Simcity buildit review

EA Corporation has finally released a product for portable devices. The game is called SimCity BuildIt and is a mobile adaptation of SimCity, introduced on PC back in 2013.

About bug fixes

Even when SimCity BuildIt was announced, it was clear to players that the contents of their wallets could go into the developer’s piggy bank. But thanks to the game being passed through the filter of the strictest mobile beta testers on the New Zealand App Store, the project did make it to the masses. Then, for the exorbitant greedy donation system, all the indignation of the users poured in on the EA corporation.

Especially as it was promised not to repeat old mistakes. The fans of the series could not forgive the publisher such a deception, and forced a complete revision of the mechanics in the latest test. The corporation met them halfway, but also threatened that if SimCity BuildIt doesn’t get the popularity it deserves in the form consumers are asking for, it will quickly become a regular “farm”.

About SimCity optimization

The portable version for iOS and Android saw the light of day not so long ago. In the final form of the game there are those who did not take part in the “scuffle” between consumers and EA. After all, if after such troubles, the constant imposition of purchases will continue, fans will simply give up on the game.

The fact that there are small transactions in the game, but they are optional, is a victory. The result is an excellent city-building simulation game with good mechanics and attractive graphics.

The scandal led to the corporation softening the intrusive donation system and a detailed optimisation of the project. It is worth noting that SimCity BuildIt works perfectly on all mobile devices, regardless of their specifications. The only drawback is that only owners of top devices can enjoy maximum graphics. Admittedly, on medium settings everything looks quite familiar.

Resource-based economy

It is safe to say that the mobile version of the game is significantly inferior to the desktop version. In the portable version, the developers offer a completely different approach to zone development – by ordering building materials from the industry.

Buildings require materials and tools to construct them. Variations are always used, but the architect can be asked to modify the blueprints if necessary. Raw materials are mined in factories and tools are produced in special factories. The game evolves from the usual small factory to the use of super-modern technology in production. It is worth noting that it takes time to produce each item.

The system is sketchy and as simple as possible – the player gradually needs to turn a small town into a metropolis. As you progress, new lands will be required, but you can’t just get them – you must petition and demonstrate your worth with a high ranking and sufficient population.

The game greatly expands Maxis’ popular range of urban simulation games. It’s a far cry from the casual ‘farm’ and time management games that abound in mobile marketplaces. It’s safe to say that SimCity BuildIt has received a fair amount of praise.

A little about the advantages and disadvantages of SimCity

Advantages

• High quality graphics;
• Extensive range of buildings;
• Conformity of the city’s size to the desktop version;
• No obtrusive donations;
• Plenty of varied details (disasters, transportation, road improvements, and more).

Weaknesses

• Lack of statistics for the city;
• Quite a slow development;
• Strong influence of the rating.