Also a New Zealander and got a key a couple of hours ago. Here is a summary I posted on another forum:
The download didn't end up being 12gb. It finished in ~45 min for me with a 18mbit connection. Just finished the tutorial.
Impressions so far:
- Graphics are a good combination of "not amazing so it bogs everything down" and "pretty good looking" so the game runs OK maxed in a small city on my 6850
- Complexity is definitely higher in comparison Simcity 4 - I really like the modular buildings, resource producing, much more indepth communication with neighbouring cities etc - there is just more options and things to do overall - more micromanaging - e.g. You want to know what the wind direction is before placing your dirty industry.
- I haven't had a crash or bug in 40 min so seems to be reasonably stable for a beta
- Music is back and awesome as ever
- Gubagubawaggawopa Sims speak is back
Concerns:
- Only 1 - Maps seem considerably smaller than in previous simcities - looks like big cities may be a thing of the past - unless there is no large maps in the beta or something.
Cool stuff:
- Seeing the power get turned on - love the switch flicking sounds as it travels
- The cop v robber shootout was cool and unexpected in the tutorial
Unfortunely I have to go for several hours so will play a proper game later tonight
Overall, I am reasonably impressed
