Apokalupsis

Yes, truly...because any game developer/publisher that makes $4+ billion annually clearly has no idea what it's doing...and is definitely not "worth its weight"....

After playing the beta, and being a long-time (but not hardcore) fan of the SimCity franchise, I find myself agreeing with you on all points with exception of your conclusion (the part in bold). The devs have explicitly stated that the hardcore, long-term fans of the game are only a part of their demographic. They are wanting to open up the game to a new generation, those who would have otherwise felt that SC4 (and similar titles) were too complex and too confusing to get into due to their "spreadsheet" data displays and depth. EA is not targeting the hardcore SC4 fan who enjoys customizing their game with mods, terraforming, endless options and customizations. While they have acknowledged this will be a part of their demographic, they have explicitly stated in numerous videos/interviews that they are wanting to open up the franchise to those who haven't played the game...it's for a new generation. In other words, they are not relying on the more homogeneous groups of fans out there, but those who desire an easier and faster way to understand a game as well as those who place an increased value in the social aspect of gaming (not unlike many Facebook games). This group is far larger than the smaller groups of long-time fans who enjoy the complexity and ability to customize their SC4 experience. It is this larger group that EA is depending on to make SC2013 a success. And I suppose from a business perspective, it makes sense: appeal to the larger market. Gaming interests have changed over the past decade (as they always do). EA's primary business model isn't about making smaller games that appeal to a smaller demographic, but rather games that can appeal to the largest audience possible. So while the game may not enjoy critical review (as its predecessors have), it will enjoy, I believe, unparalleled success in terms of revenue (for the genre) due to the broader market it is targeting (the casual, social gamer). Other than this one issue, I agree mostly with your review (there are more transit options than you state and you can influence density by the type of street you lay down). To me, the game is more of a disappointment, primarily because of the city being so small and the apparent lack of customization. I enjoyed the other parts though (and tbh, didn't mind so much the simpler layout/info graphics...but perhaps that is because I find myself becoming more and more of a casual gamer as the years pass).