Is Cities: Skylines – Remastered Worth It?

Cities: Skylines – Remastered is a tricky proposition. For existing PC players of the original Cities: Skylines, the answer is a resounding no, given the availability of mods and generally better performance on higher-end PCs. However, for players exclusively on new-generation consoles (PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S) who haven’t experienced the game before, or those who found the limitations of the original console versions too restrictive, the Remastered edition presents a compelling, albeit imperfect, entry point into the city-building phenomenon. It offers a significant technical upgrade and increased build capacity over its predecessor, but comes with a price tag that doesn’t always justify the enhancements. Whether it’s worth it ultimately depends on your individual circumstances and expectations.

What Makes Cities: Skylines – Remastered Different?

The Remastered version aims to leverage the increased processing power of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S to provide a smoother and more detailed city-building experience. Here are some key differences compared to the original console release:

• Increased Build Capacity: The most significant improvement is the increased number of tiles available to build on. While the original console version was limited to nine tiles, the Remastered edition dramatically expands this, allowing for much larger and more intricate cities.
• Graphical Enhancements: Expect improved textures, draw distances, and overall visual fidelity. While it’s not a complete overhaul, the game looks noticeably cleaner and sharper on the new consoles.
• Performance Improvements: Aiming for a smoother framerate and reduced stuttering, the Remastered version attempts to provide a more consistent experience, especially in larger cities. However, performance can still dip with extreme population sizes.
• User Interface Improvements: Minor tweaks to the user interface aim to make it more intuitive and easier to navigate, especially with a controller.
• All Base Game Content: The Remastered edition includes all the content from the base game, allowing new players to dive straight into the core city-building mechanics.

The Price of Progress: Drawbacks and Considerations

While the Remastered version offers clear improvements, it’s not without its issues. Potential buyers should be aware of the following:

• Price Point: The Remastered edition is often priced as a new game, which can be a tough pill to swallow for existing PC players, who already have access to a superior version.
• Lack of Mod Support: One of the biggest draws of Cities: Skylines on PC is its extensive modding community. The Remastered edition, unfortunately, does not support mods, limiting customization options.
• Performance Still Not Perfect: Despite the improvements, performance issues can still arise in extremely large cities with complex infrastructure.
• Limited Upgrades for Existing Console Players: There’s no clear upgrade path for owners of the original console version, meaning they have to purchase the Remastered edition at full price to experience the improvements.

Who Should Buy Cities: Skylines – Remastered?

Despite the drawbacks, the Remastered edition is a worthwhile purchase for certain players:

• New-Generation Console Owners New to the Game: If you’ve never played Cities: Skylines and own a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S, the Remastered edition is a great way to experience the game with improved visuals and expanded building capacity.
• Console Players Frustrated by the Original’s Limitations: If you own the original console version and found its limitations too restrictive, the Remastered edition offers a significant upgrade, allowing you to build much larger and more complex cities.
• Players Who Prefer Console Gaming: Some players simply prefer the convenience and comfort of playing on a console. For these players, the Remastered edition provides the best possible Cities: Skylines experience on those platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Cities: Skylines – Remastered to help you make an informed decision:

1. Is Cities: Skylines – Remastered a completely new game? No, it’s an enhanced version of the original Cities: Skylines, specifically tailored for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.

2. What are the key differences between the original console version and the Remastered edition? The main differences are increased build capacity (more tiles), graphical enhancements, performance improvements, and minor UI tweaks.

3. Does Cities: Skylines – Remastered support mods? Unfortunately, no. Mod support is not available on the Remastered edition, which is a significant drawback compared to the PC version.

4. How much does Cities: Skylines – Remastered cost? The price varies depending on the retailer, but it’s generally priced as a new game. Check your local stores or online marketplaces for the most up-to-date pricing.

5. Is there an upgrade path for owners of the original console version? Currently, there is no direct upgrade path. You would need to purchase the Remastered edition at full price.

6. Does the Remastered edition include all the DLC from the original Cities: Skylines? No, the Remastered edition only includes the base game content. DLC is sold separately.

7. Is the graphical upgrade significant? Yes, the graphical upgrade is noticeable, with improved textures, draw distances, and overall visual clarity.

8. Does the increased tile count really make a difference? Absolutely! The expanded tile count allows for much larger and more complex cities, addressing a major limitation of the original console version.

9. What about performance issues? Does the game still stutter with large populations? While the Remastered edition offers performance improvements, stuttering can still occur in extremely large cities with complex infrastructure.

10. Is it worth buying if I already own Cities: Skylines on PC? Probably not. The PC version offers superior performance, extensive mod support, and generally more features. Unless you specifically want to play on a console, the PC version is a better option.

11. What’s the best way to learn how to play Cities: Skylines – Remastered? The game includes tutorials, and there are also numerous online resources, including videos and guides. Experimentation is key to mastering the game’s mechanics.

12. Does the Remastered edition use the same save files as the original console version? No, save files are not compatible between the original and Remastered editions. You will need to start a new city.

13. Are there any known bugs or issues in Cities: Skylines – Remastered? As with any game, there may be occasional bugs or glitches. Paradox Interactive typically releases patches to address any reported issues.

14. Is Cities: Skylines – Remastered a difficult game to learn? The game has a learning curve, but it’s not overly complex. Start with the tutorials and gradually expand your knowledge as you build your city.

15. Will there be future updates or DLC for Cities: Skylines – Remastered? Paradox Interactive has released DLC for the Remastered edition and will likely continue to support the game with updates and expansions.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy Cities: Skylines – Remastered depends on your individual needs and preferences. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a purchase.