SimCity

"Lots of fun while it lasts"

What a unique idea. You take the position of a mayor of a new city. You are given money, with it you must build your city into a metropolis. Along the way there are fires tornadoes and even godzilla-like monsters that you must take care of. At the end of the year you have to deal with taxes and listen to what the citizens of your city want. The graphics aren't so great, the music is ok, but the it might scare you just how much fun it is to build a little city of your own.

Gameplay 9/10

This is sure to put a smile on your face and keep you entertained. You put up buildings and watch your city grow. Also, you must take care of the problems that arise. If you don't feel like building a city, than there's a mode where your placed in a scenario where you must solve the problems of a pre-built city. Not too much for game modes, but the main one is enough fun. Control is great, you can easily pin-point where you want buildings to go up, or where to put new roads. The menus may be a bit confusing at first, but in about half an hour, you'll be able to easily navigate it.

Graphics 7/10

Hmmm. The graphics aren't that great. When you first put up, say, residential zone, it will be a red square with a red r in the middle. Not very good. After however, It turns into something that you can recognize as a building. Roads look like roads, water looks like water, trees look like trees. There are some charts you can look at in the game too, these are done well. Not too shabby, but nothing special here either.

Sound 6/10

The music in this game was smooth, relaxing, and calm. I suppose its meant to helps you deal with the stress of being mayor:) The sound effects weren't very great either, but I wouldn't say that the sound in this game was a flop. If the game fails anywhere, though, it's here

Replay Value 5/10

Ouch. I played this game for about two weeks and I got tired of it. If you leave it for a while, though, you'll want to play it again. The replay value does leave something to be desired, but it's a lot of fun while it lasts.

Overall 7/10

I'd say this game is worth buying if you can find it around for $20. Don't pay anything higher than that though, because you'll get bored of it in a while. A really great game, flawed a bit by some categories, but still a good time nonetheless.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 04/17/00, Updated 04/17/00