SimCity: Gameplay

[alex macnamara 139]

Apparently there will be a playable demo of the game at Gamescom next week. Should be interesting to see what it's like, as well as the reactions of those who have a chance to try it.

reaction goes like this........did I just play Societies again?

[MINIggy03 227]

Apparently there will be a playable demo of the game at Gamescom next week. Should be interesting to see what it's like, as well as the reactions of those who have a chance to try it.

reaction goes like this........did I just play Societies again?

No, because the game has nothing in common with societies, and is not made by the people who made societies.

You can discuss societies here,

http://tiltedmill.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=35

[cirugo 1,889]

Apparently there will be a playable demo of the game at Gamescom next week. Should be interesting to see what it's like, as well as the reactions of those who have a chance to try it.

reaction goes like this........did I just play Societies again?

No, because the game has nothing in common with societies, and is not made by the people who made societies.

You can discuss societies here,

http://tiltedmill.co...isplay.php?f=35

Since this thread is about gameplay I would think that comparisons to other versions of SimCity are perfectly acceptable.

[Maxis_MD 79]

Apparently there will be a playable demo of the game at Gamescom next week. Should be interesting to see what it's like, as well as the reactions of those who have a chance to try it.

reaction goes like this........did I just play Societies again?

No, because the game has nothing in common with societies, and is not made by the people who made societies.

You can discuss societies here,

http://tiltedmill.co...isplay.php?f=35

You are correct -- the game we're making is absolutely nothing like Societies. Instead, it plays like every other SimCity game, dating back to the 1989 original (you build roads, zone, provide power/water/etc.). It's just now in 3D and the GlassBox engine simulates practically everything -- it's crazy to watch.

[cirugo 1,889]

Apparently there will be a playable demo of the game at Gamescom next week. Should be interesting to see what it's like, as well as the reactions of those who have a chance to try it.

reaction goes like this........did I just play Societies again?

No, because the game has nothing in common with societies, and is not made by the people who made societies.

You can discuss societies here,

http://tiltedmill.co...isplay.php?f=35

You are correct -- the game we're making is absolutely nothing like Societies. Instead, it plays like every other SimCity game, dating back to the 1989 original (you build roads, zone, provide power/water/etc.). It's just now in 3D and the GlassBox engine simulates practically everything -- it's crazy to watch.

not quite...we can't terraform, we can't make sprawling regional megapolises, we can't set our own regional transportation links, we can't destroy our cities with disasters then rever to previous saves, we can't determine where the zoning occurs unless it's a specific road type...have I missed anything?

[Jim14409 448]

not quite...we can't terraform, we can't make sprawling regional megapolises, we can't set our own regional transportation links, we can't destroy our cities with disasters then rever to previous saves, we can't determine where the zoning occurs unless it's a specific road type...have I missed anything?

Well said. Don't leave out the fact that we cannot play OFFLINE.

[cirugo 1,889]

not quite...we can't terraform, we can't make sprawling regional megapolises, we can't set our own regional transportation links, we can't destroy our cities with disasters then rever to previous saves, we can't determine where the zoning occurs unless it's a specific road type...have I missed anything?

Well said. Don't leave out the fact that we cannot play OFFLINE.

We can't talk about that in this thread...

[Jim14409 448]

not quite...we can't terraform, we can't make sprawling regional megapolises, we can't set our own regional transportation links, we can't destroy our cities with disasters then rever to previous saves, we can't determine where the zoning occurs unless it's a specific road type...have I missed anything?

Well said. Don't leave out the fact that we cannot play OFFLINE.

We can't talk about that in this thread...

I don't see why not. Being connected certainly affects gameplay. I sometimes don't understand peoples methods or reasoning on compartmentalizing topics. It inhibits full and meaningful discussion.

Anyway, I don't make the rules so...

[Indiana Joe 1,750]

In order to buy this game, I need to see it as a superior to SimCity 4. If the sequel isn't as good as the game it's based off of, why would I buy it?

If I can do everything in SC4 plus more than I can do in SC2013, it's not worth it. Curvy roads and full 3D is not worth 60 bucks.

  Edited August 14, 2012 by CaptCity  

[kwetzel345 101]

I also not a sucker for this game. It may say simcity, but it's defiantly not worth my money! That is money that really belongs to going to a true simcity, which I don't believe this is!

[Urban Cartographer 601]

The new SimCity is just a gimped version of SC4 with pretty graphics, curvy roads, 3D, and "social features".

Sorry, EA. I will spend my money on a true successor to SC4.

[CaptCity 4,752]

...I sometimes don't understand peoples methods or reasoning on compartmentalizing topics. It inhibits full and meaningful discussion.

Anyway, I don't make the rules so...

If some type of control over these (and other) active threads didn't exist, they would all become mere repetitions of the same comments by the same posters - as has been shown all ready. Discussing related matters in different threads is fine as long as the main topic is maintained.

[Harden 68]

Based off of what I've seen, I don't know if I would even like SC5. I understand it's still in the making, but I'm not a fan of the silly cartoon-ish looking graphics they use in games like the sims. I'd have to see someone play it on youtube to see if I would buy it or not. I'm already thinking of just sticking to games like Madden, 2k, and COD.

[Rokugatsu 126]

Still no gameplay videos of SC13? I thought people will be able to play at gamescom, so we will see something...

[aparrot7 82]

Still no gameplay videos of SC13? I thought people will be able to play at gamescom, so we will see something...

I've been wondering this too.

[fatbuster 44]

Still no gameplay videos of SC13? I thought people will be able to play at gamescom, so we will see something...

It's possible they might be doing a closed off "no photos allowed" type of access. Hopefully someone can sneak in a quick photo or video without getting caught!

Anyways, after searching around a bit I did find this: http://www.gamestar.de/spiele/simcity/artikel/simcity,47958,3004020.html

It's in German but you'll get some uninterrupted game video. I believe some of this was shown during the interview this morning too.

[Keigen Shu 17]

I don't understand why they had to put so much detail in simulating every Sim in the game, like making Sims run out of houses during an arson caused by a bad sim. It's just a blatant waste of computing resources. It's as if they're not happy with the exact same features they put on SC4 (like gun-fire sounds and CSI props) and decided to make it obnoxiously cinematic in front of everyone.

It's overkill.

[Selphy 69]

I don't understand why they had to put so much detail in simulating every Sim in the game, like making Sims run out of houses during an arson caused by a bad sim. It's just a blatant waste of computing resources. It's as if they're not happy with the exact same features they put on SC4 (like gun-fire sounds and CSI props) and decided to make it obnoxiously cinematic in front of everyone.

It's overkill.

I beg to differ. I can see how you might think that way and you are more than welcomed to feel that way but I think the fact that they can simulate every Sim at every instance and exactly what they do is amazing. The evolution from what SC4 did to what SC does is astonishing.

It's as much of an evolution as the graphics jumps. From text-based adventures to single dot pixels to 2D sprites to 3D models, developers are always trying to push the boundaries and make things more visual. Make every detail matter from the swaying of grass to clouds in the sky.

I feel that they're trying to humanize the city. In SC4, I created cities but I never cared about the people in the city. If there was a fire, I put it out. If they wanted more houses, I zoned more residential.

But since each Sim is accounted for, I think they're trying to make you keep in mind that each Sim matters and as a mayor you should care about your population. Not to the level of choosing furniture and finding a job but a few steps above that.

And yeah, TBH, if I was a developer, I'd always try to find makes to improve my work. This is in regards to your comment about them not being happy about what they did in SC4.

[cirugo 1,889]

I don't understand why they had to put so much detail in simulating every Sim in the game, like making Sims run out of houses during an arson caused by a bad sim. It's just a blatant waste of computing resources. It's as if they're not happy with the exact same features they put on SC4 (like gun-fire sounds and CSI props) and decided to make it obnoxiously cinematic in front of everyone.

It's overkill.

Completely agreed. They've completely lost the focus of why people play city builders. We want to build cities. SimCity is a macro-level game. People who want to know about each little person can play the Sims.

[Rokugatsu 126]

So we won't see any gameplay videos from people? How disappointing...

I saw just one preview on one of the polish sites, and the guy said he liked the game, but that's all.

[Jim14409 448]

I don't understand why they had to put so much detail in simulating every Sim in the game, like making Sims run out of houses during an arson caused by a bad sim. It's just a blatant waste of computing resources. It's as if they're not happy with the exact same features they put on SC4 (like gun-fire sounds and CSI props) and decided to make it obnoxiously cinematic in front of everyone.

It's overkill.

Completely agreed. They've completely lost the focus of why people play city builders. We want to build cities. SimCity is a macro-level game. People who want to know about each little person can play the Sims.

Exactly!

[pyanodon 218]

They put so many focus over every sim in the city that will take some precious resources from the machine. They could use that to handle big cities instead towns

[kellyboywonder79 15]

Hands-on game review: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/08/15/simcity-hands-on-exclusive_n_1778324.html

[Keigen Shu 17]

I don't understand why they had to put so much detail in simulating every Sim in the game, like making Sims run out of houses during an arson caused by a bad sim. It's just a blatant waste of computing resources. It's as if they're not happy with the exact same features they put on SC4 (like gun-fire sounds and CSI props) and decided to make it obnoxiously cinematic in front of everyone.

It's overkill.

I beg to differ. I can see how you might think that way and you are more than welcomed to feel that way but I think the fact that they can simulate every Sim at every instance and exactly what they do is amazing. The evolution from what SC4 did to what SC does is astonishing.

It's as much of an evolution as the graphics jumps. From text-based adventures to single dot pixels to 2D sprites to 3D models, developers are always trying to push the boundaries and make things more visual. Make every detail matter from the swaying of grass to clouds in the sky.

I feel that they're trying to humanize the city. In SC4, I created cities but I never cared about the people in the city. If there was a fire, I put it out. If they wanted more houses, I zoned more residential.

But since each Sim is accounted for, I think they're trying to make you keep in mind that each Sim matters and as a mayor you should care about your population. Not to the level of choosing furniture and finding a job but a few steps above that.

You did raise a good point, but to a gamer's perspective, this kind of stuff (overly detailed mundane disasters like fires) gets boring in the long run. It's just like how we sort of cared when the Safety Advisor panics when we began SC4, but further on it becomes annoying to have to call a fire truck, just to stop a smoldeing shack in the poorer area of your city from slowing down the simulation.

Now, imagine that with a lot more visible details.

In the end, everyone that has been around would focus on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTJQTc-TqpU. Maybe they want to spice that up a little with some drama, but why not leave that to the player's imagination, instead of using a specific set of instructions?

  Edited August 17, 2012 by Keigen Shu  

[Rokugatsu 126]

A tiny little bit of gameplay

[~Dee~ 215]

What do you mean ... a tiny little bit of game play?

It's a trailer, I don't see any game play and the video has been posted before in another thread.

[Xenocity 343]

I don't understand why they had to put so much detail in simulating every Sim in the game, like making Sims run out of houses during an arson caused by a bad sim. It's just a blatant waste of computing resources. It's as if they're not happy with the exact same features they put on SC4 (like gun-fire sounds and CSI props) and decided to make it obnoxiously cinematic in front of everyone.

It's overkill.

I beg to differ. I can see how you might think that way and you are more than welcomed to feel that way but I think the fact that they can simulate every Sim at every instance and exactly what they do is amazing. The evolution from what SC4 did to what SC does is astonishing.

It's as much of an evolution as the graphics jumps. From text-based adventures to single dot pixels to 2D sprites to 3D models, developers are always trying to push the boundaries and make things more visual. Make every detail matter from the swaying of grass to clouds in the sky.

I feel that they're trying to humanize the city. In SC4, I created cities but I never cared about the people in the city. If there was a fire, I put it out. If they wanted more houses, I zoned more residential.

But since each Sim is accounted for, I think they're trying to make you keep in mind that each Sim matters and as a mayor you should care about your population. Not to the level of choosing furniture and finding a job but a few steps above that.

And yeah, TBH, if I was a developer, I'd always try to find makes to improve my work. This is in regards to your comment about them not being happy about what they did in SC4.

Exactly.

The problem I had with SC4 was how lifeless and bland my cities were after hours of play.

Even the Super Nintendo version of the original showed cars on the road when it had any substantial traffic.

Even from the air, you can still see life in most cities in real life.

I cannot wait to see cities full of life in the new Simcity.

[Jim14409 448]

The problem I had with SC4 was how lifeless and bland my cities were after hours of play.

Even the Super Nintendo version of the original showed cars on the road when it had any substantial traffic.

Even from the air, you can still see life in most cities in real life.

I cannot wait to see cities full of life in the new Simcity.

Lifeless and bland? Perhaps you had your settings on low. My cities had and have folks walking, driving, playing ball in the parks, planes flying over, boats, ships, trains zipping around. Stadiums full of yelling fans and probably things I can't think of at the moment.

If your settings were not on low then I'd be interested to hear your definition of lifeless and bland.

EDIT: Good thing I have Capt to look out for me or I'd get into all kinds of trouble huh? I agree, it was unnecessary content.

  Edited August 19, 2012 by Jim14409  
Removed unnecessary content.

[Xenocity 343]

The problem I had with SC4 was how lifeless and bland my cities were after hours of play.

Even the Super Nintendo version of the original showed cars on the road when it had any substantial traffic.

Even from the air, you can still see life in most cities in real life.

I cannot wait to see cities full of life in the new Simcity.

Lifeless and bland? Perhaps you had your settings on low. My cities had and have folks walking, driving, playing ball in the parks, planes flying over, boats, ships, trains zipping around. Stadiums full of yelling fans and probably things I can't think of at the moment.

If your settings were not on low then I'd be interested to hear your definition of lifeless and bland.

I play on a regular basis, though I prefer to be zoomed out.

I run it on highest setting.

I stand by what I said.

Even when I play fully zoomed in, it still seems lifeless.

It should have life comparable to a real city at the comparable size.

[gweed123 33]

See, to me the whole 'zooming in and seeing the life of your city' thing is just a sideshow for when I want to look. Most of the time, I have my city zoomed out so that I can see a fair amount of the city, to a point where I wouldn't see Sims walking around or anything anyway.

To me, what matters is a realistic simulation in terms of how it functions. That Sims would take realistic transportation options and routes to get to where they want to go, or more specifically mirroring how someone would actually do it in real life. Realistic pathfinding, development patterns, and capacities are more important to me than seeing a few Sims walking around.

I find it dramatically distorts the city-building experience when you have to design your cities based on the development and pathfinding limitations of the game, instead of how it would actually be built in real life. Most people in real life wouldn't abandon their housing because they live more than a couple blocks from their workplace, but that's what SimCIty 4 does. Those type of limitations severely distort the realism of the game.

To me, getting those types of things right and realistic are more important than a few visual representations of Sims walking around, but that's just my opinion.

  Edited August 19, 2012 by gweed123