-M-

The Democratic Kingdom of Royal Cytheria, a CJ by Pipishere Introduction After a long absence from the SC4 community Pipishere is back, and he's back with a bang! Pipisphere presents us with his second CJ, the Royal Kingdom of Democratic Cytheria, or just Royal Cytheria for short, is a Constitutional Monarchy approx. 500 mils off the eastern coast of the Irish Republic and with only 2 updates into the CJ it looks sure to be a sure-fire winner. The Concept and Progress As stated previously the CJ is only into its second update but it has already invoked postive responses from the ST community. Pipishere offers the reader a wealth of information on the nation in the first and second update, making the CJ more than just your regular eye-candy, but an experience in itself. The reader is presented with an overview of Royal Cytheria's capital, Leon-Owen, which displays the very best of custom content from the STEX and other SC4 related sites. Pipishere also successfully includes the custom content and the CJ is already gaining a very European feel with the use of, but not limited to, Porkie's plaza's. Pipisphere has also announced his intention to join the SCJU again, as was the case with Cordovia (his first CJ) and has been actively involved in the Union contributing to the vibrance that the Union possesses. Technical Aspects The CJ incorporates beautiful user-made images that is a true treat to the reader. Pipishere blesses the reader with custom maps, flags and even images of the Cytherian Crio (the currency of Royal Cytheria) and it provides a welcome break from only in-game screenshots. It is obvious that a lot of effort has gone into making Royal Cytheria a success, effort that is truly paying off and makes waiting for updates incredibly difficult. The CJ also has a very clean-cut and organised feel, with carefully edited and placed images serving as a testimony to the effort put into presenting a "feel-good" CJ. In-game screenshots used is depicts a bustling and yet almost ancient city at various stages including the use of day and night shots. A diversity of zoom levels are lacking though, but it doesn't take away from the beauty of the CJ. General Feel and Atmosphere As previously stated the CJ is steadily acquiring a typical European feel and careful attention paid to detail adds to the ambience of the CJ. The realism of the CJ is also one of its best attributes, and the wealth of statistics, images and information creates an inviting atmosphere leaving the reader almost unsatisfied and craving for more. Pipishere is also interactive and responds to comments in his CJ in a friendly and welcoming way, making the reader feel at home and welcome in the nation of Royal Cytheria. Conclusion Although the CJ has only recently been lifted off it has already gained momentum and is sure to be a winner in more ways than one. I am definitely looking forward to reading and viewing more of the Democratic Kingdom of Royal Cytheria. Where to get what: The Democratic Kingdom of Royal Cytheria - Link to CJ Review of the Democratic Kingdom of Royal Cytheria - Link to this review The Simcity Journal Union (SCJU) - Link to the SCJU

I will be posting my reviews within the next 24 hours. I am sorry for the lack of reviewing.

I know I have been contacted with CJ review requests, and I have been contacted by the "organisers" due to my lack of reviews. I have to apologise for that, and for the delay in reviews, but I unfortunately do not have the time to review anything at the moment. I will only be able to fully commit myself to this again come mid-December, until then I trust that you will either accept my "resignation" or accept my postponement. Thanks, M

I like the way this is turning out. It's looking really good. Great work on the banners you guys, and of course the ToC too. I'll be posting my next review soon, just a tad bit busy with exams and all that. But, rest assured, I have not forgotten about this. Thanks for the opportunity, and for your great work thus far!

Yes, I am sorry. I am KRAM4346. That username is now obsolete. I registered with it 2 or so years ago, and I don't like the username anymore. It had a specific meaning, it is sort of an acronymn, the letters standing for Greek words. But I prefer and am going to use this username in future. Thanks, -M-

A CJ by Dahawk Introduction Second-time CJer Dahawk this time rounds focuses on an entire nation, the United States of Danka (USD), located on a fictional subcontinent / island off the coast of West Africa. The reader is introduced to the nation by means of colourful maps outlining the country, and also an extensive history of the nation akin to that of the United States of America. The history proves exciting, and innovative, and sketches the background of the nation under the spotlight. The Concept and Progress The first page gives a broad, yet detailed overview of the capital of the USD, Lion's Rock, a capital that is aesthetically pleasing and which fits almost perfectly into the African context. Grandeur and compulsive spending on the creation of national monuments to celebrate dots the capital and region, something that is typical of African nations after independence from the colonies. Yet, the nation also retains a very westernised feel, as it was, according to Dahawk, extensively influenced by the USA, which is clearly reflected in many of the aspects of the city, including the layout and over-all architecture. On page two we find an innovative creation, Mirici, modeled after the South African concept of Soweto. Mirici, just south of the capital of Lion's Rock reminds one even more of South Africa within the African setting, because of its extensive industrial development, akin to that of Isando in Johannesburg. The city has a typical suburbian feel, added to hi-tech industrial development and is not as uncommon as one would expect from an African nation. Furthermore yet another extensive historical briefing is provided on page two, along with an introduction to the Lion's Rock suburb of Cade Bluff. Cade Bluff is a pleasing area, with impressive cliffs (and great terraforming skills put to the test), yet at the same time it retains the ambience of Africa created by its proximity to the continent. Cade Bluff is a wonderful city / suburb, and features many buildings that would make those "high-rise happy SimCitiers" ecstatic. Technical Aspects At first the poorly edited images and text is a bit disappointing, but it improves on page two which does more justice to the concept of the USD and makes it more pleasant to read and monitor the CJ. CJer Dahawk is experimenting with editing and the appearance of his images, something that is refreshing and has proven to be quite an improvement and successful. The photos depict a variety of in-game aspects and features, and successfully employs various zoom levels - although most of the photos are aerial views. Dahawk also uses a lot of user created content from the STEX, which further enhances the CJ and adds to the variety. Conclusion and general feel The CJ, only in its beginning 'years', will be interesting and worthwhile to monitor as I, personally, believe that a lot can be done with the concept. I for one, as a South African, would like to see what this CJ and CJer can achieve in the African context, and will be monitoring it for that exact reason. But, whether you're from Africa or Asia, the history and progress of the United States of Danka is an interesting concept and provides a good read, and is easy and pleasing on the eyes. Link to the United States of Danka Link to this review

Very beautiful... now, the big question... does it work?!