SimCity

 PC
User Score
2.2

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 4557 Ratings

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

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. MERC123
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    I can't believe how horribly EA trashed the venerable Simcity series. The DRM makes the game unplayable. No matter how many times you restart the game, you won't be able to build a city for more than an hour or so (if you're lucky). Thanks for screwing over the law-abiding people of the world by not letting them play a game that they purchased EA. You've successfully converted me into a pirate.
  2. G8tor
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    Will not load, EA reps say all servers are online, yet can not connect to any server. There is no customer support to speak of. EA will not offer any refunds for their defective products.
  3. Troa
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    The game is unplayable at launch. The number of servers was low, and now even though they claim servers are up they are not allowing authentication to play. This game needed much more time in beta before this horrifically flawed release, and should be taken off market until they get it working. To someone who has seen computer releases since the 90's, this is unforgivable.
  4. jaxbert
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    I have had this game for 2 days now, and I still have been unable to play because of a "Network Error", or busy server, or other error. I hope to be able to try it out soon, but most of the reviews from people who actually can play are negative as well...
  5. WebMaster2000
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    Spent $90 on this against my better judgement. Never again. Can't even play the game. Like buying a luxury car and having it breakdown before leaving the dealership parking lot. Since when is this acceptable?
  6. germantickler
    Mar 7, 2013
    0
    Day 3, still have yet to play. This is absolutely criminal! EA, I want my money and time back.

    I am posting on as many forums as I can in hopes that this will persuade others to NOT purchase this 'game'. I would give this less than a zero if I could.
  7. Ateerix
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    Long time fan of the series, this game is great, the mechanics and all, it is just so unfortunate that EA and Origin are the ones behind the wheel. What with it being DRM, once it stops making them as much money as they want, it will go the to the same place The Sims Online was sent.
  8. Powerkeeper
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    Like I usually do with any extremely hyped game, I didn't sweat not jumping in on launch day. Usually waiting a day or two after means I miss the stress of launch issues (server downtime, game breaking bugs, etc). However, this time it looks like even waiting until the evening on the second day after launch isn't sufficient to shield me from EA's failure. After loading from the disc andLike I usually do with any extremely hyped game, I didn't sweat not jumping in on launch day. Usually waiting a day or two after means I miss the stress of launch issues (server downtime, game breaking bugs, etc). However, this time it looks like even waiting until the evening on the second day after launch isn't sufficient to shield me from EA's failure. After loading from the disc and waiting for the super slow Origin updater (no matter what anyone tells you, getting roughly 14K down on any modern high speed connection is not your fault but the server sending you files) I finally was able to launch the game.

    Boy was I surprised when I was greeted with yet another patch, independent of the Origin one. So the EA controlled content delivery system cannot completely patch the game tied to it? I have to launch the game and use another proprietary updater? Once again I had to wait out a slow update speed, this time without even the benefit of knowing just how slow it was going. But whatever, it will only happen once....hopefully.

    Once I completed that patch, I was finally greeted with the server selection screen. I can play!

    NOPE! Unable to connect to the SimCity Servers. Please try again. I click Okay and a server is selected for me. I click the play button expecting to get in and start Mayoring it up. I watch the intro showing me all the cool things I will soon be building. The intro finishes and I eagerly click to select my region etc.

    NOPE! Server not available. Even though it specifically said it was. So now I have a screen without a functioning button except settings and quit.

    So at this point, I have spent $60 and some change to close the game, plop their software on my computer and wait for the incompetents at EA to get off their lazy butts and fix what should have been a known quantity.

    If you are going to force persistent online authentication, at least plan for multiple redundancy and overflow. Don't have a few small servers and then act surprised when they are overflowing in a few short minutes. That might have flown 10-15 years ago, but in this day and age it is totally unacceptable for a publishing studio to demonstrate this atrocious lack of planning/

    To top it off, if you insist on acting like this was an unexpected event at least have the courtesy to maintain good communication with your customers. At the end of the day, they are the ones who are paying for this useless piece of garbage and if handled properly, may just stay once things settle down. If you do as EA is currently and release sporadic and uninformative propaganda instead, you are only pushing your already dissatisfied customers closer to abandoning the game before it even gets off the ground. To condense since most people don't have the attention span to read for very long here it is:

    Don't pretend this wasn't a foregone conclusion with the lack of preload, limited beta that didn't test anything and a gross underestimate of the hardware needed to support the game.

    As bad as it sounds, throw some of that money you have stashed in the back at the problem! Add hardware, add connections, whatever needs to be done to remedy the situation. After the explosion is not the time to worry about how much bandages might cost. Fix the problem and then figure out money later.

    Provide honest and consistent updates to your player base. Don't lie about what is and isn't being done, don't act like everything is working fine when your entire playerbase is telling you otherwise. The server are not online, no one can play. Constant updates until things are working again should be priority #2, right behind the actual problem resolution. Every 30 minutes to an hour until it's fixed. Not that hard, take a page from other companies.    … Expand
  9. joe19d
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    Made it thru the tutorial on sim city after my second try. Then the servers decided they did not want to work, AGAIN. It's 2 am and it's now day 3 of this game being out. Totally unacceptable. EA has lost a customer permanently.
  10. Mythomage
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    Until I can play this game my score will remain a zero. I understand some people are able to sit around and keep trying until they get into the game. Between school and work I don't have the time to do that. It is frustrating that I can't play a game due to EA servers. To those complaining how people are in the wrong giving low scores based on this alone, I feel we have the right toUntil I can play this game my score will remain a zero. I understand some people are able to sit around and keep trying until they get into the game. Between school and work I don't have the time to do that. It is frustrating that I can't play a game due to EA servers. To those complaining how people are in the wrong giving low scores based on this alone, I feel we have the right to complain about something broken. To anyone looking at buying this game, do not at the current moment. Give it time till EA can prove their servers are in better shape, or even better when/if they add offline play.… Expand
  11. RakAttack
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    I haven't been able to start SimCity yet because the game forces you to connect to a server that is never available and always BUSY. You have to be connected online even to play a single player game. $80 for nothing! I'm saying goodbye to Maxis and goodbye to Origin.(EA's crappy version of Steam.)
  12. Jaybird922
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    I've actually gotten to play the game a little bit, and it's fun. The maps are too small, but I still probably would have given the game an 8. Unfortunately the game barely works, and in fact for the past 8 hours of the 2nd day after launch it hasn't worked AT ALL. Most people have vilified the required always on internet connection and DRM. I knew all about that going in, and so didI've actually gotten to play the game a little bit, and it's fun. The maps are too small, but I still probably would have given the game an 8. Unfortunately the game barely works, and in fact for the past 8 hours of the 2nd day after launch it hasn't worked AT ALL. Most people have vilified the required always on internet connection and DRM. I knew all about that going in, and so did everyone else who read about the game before it came out. I personally don't have a problem with the idea of those policies if the game works. It doesn't. I didn't pay 60 dollars to participate in a beta test, and neither should anyone else. This game is a zero and EA should be ashamed.… Expand
  13. dangrow
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    I purchased this game and have been unable to play it once. I purchased the game using the Origin website. I was able to log onto the servers once, but then the game crashed after about 5-10 minutes of the tutorial. Now I am unable to start another game. Unable to get refund. I am calling my credit card company to prevent payment.
  14. Mikis
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    Unable to play. Tutorial will not progress past the loading screen. Queues to play a single player game.

    This is unacceptable EA. I expect things that I purchase to work as advertised on day one. Fix this.
  15. sr228822
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    Just helping to drag down the rating here in hopes that EA will learn a lesson here. Do not block me from playing a single player game because your servers are insufficient. 48 Hours after launch. This is unacceptable,
  16. padrenuestro
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    I just can't play, servers down... that's it. And we are on the third day, at leats with Diablo I was able to play on the second day.............................
  17. SimCityDisaster
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    *EA Is BANNING users that demand refunds and reverse charges on their credit cards.* The game is fun but the server connection is absolutely terrible. You have to constantly switch servers (as recommended by EA), and then start a new city (because you're on a new server). You spent 5 hours making your dream city. Then you get booted from the game, and 2 hours later you get back on your*EA Is BANNING users that demand refunds and reverse charges on their credit cards.* The game is fun but the server connection is absolutely terrible. You have to constantly switch servers (as recommended by EA), and then start a new city (because you're on a new server). You spent 5 hours making your dream city. Then you get booted from the game, and 2 hours later you get back on your server. Now you return to your city and it's all gone. EA Felt you needed a city rollback (when the city doesn't ever save on EA Servers). How lovely and supporting is that?… Expand
  18. samgamgi
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    A zero. Yes, a zero. It's not about "oh, when it works, it's pretty cool", it's about A LOT, not just a few minority, A LOT of people having problems with the game because of the stupid always-online DRM, depending on online servers to play singleplayer. It's about the people that can't/couldn't log into the game, it's about the players that got their cities deleted/rollbacked because ofA zero. Yes, a zero. It's not about "oh, when it works, it's pretty cool", it's about A LOT, not just a few minority, A LOT of people having problems with the game because of the stupid always-online DRM, depending on online servers to play singleplayer. It's about the people that can't/couldn't log into the game, it's about the players that got their cities deleted/rollbacked because of server failure and so on. You want players to install Steam/Origin/Uplay? Well, ok, I guess...But you want players to depend on your servers? At least make sure your servers are ready for it. ALWAYS...which they're not...so, bad DRM is bad, so bad it can destroy your +20 hours city. The game, when it works, is OK, maybe a 7, but because "when it works" depends on so many things that the player can't control at all, it deserves a zero.… Expand
  19. lasati
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    I'm giving this a zero. The game is literally unplayable. I have a top-end machine, never had any problems playing any game. Game literally loads to blackscreen. This is when the servers are up (currently down). Yeah good job with that single player game, guys.
  20. Surprise
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    I created a Metacritic account just to review this game. Here are some simple points.
    a) The DRM is ATROCIOUS. IT WON'T EVEN "AUTHENTICATE ME" TO PLAY SINGLEPLAYER.
    b) If that isn't enough, THE GAME CRASHES EVERY 15 MINUTES.
    c) From what I played of the game, it's mediocre at best.
    d) This is a complete waste of $60 and I swear I will never buy another EA game again.
  21. cillmore
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    I recommend somebody to buy this game. iv been constantly trying for two days to get in the game iv maybe played for half an hour then got disconnected i dont even want to play multiplayer this is BS.
  22. dapee98
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    This was an expensive cd that did absolutely nothing except give me server errors after waiting 2 hours for "updates". Why a brand new game on the day of release needs 2 hours of updates after just installing is ridiculous. You would think one of these updates would allow us to play the game. But no. I did get to briefly view another user's city, which was disappointing. The size of theThis was an expensive cd that did absolutely nothing except give me server errors after waiting 2 hours for "updates". Why a brand new game on the day of release needs 2 hours of updates after just installing is ridiculous. You would think one of these updates would allow us to play the game. But no. I did get to briefly view another user's city, which was disappointing. The size of the allowed city is just straight out stupid. It's not even big enough for a neighborhood. Once I get the game to actually work (hopefully within the next month or so), i have a feeling i'm going to be disappointed once again.… Expand
  23. dbseeker
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    Let me begin with good news. I really enjoy this game. It's charming. I love the real-time feedback you get from the game. The building upgrades are a nice feature and the graphics are pretty nice. But here comes the bad news. Obviously the DRM is an absolute disaster. I mean honestly; just scrap this notion that DRM combats piraters because it doesn't. All this does is make gamers pissedLet me begin with good news. I really enjoy this game. It's charming. I love the real-time feedback you get from the game. The building upgrades are a nice feature and the graphics are pretty nice. But here comes the bad news. Obviously the DRM is an absolute disaster. I mean honestly; just scrap this notion that DRM combats piraters because it doesn't. All this does is make gamers pissed off that they have to deal with nonsense that is easily avoidable. I mean Publishers who allow this are only biting the hand that feeds them. I mean I worked a 10 hour shift, tired when I get home and looking forward to playing and imagine hoping on and seeing the servers are down-ON A SINGLE PLAYER GAME!!!!!! lol… Expand
  24. jellobee
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    Shame on EA for this shoddy attempt at online DRM. I plan to avoid anything sold exclusively on Origin again in the future.This is the worst game launch I have seen in ages. I was one of the lucky few to get in last night, however the friend invite/private region system appears to be completely broken. Network errors are received every time i try to invite someone to a region. On top ofShame on EA for this shoddy attempt at online DRM. I plan to avoid anything sold exclusively on Origin again in the future.This is the worst game launch I have seen in ages. I was one of the lucky few to get in last night, however the friend invite/private region system appears to be completely broken. Network errors are received every time i try to invite someone to a region. On top of that, trying to log in today it appears that the city i started yesterday is completely gone. The launcher for the game is incredibly slow and inefficient. You can't change servers while it is doing practically anything. Sometimes the launcher just hangs and crashes. If you join a new server you are forced to replay the tutorial city again what a waste of time! Half the time the tutorial city doesn't even load properly, you either get network errors, or if it does load, it fails to initialize and all the controls are grayed out. Whoever decided this game was ready to ship need to be fired. Do not launch your game if the product or the server support is not ready! It is not worth enraging your fans and wasting everyone's time!… Expand
  25. Toafer
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    Just bought the game and have been unable to play to do the servers being down for the past two days since launch. If EA is going to make a game require an internet connection, it is their responsibility to make sure they can actually provide an uninterrupted service. Game companies need to realize that their service is also part of their product and should be judged as part of the game.Just bought the game and have been unable to play to do the servers being down for the past two days since launch. If EA is going to make a game require an internet connection, it is their responsibility to make sure they can actually provide an uninterrupted service. Game companies need to realize that their service is also part of their product and should be judged as part of the game. Don't see how this game currently has an 82 critic score with the atrocious server issues. Critics need to learn to score all aspects of the product, especially if that aspect is a required connection to their servers that the company is failing to provide. I can't play the game, therefore the game gets a 0.… Expand
  26. Giganto70
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    The game struggles beyond anything I have ever played. Told myself i shouldn't buy something from EA day one. Again they did not disappoint by under planning and releasing a game half finished and currently as 2 days later unplayable. Disappointed isn't a harsh enough word, however the word........... unable to connect to Sim City please try again for further review
  27. centralfusion
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    Over the last 48 hours, I've only been able to play about for about 4 hours and spent another 7 hours waiting for the servers to come back online. Those 4 hours of play were not enjoyable due to the numerous bugs in the game.
  28. AnxiousKitty
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    Servers are most likely down, you probably wont be able to play after you buy the game, No word from origin nor EA on the matter. Don't even bother making a city if you get in, it'll mostly likely be deleted when the servers go down again.
  29. Sir_Pyk
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    This game is completely unplayable due to EA/Maxis's incompetence. It has been down for over 12 hours now since they applied their latest patch with absolutely zero communication about what is going on or when we can expect it to be resolved. Furthermore, the game itself (if one were able to log in to play it) is positively LITTERED with game breaking bugs, not the least of which are theThis game is completely unplayable due to EA/Maxis's incompetence. It has been down for over 12 hours now since they applied their latest patch with absolutely zero communication about what is going on or when we can expect it to be resolved. Furthermore, the game itself (if one were able to log in to play it) is positively LITTERED with game breaking bugs, not the least of which are the lack of the server saving each city and regional sharing not working correctly. This makes you have to build a fully independent city in each of the tiny 2x2 maps rather than sharing resources and "specializing" as the game was intended (a ridiculous idea, but that's for another post). Shame on EA (no surprise) and double shame on Maxis (a shocker) for this FUBAR'd release. Heads should roll, and the first one to the gauntlet should be Quigley himself for overseeing this fiasco.… Expand
  30. CCTowns80
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    Absolutely ridiculous drivel from a company that is always publicly patting themselves on the back. I will never ever buy another EA/Origin product again and will do anything I can to dissuade others from doing so, this is why people pirate software.
Page:

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64

Mixed or average reviews - based on 75 Critic Reviews

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