Abstract: The city-sim genre has been in decline for a while, or is at least going through a kind of transition. More than half a decade has passed since the last installment of SimCity (unless you count Societies, and you shouldn't). Maxis seems nearly out of t...
Abstract: There are two competing schools of city-building mechanics. It's not like PC vs. Mac, but each city-builder falls into one of these camps, and has since time immemorial. In one corner is SimCity and its buddies. Over here the important thing is zoning....
Abstract: What is Cities XL?In a genre established by the SimCity franchise, Cities XL is not just an attempt by developer Monte Cristo’s to capitalise on the city-building genre void left after SimCity 4, but it’s a brave effort to take it to the next level by ...
Slick if conventional citybuilding gameplay, Good for beginners, Intuitive interface, Online options have potential.
Basic mechanics are on the bland side, Singleplayer mode seems like an afterthought, MMOstyle online option is limited and overpriced, Problems with trading interface and market.
Cities XL tries to expand the city-building genre with new ideas, but the solo game is generic, and the online features aren't ready for a ground-breaking ceremony. ...
Abstract: Cities XL isn't as supersized as its title would have you believe. Monte Cristo's latest attempt to knock the venerable SimCity off its throne delivers when it comes to standard city-building genre features, but its massively multiplayer online-st...
Abstract: This title initially plays out like any other game of its type. You start off small, building up residential and industrial areas, whilst keeping your citizens happy with services, and expanding your economy though commercial buildings and trade. Citiz...
Abstract: The 1980's were for the most part entirely unremarkable. Rock music had declined from its giddy heights, when being a rebel was still cool. It was not yet determined if Boy George was actually a boy. People had started wearing unhealthy levels of clot...
Great tools for creating a complex city. Large amount of detail that you can keep an eye on at all times. Excellent graphics. Town planning enjoyable and comprehensive.
It all becomes a bit boring after a while. Feels like opportunities for greater involvement with your creation are missing. Just lacks compelling gameplay.
Abstract: It’s been a while now since we’ve had a good old-fashioned city building release, so it was a pleasant surprise to be able to play and review CitiesXL, from Monte Cristo, the French simulation games company. While CitiesXL will be familiar to gamers wh...
