SimCity

 PC
User Score
2.2

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 4557 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 602 out of 4557
  2. Mixed: 428 out of 4557
  3. Negative: 3,527 out of 4557
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  1. shenmue1981
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Di sicuro il gioco meraviglioso.. o almeno cosi penso perchè dopo 2 giorni ho visto solo la schermata introduttiva.. nulla... niente... utilissimo avere un gestionale chiaramente e da sempre SINGLE PLAYER costantemente online... Grazie EA... mi hai fatto odiare una delle mie saghe preferite... REINSTALLO SIM CITY 4!!!!!
  2. Codpeace
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I am a long time gamer and have never known such an appalling act of disrespect for honest game purchasers. You cannot play this offline and Electronic Arts/Maxis have deemed it unnecessary to provide enough servers to adequately cater for everyone at release (or anywhere near enough apparently), despite running a beta test for just this eventuality and knowing exactly how many units theyI am a long time gamer and have never known such an appalling act of disrespect for honest game purchasers. You cannot play this offline and Electronic Arts/Maxis have deemed it unnecessary to provide enough servers to adequately cater for everyone at release (or anywhere near enough apparently), despite running a beta test for just this eventuality and knowing exactly how many units they had produced and sold pre-order. I am not going to get angry as there is simply no point, when a company writes into its small print that when you accept installation of their game you waiver any right to take part in any class action lawsuit said company yet they are happy to take your money without out providing you with the product described they are crooks.… Expand
  3. jeanrossi100
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    First game I've ever bought the requires always on internet and I cant even play it at the moment because apparently the servers are constantly down. I only want to play this by myself anyway. Really is unacceptable. It should have an offline single player option, then I might be able to review it higher!
  4. element7791
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    This game although semi-single player is crippled with horrible DRM and a requirement to constantly be online. This has made the game nearly impossible to play. They've also disabled achievements and the ability to make the time pass. I used to make my sims wait for me. Well they are getting their revenge now making me wait to be able to log in, able to select a server, to select a mapThis game although semi-single player is crippled with horrible DRM and a requirement to constantly be online. This has made the game nearly impossible to play. They've also disabled achievements and the ability to make the time pass. I used to make my sims wait for me. Well they are getting their revenge now making me wait to be able to log in, able to select a server, to select a map and a city, to load the game. I saw a tweet from one of their developers blowing off the poor reviews because people will go back and change them once they fix the game. I will not do that this 0 will be for all time and to let other developers know that they need to stop launching half finished garbage.… Expand
  5. pwoman1
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I was so excited to see this game release because I played the original. I installed the game and nothing happened. I had to un-install it, re-install it, update all my drivers, un-install, then re-install...and the game STILL has not worked. I have spent countless hours trying to make it work. I remember now why I don't ever buy PC games. This will definitely be the last time I ever buyI was so excited to see this game release because I played the original. I installed the game and nothing happened. I had to un-install it, re-install it, update all my drivers, un-install, then re-install...and the game STILL has not worked. I have spent countless hours trying to make it work. I remember now why I don't ever buy PC games. This will definitely be the last time I ever buy one! It would have been nice if I could have at least played it offline...but that's not even an option. This game is GARBAGE don't waste your money!… Expand
  6. ShadowBlade72
    Mar 10, 2013
    0
    After hearing all of the negative reviews about SimCity, I was still interested in at least purchasing it and trying it out once the issues were resolved. I went to the Origin store and added the game to my cart. I entered in all of my payment information and... "Payment Authorization Failed." I tried this several more times with different cards, and even a direct bank transfer fromAfter hearing all of the negative reviews about SimCity, I was still interested in at least purchasing it and trying it out once the issues were resolved. I went to the Origin store and added the game to my cart. I entered in all of my payment information and... "Payment Authorization Failed." I tried this several more times with different cards, and even a direct bank transfer from PayPal.

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

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

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

    This game sucks. I like the original....but this one...lol...EA can suck it as they will never get anymore money out of myself.    … Expand
  9. jackal27
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I created an account just to add to the voices. Waited for hours to get nickle and dimed by EA, a company my brother and I had already given $60 to in order to play this game in the first place. SimCity is a shining example of everything that is wrong with AAA game development these days. I'm done EA. The last game I bought from you was Henry Hatsworth. Why did ever choose to break that streak?
  10. danchez
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Great game so far, but you CANNOT PLAY IT! This game needs an offline mode with online option, and until then it ranks at zero in my book. Additionally, the customer service from EA is truly insulting. DO NOT PURCHASE
  11. EAPissed
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I paid for the game 48 hours ago and have yet been able to connect to a server. What a joke! EA must have completely ignored the recommendations to up the server capacity. They cheated the client and the brand!
  12. setezerocinco
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Is just not possible to play the game. I did try several times and everything they did is show to me a counter of how many minutes I should wait again. This is a shame.
  13. dannyjerome0
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Well, I paid $60 for a game I haven't been able to play at all. 'Nuff said. No need to buy this one. May as well wait at least a couple weeks for EA to fix their game.
  14. indigojoe
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Not happy at all with this game as it locked up constantly and could not even start a game more than half the time. After several hours i was finally able to play, and simply was not impressed.
  15. curfew
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    What a mess that Maxis/EA have made of such a well loved franchise. All involved in making the game online only should be ashamed of themselves. You cant sign in to play, if you do then you can lose everything when the servers go down. Do not buy until Sim City becomes available for offline play.
  16. tonyneville
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I've been excited about this game ever since I heard about it 12 months ago. I played and loved Sim City 4 and after reading about this game I couldn't wait to play it. And there in lies the irony; I'm still waiting to play it even though EA have got my money. Even having bought a DVD copy in to attempt to avoid to download pain I still cannot connect to the servers. I'm sure the game isI've been excited about this game ever since I heard about it 12 months ago. I played and loved Sim City 4 and after reading about this game I couldn't wait to play it. And there in lies the irony; I'm still waiting to play it even though EA have got my money. Even having bought a DVD copy in to attempt to avoid to download pain I still cannot connect to the servers. I'm sure the game is very good from the critics reviews I had read. My rating is based on the DRM method. I have many other games that I play through Steam which is a similar concept and I have never had a problem like this. Suddenly piracy seems like an attractive option...… Expand
  17. tidecmb1974
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Anyone that tells you this game is not seriously flawed is delusional. First off, the "always online" component is a disaster. EA/Maxis was adamant they could handle this...THEY CAN'T. The second problem is the game play itself: Tiny city sizes, lacking features. It's a massive misfire! Everything you loved about previous SimCity games has been reduced to rubble to make way for this awfulAnyone that tells you this game is not seriously flawed is delusional. First off, the "always online" component is a disaster. EA/Maxis was adamant they could handle this...THEY CAN'T. The second problem is the game play itself: Tiny city sizes, lacking features. It's a massive misfire! Everything you loved about previous SimCity games has been reduced to rubble to make way for this awful multiplayer mess. In order to alleviate strain on their servers they are now removing game features. Game features the public has paid for...such as Cheetah speed. This removal alone has rendered the game play wretched (when you can actually play). It doesn't save cities...if you change servers...you're cities do not go with you. It's all in the SimCity cloud service. AVOID THIS GAME! I honestly don't think EA/Maxis can fix this debacle. I think in a few days everyone will get a refund and this think will be shut down. A FAILED EXPERIMENT!… Expand
  18. WillMBarbosa
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    You can't play, so 0. Also, even if you could play, I would give a 5 because of the always online DRM, even though the game itself is really great. If there was an offline mode, it would easily get a 10/10
  19. xtom
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Can't play because of stupid online only requirements for what is essentially a single player game. Not interested in socializing or any of the other "in the cloud" rubbish features. Just want to play what was always a fun single player game.
  20. Marvis
    Mar 14, 2013
    0
    Still problems with having my cities lost... I can't believe that this long after the game has been released I am having issues just saving the damn game....
  21. ahallsworth
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Can't even play all the servers are busy. I feel that the always on internet connection as added so much to this single player game. My fibre optic broadband clearly showing its value with this title. What a joke EA at least I can use the CD as a coaster.
  22. Archammer
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    So sad that Maxis gave this game to EA to handle because they COMPLETELY BRICKED IT!!!! Now they're refusing refunds for a non-functioning game! We will get our refunds and you will find new jobs! Get some respect and some ethics!
    When you're done reading this because you're angry too, sign this:
    http://www.change.org/petitions/electronic-arts-100-refund-for-simcity-2013
  23. Jarmitz
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    This is my first review and I have to say this release of Simcity has ruined my love of this game. I've been looking forward to it's release for months and have never been so disappointed! I hate Origin! I want to play the game alone, not on a public server and it shouldn't be a requirement. I tried to download it and it didn't work. Took me two months to get my money back. Then I boughtThis is my first review and I have to say this release of Simcity has ruined my love of this game. I've been looking forward to it's release for months and have never been so disappointed! I hate Origin! I want to play the game alone, not on a public server and it shouldn't be a requirement. I tried to download it and it didn't work. Took me two months to get my money back. Then I bought the CD and I still can't play! What a ripoff!… Expand
  24. civicshelf
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Cant play becouse the always online DRM to EA.. Servers always has down time when i want to start a single player game... I regret i bought this game when the publiser punish me for bying it!.
  25. alewares
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Online DRM by an extremely terrible and controlling company, which seeks to squeeze money out of its consumers at every possible opportunity. Game doesn't play due to server load, which is also 100% EA's fault for implementing such a stupid way to "prevent pirating." Absolute shame to one of my favorite childhood games, and a spit in the face of any self-respecting game enthusiast. Pathetic.
  26. HudsonFalcon
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I per-ordered the uber expensive version of the game right from Origin so it was waiting for me on the morning of the release. I was able play without issue for 10 hours or so before the infamous server crash. I was actually in game when the crash was starting to unfold and could see a "searching for connection" bubble fruitlessly searching for a connection like a bar fly searching forI per-ordered the uber expensive version of the game right from Origin so it was waiting for me on the morning of the release. I was able play without issue for 10 hours or so before the infamous server crash. I was actually in game when the crash was starting to unfold and could see a "searching for connection" bubble fruitlessly searching for a connection like a bar fly searching for love at closing time. A friend called and asked if I was in game and I said yes but no for long apparently. He recommended I say a eulogy for my city as it would be going into the cyber graveyard very soon.

    I haven't connected since the issue but I'm hearing there's a lot of changes to the game and apparently they're not fixes but features being scaled to limit strain on the servers?
    I haven't experienced them for myself so I'm not really sure.

    What I can do is give feedback from the 10 or so hours I have dedicated to this game and the bottom line is it's mediocre at best and at worst a disaster and a plague upon the Maxis house.

    The Good:
    I"m racking my brain here but maybe the graphics? I don't know they look kind of cartoonish to me.
    Upgrade roads feature
    Curved roads

    The Bad:
    No offline single-player (there is, or at least was, an option to create a private region while playing online.)

    No Terra-forming. No more creating custom terrain that you can be proud of.

    Always have to be online to play. Sim City is traditionally a game you spend hours upon hours playing by by yourself so why do I have to be online when I'm not, and don't want to be, interacting with other mayors.

    No local saving. If the server issues are ever fixed how many people are going to lose saves and hours of work due to a saving error. You can see this one coming a mile away.

    City size (or lack thereof) In the last Sim City you can spend hours, days, months, and even years carefully building, destroying and rebuilding your mega-cities in huge regions. Now in only a matter of hours you can use up all your land and you're left scratching your head saying "what's next?" I'm sure this space constraint is also a result of this DRM EA is pushing. All the more reason we should have an offline single-player mode and with huge regions. In fact for the money that was spent by folks it shouldn't be a suggestion it should be a demand.

    I'm sure there are a few more positives, and a lot more negatives, but the bottom line is EA missed the mark with this game big time and tarnished a great franchise.

    Will I keep playing the game? Maybe if I can connect but even then I see the staying power of this game won't last long.

    I'll be reinstalling Sim City 4 on my PC once again!    … Expand
  27. firefly212
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I love the SimCity franchise, which is why this pains me so much. I owned the original SimCity, SimCity2000, SimCity4, and I think one other somewhere in the mix. This game is unworthy of the name. From tiny maps that are not even a fraction of the size of SimCity2000 and artificially scarce resources meant to push this "connective" social experience (meant to justify the always onlineI love the SimCity franchise, which is why this pains me so much. I owned the original SimCity, SimCity2000, SimCity4, and I think one other somewhere in the mix. This game is unworthy of the name. From tiny maps that are not even a fraction of the size of SimCity2000 and artificially scarce resources meant to push this "connective" social experience (meant to justify the always online DRM), the game is simply terrible. Gone are features like subways and pipe laying to make your town more efficient, and the ability to save games or go back to old saves... introduced are hours-long waits to connect to DRM servers, random city deletion from their servers, and excuse after excuse as to how the always-online feature would make the game better if you could play it.

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

    Between the abject failure of the game and the absolutely terrible customer service, my only regret is that I cannot give this game a negative score. Not only have I not enjoyed it, purchasing this game has caused considerable stress and frustration as I either waited to play or waited on the phone with my bank to get the chargeback. This experience has been so awful that not only would I not recommend purchasing this particular title, I would strongly urge readers to not purchase anything from EA ever again.    … Expand
  28. theatomicfrog
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    Absolutely the last dollar EA will ever see from me, EVER.
    The online drm, I thought I could live with it... nope.

    There is NEVER a need for this kind of Draconian control over software.
    DUMB does not even describe this.

    Wish this reviewing had negative digits.

    BOOOOOO EA
  29. thouse007
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I think we should get a lawyer to fill a class-action law suit for breach of warranty. They sold us a broken game. I think it's about time that us gamers get some power back and stop the game developers from screwing us like this.
  30. BrockSamsonV
    Mar 8, 2013
    0
    I paid $60 for a product I cannot use over 50% of the time. Any brand new product that functions less than half of the time deserves a horrible review. 0/10. Don't support this kind of behavioral from EA. I hope to get my money back, but it's looking like I will not be able.
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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 »