worked due to servers offline. A total waste of money. Therefore costumer rating: absolute zero. For EA consumer service also an absolute zero because EA nowhere mentions these problems, nor is EA reachable in any way for specific questions or complaints. Sad to see a legendary game totally destroys its own name this way.… Expand
  72. Yaweeeeeeee
    Mar 8, 2013
    2
    EA MURDERED THE NEW SIMCITY!
    In case you have not yet noticed, SimCity has what is called constantly online DRM. This means if the game is running, you MUST be online and logged into Origin, EA's sales platform, and response to Steam. Now this sounds excellent, in theory. Everyone gets updates automatically, you can play with anyone all over the world, etc. However, the viability of this    EA MURDERED THE NEW SIMCITY!
    In case you have not yet noticed, SimCity has what is called constantly online DRM. This means if the game is running, you MUST be online and logged into Origin, EA's sales platform, and response to Steam. Now this sounds excellent, in theory. Everyone gets updates automatically, you can play with anyone all over the world, etc. However, the viability of this method ends at THEORY. In reality, this is the smoking gun for this game. I have only had the opportunity to play this game once, for 1 hour and 30 minutes, before I was kicked from the server due to high volume. This is completely unreasonable, and I feel EA was completely unprepared to handle so many users on the server. That is major, obvious oversight on their part, and it ruined the game.
    Further, totally offline mode is completely eliminated. When I play a game such as SimCity, I expect to be able to play the classic mode where I can quietly play, ALONE. This is no longer an option, as all the cities in a region must co-mingle and supply each other with services, or the city itself is penalized! As an experiment, I attempted to play on a server with other players and remain independent, and rejected the assistance offered to me by other players. After a while, my economy collapsed because all my workers were automatically leaving my city to work at a neighbor's city. They are programmed to do this for absolutely no reason, other than penalizing players who wish to remain independent from others.

    In short, the Online Requirement murdered this game, and I regret wasting my hard earned money on it. I encourage all prospective customers to NOT purchase this game, as it will only lead to your disappointment.    … Expand
  73. HeftigeHelge
    Mar 8, 2013
    2
    YAY! managed to play 45min on EE 3, now cant get back in. THANKS EA!
    if i cant play this game now? how about 5 years from now? this is horrible launch, also even if this was a perfect launch, the city size is about the same size as a stamp. they better fix city size soon, and for free. this might be my last EA game, even ubisoft seems better these days, and ubisoft is terrible.
    ranting    YAY! managed to play 45min on EE 3, now cant get back in. THANKS EA!
    if i cant play this game now? how about 5 years from now? this is horrible launch, also even if this was a perfect launch, the city size is about the same size as a stamp. they better fix city size soon, and for free. this might be my last EA game, even ubisoft seems better these days, and ubisoft is terrible.
    ranting ranting ranting    … Expand
  74. FGRaptor
    Mar 8, 2013
    1
    I’m not a reviewer or anything, but I figured I might as well try something like this. However, I can’t review SimCity because I only played about 30 minutes so far and spend about 1 hour trying to play it.

    What I have played was nice, although plagued by graphical glitches, bugs, and connection problems. The game looks nice and is actually more difficult than I imagined after playing    I’m not a reviewer or anything, but I figured I might as well try something like this. However, I can’t review SimCity because I only played about 30 minutes so far and spend about 1 hour trying to play it.

    What I have played was nice, although plagued by graphical glitches, bugs, and connection problems. The game looks nice and is actually more difficult than I imagined after playing the beta (demo) weekend.

    I don’t understand why you have to play the tutorial every time you join a new server instead if all menu options being available at all times though. This is the worst decision I have ever seen being made (probably not the worst), and I don’t know how this got through QA.

    The game is currently plagued by server problems and basically unplayable. The fact there are different servers instead of a one-server technology like The Secret World uses, is bad enough as it is. You can’t really play with everyone and your cities are saved to specific servers and this unavailable anywhere else.

    Maxis might have made a good game here, but it’s impossible to tell.

    I wouldn’t recommend anyone to buy this at the moment, as it’s equivalent to buying a not working product or entering a scam deal that asks for 30 quid in exchange for a good fortune. Personally I already feel cheated, having paid for a product that does not work. This is, in my opinion, a scam.

    I will update my view on it when the game actually works.    … Expand
  75. VilePirate
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    So disappointed, but hey it's EA. At the end of the day it's not about the game or experience, but it's about the Benjamin's. The fact that day one DLC and DRM to prevent piracy only proves this point. Hit EA where it hurts and do not buy this game.
  76. Pathogen
    Mar 8, 2013
    2
    Fun game when it works, but servers are congested and rarely function. Basically unplayable. EA's stated they're going to remove functions from the game to decrease load, but that's also reducing the fun factor. Do not buy. Complete waste of money.
  77. BaaBaaBooey
    Mar 8, 2013
    1
    First of all, I have NEVER written a game review in my 36 years of gaming. I tried to put all the hate comments aside and bought it on day one. I actually played a few hours before my first disconnection. Since then, it has been nothing but frustration. Disconnects, lost data, game elements removed, and complete disappointment. The game itself is good, but all the issues that I haveFirst of all, I have NEVER written a game review in my 36 years of gaming. I tried to put all the hate comments aside and bought it on day one. I actually played a few hours before my first disconnection. Since then, it has been nothing but frustration. Disconnects, lost data, game elements removed, and complete disappointment. The game itself is good, but all the issues that I have experienced since purchasing have completely taken away any joy I have had. If you are going to purchase this game, wait until the issues are resolved as it is completely unplayable right now.… Expand
  78. Barca1985
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Take DRM out of the game and give us bigger maps. The game is running slow and if you're lucky to get into a game after hours trying you'll be kicked out because the servers throw you out. I'm not surprised this happens to another EA game. They f..k up more games.........
  79. Shallowheart
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I can not see any other way to rate this game than 0. I bought the game for almost 60€ from Origin and can not even play it. All the European servers are in full capacity so i can not join those, i can join to American ones, but it disconnects all the time so i can not really play. One time i could get into the tutorial part but i could not click anywhere, i had to exit. Hoping to playI can not see any other way to rate this game than 0. I bought the game for almost 60€ from Origin and can not even play it. All the European servers are in full capacity so i can not join those, i can join to American ones, but it disconnects all the time so i can not really play. One time i could get into the tutorial part but i could not click anywhere, i had to exit. Hoping to play this game someday.… Expand
  80. AN1NSAN1TYH0UR
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Do NOT waste your money on this broken game. EA's "Always On DRM" has ruined what could have been a great game. Long (and sometimes eternal) server wait times and a broken save system have rendered SimCity unplayable. This is also not a "true" city building game, for you can only build a portion of a city (120x120 square). The true tragedy is it did not have to be like this, for if you areDo NOT waste your money on this broken game. EA's "Always On DRM" has ruined what could have been a great game. Long (and sometimes eternal) server wait times and a broken save system have rendered SimCity unplayable. This is also not a "true" city building game, for you can only build a portion of a city (120x120 square). The true tragedy is it did not have to be like this, for if you are granted the ability to play on EA's servers long enough you will find that there is a fun game underneath all of EA's imposed restrictions. Ultimately, EA has killed yet another one of my favorite series.… Expand
  81. JJRambo
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Always online DRM means all types of problems, and SC improves on them in the worst way possible with lots of bugs. It also means less play, server's issues are beyond ridiculous. But also cities wayyyyy to smal, it's frustrating the neighbor colaboration. Broken game.
  82. PwQt
    Mar 8, 2013
    6
    SimCity is a GREAT game. When it's working! EA hasn't learned over the fail-Diablo III release problems, and me, I wasn't able to play for a ONE day after downloading the game, cause of the servers overloading. EA seems to be working on this problems, and now we can play this game, but several features are off. SimCity, and similar games were always about single-player experience, so weSimCity is a GREAT game. When it's working! EA hasn't learned over the fail-Diablo III release problems, and me, I wasn't able to play for a ONE day after downloading the game, cause of the servers overloading. EA seems to be working on this problems, and now we can play this game, but several features are off. SimCity, and similar games were always about single-player experience, so we should have the possibility to play OFFLINE, but the games' DRM-system requires connection to EA servers at all times Disconnect for 1 second possibility of losing several hours of gameplay.

    Game also suffers from claustrophobic maps. After one-two hour session, you can finish creating one city, without space to create new places to live on your City. You have to create another city to do other things.

    Nevertheless, the Glassbox simulation engine is doing it's best to simulate real city life, and it does it PERFECTLY. When you solve one problem(f.e. Sewage), you must be aware that this could cause another problems, needed to be solved quickly. Personally, I like SimCity, the score is low, because of the fail start, and possible problems in future (servers could be off in ~5-6 years). Gameplay does perfectly the thing called "just one more hour".    … Expand
  83. rhiwn
    Mar 8, 2013
    1
    I've been playing games for 20 years. This is the most expensive game I've ever bought. And the worst experience ever. Have sat and waited for hours to play. What a load of rubbish
  84. jimbob2100
    Mar 8, 2013
    3
    Couldn't play at midnight as the servers went down, then I had to wait over 20 mins today to get on. Played for 2 hours, then server crashes and I get kicked out of the game. Actual game is brilliant which is why I'm not giving it a 0 (although the city size limit is ridiculous). I just don't understand why a SINGLE PLAYER game has this NEED to be online. I get they are trying to forceCouldn't play at midnight as the servers went down, then I had to wait over 20 mins today to get on. Played for 2 hours, then server crashes and I get kicked out of the game. Actual game is brilliant which is why I'm not giving it a 0 (although the city size limit is ridiculous). I just don't understand why a SINGLE PLAYER game has this NEED to be online. I get they are trying to force this multiplayer way of thinking into the game. And I actually think that its a good idea and it opens possibilities to expand the game further from a gameplay perspective. But they should have at least given the option to turn it off. I don't know how it works exactly but maybe they could've had like an authentication process that requires a internet connection and after that it doesn't matter, you can play an offline single player mode with an option to turn on your multiplayer when you feel like it. The always on DRM is retarded and will always be retarded. Until game publishers realise this then consumers are gonna get screwed over time and time again… Expand
  85. BrainBreak
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    It's like paying for a lap dance and after 3 days, you still don't get a friggin' lap dance. Not even a comped drink. Just more lies about how they are appreciate you as a customer and that they are working on getting the dancers on the dance floor. Hey, EA, I played for a lap dance. On second thought, just give me my money back.

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

    The game doesn't work and EA refuses to response or give refunds. Call your credit card carrier, and dispute the charge with reason "DEFECTIVE PRODUCT, MANFACTERED REFUSING RETURN".    … Expand
  86. forlani
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    No matter how good the game is, the bottom line is that DRM ruins all that was good and there wasn't much good to begin with. Also worth mentioning is the casual appeal the game has. It's nothing but a insult to my intelligence and other hardcore gamers out there in the world. Thanks Maxis EA for another steamy pile! I'm completely done with anything EA is involved with from this dayNo matter how good the game is, the bottom line is that DRM ruins all that was good and there wasn't much good to begin with. Also worth mentioning is the casual appeal the game has. It's nothing but a insult to my intelligence and other hardcore gamers out there in the world. Thanks Maxis EA for another steamy pile! I'm completely done with anything EA is involved with from this day forward!

    - Sincerely, A PISSED CUSTOMER!    … Expand
  87. FurballHero
    Mar 8, 2013
    4
    Welcome to: Simcity Children addition

    My specs: E6600 Processor, GFX: 660TI, 12 gigs ram, highspeed internet Price: 59$, Very steep considering what you get, more on this later (3 on 10) Installation: I picked up the digital version, it took about 15 minutes to download and about 40 minutes for the first patch. I would have MUCH preffered it on STEAM though, Original is very    Welcome to: Simcity Children addition

    My specs: E6600 Processor, GFX: 660TI, 12 gigs ram, highspeed internet

    Price: 59$, Very steep considering what you get, more on this later (3 on 10)

    Installation: I picked up the digital version, it took about 15 minutes to download and about 40 minutes for the first patch. I would have MUCH preffered it on STEAM though, Original is very finicky (6 on 10)

    Booting up: The game took a while to start, and after several attempts I was finally able to join a server.
    (1 on 10)

    Adding friends: At the time of this writing this feature does not properly work, many many errors and adding a friend is very painful to do. You can forget about playing with a friend at this point. we tried for about 2 hours, many reboots and even more errors. We gave up and decided to play "solo" until they fix it
    (1 on 10)

    Creating your game: My first issue was getting to the game world, there were constant errors and I had to do multiple restarts just to get to the region view of my game world. (1 on 10)

    Map: Maps are VERY small, you cant modify the terrain in any meaningful way. (4 on 10)

    Graphics: They work, they arent mind blowing but arent ugly either. (8 on 10)

    Gameplay: Difficulty: VERY EASY on my first play through of about 2 hours (after skipping the tutorial) I was able to get 7,000$ per hour with no real effort or specialization. A nice little town with schools, fire halls, police stations, everything my citizens needed, taxes 10%. So I sat there thinking "Well now what??" (3 on 10)

    Layout: The UI is very intuitive, everything is well layed out, the layers sub section needs work as there's many icons and it's difficult to see which is which. (7 on 10) Building: I really like the new road system, very intuitive and works great, I like the way zoning snaps to the road and builds appropriately however I would also like a more advanced zoning option, one where you can customize exactly what size of zone you want, I like how government buildings are all modable however there is not NEARLY enough base building options for the 59$ price point. I know they plan on adding a whole bunch of DLC in the way of buildings and maps but for this price you get just the very basic buildings. Sad to see because its very obviously a money grab. (5 on 10)

    Always online: I HATE this feature, I personally don't have an issue with it but my dad would love to play and he simply can't because he lives in the boons and has no reliable internet access. Please include an offline mode! (1 on 10)

    Conclusion: Positives: The game looks decent, the overlays are nice, dynamic roads, sim immersion, traffic simulation, modable buildings.

    Negatives: Difficulty is very easy, Very few base building options, always online, impossible multiplayer with friends, small maps, gameplay is too simple (no power lines or pipes at all), no complex tax system, all graphs are gone.

    If I was to rename this game I would call it: SimCity Children Addition

    My Rating: 3.6    … Expand
  88. Goatee
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    This is actually a score for meta critic itself. Reviews of sim city show EXACTLY why meta critic should be considered invalid. Have a great day NOT playing simcity.
  89. rexxixx
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    This game has the potential as seen in the marketing betas to be immensely entertaining. But as as of now it isn't and no one knows when the problem will be fixed.
    Even if you can login to the unstable servers you're faced with a myriad of problems that seem to go deeper than simple server problems. Your towns won't get saved occasionally, resulting in the loss of your previous gameplay.    This game has the potential as seen in the marketing betas to be immensely entertaining. But as as of now it isn't and no one knows when the problem will be fixed.
    Even if you can login to the unstable servers you're faced with a myriad of problems that seem to go deeper than simple server problems. Your towns won't get saved occasionally, resulting in the loss of your previous gameplay. The underlying mechanics do not work or have been disabled to lessen the burden on the servers, resulting in non working region play. This means the game cannot be played the way it's meant to be and you will soon face a brick wall if you want to advance further.
    For the developers this is the least of their concern right now as they have stated, as they just try to bring as many people onto the servers as possible.
    Overall the game at this point is a major disappointing because of a forced always online integration that doesn't feel necessary and isn't working the slightest.    … Expand
  90. sumguitardude
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Servers suck, drm bugs, small maps that are more like a town then a "city" They should just call it Sim Town..Its better to wait until they fix this then wait to enter a server to play
  91. zenmaster_rem
    Mar 8, 2013
    10
    Yes, I also had problems yesterday to find a server. Yes, I wasn't happy as well, that the server didn't work.

    BUT, now, the game works well and i love it! I played it now for 3-5 hours and I need to say, that i don't want to stop playing it. It makes a lot of fun to build up your city and see how your city is growing and growing!
  92. k1llm4ster
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    This is last game the EA i'll buy in my life, respect 0 with your customers..
    sincerely, i'm disappointed with EA and this game.

    sorry for english.
  93. dr34dbolt
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I bought this game yesterday, and I still haven't been able to play it. This is not good EA, not good at all. This will be the last PC game I buy from you.
  94. LabtecMPC
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Bad-ass game, the new SimCity is so hard you cant even get past the login screen without wanting to smash your screen monitor, I managed to get trough first level of game wich is menu screen, build first city wich i wont see again because the same server next day is busy and not responding
  95. Commodent
    Mar 8, 2013
    8
    My reaction to servers being down a few hours: meh, I'll come back later then.
    Other's reaction: NOOO, this game isn't working and it will probably never do so ever again! It's a fraud and I demand my money back. I'll just rate this game a zero before I go kill myself.
    Seriously, stop being such impatient and accept the fact that all online games (yes, Simcity is an online game) is    My reaction to servers being down a few hours: meh, I'll come back later then.
    Other's reaction: NOOO, this game isn't working and it will probably never do so ever again! It's a fraud and I demand my money back. I'll just rate this game a zero before I go kill myself.

    Seriously, stop being such impatient and accept the fact that all online games (yes, Simcity is an online game) is suffering at launch. Unless you're a bunch of retards (which I sometimes think you are), you knew what you were buying.

    Sorry, for the strong words, but you guys really make me pissed.    … Expand
  96. KinjiruRM
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Interesting to note that if you consider only critic reviews that apply to when the game actually started play (3/5, onward), their critic review score would be 69.
  97. Mikehi5
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    ATTENTION!!! Do not buy this game!! I wish someone had notified me before I wasted my money on this garbage, so hopefully I can help someone else out. I've just wasted 6 hours of my life trying to get this game to work properly and there is no hope. For those who are skeptical, just google "SimCity Servers" or "Simcity Problems". The critic reviews must have been based on a versionATTENTION!!! Do not buy this game!! I wish someone had notified me before I wasted my money on this garbage, so hopefully I can help someone else out. I've just wasted 6 hours of my life trying to get this game to work properly and there is no hope. For those who are skeptical, just google "SimCity Servers" or "Simcity Problems". The critic reviews must have been based on a version that did not require online connectivity through Origin and it's servers.

    Strike 1- If you've ever played any SimCity, you know that it is a single player game and there is really no need for internet access.

    Strike 2- If EA was going to force the online DRM on us, they should have at least made sure that you can actually get online... You can't, I can't, and no one has been able to since the game launched days ago.

    Strike 3- It would be nice if you could save the game so you could save what little progress you might make before the game fails. Of course, you cannot even save the game when you want to. Strike, er 4?- Adding insult to injury, one must complete the tutorial before getting to actual gameplay. Since you cannot get through the tutorial without the game crashing and cannot save your progress, you are perpetually stuck replaying the first 5 minutes of the tutorial... Awful.

    To heck with it, Strike 5- EA should at least be communicating honestly with purchasers/customers about the errors rather than posting blatant lies about how only a small percentage is unable to play and ridiculous excuses on why its not working or how its being fixed and when.

    Supreme fail by EA.    … Expand
  98. nekarik
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    "Amazon has pulled simcity from sale, noting the servers issues" "EA refuses refunds as simcity server fiasco enter day 4" Ea help center chat log suggested EA would ban people for seeking refunds"
  99. IcyParks
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Servers constantly failing. Map size is smaller than the small in Sim City 4. This game feels like a watered/dumbed down version of SimCity 4. I think I will restart simcity 4 instead of playing this crap I payed 60$ for.
  100. zugu
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    This game is unplayable. I have spent my hard earned money on it and I just can't play it, because EA is incompetent and greedy. Don't be mistaken, it is only greed that has created this monster.
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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 »