SimCity Deluxe Review

SimCity Deluxe iPhone_3

SimCity Deluxe iPhone_3

SimCity Deluxe [rating: 4/5]

When EA launches a new game users usually have very high expectations. iPhone, iPod touch and now iPad have proved to be the best portable gaming devices with touch controls and if you browse the top paid category you’ll notice that EA has been successful in dominating the simulation genre even on the mobile gaming platform.

SimCity Deluxe for iPhone aims to offer new features and a refined gameplay when compared with the original SimCity which has disappeared from the App Store. If you’re reading this review it is safe to assume that you probably know what is the objective of this game but for those who are new I’ll give an overview.

In SimCity your objective is to build a city and manage it. You start with a plain terrain or a starter city which can be modified and then as a Mayor of the city you control almost every aspect about it. The game gives you full control over city planning, health & education, transportation, environment, utilities, public safety and finances. To help you run the city you will also have access to 7 advisors who will guide you to take the right decisions. SimCity is best suited for people who enjoy management and strategy based games.

Now, back to the review. One of the first things you’ll notice about SimCity Deluxe, are fast loading times and a very smooth gameplay experience. When you switch from one game screen to the other you won’t have to wait for long loading screens which enables you to concentrate and return to the main gameplay area quickly and it also feels more ‘connected’. The controls are placed perfectly allowing you to access any tool or option with ease and do not in any way obstruct the gameplay. Another major improvement you’ll notice is that when you pinch to zoom the game elements are not lost and only the animation is paused making it appear as static image which is a great move when compared to the poor implementation in the previous version.

SimCity Deluxe iPhone_5

The graphics have been certainly improved and offer extra detail. When you zoom right upto the last level the artwork still looks good. The game has wide range of residential, commercial and industrial buildings which keeps the game fresh.

Sound effects are simple and effective. When you build a power plant or construct roads you’ll hear the construction or industrial sound effects however, after that when you zoom to view a particular zone again you will not hear it again. It would have been nice if the developers would have integrated the sound effects in a better way which would have added more depth to the overall game experience.

SimCity Deluxe for iPhone brings back the disasters so when you feel a little bored and want to be a wicked Mayor you can call Aliens to destroy the city or shatter everything with an earthquake or even strike the sims with lightning. The game also features four seasons to add an element of reality.

You can either start building your city from a scratch controlling every aspect or start with any of the starter cities to help you get started. Every city can be played in either easy, medium or hard levels. In the ‘scenario’ mode you are given the control of a city where you have to achieve the given goal. I played the ‘Fiery Rain (hard)’ scenario in which a Meteor Shower has struck the city and you need to minimize the damages and survive through a certain number of years. The new scenario mode adds an interesting twist to the game and proves to be a great test for all those who feel that they are the most competent Mayor.

SimCity Deluxe for iPhone is a must have for anyone who enjoys the simulation genre. The game has a very good replay value and if you’re new to SimCity then you won’t have any trouble learning the game as it features a very detailed help section too.

Price: $6.99 (App Store)
Category: Games
Released:Jul 29, 2010
Reviewed Version:1.0.0
1.0.0 (iOS 4.0 Tested)
Size: 70.6 MB
Language:English
Seller:Electronic Arts
© 2010 Electronic Arts Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Requirements:Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later.

5 Comments on “SimCity Deluxe Review”

  1. James

    y r ea making this a app, I dnt care about iPhone or ipad when will ea realise we want simcity for Pc/MAC!

  2. iTouch_Reviews

    I was undecided as to get this or not, after reading your review though I think I'll go ahead and get it, sounds great!

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