Stevester101

The mag comments are generally pretty open - looking forward to what is potentially going to be a great game, though some of them do seem a bit over the top. The key word is 'potential' and thats what this game could have that the other similar games don't (to the same degree). It's going to have constant and active online development by the developers and it should evolve over time into the game that the player base want. With the right backing and support it will fill all the gaps and realistic wish lists if it gets the community support needed to keep it viable. Out of the starting blocks it darn impressive graphically and has most of the features we're looking for, including some we've not seen in the SC series. It's only going to build on this.

I played the demo and preordered the limited edition. Looking forward to playing it. Like any online game, there will be teething troubles and nerfs while the balance is discovered. The addition of online content over time will also keep it fresh. I like the idea of the online trading with other cities and it seems that the degree of interaction with other players can be set to suit your playing style. I'm more a casual online player and don't like to feel like I'm in any sort of guild constantly monopolising(!) my time. My one concern is that city building games generally have a very fine balance point where the economy is stable (without skyrocketing or going into freefall). I'm a bit worried that I spent a lot of time building a large city, getting the balance just right so its self sustaining then an update comes along and completely knocks it sideways. The monthly fee is peanuts so thats not a concern, but what I'm not sure of (and someone may be able to enlighten me) is whether any online content bought can be played offline, and whether we'll still have access to it should we cancel our subscriptions for a while?