To the SC4 community from an outsider,
First, the user created add-ons and mods are awesome. The NAM and it's included mods are something I would have died for when I used to play this game.
Now for what has brought me out of the cellar. Just now I read the announcement and several previews for SC:Societies. I was interested to see how the members of this site had taken the news of the announcement and once I saw this thread I had to register so I could vent to someone.
Literally yesterday a friend and I were discussing how Maxis needs to make another Sim City. If I would have known it would be a game with radically different concepts I would have said never mind to that notion.
The fact that Maxis is not the main developer speaks volumes here. This is a for-profit only game riding the coattails of the Sim City name. The true fan of the Sim City series (which this site is the epicenter) has gotten the shaft.
I want to build huge cities with intricate roadways and luxury homes nestled on a scenic mountain. Then I want to name these roadways and areas after myself and my dead pets and so fourth and so on. Not in SC:Societies!
When I was about 8 the original Sim City came out. I consider it a part of my education. Looks like this game is going to be marketed towards the douche nozzles who liked City Life.
If Maxis wanted to do a remake with another developer they should have picked Sim Tower.