SimTower

"What will Maxis think of next?"

Intro: Sim Tower is a simulation game by Maxis, who we, for the most part, can trust to make good games. In Sim Tower you must own, run, and build/expand your tower. Building homes, offices, theaters, restaurants, and subway stations are all the types of things you can add to your tower. You can even add underground. It's all very unique and exciting. You must strive for a 5 star tower.

Gameplay: Building a tower is not as easy as it seems. You have to keep people happy if you want them to rent out your offices and homes. If you put a restaurant next to a home, the home renters will complain about noise. If you don't have any maids, the hotel rooms will get infected with bugs, and will no longer be useable by future customers. The variety in this game is simply amazing. There are even terrorist attacks on your tower. If you have a security team, they will be able to stop mass bombings in your tower, but if you don't, many people may die, and thousands of dollars in damage will be created. This also may not help people want to live in a building that is being blown up by terrorists left and right. Fires and other disasters also occur in your tower, so it keeps you busy.

Graphics: While the graphics are 2d, they aren't bad. There are clouds, rain, snow, and other such weather conditions. During Christmas a Santa will even fly by your tower. The graphics show the people and some minor details so you are at least able to tell what each building in the tower is.

Sound: There is no music in Sim Tower, but there are plenty of sound effects to keep you busy. From people talking in the lobby, elevators going up and down, to the subway leaving the station. It's all there for your enjoyment, and makes it seem like you are actually in the tower with the other people.

Controls: Just a mouse and a keyboard work with this game. The controls are simple and you will learn them in a matter of just a few minutes. Nothing to worry about here.

Overall: Sim Tower is an addictive Simulation game that will keep you glued to the computer screen. This is one Maxis game that really should not be left unplayed. Overall I give Sim Tower an 8/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/03/05