Why Cities: Skylines is Better than SimCity
For decades, the SimCity series has been the gold standard for city-building simulation games. However, with the release of Cities: Skylines in 2015, a new challenger emerged, threatening to dethrone the king of city-building simulations. In this article, we’ll explore why Cities: Skylines is the better choice for city-builders and fans of the genre.
A More Realistic Approach to City-Building
One of the primary differences between Cities: Skylines and SimCity is the approach to city-building. Cities: Skylines takes a more realistic approach, focusing on creating a functional and sustainable city rather than a sprawling metropolis. The game’s developers, Colossal Order, worked closely with urban planners and experts to ensure that the game’s mechanics and features were grounded in reality.
Modular Zoning System
Cities: Skylines features a modular zoning system, which allows players to create customized zones that cater to specific needs. This system allows for more flexibility and creativity when designing cities, as players can create unique zones that combine residential, commercial, and industrial areas. In contrast, SimCity’s zoning system is more rigid and restrictive, limiting the player’s ability to create diverse and dynamic cities.
Improved Traffic Management
Another area where Cities: Skylines excels is in traffic management. The game features a sophisticated traffic system that takes into account factors such as road capacity, traffic signals, and public transportation. This results in a more realistic and efficient traffic flow, reducing congestion and improving overall city performance.
Public Transportation
Cities: Skylines also features a robust public transportation system, allowing players to create comprehensive networks of buses, trams, and trains. This system is more realistic and efficient than SimCity’s, as it takes into account factors such as route planning, scheduling, and capacity.
Better Graphics and Soundtrack
Cities: Skylines boasts stunning graphics and a catchy soundtrack that immerses players in the game world. The game’s visuals are more detailed and realistic, with features such as dynamic weather, day-night cycles, and detailed building models. The soundtrack, composed by a variety of artists, adds to the game’s atmosphere and makes the experience more enjoyable.
More Realistic Economic System
Cities: Skylines features a more realistic economic system, with a focus on sustainable development and growth. The game’s economy is influenced by factors such as taxes, public services, and infrastructure, creating a more realistic and challenging experience.
Easier to Learn, Harder to Master
Cities: Skylines is easier to learn than SimCity, with a more intuitive interface and a gentler learning curve. However, the game is harder to master, as it requires players to balance a variety of factors to create a successful and sustainable city.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cities: Skylines is the better choice for city-builders and fans of the genre. The game’s realistic approach to city-building, modular zoning system, improved traffic management, and more realistic economic system make it a more engaging and challenging experience. While SimCity is still a great game, Cities: Skylines offers a more modern and realistic take on the city-building simulation genre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cities: Skylines compatible with Mac and PC?
A: Yes, Cities: Skylines is compatible with both Mac and PC, and can be played on a variety of platforms, including Steam and GOG.
Q: Is Cities: Skylines a sequel to SimCity?
A: No, Cities: Skylines is not a sequel to SimCity, but rather a separate game that challenges the status quo of the city-building simulation genre.
Q: Can I play Cities: Skylines offline?
A: Yes, Cities: Skylines can be played offline, allowing players to create and manage their cities without an internet connection.
Q: Is Cities: Skylines suitable for children?
A: Yes, Cities: Skylines is suitable for children, with a rating of E for Everyone from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
Q: Can I mod Cities: Skylines?
A: Yes, Cities: Skylines has a thriving modding community, with a wide range of user-created content available for download.
Q: Is Cities: Skylines available on consoles?
A: No, Cities: Skylines is currently only available on PC and Mac, but there are rumors of a potential console release in the future.
Q: Can I play Cities: Skylines with friends?
A: Yes, Cities: Skylines features a multiplayer mode, allowing players to collaborate or compete with friends to create and manage their cities.
Q: Is Cities: Skylines a good game for beginners?
A: Yes, Cities: Skylines is a great game for beginners, with a gentle learning curve and a variety of tutorials and resources available to help new players get started.
Table: Comparison of Cities: Skylines and SimCity
| Feature | Cities: Skylines | SimCity |
|---|---|---|
| Approach to city-building | Realistic | Simplistic |
| Zoning system | Modular | Rigid |
| Traffic management | Sophisticated | Basic |
| Public transportation | Robust | Limited |
| Graphics and soundtrack | High-quality | Average |
| Economic system | Realistic | Simplistic |
| Learning curve | Gentle | Steep |
In conclusion, Cities: Skylines is the better choice for city-builders and fans of the genre, offering a more realistic and challenging experience. While SimCity is still a great game, Cities: Skylines offers a fresh take on the city-building simulation genre that is sure to please even the most discerning players.