The SimCity Box

With all the civilization simulations on the market, it is easy to overlook the title that really started the city sim and drove it to new heights. SimCity was the type of game that was so deep it was actually used in classrooms. Well, the years have rolled along and hardcore economic, city-managing programs have given way to titles that are a bit more entertaining.

EA (and Maxis, the developer) have not left the world of SimCity behind, even though the company has taken the franchise in a bit of a new direction with SimCity Societies. The SimCity Box is a collection of five titles, all of which have been reviewed on GameZone, in one form or another. First up there is SimCity 4, the game that updated the franchise and was well received. SimCity 4 did have its own expansion with Rush Hour, a title that brought superhighways, subways and other transportation into the SimCity franchise.

But Maxis was not merely about resting on its laurels for one of the best 1-2 punches to hit the SimCity franchise. Knowing that some gamers liked a bit of a lighter experience, the company went in the direction of titles like Tropico and introduced SimCity Societies, a game that was a bit more cartoonish, and much easier on the economic front (not by much). The expansion to the latter title was Destinations, the game that made players the moguls of destination resort towns. The challenge was to balance a thriving local economy with a tourist trap. Then there was a total of 180 in terms of direction with The Sims Carnival: SnapCity, an arcade-esque title that was more about puzzles than The SimCity franchise.

Why bring up all these titles? Because they are bound together, albeit on separate disks, in the compilation that is The SimCity Box. The first four titles mentioned are all about testing your prowess as a city planner. The latter is the weakest in the set and has no real reason for being in this collection other than a radical change of pace.

Granted SimCity 4 was released in 2003, and as such is the granddaddy of this compilation, but you are much better served from a creative and brain-burning standpoint with working on it than playing SnapCity. SimCity 4 does feel a bit dated, but the gameplay is still a strong element and with Rush Hour, you have a deeper experience than with Societies and its expansion offers.

Because all of these titles have been reviewed, rather than try a catch-all here, it would be easier to see what each title brought to the gaming market. It is better to actually talk about this as a compilation, and in that regard (regardless of personal opinions about SnapCity) this is a strong box set to have. It truly does have a bit of something for everyone.

This is a very good value and it is nice to see the titles bundled so well. This is a solid recommendation for anyone who lacks either SimCity 4 or Societies and would like to give the job of being a mayor a try.

Review Scoring Details for The SimCity Box

Gameplay: 8.0
With the exception of SnapCity, this bundle offers deep gameplay that will require some thought.

Graphics: 7.0
A mixed back, but generally – depending on the title – they get the job done.

Sound: 7.0
Another mixed bag, but while only a supporting cast, they get the job done.

Difficulty: Medium

Concept: 8.2
A very nice idea putting all these titles in one box. Nothing new is really added, but the core idea is sound.

Overall: 8.0
A great value for anyone who has one or less of these titles and who would like to have a compilation that offers some diversity of gameplay.