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. Calqless
    Mar 6, 2013
    1
    I didnt mind th always on DRM, as i never unhook my OC from the net. The forum moderators, that say the servers are up and working... that i have a problem with.. The game crashed out of nowhere last night and havent made it back on since. Even then the server connection was tentative at best and non existent most of the time. ITs pretty but its a single player game that doesnt needI didnt mind th always on DRM, as i never unhook my OC from the net. The forum moderators, that say the servers are up and working... that i have a problem with.. The game crashed out of nowhere last night and havent made it back on since. Even then the server connection was tentative at best and non existent most of the time. ITs pretty but its a single player game that doesnt need online activity, you want to make me register online to play it not a big deal, but its not a MMO...… Expand
  2. 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.............................
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. Danicus
    Mar 6, 2013
    1
    The original Simcity was the first computer game I had. I loved it through it's variously increasingly flawed itterations. We knew the DRM was coming but that they wouldn't be able to keep up with server demand give me a break. Not a fan of always on DRM as I like to unhook sometimes but I could have lived with it if EA was up to handling it. They are not. There's also huge issues with theThe original Simcity was the first computer game I had. I loved it through it's variously increasingly flawed itterations. We knew the DRM was coming but that they wouldn't be able to keep up with server demand give me a break. Not a fan of always on DRM as I like to unhook sometimes but I could have lived with it if EA was up to handling it. They are not. There's also huge issues with the way the city lay out works. There's no real innovation here. The ability to specialize could have been but the trade offs for that are not worth while. Sorry EA but you lost a lifelong Simcitier with this one. (And yes the discrepancy between the user score and the metacritic score is a little worrisome)… Expand
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. DeathtoEA
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    I am sorry that I can't play like many reviewers at 12am. I am stuck playing at normal hours. By playing I mean trying to play. This game is BROKEN. I Can't log in. When I do log in I get dropped and I lose my progress. EA. them for RUINING what this game could be. You have nothing but disdain for your customers.
  13. StephanBotha
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    Always online DRM? Instant 1/10. For those who don't understand: Always On DRM means you have to be permanently online to play a game. This is supposed to be a game you can play in singleplayer mode or multiplayer mode. With Always On DRM if your internet connection drops, you lose your game. If the EA servers go down, you lose your game.

    Feel like playing on the go somewhere away from    Always online DRM? Instant 1/10. For those who don't understand: Always On DRM means you have to be permanently online to play a game. This is supposed to be a game you can play in singleplayer mode or multiplayer mode. With Always On DRM if your internet connection drops, you lose your game. If the EA servers go down, you lose your game.

    Feel like playing on the go somewhere away from home? Forget it, you can't, unless you have a stable internet connection and EA's servers stay online.

    Stay away from Always On DRM.    … Expand
  14. obscured
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    It just doesn't work. First you can not connect to the server, next is a stuck tutorial with no chance of completing it. So far no entertainment, only trouble.
  15. mrdoom
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    Electronic Farts. Because they destroyed another game. Without an offline option, stability can't be trusted. There are no excuses for this and people are right to be angry. If you're a shareholder, sell, quickly.
  16. AD1980
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    There's simply no excuse for releasing this game in this condition. On the rare occasion that it connects to the server, I can play for about an hour before crashing to desktop. And good luck getting back on the server. The always online DRM is only slightly worse than the ridiculously small area given to build your city, the inability to save your game, and the horrendous traffic modeling.
  17. PolarisX
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    Can't install, then couldn't log in, then couldn't get tutorial, then couldn't get city claimed. The issues come and go in random order. I wish I never bought this game, I feel so stupid.
  18. imbaRAWR
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The issued the server capacity is causing makes this game completely unplayable. Ig you're lucky enought to be able to log in on the servers you probably still won't be able to create a city due to overload. Yes, it might get fixed later on but would you really want to play a game from a company that cares so little about the consumers that they don't even offer refunds?

    The limitations on the citys are a joke aswell, from being able to build whatever you want wherever you want you are now forced to build it all on a very small piece of land, way too small for a game who's supposed to be a city simulation. If I knew about all the issues with logins etc I would never have bought this game!    … Expand
  19. zorni
    Mar 6, 2013
    1
    Worst EA Launch EVER! This franchise, Simcity, has almost been ruined by the DRM and always on requirements. I have built over 5 cities now and not a single city has saved. I spent 10 hours yesterday just being a beta tester for EA to solve problems. Still problems. The game is almost unplayable. I am so disappointed, I'm afraid I wont' even try to launch the game again. HOW FRUSTRATING!
  20. jakalope242
    Mar 6, 2013
    0
    The game itself is enthralling, however after nine hours I've only been able to play maybe twenty minutes. Additionally, the game crashed/forced exited and I lost my only city. The server delays errors are intolerable and the "always online" DRM is to blame.
  21. harbalck2
    Mar 8, 2013
    1
    The game, if you can actually get past the server issues to access it, actually seems fairly fun and engaging. The problem is you're extremely unlikely to actually be able to access it, and even if you do, odds are that you'll be disconnected soon enough and lose everything you've done up to that point. That mutiplayer is being shoehorned into a singleplayer game is bad enough, that aThe game, if you can actually get past the server issues to access it, actually seems fairly fun and engaging. The problem is you're extremely unlikely to actually be able to access it, and even if you do, odds are that you'll be disconnected soon enough and lose everything you've done up to that point. That mutiplayer is being shoehorned into a singleplayer game is bad enough, that a game in a traditionally singleplayer series can only be played while online is terrible, but the fact it has been implemented so awfully is unforgivable.
    Note the server issues are bad enough that at least one critic review has been changed (Polygon's: from 9.5 to 4) but due to metacritics policy this isn't reflected in the game's metascore.    … Expand
  22. Rezonance
    Mar 7, 2013
    2
    All the critic reviews were written by people who got to play the game when there were no server issues. EAs current shortcoming in terms of servers and customer support mean that you should definitely not buy it in its current state. If you are considering buying it right now just know that You WILL have log in issues, crashes and re-rolls and NO, you will not get your money back becauseAll the critic reviews were written by people who got to play the game when there were no server issues. EAs current shortcoming in terms of servers and customer support mean that you should definitely not buy it in its current state. If you are considering buying it right now just know that You WILL have log in issues, crashes and re-rolls and NO, you will not get your money back because EA refuses to refund anyone. The game is good but the DRM just ruins it for everyone. Be patient and wait for EA to fix this. On the other hand you could boycott them for horrible business practices that have brought them this far in terms of relations with fans of the Sim City games. Up to you.… Expand
  23. D0W53
    Mar 7, 2013
    4
    From what I got to play after about an hour of trying to get it running. By Following a number of different solutions posted online it looked.good and played well that was until it lost it's connection to the server and that was it. Might come back in a month or two but this yet another example of a complete lack of care for the community. Online DRM doesn't stop piracy it's just makesFrom what I got to play after about an hour of trying to get it running. By Following a number of different solutions posted online it looked.good and played well that was until it lost it's connection to the server and that was it. Might come back in a month or two but this yet another example of a complete lack of care for the community. Online DRM doesn't stop piracy it's just makes your company look stupid and annoys the people that actually want to pay and play.… Expand
  24. MrBlondie
    Mar 7, 2013
    4
    The game itself is actually fantastic, and the small map size does not bother me at all. It gives the city a nice intimate feeling that adds a lot of emotional depth to the game. I imagine the smaller city size was an absolutely deliberate (and wise) design decision, and not due to tech constraints. That said, the anti piracy always online aspect treats the user like a criminal afterThe game itself is actually fantastic, and the small map size does not bother me at all. It gives the city a nice intimate feeling that adds a lot of emotional depth to the game. I imagine the smaller city size was an absolutely deliberate (and wise) design decision, and not due to tech constraints. That said, the anti piracy always online aspect treats the user like a criminal after they bought the game fair and square. This is not something any customer should stand for, especially with such a high price tag. This game simply cannot be recommended until this is fixed, as it is often completely unplayable due to server problems. The game is great, but I'll agree with the majority here and say EA probably ruined it.… Expand
  25. Dolken
    Mar 7, 2013
    1
    To small, to dumb, to DRM, and u cannot save the game. Its a puke in the face and they laugh as they take your money. It gets 1 casue without EA it had potential to be a good game.
  26. ThunderEjjim
    Mar 7, 2013
    3
    As much as I was hoping and begging and praying for this game to recapture my love of the SimCity franchise, it falls way short. The game has been out for three days now and I've not even been able to play it for an entire hour. The game has been so buggy and the servers so unreliable I'm being kicked from my games minutes into starting them and often times not even being able to startAs much as I was hoping and begging and praying for this game to recapture my love of the SimCity franchise, it falls way short. The game has been out for three days now and I've not even been able to play it for an entire hour. The game has been so buggy and the servers so unreliable I'm being kicked from my games minutes into starting them and often times not even being able to start them at all. Now, this may just be my computer, but the loading times for me have been absolutely atrocious. Switching from city to city takes so long that it really makes trying to play this in single player overly frustrating. From what I've been able to see, there are some interesting little things they've put into the game that could make SimCity more fun to play, but at the same time it feels to easy now. Part of why I loved SimCity was the challenge it gave me in creating and designing a living and breathing city. I wish I could of played it more so that I could have a more in-depth feel for this game, but the constant server issues have me so frustrated I do wish I could take the game back and get a refund. All I can really do now is that hope that someday in the future they add in some sort of offline mode (not holding my breath there) and that in the next few days they manage to fix all the issues that keep me and others from even being able to play the thing. Until then, I unfortunately have to give it a 3. There is honestly no excuse in these days for such a terrible release with so little servers to try and cope with the amount of people that want to play.… Expand
  27. Cabal190406
    Mar 7, 2013
    1
    Atrocious Game. First day I received this and it's unplayable. If you want to buy this, wait till a few weeks to get this sort out then buy it. Otherwise steer well clear. It's not worth your money to buy it for AU$79 and then you realize you can't play this at all.
    This review won't change until EA sorts out its problems
  28. giveaphuk
    Mar 7, 2013
    1
    i am giving this game 1, for the one (amazing) hour I got to play.. I would give it a 10 if only it wasn't for the 9 HOURS i've spent trying to log in. (I pre-ordered the game even took a sick day to stay home play)

    & now I know I am NEVER buying a single player game that requires I be online to play NEVER pre-ordering from EA again, as I have no faith in them delivering as promised.
  29. 12jcohen
    Mar 7, 2013
    3
    I would give the game a 9/10. However when I pay $60 for a game I expect to play it whenever I want to play it. I understand that servers take time to get up and these overcapacity issues will eventually subside, However It is beyond me that Made the decision to make a single player game drm and not let people preload it to avoid exactly the issues they are currently having. I
  30. Overand
    Mar 7, 2013
    1
    For the 25 minutes I was able to play this game, I enjoyed it, though the interface was slightly non-intuitive in some areas. The small map size does seem to be an issue, but that's been my only complaint with the game design itself., as far as I was able to see it. The interface around updates, server chocies, etc is also somewhat non-intuitive, and even the updating patching systemFor the 25 minutes I was able to play this game, I enjoyed it, though the interface was slightly non-intuitive in some areas. The small map size does seem to be an issue, but that's been my only complaint with the game design itself., as far as I was able to see it. The interface around updates, server chocies, etc is also somewhat non-intuitive, and even the updating patching system seems to be buggy.

    Of course, the obvious thing here is that I've spent $60 USD on a game I got to play for less than a half-hour that's not a very good hourly rate.I could have seen 5 2-hour movies for that rate, and certainly would have enjoyed myself more, if I at least chose good films.

    Not being able to play a game I purchased? Totally miserable. (Yes, as lawyers will point out, I only LICENSED it but that just points to the broken business model and legal system around software). The future of DRM is that it's going to ruin gaming. I read the warnings, and I made a choice to spend money on a big-studio game. It's a mistake I won't likely be making again soon I'll be going back to my independent, small-studio games. At least they work.    … 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 »