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. joasoze
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Lets take a single player game, shrink it, make it multiplayer og always online. Great idea. This is one of the worst reboot a game series have ever had.
  2. Keengerm
    Mar 7, 2013
    2
    Unfortunately, the game remains unplayable. An unplayable game (3 days after launch), gets a 0. Even if all were fine, the manual indicates a dumbed down city building experience.

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

    Given Spore, and The Sims Medieval, it really looks like Maxis is slumping. Also, given the revenue EA has made off The Sims DLC, I suspect they intended to make Sim City a cash cow with similar add-ons (and attempting to "protect" it through ridiculous DRM). Who knows, maybe they can turn it around. I know other games that required always on Internet, and they changed it. But, I doubt EA will, even if their game tanks.    … Expand
  3. 0M9H4X
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    This is an offline, single player game that one plays ALONE in front of their computer. I have played Sim City 4 and Sim City 3000 before, and enjoyed them for quite some time. This one however forces you to connect with EAs Servers in order to do anything such as playing an offline game by yourself. That alone is almost reasoning enough for a 0 rating, but it gets better. EAs servers DOThis is an offline, single player game that one plays ALONE in front of their computer. I have played Sim City 4 and Sim City 3000 before, and enjoyed them for quite some time. This one however forces you to connect with EAs Servers in order to do anything such as playing an offline game by yourself. That alone is almost reasoning enough for a 0 rating, but it gets better. EAs servers DO NOT WORK. They cannot be reached, and even if you manage to connect to one (so it lets you play AN OFFLINE GAME) it crashes after taking 10 minutes to load the tutorial which you cannot skip. I have literally not played a single game yet because I AM NOT ABLE TO. This game is a waste beyond believe, I would not recommend it if you can find it for $10. Although I haven't been able to play the game yet, I heard it's not even that good. The CITYS you are supposed to be able to build are supposedly more like nano-villages, and if you want to build bigger and wider you will have to start a new city and connect the two. Online or something I don't get it. Maybe I'd be able to look into it, if the game would function. A definite 0/10.… Expand
  4. Chongychoo
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    What a crock. “Generating wave of unhappiness”? indeed
    So much for confidence in fixing the problems b4 the UK launch. I can’t get in to play at all. I have every error imaginable
    Failed to load Friend Unable to load region and city data at this time SimCity server are down attempting to reconnect Thousands of very angry and frustrated customers. Nice going EA. Heads must roll for    What a crock. “Generating wave of unhappiness”? indeed
    So much for confidence in fixing the problems b4 the UK launch. I can’t get in to play at all. I have every error imaginable
    Failed to load Friend
    Unable to load region and city data at this time
    SimCity server are down attempting to reconnect

    Thousands of very angry and frustrated customers. Nice going EA. Heads must roll for the millions you have made from the real hard working sims out there. Shame on you. Oh btw. Fool me once.... nah NEVER again. Nil point    … Expand
  5. SandMan13
    Mar 16, 2013
    0
    Pretty terrible game to put it nicely. Small city limits, dumb sims, broken region interaction and much much more await you in this joke of a game. Not only do you always have to be online, but the servers can literally eat some of your cities so that they no longer exist. Oh, you spent 5 hours on that city? Too bad it's gone. Save yourself the trouble and just avoid this game. So manyPretty terrible game to put it nicely. Small city limits, dumb sims, broken region interaction and much much more await you in this joke of a game. Not only do you always have to be online, but the servers can literally eat some of your cities so that they no longer exist. Oh, you spent 5 hours on that city? Too bad it's gone. Save yourself the trouble and just avoid this game. So many game breaking problems it's unreal.… Expand
  6. TorKallon
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Two days since launch and it still takes hours of trial and error to even launch the game client. Once on, server outages while playing have lost all of my city progress twice. I'm done. I wish I could get my money back. Unacceptable for any game, but doubly unacceptable for a single player game.
  7. TheFandango
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    I've tried to play this game a few times now. Like everybody else is saying cannot connect to the server. DRM is the worst idea in the world. I'll be asking for a refund.
  8. Alphabrava
    Mar 13, 2013
    0
    Let me state before you read this review that I have not been able to play this game. I want to play this game. I was ready to purchase and had been awaiting release until I found out about the always online DRM. Now I can't buy it because I can't play it in many areas that I travel to. I find Sim City 4 a good escape and a continuing puzzle for me to solve whilst i am on the road. AnLet me state before you read this review that I have not been able to play this game. I want to play this game. I was ready to purchase and had been awaiting release until I found out about the always online DRM. Now I can't buy it because I can't play it in many areas that I travel to. I find Sim City 4 a good escape and a continuing puzzle for me to solve whilst i am on the road. An upgrade would have meant hours of boredom in hotels eleviated whilst I work away. But alas no EA not only wants my money it wants to get into my house and start controling where I can be and when I can play thisis no good. Therefore i have to score zero.… Expand
  9. Fudman
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    For a primarily single player game to have ALWAYS ONLINE is a crime against video games, this game deserves a 0/10, EA and Devs deserve jail time.
  10. pfunkbizunk
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Always online? More like, always offline and unplayable. Personally, even if the game did work properly, its a major reach to have a quality multiplayer experience in this type of game. Don't let them fool you, EA stamped the online only on this game for DRM purposes. GREED! Judgement day is finally here EA!
  11. wpenris
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Unplayable... server overload stuff... What if you have a Green Wheels plan and you cannot get a car due to server overload... Ridiculous! Get your stuff in order before you launch! Always have surplus server capacity or emergency backups ready. I just paid for a game I cannot play. And the best of it is that I am unable to send a complaint for the website is also overloaded. :S:S:S Wait,Unplayable... server overload stuff... What if you have a Green Wheels plan and you cannot get a car due to server overload... Ridiculous! Get your stuff in order before you launch! Always have surplus server capacity or emergency backups ready. I just paid for a game I cannot play. And the best of it is that I am unable to send a complaint for the website is also overloaded. :S:S:S Wait, don't buy it yet. All other buyers should get a 10 euro or dollar refund.… Expand
  12. chrispyer41
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Ok the game is fun when you can play it. The always on DRM is killing this game. Servers are down 99% of the day. I would hold off on buying this game until EA can get their act together.
  13. vposta
    Mar 7, 2013
    3
    The fact that I cannot play what I paid for because the servers are overwhelmed, is a total fail. And even when I managed to start a city today, the game crashed twice, not saving the progress, so I am not even trying to load anymore. what a shambles.

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

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

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

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

    I wish I had made this purchase with my credit card, so I could cancel the purchase, because this is a disaster.    … Expand
  15. danp33
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    game would not load city. switched servers and was able to load a city but crashes constantly and i have to restart my computer and start a new city. because it does not save my city. EA needs to get all bugs worked out before they launch a game. wish it had an offline mode.
  16. payonel
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    The dev team did an AMA on reddit which I missed, and I wish I had not. The ama got less than half as many upvotes as did a single comment in the ama which collected all the other redditors questions/concerns/comments regarding online-only for a single player game. The dev team completely ignored this majority; they are ignoring the fans. I LOVED previous simcities; imo no other gameThe dev team did an AMA on reddit which I missed, and I wish I had not. The ama got less than half as many upvotes as did a single comment in the ama which collected all the other redditors questions/concerns/comments regarding online-only for a single player game. The dev team completely ignored this majority; they are ignoring the fans. I LOVED previous simcities; imo no other game delivers the same experience. But this game is just The Sims with a few more houses (far too small for real city planning/late game) and curved roads. You won't be seeing any user generated mods, you can no longer terraform, no farms or subways. After first installing the game I had to wait 30 minutes just to play it the first time (servers were full). After that I got in, but the game crashed so I got to wait another 30 minutes (again, servers full). I never wanted to play multiplayer with this game, and now I'm not even allowed to play singleplayer. Epic waste of money. Please...please do not buy. I've emailed my rant to EA do the same.… Expand
  17. bubbers214
    Mar 7, 2013
    1
    I typically have no issues with DRM, but when it makes a game I just purchased unplayable for what's going on 2 days now, it's impossible not to have problems with it. It's a shame that EA has ruined what could be and probably is actually a good/great game. The times I have been successful at actually playing, I have enjoyed it. However, the current server situation has made me decideI typically have no issues with DRM, but when it makes a game I just purchased unplayable for what's going on 2 days now, it's impossible not to have problems with it. It's a shame that EA has ruined what could be and probably is actually a good/great game. The times I have been successful at actually playing, I have enjoyed it. However, the current server situation has made me decide to abandon my attempts to play at this point and with my current backlog, that may mean never picking up this game again. It's a shame for Maxis and EA. One lesson that companies like EA still aren't learning is that stress testing involves much more than a closed beta limited to a small number of people. There is no way this will replicate what will happen on launch day. Companies like these need to understand that adequate testing is paramount for a successful launch and take what you feel to be reasonable performance with load and double it. If you're enough to admit in an interview that you are beyond ready for what's to come, you better be ready for it.… Expand
  18. asmodian3
    Mar 7, 2013
    2
    Too much forced structure to be SimCity as we knew it. Cities are very small and meant to rely on each other for services and buildings. Once city cannot do more than one or two things. Even "sandbox" mode doesn't change this. No way to save a city, try something out, and then go back to the earlier version if you don' t like it. I am very disappointed as at the start of a new city itToo much forced structure to be SimCity as we knew it. Cities are very small and meant to rely on each other for services and buildings. Once city cannot do more than one or two things. Even "sandbox" mode doesn't change this. No way to save a city, try something out, and then go back to the earlier version if you don' t like it. I am very disappointed as at the start of a new city it feels like a great update of the old games. Social should have been an optional extra not forced to be the entire game. They broke the game for single player because they needed the restrictions to get multiplayer to work. If you don't want multiplayer this SimCity (5) is not for you.
    I do not like that it requires a constant connection to the servers, if it loses connection it doesn't save and it will eventually kick you out of your city (and not save it). Someone took a great game and broke it trying to figure out how to make more money out of it.    … Expand
  19. moproblems
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Ridiculous that you cannot play this game offline. I understand the always online philosophy but at what cost. This experience has soured my taste on constantly online DRM. EA is large enough to know better and if someone didn't understand the possible server loads for this game they should be fired. The graphics on this game are a little underwhelming as well. I wish there was a wayRidiculous that you cannot play this game offline. I understand the always online philosophy but at what cost. This experience has soured my taste on constantly online DRM. EA is large enough to know better and if someone didn't understand the possible server loads for this game they should be fired. The graphics on this game are a little underwhelming as well. I wish there was a way to give a negative score because this debacle sure deserves it.… Expand
  20. ZodiacThriller
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Can't even connect to be able to play SINGLE PLAYER. Garbage. 0/10. Going back to Sim City 4, atleast I'm able to get into that game to be able to play it.
  21. Whaletailign
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is a ripoff I hate this game it sucks total garbage fest I want my money back. The critic journalists feel they must cram it down our throats because they don't want to burn a bridge with ea. I get it, but its a crime. This game is a waste of money.… Expand
  22. actionbob
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    I am truly let down with this entry into the Sim City series. Maxis/EA have systematically destroyed a gaming franchise that many, like myself, have loved for years. Although the game may turn out to be decent after all of the horrible launch issues, that does not sweeten the sour taste in my mouth. EA This was the first, and the LAST game I have ever purchased using your OriginI am truly let down with this entry into the Sim City series. Maxis/EA have systematically destroyed a gaming franchise that many, like myself, have loved for years. Although the game may turn out to be decent after all of the horrible launch issues, that does not sweeten the sour taste in my mouth. EA This was the first, and the LAST game I have ever purchased using your Origin platform. Promised refunds by high officials in the company are downright lies. They never intended to refund anyone. Lesson learned though, fool me once... Maxis Please; if you can't get out from underneath the tyrannical reign of EA, just close the doors and stop developing. This is beyond disappointing, it's a down right disgrace to the gaming industry as a whole. Pardon me while I climb down from my soapbox now...… Expand
  23. Mavericknz
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Downloaded the game this morning after getting the available email from Origin.
    Started the launcher and took a while to connect to the server, then by the time you get past the annoying introduction (which isnt disableable it seems but you can skip once it starts), and to the menu, the game loses the connection to the server, and the only way to reconnect it seems is to exit and start    Downloaded the game this morning after getting the available email from Origin.
    Started the launcher and took a while to connect to the server, then by the time you get past the annoying introduction (which isnt disableable it seems but you can skip once it starts), and to the menu, the game loses the connection to the server, and the only way to reconnect it seems is to exit and start the launcher again! Got about 2 minutes tutorial time before losing connection and kicking me out and have not been able to get back in since! UNPLAYABLE at this point!    … Expand
  24. SirBunnyEater
    Mar 7, 2013
    1
    Complete failure of EA servers makes the game unplayable. The actual game is great from the little I've been able to play. Alas the constant failure to get in game and when I do I get booted crash has caused me great frustration. AVOID AT ALL COSTS. A waste of I understand there may be issues on release day but to have even worse issues after 2 whole days is unacceptable. They claim theyComplete failure of EA servers makes the game unplayable. The actual game is great from the little I've been able to play. Alas the constant failure to get in game and when I do I get booted crash has caused me great frustration. AVOID AT ALL COSTS. A waste of I understand there may be issues on release day but to have even worse issues after 2 whole days is unacceptable. They claim they have offered a refund but many people who have tried have been denied and have posted their conversations with EA tech support online. You can rest assured that this is the very last EA game I will purchase in quite some time. Maybe someday they will redeem themselves but that will take quite a bit of work to accomplish.… Expand
  25. BillyBrinks
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Always online DRM should be illegal. Saying otherwise is like saying 'we don't need the FDA! I'm petitioning food and drug companies that sell harmful products by not buying from them!'

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

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

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

    Or just put your feet up and kick back with the smug "I'm not buying their games!" Excuse. Yeah. We needed labor, voting, food and drug, and countless other kinds of laws in the past. This, unfortunately, is yet another problem that will ultimately require a law to fix it.    … Expand
  26. dr_skegg
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    When you pay a great deal of money for a game you should at least be able to play a single player game. But that is not the case here. EA forces you to always be online when you play the game but fails to offer enough server performance for all it's paying customers. I will never buy a EA game again that forces the user to be online when it shouldnt be necessary, just because they insistsWhen you pay a great deal of money for a game you should at least be able to play a single player game. But that is not the case here. EA forces you to always be online when you play the game but fails to offer enough server performance for all it's paying customers. I will never buy a EA game again that forces the user to be online when it shouldnt be necessary, just because they insists on puting an always online DRM protection in the game… Expand
  27. klenodder
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    I am sure this game is good, the problem is that I have not been able to logon since the release last night so I havent even been able to try it! I have seen all different kind of errors. Once I could at least connect to a server but after choosing the area to play with it would not open it. On https://twitter.com/simcity they write the following "We are working on the servers 24/7 expectI am sure this game is good, the problem is that I have not been able to logon since the release last night so I havent even been able to try it! I have seen all different kind of errors. Once I could at least connect to a server but after choosing the area to play with it would not open it. On https://twitter.com/simcity they write the following "We are working on the servers 24/7 expect performance fluctuations. Our fans are our number one priority. Thank you for your patience.". First of all, I am not yet your fan since I cant even play the stupid game. You have to earn fans you know!… Expand
  28. PieSnatcher
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    A horrible game mechanic masquerading as a "feature"- the always-on connection is a hurdle for would-be pirates, and at least for now, a game-breaking blemish on EA's rather terrible reputation. While the game in and of itself has the potential to be an improvement in the series, the inability to play it makes this a moot point. Were it nearly any other publisher, I would be cautiouslyA horrible game mechanic masquerading as a "feature"- the always-on connection is a hurdle for would-be pirates, and at least for now, a game-breaking blemish on EA's rather terrible reputation. While the game in and of itself has the potential to be an improvement in the series, the inability to play it makes this a moot point. Were it nearly any other publisher, I would be cautiously optimistic about this game's future. But I can't help but feel constantly cheated by a publisher that constantly dilutes great games with policies that hurt consumers. Combined with horrible customer service on EA's part, I recommend this to exactly zero people.
    If you want to be able to enjoy a single-player game at your leisure, this one isn't for you, at least not yet.
    If you want to play this game a decade from now, tough luck. You can always buy access to the next one.
    If you want to actually own the game- well, see above.
    If you have a solid internet connection and you want to play with others, are okay with possible future micro-transactions, don't mind occasional server maintenance, and don't care if the game can no longer be played once EA takes the servers down, then you just might have the most enjoyable SimCity experience yet.
    I hate to base a score partly on the publisher, but in this case it directly impedes my enjoyment of the game. So despite the talent that went into making this game, the experience as a whole is not something I enjoy in the least, nor will I support in the future. Score: 0/10. Chances of future revenue lost from this customer? 9/10.    … Expand
  29. Branden3113
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Gameplay is great, but you can't even play the game. Terrible DRM and server issues. PLEASE AVOID, DO NOT BUY!! EA has really ruined this game, as the continue to do with most games nowadays. Please avoid all EA titles, or give them a call and let them know how you feel! Oh wait, I've been on hold for an hour now.
  30. hifenix
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Hi, I bought the new'' SimCity'', my judgment is bad bad, always online?? To date I have not yet to play a minute.
    I am hoping for your immediate response to the problem.
    Please do not reply with email apologies if not accompanied by a solution to the problem.
    Signed: fan so disappointed!    … Expand
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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 »