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List of WonderSwan games

2025-09-24T21:22:40Z

2600:1700:E5D0:A9A0:11A:F245:BB58:5B28:

{{Short description|None}}
{{about|monochrome WonderSwan games|color games|List of WonderSwan Color games}}
{{Unsourced|date=September 2025}}
[[File:WonderSwan-Black-Left.jpg|thumb|right|The original monochrome WonderSwan]]
This is a list of games for the [[Bandai]] [[WonderSwan]] handheld video game system, organized alphabetically by name, with the catalog number where known. The system and its games were not released outside Japan. There are '''{{table row counter|tableno=1|ignore=1}}'''{{efn|This number is always up to date by this [[Template:Table row counter|script]].}} games released on the original Wonderswan and they are compatible on every version of Wonderswan.

{{Compact ToC|center=no|num=yes|seealso=yes|refs=yes|nobreak=yes}}

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! style="width:30%;"| Title
! style="width:13%;"| Developer
! style="width:13%;"| Publisher
! style="width:21%;"| Release dates
|-
|''Anchorz Field''
|[[Sammy Corporation]]
|[[Sammy Corporation]]
|{{dts|1999|6|24}}
|-
|''Armored Unit''
|[[Sammy Corporation]]
|[[Sammy Corporation]]
|{{dts|1999|11|18}}
|-
|''Bakusou Dekotora Densetsu for WonderSwan''
|[[KID]]
|Kaga Tech
|{{dts|1999|12|29}}
|-
|''[[Beatmania|Beatmania for WonderSwan]]''
|[[Konami]]
|[[Konami]]
|{{dts|1999|4|28}}
|-
|''[[Buffers Evolution]]''
|Koto Laboratory
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|12|9}}
|-
|''Cardcaptor Sakura: Sakura to Fushigi na Clow Card''
|[[SIMS Co., Ltd.]]
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|12|2}}
|-
|''Chaos Gear ~Michibika reshi mono~''
|
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|6|10}}
|-
|''[[Chocobo's Mysterious Dungeon|Chocobo no Fushigi na Dungeon for WonderSwan]]''
|[[TOSE]]
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|3|4}}
|-
|''Chō Aniki: Otoko No Tamafuda''
|CP.BRAiN
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|2000|2|10}}
|-
|''Chou Denki Card Battle "Yōfu Makai" Kikuchi Hideyuki''
|[[Kobunsha]]
|[[Kobunsha]]
|{{dts|1999|12|16}}
|-
|''[[Clock Tower (1995 video game)|Clock Tower for WonderSwan]]''
|
|Kaga Tech
|{{dts|1999|12|9}}
|-
|''[[Crazy Climber]]''
|[[Nihon Bussan]]
|[[Nihon Bussan]]
|{{dts|1999|7|29}}
|-
|''[[Densha de Go!]]''
|[[Taito]]
|[[Taito]]
|{{dts|1999|3|4}}
|-
|''[[Densha de Go! 2]]''
|[[Taito]]
|Cyber Front
|{{dts|1999|10|7}}
|-
|''[[Digimon Adventure: Anode/Cathode Tamer|Digimon Adventure: Anode Tamer]]''
|[[SIMS Co., Ltd.]]
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|3|4}}
|-
|''[[Digimon Adventure: Anode/Cathode Tamer|Digimon Adventure: Cathode Tamer]]''
|
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|2000|1|20}}
|-
|''[[Digimon Adventure 02|Digimon Adventure 02: Tag Tamers]]''
|[[SIMS Co., Ltd.]]
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|2000|8|3}}
|-
|''[[Digital Monster#WonderSwan|Digital Monster Ver.WonderSwan]]''
|[[SIMS Co., Ltd.]]
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|3|25}}
|-
|''[[Digimon|Digital Partner]]''
|
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|2000|5|25}}
|-
|''Dokodemo Hamster''
|Beck
|Beck
|{{dts|2000|1|6}}
|-
|''D's Garage21 Kōbo Game: Tane o maku tori''
|Avit, Inc.
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|12|22}}
|-
|''Engacho! for WonderSwan''
|Nihon Application
|Nihon Application
|{{dts|1999|10|28}}
|-
|''Fever Sankyo Koushiki Pachinko Simulation for WonderSwan''
|Beck
|Beck
|{{dts|1999|3|4}}
|-
|''[[Final Lap|Final Lap 2000]]''
|Soft Machine
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|2000|3|23}}
|-
|''[[Fire Pro Wrestling|Fire Pro Wrestling for WonderSwan]]''
|S-Plan Corporation
|Kaga Tech
|{{dts|2000|8|31}}
|-
|''Fishing Freaks: Bass Rise for Wonder Swan''
|
|Beck
|{{dts|2000|2|24}}
|-
|''[[One Piece|From the TV Animation:One Piece ~Mezase Kaizokuou!~]]''
|Soft Machine
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|2000|7|19}}
|-
|''[[Ganso JaJaMaru-kun]]''
|[[Jaleco]]
|[[Jaleco]]
|{{dts|1999|4|15}}
|-
|''Glocal Hexcite''
|Success
|Success
|{{dts|2000|6|29}}
|-
|''Gomokunarabe & Reversi Tōryūmon''
|[[Sammy Corporation]]
|[[Sammy Corporation]]
|{{dts|2000|1|13}}
|-
|''Gorakuou Tango!''
|
|Mobius
|{{dts|1999|4|1}}
|-
|''[[Gunpey]]''
|Koto Laboratory
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|3|4}}
|-
|''Hanafuda Shiyouyo''
|
|Success
|{{dts|2000|2|17}}
|-
|''Harobots''
|
|[[Sunrise Interactive]]
|{{dts|1999|10|7}}
|-
|''[[Hunter × Hunter|Hunter × Hunter: Ishi o Tsugu Mono]]''
|Yoshidayama-Workshop Co., Ltd
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|2000|6|1}}
|-
|''Kakutō Ryōri Densetsu: Bistro Recipe -Wonder Battle Hen-''
|[[Banpresto]]
|[[Banpresto]]
|{{dts|1999|9|30}}
|-
|''[[Kaze no Klonoa: Moonlight Museum]]''
|[[Namco]]
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|5|20}}
|-
|''Keiba Yosō Shien Soft: Yosō Shinkaron''
|Beck
|Beck
|{{dts|1999|9|14}}
|-
|''Kiss Yori... -Seaside Serenade-''
|[[KID]]
|[[KID]]
|{{dts|1999|12|2}}
|-
|''Kosodate Quiz Dokodemo My Angel''
|
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|4|15}}
|-
|''Kyousouba Ikusei Simulation: Keiba''
|Beck
|Beck
|{{dts|1999|11|18}}
|-
|''[[Langrisser|Langrisser Millennium WS: The Last Century]]''
|CP.BRAiN
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|2000|3|1}}
|-
|''Last Stand''
|Soft Machine
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|5|27}}
|-
|''[[Lode Runner|Lode Runner for WonderSwan]]''
|Aisystem Tokyo
|[[Banpresto]]
|{{dts|2000|4|20}}
|-
|''[[Macross|Macross: True Love Song]]''
|Lay-Up
|Lay-Up
|{{dts|2000|3|23}}
|-
|''[[Magical Drop|Magical Drop for WonderSwan]]''
|Gai Brain Y K
|[[Data East]]
|{{dts|1999|10|14}}
|-
|''Mahjong Tōryūmon''
|
|[[Sammy Corporation]]
|{{dts|1999|3|11}}
|-
|''[[Makaimura for WonderSwan]]''
|Team OX (Marubatsu-gumi, Ltd)
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|7|22}}
|-
|[[Medarot|''Medarot Perfect Edition'' (Kabuto Version)]]
|
|[[Imagineer (Japanese company)|Imagineer]]
|{{dts|1999|5|4}}
|-
|[[Medarot|''Medarot Perfect Edition'' (Kuwagata Version)]]
|
|[[Imagineer (Japanese company)|Imagineer]]
|{{dts|1999|5|4}}
|-
|''[[Detective Conan|Meitantei Conan: Majutsushi No Chousenjou]]''
|Tomcat System
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|8|5}}
|-
|''[[Detective Conan|Meitantei Conan: Nishi No Meitantei Saidai No Kiki!?]]''
|Tomcat System
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|2000|7|27}}
|-
|''Metakomi Therapy: Nee Kiite!''
|Media Entertainment
|Media Entertainment
|{{dts|2000|3|1}}
|-
|''Mingle Magnet''
|HAL Corporation
|HAL Corporation
|{{dts|1999|11|2}}
|-
|''Mobile Suit Gundam MSVS''
|
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|8|26}}
|-
|''Moero!! Pro Yakyuu Rookies''
|TOSE
|Jaleco
|{{dts|2000|3|30}}
|-
|''Morita Shogi for WonderSwan''
|Yuki Enterprise
|Yuki Enterprise
|{{dts|1999|12|22}}
|-
|''Nazo-Oh Pocket''
|Avit, Inc.
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|11|18}}
|-
|''[[List of Neon Genesis Evangelion video games|Neon Genesis Evangelion: Shito Ikusei]]''
|[[Gainax]]
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|7|22}}
|-
|''Nice On''
|Aisystem Tokyo
|[[Sammy Corporation]]
|{{dts|1999|4|8}}
|-
|''Nihon Pro Mahjong Renmei Kōnin Tetsuman''
|Chat Noir / Naxart
|Kaga Tech
|{{dts|1999|7|15}}
|-
|''[[Nobunaga's Ambition|Nobunaga no Yabō for WonderSwan]]''
|[[Koei]]
|[[Koei]]
|{{dts|1999|3|11}}
|-
|''[[O-Chan no Oekaki Logic]]''
|Santaclaus
|[[Sunsoft]]
|{{dts|2000|1|6}}
|-
|''[[Super Gem Fighter Mini Mix|Pocket Fighter]]''
|Soft Machine
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|2000|4|6}}
|-
|''Pro Mahjong Kyoku for WonderSwan''
|[[Athena (game developer)|Athena]]
|[[Athena (game developer)|Athena]]
|{{dts|1999|10|7}}
|-
|''[[Puyo Puyo 2]]''
|[[Compile (publisher)|Compile]]
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|3|11}}
|-
|''[[Puzzle Bobble]]''
|Yoshidayama-Workshop Co., Ltd
|[[Sunsoft]]
|{{dts|1999|7|1}}
|-
|''[[Rainbow Islands: Putty's Party]]''
|Digitalware
|Megahouse
|{{dts|2000|6|29}}
|-
|''[[Ring: Infinity]]''
|[[Kadokawa Shoten]]
|[[Kadokawa Shoten]]
|{{dts|2000|8|10}}
|-
|''[[Wonderborg|Robot Works]]''
|
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|8|4}}
|-
|''[[Rockman & Forte Mirai kara no Chōsensha]]''
|Layup Co., Ltd.
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|3|4}}
|-
|''[[Sangokushi|Sangokushi for WonderSwan]]''
|
|[[Koei]]
|{{dts|1999|4|1}}
|-
|''[[Sangokushi II]]''
|Koei
|Koei
|{{dts|2000|4|6}}
|-
|''[[SD Gundam|SD Gundam: Emotional Jam]]''
|
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|5|27}}
|-
|''[[SD Gundam|SD Gundam: Gashapon Senki -Episode One-]]''
|Graphic Research Co., Ltd
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|12|29}}
|-
|''[[SD Gundam|SD Gundam: G Generation Gather Beat]]''
|[[Banpresto]]
|[[Banpresto]]
|{{dts|2000|7|13}}
|-
|''Senkaiden: TV Animation Senkaiden Houshin Engi Yori''
|Graphic Research Co., Ltd
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|2000|2|24}}
|-
|''Sen-Know Millennium''
|Kouyousha Ltd
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|2000|3|16}}
|-
|''Shanghai Pocket''
|
|[[Sunsoft]]
|{{dts|1999|4|1}}
|-
|''Shin Nihon Pro Wrestling: Tōkon Retsuden''
|[[TOSE]]
|[[Tomy]]
|{{dts|1999|3|4}}
|-
|''Shōgi Tōryūmon''
|[[Sammy Corporation]]
|[[Sammy Corporation]]
|{{dts|1999|10|28}}
|-
|''[[Side Pocket|Side Pocket for WonderSwan]]''
|[[Data East]]
|[[Data East]]
|{{dts|1999|11|25}}
|-
|''Slither Link''
|Tomcat System
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|2000|4|20}}
|-
|''Soccer Yarou!: Challenge the World''
|
|Coconuts Japan
|{{dts|1999|8|12}}
|-
|''Sotsugyō for WonderSwan''
|
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|12|16}}
|-
|''[[Space Invaders]]''
|
|[[Sunsoft]]
|{{dts|1999|5|13}}
|-
|''[[Super Robot Wars|Super Robot Taisen Compact]]''
|[[TOSE]]
|[[Banpresto]]
|{{dts|1999|4|28}}
|-
|''[[Super Robot Wars|Super Robot Taisen Compact 2 Dai1bu: Chijō Hadō Hen]]''
|[[TOSE]]
|[[Banpresto]]
|{{dts|2000|3|30}}
|-
|''[[Super Robot Wars|Super Robot Taisen Compact 2 Dai2bu: Uchuu Gekishin Hen]]''
|[[TOSE]]
|[[Banpresto]]
|{{dts|2000|6|29}}
|-
|''[[Super Robot Wars|Super Robot Taisen Compact 2 Dai3bu: Ginga Kessen-hen]]''
|[[TOSE]]
|[[Banpresto]]
|{{dts|2001|1|18}}
|-
|''Taikyoku Igo Heisei Kiin''
|Success
|Success
|{{dts|2000|2|24}}
|-
|''Tanjo: Debut for WonderSwan''
|
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|2000|2|24}}
|-
|''[[Tarepanda no Gunpey]]''
|Koto Laboratory
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|12|9}}
|-
|''[[Tekken Card Challenge]]''
|[[Namco]]
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|6|17}}
|-
|''Terrors''
|
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|8|5}}
|-
|''[[Tetsujin 28-go]]''
|Megahouse
|Megahouse
|{{dts|1999|12|22}}
|-
|''Time Bokan Series: Bokan Densetsu: Buta mo Odaterya Doronboo''
|Alpha Unit
|[[Banpresto]]
|{{dts|2000|4|27}}
|-
|''[[Tokyo Majin Gakuen: Fuju Hōroku]]''
|
|[[Asmik Ace]]
|{{dts|2000|10|12}}
|-
|''Trump Collection: Bottom Up Teki Trump Seikatsu''
|Bottom Up
|Bottom Up
|{{dts|1999|7|1}}
|-
|''Trump Collection 2: Bottom Up Teki Sekai Isshuu no Tabi''
|Bottom Up
|Bottom Up
|{{dts|2000|9|28}}
|-
|''Turntablist: DJ Battle''
|[[Vestax]]
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|11|25}}
|-
|''Umitsuri ni ikou!''
|
|Coconuts Japan
|{{dts|1999|4|1}}
|-
|''[[Uzumaki (manga)|Uzumaki: Denshi Kaiki Hen]]''
|Omega Micott
|Omega Micott
|{{dts|2000|2|3}}
|-
|''[[Uzumaki (manga)|Uzumaki: Noroi Simulation]]''
|Omega Micott
|Omega Micott
|{{dts|2000|3|4}}
|-
|''Vaitz Blade''
|
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|6|24}}
|-
|''Wasabi Produce - Street Dancer''
|
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|2000|4|27}}
|-
|''Wonder Stadium''
|[[TOSE]]
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|3|11}}
|-
|''Wonder Stadium '99''
|[[Namco]]
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|9|30}}
|-
|''WonderSwan Handy Sonar''
|
|[[Bandai]]
|{{dts|1999|5|13}}
|}

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20031018080126/http://www.swan.channel.or.jp/swan/software/r_lineup/lup2000.html WonderSwan games (2000)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20031207002341/http://www.swan.channel.or.jp/swan/software/r_lineup/lup1999.html WonderSwan games (1999)]

{{Video game lists by platform}}

[[Category:Japan-exclusive video games]]
[[Category:Lists of video games by platform|WonderSwan]]
[[Category:WonderSwan games|*]]

The Urbz: Sims in the City

2025-09-24T19:31:37Z

2600:1700:E5D0:A9A0:11A:F245:BB58:5B28:

{{Short description|2004 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = The Urbz: Sims in the City
| image = The Urbz - Sims in the City Coverart.png
| caption = North American PlayStation 2 box art
| developer = [[Maxis]]{{efn|Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS versions developed by [[Griptonite Games]].}}
| publisher = [[Electronic Arts]]{{efn|Released under the EA Games banner.}}
| series = ''[[The Sims]]''
| platforms = [[Game Boy Advance]], [[GameCube]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], [[Nintendo DS]]
| released = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|November 5, 2004}}|'''PlayStation 2'''{{vgrelease|AU|November 5, 2004<ref name=AURelease>{{cite web |last=van Leuveren |first=Luke |date=October 24, 2004 |url=http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=1696 |title=Updated Australian Release List - 24/10/04 |website=PALGN |publisher=PAL Gaming Network |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050702120951/http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=1696 |archivedate=July 2, 2005 |url-status=dead |accessdate=January 8, 2023}}</ref>|NA|November 9, 2004|EU|November 12, 2004}} '''Game Boy Advance, GameCube'''{{vgrelease|NA|November 9, 2004|EU|November 12, 2004}} '''Xbox'''{{vgrelease|NA/AU|November 9, 2004<ref name=AURelease/>|EU|November 12, 2004}} '''Nintendo DS'''{{vgrelease|NA|November 17, 2004|EU|March 11, 2005}}
}}
| genre = [[Life simulation game|Life simulation]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}

'''''The Urbz: Sims in the City''''' is a 2004 [[Life simulation game|life simulation]] [[video game]] developed by [[Maxis]] and published by [[Electronic Arts]] for the [[Game Boy Advance]], [[GameCube]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], and [[Nintendo DS]]. It is the third ''[[The Sims|Sims]]'' game for consoles, and the second not to be released for [[Microsoft Windows]], after a planned PC port and sequel were both cancelled due to mediocre sales. The next release for consoles and handhelds was the console port of ''[[The Sims 2]]''.

For the console versions of the game, music group [[The Black Eyed Peas]] provided several music scores which were translated into [[Simlish]]; they also appeared as guest Urbz in the game. The Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS version has its own storyline, which is a sequel to the handheld version of ''[[The Sims Bustin' Out]]'' (2003).

==Plot==
The Urbz: Sims in the City takes place in Urbzville. There are nine groups, each with unique styles and Sims. The aim of the game is to build "Rep" with allied Sims to gain popularity and access to VIP and other groups.
===Console===
In the console version of the game, the protagonist of the story moves from their mother's house to SimCity, where they move into an apartment in the city. In the intro, the protagonist decides to go clubbing. Once the protagonist gets to the club, they are refused entry due to failing at performing a dance move. However, [[will.i.am]] of the Black Eyed Peas, along with the other members of the band, arrive at the club and help the protagonist enter. After the intro, a few days later, the protagonist goes home and is greeted by Will and his friend Darius, who is the most popular person in SimCity. After showing off their guitar moves, Darius welcomes the protagonist to the city and they leave. Later on, it is discovered that Darius is missing parts from his secret machine. He promises the protagonist that if they find the parts, he will have a special surprise for them. After defeating the villains in the game's [[district]]s, the protagonist is asked to come to the penthouse owned by Darius. After arriving at the penthouse, they are greeted by Darius, along with the faction bosses from the city districts, and are given a key by Darius to the penthouse. Afterwards, Darius leaves the city on his blimp to travel to Miniopolis (the setting of the handheld version of the game).

===Handheld===
The handheld version of the game plays as a sequel to the Game Boy Advance and [[N-Gage (device)|N-Gage]] releases of ''[[The Sims Bustin' Out]]''. Unlike the console versions, the Black Eyed Peas do not appear in this game. The protagonist, who recently arrived in the city from SimValley, is fired after the owner of King Tower sells the tower to Daddy Bigbucks. After a failed attempt to steal a key from Lily Gates, the assistant of Daddy Bigbucks, the player is arrested and taken to jail. After convincing the city sheriff to let the player go, they are put on [[probation]] and prohibited from leaving the [[Urban area]] of the city. After doing certain tasks, they are recruited by Grandma Hattie to lead a strike to open the city bridges to Sim Quarter. Afterwards, they are knocked off of a ship by Bigbucks and wash up in the [[Bayou]], where the player is mistaken by its inhabitants, the twins Bayou Boo and Crawdad Clem, as being a [[vampire]]. The twins help the player get home; however, Bayou Boo is bitten by a vampire and turns into one. Upon the player's return to Sim Quarter, they are informed by Grandma Hattie that Daddy Bigbucks took over the city and has outlawed running. She then gives the player a [[cookbook]] in order to help them make [[chocolate]], which cures Bayou Boo's vampirism. Later on, the protagonist and Grandma Hattie are arrested for running, but are let go by the [[Sheriff]]. Eventually, the protagonist arrives in Glasstown and finds the original King Tower owner, Mr. King. The player discovers that Daddy Bigbucks has built a time machine to stake a claim to land in the past, so that he will own it in the present. With the help of Ewan Watahmee and Sue Pirnova, the player makes their own time machine and uses it to thwart his plans. Daddy Bigbucks is banished to an island outside of the city, and a lifelike statue of the protagonist is built in the city center.

==Development==
Development of the console version of the game was carried out by Maxis from 2002 to 2004. It was initially planned to be the first ''Sims'' game on consoles; however, [[Edge of Reality]] developed a remake of the original game for the PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube, and it was released in 2002. Maxis then split the ''Urbz'' team in two. One team focused on the development of a console sequel to the console version of ''The Sims'', which eventually became ''[[The Sims Bustin' Out]]'' and released in 2003 on the PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube consoles, with a version developed for the Game Boy Advance and Nokia NGage by [[Griptonite Games]] (who would also develop ''The Urbz'' portable), while the other focused on ''The Urbz''. During development, Electronic Arts wanted to get the game some more publicity, so the Electronic Arts division, EA Trax, contracted with The Black Eyed Peas, who at that time had recently shot to mainstream fame after their recruitment of [[Fergie (singer)|Fergie]] and release of ''[[Elephunk]]''. The Black Eyed Peas recorded a majority of the game's soundtrack, producing new songs exclusive to ''The Urbz'', while also recording Simlish versions of "[[Shut Up (Black Eyed Peas song)|Shut Up]]" and "[[Let's Get It Started]]", both of which appeared on ''Elephunk''. The game went gold in June 2004 and was shipped to stores in late November 2004.

According to a former Maxis employee, an ''Urbz 2'', as well as a PC port of ''The Urbz'', were both planned if the game was successful.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://modthesims.info/t/502059 |title=The Urbz 2 was planned |website=Mod The Sims |date=April 28, 2013 |accessdate=February 17, 2014}}</ref> Electronic Arts wanted ''The Urbz'' to be a spin-off breakout series, similar to how ''The Sims'' was a spin-off breakout series of ''[[SimCity]]''. Unfortunately, the game did not sell as many copies as Electronic Arts wanted, so the PC port was cancelled, and the sequel eventually was reworked into a console version of ''[[The Sims 2]]'', which released in 2005. Assets, as well as a logo, were left over in the PlayStation 2 version of ''The Sims 2'' and can be viewed with a model viewer.

==Gameplay==
===Console===
The gameplay is similar to ''The Sims Bustin' Out'', and the objective of the console games is to go to each of nine districts and build their reputation (called "Rep" in-game). Rep is a measure of how popular a character is; as the character gains more Rep, they gain access to larger apartments and different districts. In the end, the character will have the largest apartment and be able to visit any of the districts.

In addition to gaining Rep, the player must also make sure that their character has its needs fulfilled, and to increase the character's skills by playing [[Minigame|minigames]]. The amount of money Sims can make at the various jobs in each of the districts is determined by what skills they've leveled up. As they progress through the game, players will get messages for rent from Darius, the Sim with the highest rep in the city, and get programmed messages to their XAM. Other challenges, like helping Urbz, gain the player income.

The player will be given different tasks depending on the district they are in. The tasks are varied in nature, including fulfilling needs, furnishing an apartment, building [[reputation]], mastering a job, making friends, tagging an object, and helping other Urbz.

===Handheld===
The handheld versions are played as an [[adventure game]], similar to the handheld releases of ''The Sims Bustin' Out'', and give the player direct control of the character "Urb". The goal of the Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance versions is to complete the five missions included. The versions are largely similar, but the Nintendo DS version includes an additional, exclusive mission and location that is not found on the Game Boy Advance version. Like the other games of ''The Sims'' franchise, an Urb has eight basic needs. In order to succeed in the handheld versions of this game, these needs must be kept high and steady.

There are four different "Rep Groups" in the game: Richies, Artsies, Streeties, and Nerdies. The player is assigned to one in the beginning of the game, but it can later be changed with the completion of certain objectives.
There are three districts that can be unlocked upon completing certain sets of goals. Once the player has beaten the game, they are free to live in any of the houses or apartments in the game so long as they have enough money.

==Soundtrack==
The ''Urbz'' console soundtrack was released digitally on [[last.fm]] as an album for download in March 2007. Most of the game's soundtrack is present; however, due to licensing issues with [[A&M Records]], music recorded by hip hop group The Black Eyed Peas was not present on the album. A physical release was planned by EA, but was cancelled after poor sales of the game.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.last.fm/music/EA+Games+Soundtrack/The+Urbz:+Sims+In+The+City+(Soundtrack) |title=The Urbz: Sims In The City (Soundtrack) |website=[[Last.fm]] |publisher=[[Paramount Streaming]] |accessdate=February 17, 2014}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| DS = true
| GBA = true
| NGC = true
| PS2 = true
| XBOX = true
| na = true
| MC_DS = 67/100<ref name="MCNDS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-urbz-sims-in-the-city/critic-reviews/?platform=ds |title=The Urbz: Sims in the City for DS Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[Fandom (website)|Fandom]] |accessdate=November 24, 2013}}</ref>
| MC_GBA = 72/100<ref name="MCGBA">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-urbz-sims-in-the-city/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance |title=The Urbz: Sims in the City for Game Boy Advance Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=Fandom |accessdate=November 24, 2013}}</ref>
| MC_NGC = 73/100<ref name="MCGC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-urbz-sims-in-the-city/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube |title=The Urbz: Sims in the City for GameCube Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=Fandom |accessdate=November 24, 2013}}</ref>
| MC_PS2 = 70/100<ref name="MCPS2">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-urbz-sims-in-the-city/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=The Urbz: Sims in the City for PlayStation 2 Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=Fandom |accessdate=November 24, 2013}}</ref>
| MC_XBOX = 70/100<ref name="MCXBOX">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-urbz-sims-in-the-city/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox |title=The Urbz: Sims in the City for Xbox Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=Fandom |accessdate=November 24, 2013}}</ref>
| EGM_DS = 8.5/10<ref>{{cite magazine |author=EGM staff |title=The Urbz: Sims in the City (DS) |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |issue=188 |date=February 2005 |page=115}}</ref>
| EGM_NGC = 6.5/10<ref name="EGM">{{cite magazine |author=EGM staff |title=The Urbz: Sims in the City (GC, PS2, Xbox) |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |publisher=Ziff Davis |issue=186 |date=Christmas 2004 |page=108}}</ref>
| EGM_PS2 = 6.5/10<ref name="EGM"/>
| EGM_XBOX = 6.5/10<ref name="EGM"/>
| EuroG_XBOX = 5/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Garratt |first=Patrick |date=November 16, 2004 |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/r-theurbz-x |title=The Urbz: Sims in the City (Xbox) |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140916183713/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_theurbz_x |archivedate=September 16, 2014 |url-status=live |accessdate=January 8, 2023}}</ref>
| Fam_DS = 28/40<ref name="FamDS">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=3144&redirect=no |title=ザ・アーブズシムズ・イン・ザ・シティ [DS] |language=ja |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |accessdate=March 15, 2022}}</ref>
| Fam_GBA = 29/40<ref name="FamGBA">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=3145&redirect=no |title=ザ・アーブズシムズ・イン・ザ・シティ [GBA] |language=ja |magazine=Famitsu |publisher=Enterbrain |accessdate=March 15, 2022}}</ref>
| Fam_NGC = 26/40<ref name="FamGC">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=14443&redirect=no |title=ザ・アーブズシムズ・イン・ザ・シティ [ゲームキューブ] |language=ja |magazine=Famitsu |publisher=Enterbrain |accessdate=March 13, 2022}}</ref>
| Fam_PS2 = 26/40<ref name="FamPS2">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=3140&redirect=no |title=ザ・アーブズシムズ・イン・ザ・シティ [PS2] |language=ja |magazine=Famitsu |publisher=Enterbrain |accessdate=March 15, 2022}}</ref>
| GI_DS = 8/10<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Mason |first=Lisa |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200502/R05.0225.0946.51510.htm |title=The Urbz: Sims In The City (DS) |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |publisher=[[GameStop]] |issue=142 |date=February 2005 |page=125 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060408154624/http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200502/R05.0225.0946.51510.htm |archive-date=April 8, 2006 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 16, 2022}}</ref>
| GI_GBA = 7.5/10<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Juba |first=Joe |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200411/R04.1119.1435.04244.htm |title=URBZ: Sims In The City [sic] (GBA) |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=GameStop |issue=139 |date=November 2004 |page=170 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041205150810/http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200411/R04.1119.1435.04244.htm |archive-date=December 5, 2004 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 16, 2022}}</ref>
| GI_NGC = 7.75/10<ref name="GI"/>
| GI_PS2 = 7.75/10<ref name="GI"/>
| GI_XBOX = 7.75/10<ref name="GI">{{cite magazine |last=Mason |first=Lisa |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/B1E00870-3F79-4E11-9085-53088350EE6B.htm?CS_pid=210616 |title=URBZ: Sims In The City [sic] (GC, PS2, Xbox) |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=GameStop |issue=139 |date=November 2004 |page=164 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051225111648/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/B1E00870-3F79-4E11-9085-53088350EE6B.htm?CS_pid=210616 |archive-date=December 25, 2005 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 16, 2022}}</ref>
| GamePro_NGC = 4/5<ref name="GamePro">{{cite magazine |author=Manny LaMancha |date=November 10, 2004 |url=http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/gamecube/games/reviews/39440.shtml |title=The URBZ: Sims in the City [sic] (GC, PS2, Xbox) |magazine=[[GamePro]] |publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG Entertainment]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041209184019/http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/gamecube/games/reviews/39440.shtml |archivedate=December 9, 2004 |url-status=dead |accessdate=March 17, 2022}}</ref>
| GamePro_PS2 = 4/5<ref name="GamePro"/>
| GamePro_XBOX = 4/5<ref name="GamePro"/>
| GameRev_DS = B<ref>{{cite web |last=Reilly |first=Mike |date=December 3, 2004 |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/32350-the-urbz-review |title=The Urbz [Sims in the City] Review (DS) |website=[[GameRevolution]] |publisher=[[CraveOnline]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001184545/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/the-urbz |archivedate=October 1, 2015 |url-status=live |accessdate=March 17, 2022}}</ref>
| GSpot_DS = 7.3/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Kasavin |first=Greg |date=November 23, 2004 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-urbz-sims-in-the-city-review/1900-6113883/ |title=The Urbz: Sims in the City Review (DS) |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=Fandom |accessdate=March 15, 2022}}</ref>
| GSpot_GBA = 7.5/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Kasavin |first=Greg |date=November 23, 2004 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-urbz-sims-in-the-city-review/1900-6113880/ |title=The Urbz: Sims in the City Review (GBA) |website=GameSpot |publisher=Fandom |accessdate=March 15, 2022}}</ref>
| GSpot_NGC = 7.3/10<ref name="GSpot">{{cite web |last=Park |first=Andrew Seyoon |date=November 9, 2004 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-urbz-sims-in-the-city-review/1900-6112791/ |title=The Urbz: Sims in the City Review (GC, PS2, Xbox) [date mislabeled as "November 10, 2004"] |website=GameSpot |publisher=Fandom |accessdate=March 15, 2022}}</ref>
| GSpot_PS2 = 7.3/10<ref name="GSpot"/>
| GSpot_XBOX = 7.3/10<ref name="GSpot"/>
| GSpy_GBA = 2/5<ref>{{cite web |last=Chapman |first=David |date=November 11, 2004 |url=http://gba.gamespy.com/gameboy-advance/urban-sims-working-title/565523p1.html |title=GameSpy: The Urbz: Sims in the City (GBA) |website=[[GameSpy]] |publisher=IGN Entertainment |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060110224123/http://gba.gamespy.com/gameboy-advance/urban-sims-working-title/565523p1.html |archivedate=January 10, 2006 |url-status=dead |accessdate=March 16, 2022}}</ref>
| GSpy_NGC = 4/5<ref name="GSpy">{{cite web |last=Tuttle |first=Will |date=November 4, 2004 |url=http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/urban-sims-working-title/563389p1.html |title=GameSpy: The Urbz: Sims in the City (GCN, PS2, Xbox) |website=GameSpy |publisher=IGN Entertainment |accessdate=March 16, 2022}}</ref>
| GSpy_PS2 = 4/5<ref name="GSpy"/>
| GSpy_XBOX = 4/5<ref name="GSpy"/>
| GameZone_PS2 = 7.1/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Bedigian |first=Louis |date=November 19, 2004 |url=https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/the_urbz_sims_in_the_city_ps2_review/ |title=The URBZ: Sims in the City [sic] - PS2 - Review |website=GameZone |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080229073447/http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r23884.htm |archivedate=February 29, 2008 |url-status=live |accessdate=March 17, 2022}}</ref>
| GameZone_XBOX = 7.5/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Sandoval |first=Angelina |date=November 23, 2004 |url=https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/the_urbz_sims_in_the_city_xb_review/ |title=The URBZ: Sims in the City [sic] - XB - Review |website=GameZone |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080229033601/http://xbox.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r23884.htm |archivedate=February 29, 2008 |url-status=live |accessdate=March 17, 2022}}</ref>
| IGN_DS = 7/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=November 22, 2004 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/11/22/the-urbz-sims-in-the-city |title=The Urbz: Sims in the City (NDS) |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=Ziff Davis |accessdate=March 15, 2022}}</ref>
| IGN_GBA = 8/10<ref>{{cite web |author=IGN staff |date=November 15, 2004 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/11/15/the-urbz-sims-in-the-city-2 |title=The Urbz: Sims in the City (GBA) |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |accessdate=March 15, 2022}}</ref>
| IGN_NGC = 7.5/10<ref name="IGN">{{cite web |last=Castro |first=Juan |date=November 9, 2004 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/11/22/the-urbz-sims-in-the-city |title=The Urbz: Sims in the City (GCN, PS2, Xbox) |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |accessdate=March 15, 2022}}</ref>
| IGN_PS2 = 7.5/10<ref name="IGN"/>
| IGN_XBOX = 7.5/10<ref name="IGN"/>
| NP_DS = 3.8/5<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Urbz: Sims in the City (DS) |magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] |publisher=[[Nintendo|Nintendo of America]] |volume=188 |date=February 2005 |page=114}}</ref>
| NP_GBA = 3.9/5<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Urbz: Sims in the City (GBA) |magazine=Nintendo Power |publisher=Nintendo of America |volume=187 |date=January 2005 |page=141}}</ref>
| NP_NGC = 3.6/5<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Urbz: Sims in the City (GC) |magazine=Nintendo Power |publisher=Nintendo of America |volume=187 |date=January 2005 |page=139}}</ref>
| OPM_PS2 = 3.5/5<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Urbz: Sims in the City |magazine=[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]] |publisher=Ziff Davis |issue=88 |date=January 2005 |page=102}}</ref>
| OXM_XBOX = 6.4/10<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Urbz: Sims in the City |magazine=[[Official Xbox Magazine]] |publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]] |date=Christmas 2004 |page=70}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''[[Detroit Free Press]]''
| rev1_PS2 = 2/4<ref>{{cite news |last=Gardner |first=Omari |date=December 19, 2004 |url=http://www.freep.com/entertainment/videogames/gmini19e_20041219.htm |title='The Urbz: Sims in the City' (PS2) |newspaper=[[Detroit Free Press]] |publisher=[[Gannett Company]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041230090518/http://www.freep.com/entertainment/videogames/gmini19e_20041219.htm |archivedate=December 30, 2004 |url-status=dead |accessdate=March 16, 2022}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]''
| rev2_PS2 = 2/5<ref>{{cite news |last=Hill |first=Jason |date=January 6, 2005 |url=https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/something-for-everyone-20050106-gdkgos.html |title=Something for everyone |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |publisher=[[Fairfax Media]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728040636/https://www.smh.com.au/news/Games/Something-for-everyone/2005/01/10/1105206008475.html |archivedate=July 28, 2016 |url-status=live |accessdate=March 16, 2022}}</ref>
}}

The game received "average" reviews on all platforms according to the [[Review aggregator|review aggregation]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MCNDS"/><ref name="MCGBA"/><ref name="MCGC"/><ref name="MCPS2"/><ref name="MCXBOX"/> In Japan, where the handheld versions were ported for release on December 2, 2004, followed by the GameCube and PlayStation 2 versions on January 13, 2005, ''[[Famitsu]]'' gave it a score of 29 out of 40 for the Game Boy Advance version,<ref name="FamGBA"/> 28 out of 40 for the DS version,<ref name="FamDS"/> and 26 out of 40 each for the latter two console versions.<ref name="FamGC"/><ref name="FamPS2"/>

{{clear}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{moby game|id=/urbz-sims-in-the-city-|name=''The Urbz: Sims in the City'' (console version)}}
* {{moby game|id=/urbz-sims-in-the-city|name=''The Urbz: Sims in the City'' (handheld version)}}

{{Sim series|thesims=yes}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Urbz}}
[[Category:2004 video games]]
[[Category:Cancelled PlayStation Portable games]]
[[Category:Cancelled Windows games]]
[[Category:Electronic Arts games]]
[[Category:EyeToy games]]
[[Category:Game Boy Advance games]]
[[Category:GameCube games]]
[[Category:Griptonite Games]]
[[Category:Life simulation games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Nintendo DS games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 2 games]]
[[Category:The Sims]]
[[Category:Social simulation video games]]
[[Category:Video games with gender-selectable protagonists]]
[[Category:Xbox games]]

Streets of SimCity

2025-09-24T19:11:52Z

2600:1700:E5D0:A9A0:11A:F245:BB58:5B28:

{{Short description|1997 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = Streets of SimCity
|image = Streets of SimCity cover.png
|alt =
|developer = [[Maxis]]
|publisher = {{vgrelease|NA|Maxis|EU|[[Electronic Arts]]}}
|designer = Jason Shankel [[Mike Perry (game developer)|Mike Perry]]
|artist = Shannon Galvin
|composer = [[Jerry Martin (composer)|Jerry Martin]]
|engine =
|series = ''[[SimCity]]''
|released = {{vgrelease|NA|November 4, 1997<ref>{{cite web | author = PC Gamer staff | date = November 4, 1997 | url = http://www.pcgamer.com/news/news-1997-11-03.html | title = Now Shipping | website = [[PC Gamer]] | publisher = [[Future US|Imagine Media]] | access-date = December 6, 2019 | quote = Maxis has released Streets of SimCity, its first action game in years. | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/19980218070422/http://www.pcgamer.com/news/news-1997-11-03.html | archive-date = February 18, 1998 | url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maxis.com/inside/press/pr971104.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19980113210220/http://www.maxis.com/inside/press/pr971104.html|title=Maxis Releases Streets of SimCity for Windows 95|website=maxis.com|archivedate=January 13, 1998|date=November 4, 1997|accessdate=June 3, 2022}}</ref>|EU|1997}}
|platforms = [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
|genre = [[Racing game|Racing]], [[Vehicular combat game|vehicular combat]]
|modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}
'''''Streets of SimCity''''' is a 1997 [[Racing game|racing]] and [[Vehicular combat game|vehicular combat]] [[video game]] published by [[Maxis]] and [[Electronic Arts]] for [[Microsoft Windows]]. The game features the ability to visit any city created in ''[[SimCity 2000]]'', as well as a network mode allowing for players to play deathmatches with up to seven other players. It is the last Maxis game to be developed and released without supervision by Electronic Arts, which acquired Maxis in the two months leading up to release.<ref>{{cite web | author = Keighley, Geoff | year = 2000 | url = http://www.gamespot.com/features/maxis/page9.html | title = SIMply Divine: The story of Maxis Software (Page 9: A New Focus, a New Mission) | website = [[GameSpot]] | publisher = [[Ziff Davis]] | access-date = February 5, 2007 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930144334/https://www.gamespot.com/features/maxis/page9.html/ | archive-date = September 30, 2007 | url-status = dead}}</ref>

==Audio==
The soundtrack of the game was composed by [[Jerry Martin (composer)|Jerry Martin]], known for composing music for ''[[The Sims]]'' and the ''[[SimCity]]'' series. The game includes several styles of music, represented via the radio stations. The stations include jazz, techno, bluegrass, and rock. Some of the music lived on and was included in ''The Sims'', as music for "action television programs", as well as tracks on radio and audio systems.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SimCity / Awesome Music |url=https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/AwesomeMusic/SimCity |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=TV Tropes}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| CGSP = {{Rating|1.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web | author = Falcon, Jonah | date = February 4, 1998 | url = http://www.cdmag.com/articles/010/045/streets_of_simcity_review.html | title = Streets of SimCity | website = [[Computer Games Magazine|Computer Games Strategy Plus]] | publisher = Strategy Plus, Inc. | access-date = November 14, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20030509083540/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/010/045/streets_of_simcity_review.html | archive-date = May 9, 2003 | url-status = dead}}</ref>
| GSpot = 4.4/10<ref>{{cite web | author = Ryan, Michael E. | date = December 12, 1997 | url = https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/streets-of-simcity-review/1900-2533250/ | title = Streets of SimCity Review [date mislabeled as "May 2, 2000"] | website = GameSpot | publisher = [[Red Ventures]] | access-date = November 14, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050124150847/http://gamespot.com/pc/driving/streetsofsimcity/review.html | archive-date = January 24, 2005 | url-status = live}}</ref>
| GStar = 52%<ref>{{cite magazine | title = Streets of Sim City [sic] | language = de | magazine = [[GameStar]] | publisher = Webedia | date = January 1998}}</ref>
| NGen = {{Rating|1|5}}<ref name=ngen>{{cite magazine | url = https://archive.org/details/NEXT_Generation_40/page/n109/mode/2up | title = Streets of Sim City [sic] | magazine = [[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] | publisher = Imagine Media | issue = 40 | date = April 1998 | page = 108 | access-date = November 14, 2021}}</ref>
| PCGUS = 37%<ref>{{cite magazine | title = Streets of Sim City [sic] | magazine = PC Gamer | publisher = Imagine Media | volume = 5 | issue = 4 | date = April 1998}}</ref>
| PCPP = 30%<ref>{{cite magazine | author = Jones, Gareth | url = https://archive.org/details/PCPowerplay-021-1998-02/page/n89/mode/2up | title = Streets of Sim City [sic] | magazine = [[PC PowerPlay]] | publisher = [[nextmedia|Next Media Pty Ltd]] | issue = 21 | date = February 1998 | page = 91 | access-date = November 15, 2021}}</ref>
}}

The game received unfavorable reviews from critics. ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' said, "''Streets of Sim City''{{sic}} is better left on the store shelves. With its surprisingly high system requirements (P166 and 32 MB of RAM at a minimum), the game already has a limited audience by necessity. [...] Pass on this one and dig out ''[[Interstate '76]]'' instead – same idea, much more fun."<ref name=ngen/> [[PC PowerPlay]] found that even on a Pentium II 266MHz, the game slows down noticeably when there are multiple moving objects on screen. Their review went on to state that the idea behind the game is a good one, and the graphics look good, but the game's driving physics and gameplay let it down.

== Support ==
A fan-made patch exists which allows the game to be installed and run under 64-bit Windows 10 and 11. The patch also fixes bugs and allows the game to be played either windowed or in full screen.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Krimsky.net - SimStreetsX Home |url=http://krimsky.net/patchers/ssx.html |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=krimsky.net}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{moby game|id=/windows/streets-of-simcity}}

{{Sim series|simcity=yes}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Streets Of Simcity}}
[[Category:1997 video games]]
[[Category:Electronic Arts games]]
[[Category:Maxis Sim games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:SimCity]]
[[Category:Vehicular combat games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Jerry Martin]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Windows-only games]]

SimPark

2025-09-24T19:09:17Z

2600:1700:E5D0:A9A0:11A:F245:BB58:5B28:

{{Short description|1996 video game}}
{{refimprove|date=September 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = SimPark
|image = SimPark Coverart.jpg
|developer = [[Maxis]]
|publisher = Maxis
|designer = Roxana Wolosenko Claire Curtin
|programmer = Ed Nanale
|artist = Bonnie Borucki Sharon Barr
|composer = [[Jerry Martin (composer)|Jerry Martin]]
|engine =
|series = ''[[List of Sim video games|Sim]]''
|released = 1996
|genre = [[Simulation video game|Simulation]], [[Educational game|Education]]
|modes = [[Single-player]]
|platforms = [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Macintosh]]<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Teasers |date=July 1997 |issue=11 |magazine=MacAddict |url=https://archive.org/details/MacAddict_011_199707_BobKiwi/page/n95/mode/2up |page=94}}</ref>
}}
'''''SimPark''''' is a 1996 [[video game]] by [[Maxis]]. The object of the game is to cultivate and manage a successful [[park]]. Similar to ''[[SimTown]]'', it is targeted more towards children than the average player. ''SimPark'' attempts to show the importance of [[ecology|ecological]] balance. It could well be considered a 'lite' version of ''[[SimIsle: Missions in the Rainforest|SimIsle]]''.

==Overview==
''SimPark'' was a simple game designed for a younger audience. It is not possible to lose the game by getting fired or running out of money.<ref name=flint>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/26526215/the_newark_advocate/|title=Feed the animals in SimPark or suffer the consequences|last1=Carlton|first1=Flint|date=February 6, 1997|newspaper=The Newark Advocate|location=Newark, Ohio|page=15|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

== Gameplay ==
[[Image:Simpark.jpeg|thumb|left|''SimPark'' screenshot]]
Players have to quickly learn how doing (or not doing) various things will affect how their park grows. For instance, if certain [[flower]] types are not planted, the park will not attract [[bee]]s. If the bees are not flying around the park, then [[pollination]] will not occur, which is an important aspect of keeping the park growing. On top of properly managing the [[plant]] and [[animal]] population, players are also required to identify the park's plants and animals.

Players often receive in-game email, such as their boss telling them to make the park more diverse, or their virtual mother telling about life back at home (e.g.: "I baked you a cake..." etc.) Occasionally, the Boss's pet frog Rizzo will make an appearance on the screen to give the player advice, or nag about the way they are handling things.

The park can experience disasters, including:
* [[Waste|Garbage]] Dump: The Garbage Dump is just a big pile of rubbish. As soon as it is made, rats start to emerge from it and inhabit your park. The only ways to get rid of the garbage dump are to put water on it or to place many garbage-eating animals, such as rats and black bears, around the garbage dump.
* [[Fire]]
* [[Kudzu]]: Kudzu plants begin to overgrown the park.
* [[Alien invasion]]: The Alien Invasion consists of flat, pink-and-blue creatures that litter the park grounds and sometimes float on the water. If the map is clicked to get a zoomed-out map view, the pattern the Aliens form may be in the shape of letters. One example of this is a message which reads: "Surrender, Dorothy". This is a parody of the movie ''[[The Wizard of Oz (1939 film)|The Wizard of Oz]]''. The only way to get rid of aliens, aside from using cheat codes, is to bulldoze them with the "[[Bulldozer]]" tool.

The option of using a microphone feature allows you to click on park-goers and listen to what they have to say. Some of the more memorable quotes include, "My socks don't match," "I didn't brush my teeth this morning," "Eddie! Oh Eddie! Where are you?" and "My favourite book is ''[[The Wind in the Willows|Wind in the Willows]].''"

It takes about four minutes of real time for a year of time to elapse in the game.<ref name=flint /> The game shows the seasons with the changing color of the leaves.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/26526505/daily_news/|title=The battle for your child's brain|newspaper=Daily News|location=New York, New York|date=September 29, 1996|page=14|last1=Rushkoff|first1=Douglas|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

==References==
<references />

==External links==
*{{moby game|id=/simpark}}

{{Sim series|sim-misc=yes}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Simpark}}
[[Category:1996 video games]]
[[Category:Maxis Sim games]]
[[Category:Children's educational video games]]
[[Category:Environmental education video games]]
[[Category:Business simulation games]]
[[Category:Classic Mac OS games]]
[[Category:Life simulation games]]
[[Category:Strategy video games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Video games about plants]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games with isometric graphics]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Jerry Martin]]
[[Category:Video games set in North America]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]

SimTown

2025-09-24T19:06:58Z

2600:1700:E5D0:A9A0:11A:F245:BB58:5B28:

{{more citations needed|date=April 2018}}
{{Short description|1995 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = SimTown
|image = SimTown Coverart.jpg
|developer = Tavex<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tav.kiev.ua/games/simtown.shtml | title=Tavex - Software Outsourcing and Offshore Programming Company }}</ref> [[Maxis]]
|publisher = Maxis
|producer = Claire Curtin
|designer = Aurora Design
|programmer = John Lewis Daniel Browning
|artist = Jenny Martin
|composer = Joey Edelman
|engine =
|series = ''[[List of Sim video games|Sim]]''
|released = 1995
|genre = [[City-building game|City-building]]
|modes = [[Single-player]]
|platforms = [[Classic Mac OS|Mac OS]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[OS/2 Warp 4]], [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]]
}}

'''''SimTown''''' is a 1995 [[video game]] published by [[Maxis]], much like the best-selling ''[[SimCity]]'' but on a smaller scale. ''SimTown'' allows the player to construct a [[town]] consisting of [[street]]s, [[house]]s, businesses and [[park]]s and then control the people in it. ''SimTown'' is one of the many "Sim" spin-offs from ''SimCity'', and was targeted more towards [[child]]ren. The Macintosh version was released in May 1995.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Crotty |first1=Cameron |title=New Products - SimTown |journal=[[Macworld]] |date=May 1995 |page=50 |publisher=[[International Data Group]]}}</ref>

The [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]] version of ''SimTown'' is titled {{nihongo|'''''SimCity Jr.'''''|シムシティJr.}} and was published by [[Imagineer (Japanese company)|Imagineer]] exclusively in [[Japan]].

==Gameplay==
The game structure of ''SimTown'' is similar to ''SimCity'', but on a generally smaller and simplified scale, in which players are instead tasked with crafting a small town. Players are allocated a blank and flat tract of land, where they will be required to place homes, workplaces, and civic buildings. In addition, other elements such as roads and [[flora (plants)|flora]] can be placed, although they have no practical use beyond beautification, and consume water resources.

The primary objective of ''SimTown'' is to keep the town's citizens happy. This can be achieved by ensuring that [[water supply]], [[tree]]s, farm [[agriculture|crops]], and the [[recycling]]/air quality program remain well maintained and well funded, with the allocation of "credits" given at each stint. The amount of these resources required for the town and the credits awarded will depend on how much has been built in the town. Trees and ponds, for example, may consume a certain amount of water, while most businesses and homes will generate garbage that must be dealt with using the recycling program. If these resources are not kept in check, the town may experience negative repercussions, such as the presence of dying trees and dried-up ponds if a water supply is not sufficiently provided. This aspect of the game may be compared with the annual or monthly budgets seen in ''SimCity''; however, there are no signs of actual currency used in ''SimTown'' aside from the credits allocated for the external resources; there is no monetary cost associated with landscaping or the construction of buildings.

Like ''SimCity'', ''SimTown'' places an emphasis on ensuring that a balance between the number of residents and jobs is adequately regulated and maintained. Each household in a home contains two children, a pet, and two adults; the latter may need to find jobs in businesses or civic buildings placed by players. Likewise, businesses and civic buildings require a sufficient number of workers to function properly. If residents are unable to find jobs after a while, indications of their long-term [[unemployment]] will show when their home rots and is eventually reduced to rubble (and its inhabitants move out). Similarly, if a business or civic building lacks sufficient employees, the buildings will decay and eventually collapse into rubble.

''SimTown'' allows a player to monitor the town's condition with a feature that allows players to craft and name a resident, who will provide basic feedback and daily activities through diary entries. A local newspaper is also provided to monitor the general conditions of the town. ''SimTown'' also awards players with trophies and prize ribbons by meeting certain objectives and requirements. There are also several easter eggs hidden in the game. 

==Reception==
''[[MacUser]]'' gave ''Sim Town'' a score of 3.5 out of 5, and named it one of 1995's top 50 CD-ROMs.<ref name=top50>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010726184334/http://www.macuser.com/mu_1095/cdrom.html | url=http://www.macuser.com:80/mu_1095/cdrom.html | title=Top Spins: 50 New CD-ROMs | date=October 1995 |author1=Echler, Nikki |author2=Olson, Rebecca | work=[[MacUser]] | archive-date=July 26, 2001 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' reviewed the Macintosh version of the game, rating it 1 star out of five, calling it "A good title for parents whose kids spend too much time on the computer."<ref name="NG">{{cite magazine|title=Finals|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=5|publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]]|date=May 1995|page=95}}</ref>

==References==
<references />

==External links==
* {{moby game|id=/simtown|name=''SimTown''}}

{{Sim series|simcity=yes|sim-misc=yes}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Simtown}}
[[Category:1995 video games]]
[[Category:City-building games]]
[[Category:Classic Mac OS games]]
[[Category:Imagineer games]]
[[Category:Maxis Sim games]]
[[Category:OS/2 games]]
[[Category:PlayStation (console) games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Super Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games with isometric graphics]]
[[Category:Windows games]]

SimFarm

2025-09-24T18:58:39Z

2600:1700:E5D0:A9A0:11A:F245:BB58:5B28:

{{Short description|1993 video game}}
{{Refimprove|date=September 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = SimFarm: SimCity's Country Cousin
|image = SimFarm Coverart.png
|developer = [[Maxis]]
|publisher = Maxis
|producer = [[Mike Perry (game developer)|Mike Perry]]
|designer = Eric Albers
|programmer = Eric Albers
|artist = Jenny Martin
|composer = Sue Kasper
|engine =
|series = ''[[List of Sim video games|Sim]]''
|platforms = [[MS-DOS]], [[Macintosh]], [[PC-98]], [[FM Towns]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
|released = '''MS-DOS''' 1993 '''Macintosh''' 1994 '''PC-98'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/NeoKobe-NecPc-98012017-11-17|title=PC-98 ROM Archive}} SimFarm PC-98 ROM.</ref> 1994 '''FM Towns'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/Neo_Kobe_Fujitsu_FM_Towns_2016-02-25|title=FM Towns ROM Archive}} SimFarm FM Towns ROM.</ref> 1994 '''Windows 95'''<ref name=win95>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/SIMFARM_201708|title=SimFarm Maxis Collector Series Archive|year=1996}} SimFarm Windows 95 ISO.</ref> 1996
|genre = [[Construction and management simulation games|Construction and management simulation]]
|modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
}}

'''''SimFarm: SimCity's Country Cousin''''' is a [[video game]] in which players build and manage a virtual [[farm]]. It was developed by [[Maxis]] and released in 1993 as a spin-off of ''[[SimCity (1989 video game)|SimCity]]''. The game included a teacher's guide to teaching with ''SimFarm'' with blackline masters to be photocopied for the class and a user manual. In 1996, ''SimFarm'' and several other Maxis simulation games were rereleased under the ''Maxis Collector Series'', with greater compatibility with [[Windows 95]] and differing box art, including the addition of ''Classics'' beneath the title.<ref name=win95 />

== Gameplay ==
Simulating duties on a real [[farm]] in the [[contiguous United States]], ''SimFarm'' puts players in charge of building up the land, placing the buildings, buying and selling [[livestock]] and planting [[agriculture|crops]]. A [[weather]] and [[season]] system are in place as well, presenting the same kind of challenges found in a real-world farm. As with ''[[SimCity]]'', there are [[disaster]]s that can wreak havoc on the player's farm. [[Tornado]]es, [[drought]]s, [[pest (animal)|pest]]s, and [[dust storm]]s are some of the events that can disrupt farm crops and [[harvest]]s. There are four types of livestock in ''SimFarm'', all of which have specific food requirements, need water, and breed new livestock. Animals' value can be increased by making a barn available for their use.

''SimFarm'' also has a small town included in its simulation. This town is reminiscent of ''SimCity'' in its form and function. The player may interact with the town occasionally by suggesting new tile types and joining competitions with livestock (such as sending in a prize pig to potentially earn a blue ribbon and a cash prize). Suggesting that an airport be built in the town will usually cause its construction, thus unlocking the ability to buy and use a [[Aerial application|crop duster]].

The homestead in ''SimFarm'' is where the player lives; it is expanded at the beginning of each game year if the player has made enough money in the previous year. ''SimFarm'' allows the player to choose a location derived from the [[Growing region|region]] and climate of one of nine areas of the US or to design one's own climate by selecting average winds, rainfall, and temperatures.

Equipment is necessary to maintain your farm and bring your crops to harvest. Structures store equipment, livestock, seeds, etc. The minimum equipment required to bring one field to harvest is one tractor, one planter, one plow, one harvester, one truck, and one trailer. The crops are the main revenue-raising item in ''SimFarm''. All crops have specific maturity cycles, water requirements, temperature requirements, and resistance to pests, weeds, and [[Plant pathology|diseases]]. Each crop type must be grown in a season that meets these requirements, and managed according to its needs, in order to produce a high-value crop.

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| rev1 = ''[[GamePro#PC Games|Electronic Entertainment]]''
| rev1Score = 8 out of 10<ref name=e2>{{cite journal | author=Raucci, Richard | journal=[[GamePro#PC Games|Electronic Entertainment]] | title=''SimFarm'' |date=January 1994 | issue=1 | page=106 }}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[PC Games]]''
| rev2Score = 74%<ref name=pcgames />
}}

''[[Computer Gaming World]]'' in 1993 approved of the game's graphics and documentation. The magazine concluded that "it's not perfect, but learning how to ''SimFarm'' is a lot of fun".<ref name="black199311">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=112 |title=The Best Game On American Soil |magazine=Computer Gaming World |date=November 1993 |access-date=28 March 2016 |author=Black, Randall |pages=82, 84 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316202150/http://cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=112 |archive-date=16 March 2016 }}</ref> Despite giving an overall fun rating of 74%, ''[[PC Games]]'' expressed disdain for the game's monotony, further stating, "On the packaging they advertise it as 'Sim City's Country Cousin', and you should not expect anything more from this program."<ref name=pcgames>{{cite web |title=PC Games Magazine January 1994 |url=https://archive.org/details/pcgamesmagazine-1994-01/page/n81}} Page 80, SimFarm Review.</ref>

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*{{MobyGames|id=/sim-farm}}
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6w5-YaqRPWc SimFarm Soundtrack]

{{Sim series|sim-misc=yes}}

[[Category:1993 video games]]
[[Category:Business simulation games]]
[[Category:DOS games]]
[[Category:Farming video games]]
[[Category:FM Towns games]]
[[Category:Classic Mac OS games]]
[[Category:Maxis Sim games]]
[[Category:NEC PC-9801 games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games set in the United States]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]

SimLife

2025-09-24T18:56:41Z

2600:1700:E5D0:A9A0:11A:F245:BB58:5B28:

{{Short description|1992 video game}}
{{Refimprove|date=September 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = SimLife: The Genetic Playground
|image = SimLifeCover.jpg
|caption = Cover art featuring different hybrid creatures
|developer = [[Maxis]]
|publisher = Maxis
|producer = Jim Siefert
|designer = Ken Karakotsios
|programmer = Daniel Goldman Rodney Lai
|artist = Jenny Martin Bonnie Borucki
|composer = [[Russell Lieblich]]
|engine =
|series = ''[[List of Sim video games|Sim]]''
|platforms = [[Classic Mac OS|Mac OS]], [[MS-DOS]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Amiga]]
|released = 1992 1993 (Amiga)
|genre = [[Life simulation game|Life simulation]]
|modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
}}
'''''SimLife: The Genetic Playground''''' is a [[video game]] produced by [[Maxis]] in 1992.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/simlife |title=SimLife: The Genetic Playground At MobyGames |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717175416/http://www.mobygames.com/game/simlife |archivedate=2014-07-17 }}</ref> The concept of the game is to simulate an [[ecosystem]]; players may modify the [[genetics]] of the plants and animals that inhabit the [[virtual world]]. The point of this game is to experiment and create a self-sustaining ecosystem. ''SimLife'' was re-released in 1993 as part of the ''SimClassics Volume 1'' compilation, alongside ''[[SimCity (1989 video game)|SimCity Classic]]'' and ''[[SimAnt]]'' for PC, Mac and Amiga.<ref>{{cite magazine|title = SimClassics Volume 1 Compilation Advertisement|date = August 1994|url = https://archive.org/details/theone-magazine-70/page/n115|magazine = The One|publisher = emap Images|issue = 70|page = 116}}</ref>

==Development==
{{Unsourced section|date=September 2025}}
[[Image:SimLife.PNG|thumb|200px|right|''SimLife'' running on [[Windows Vista]]]]
The producers of ''SimLife'' refer to it as "The Genetic Playground". The game allows users to explore the interaction of life-forms and environments. Users can manipulate the genetics of both plants and animals to determine whether these new species could survive in the Earth's various environments. Players can also create new worlds with distinctive environments to see how certain species (earth's species or their own) fare within them.

''SimLife'' gives players the power to:

* Create and modify worlds.
* Create and modify plants and animals at the genetic level. Exclusive animals appearing in this game are the Killer Penguin, the Monkeyphant, and the Orgot.
* Design environments and ecosystems.
* Study genetics in action.
* Simulate and control evolution.
* Change the physics of the universe in your computer.

==Reception==
''[[Computer Gaming World]]'' in 1993 praised ''SimLife'', stating that "By neatly bridging the gap between entertainment and education, ''SL'' brings the engrossing science of genetics within reach of any interested person".<ref name="eden199304">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=105 |title=Last one in the gene pool is a... |magazine=Computer Gaming World |date=April 1993 |accessdate=6 July 2014 |author=Eden, Maxwell |pages=56 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702235842/http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=105 |archivedate=2 July 2014 }}</ref>
Games Finder gave ''SimLife'' a score of 7 out of 10.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gameslikefinder.com/simlife-genetic-playground/ |title=Simlife Genetic Playground Review - Games Finder |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625021919/http://gameslikefinder.com/simlife-genetic-playground |archivedate=2014-06-25 }}</ref>

In 1993, ''SimLife'' received a [[Software and Information Industry Association#CODiE Awards|Codie award]] from the [[Software Publishers Association]] for Best Simulation.<ref name="cgw199305">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=106 |title=Awards - Thy Name Is Controversy |magazine=Computer Gaming World |date=May 1993 |accessdate=7 July 2014 |pages=146 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702235910/http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1993&pub=2&id=106 |archivedate=2 July 2014 }}</ref>

==See also==
* ''[[Spore (2008 video game)|Spore]]''
* ''[[Impossible Creatures]]''
* ''[[L.O.L.: Lack of Love]]''
* ''[[Evolution: The Game of Intelligent Life]]''
* ''[[E.V.O.: Search for Eden]]''
* ''[[Creatures (artificial life program)|Creatures]]''
* ''[[SimEarth]]''
* ''[[Unnatural Selection (video game)]]''

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{moby game|id=/simlife|name=''SimLife''}}
* [https://archive.org/details/msdos_SimLife_1992 SimLife : Maxis] at the [[Internet Archive]]
* [https://www.lemonamiga.com/games/docs.php?id=1455 Manual]

{{Sim series|sim-misc=yes}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Simlife}}
[[Category:1992 video games]]
[[Category:Amiga games]]
[[Category:Amiga 1200 games]]
[[Category:Classic Mac OS games]]
[[Category:DOS games]]
[[Category:God games]]
[[Category:Biological simulation video games]]
[[Category:Maxis Sim games]]
[[Category:Video games about evolution]]
[[Category:Video games about genetic engineering]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Mark Knight]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Russell Lieblich]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]

SimCity 4

2025-09-24T18:47:20Z

2600:1700:E5D0:A9A0:11A:F245:BB58:5B28:

{{Short description|2003 video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2018}}
{{Infobox video game
| image = SimCity 4 cover.jpg
| developer = [[Maxis]] i5works (Mac OS X)
| publisher = [[Electronic Arts]] [[Aspyr]] (Mac OS X)
| producer = Kevin Hogan Sean Decker
| designer = Joseph Knight Michael McCormick
| programmer = Paul Pedriana
| artist = Ocean Quigley David Patch
| writer = Dorothy Bradshaw Tom Bentley
| composer = [[Jerry Martin (composer)|Jerry Martin]]
| series = ''[[SimCity]]''
| engine =
| platforms = [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[macOS|OS X]]
| released = '''Windows'''{{vgrelease|NA|January 14, 2003<ref>{{Cite web |last=McNewserson |first=Newsey |date=2003-01-10 |title=SimCity 4 Soon |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/01/10/simcity-4-soon |access-date=2023-04-02 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=April 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402175206/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/01/10/simcity-4-soon |url-status=live }}</ref>|EU|January 17, 2003<ref>{{Cite news |date=2003-01-17 |title=What's New? |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/article-47243 |access-date=2023-04-02 |archive-date=April 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402175206/https://www.eurogamer.net/article-47243 |url-status=live }}</ref>}}'''OS X'''{{vgrelease|NA|June 27, 2003<ref>{{Cite web |date=2003-06-27 |title=Aspyr releases SimCity 4 for Mac OS X |url=https://macdailynews.com/2003/06/27/aspyr_releases_simcity_4_for_mac_os_x/ |access-date=2023-04-02 |website=MacDailyNews |language=en-US |archive-date=April 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402175207/https://macdailynews.com/2003/06/27/aspyr_releases_simcity_4_for_mac_os_x/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
| genre = [[City-building game|City-building]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
}}

'''''SimCity 4''''' is a [[city-building game|city-building]] [[Construction and management simulation games|simulation]] [[video game]] developed by [[Maxis]], a subsidiary of [[Electronic Arts]]. The game was released in January 2003 for [[Microsoft Windows]] and in June 2003 for [[Mac OS X]]. It is the fourth major installment in the [[SimCity|''SimCity'' series]]. ''SimCity 4'' has a single expansion pack called [[SimCity 4: Rush Hour|''Rush Hour'']] which adds features to the game. ''SimCity 4: Deluxe Edition'' contains the original game and ''Rush Hour'' combined as a single product.

The game allows players to create a region of land by [[terraforming]], and then to design and build a settlement which can grow into a [[city]]. Players can zone different areas of land as [[commerce|commercial]], [[Industrial sector|industrial]], or [[residential area|residential]] development, as well as build and maintain [[public services]], [[transport]] and [[public utility|utilities]]. For the success of a city, players must manage its [[finance]]s, [[natural environment|environment]], and [[quality of life]] for its residents. ''SimCity 4'' introduces night and day cycles and other special effects for the first time in the ''SimCity'' series. External tools such as the Building Architect Tool (BAT) allow custom third-party buildings and content to be added to the gameplay.

''SimCity 4'' was praised for being the first game in the main ''SimCity'' series to primarily use a [[3D computer graphics|3D]] engine to render its graphics, following the implementation of 3D graphics in ''[[SimCity 64]]'' for the [[Nintendo 64DD]]. It received widespread acclaim, won several awards, and was one of the top ten selling PC games of 2003.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://forum.pcvsconsole.com/viewthread.php?tid=8649 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080210043635/http://forum.pcvsconsole.com/viewthread.php?tid=8649 | url-status = usurped | archive-date = 2008-02-10 | title= The NPD group reports annual 2003 U.S. video game industry driven by console software sales | publisher = [[NPD Group]] | access-date=2008-06-18}}</ref> However, it was criticized for its difficulty and its demands on computer performance.

==Gameplay==
{{in-universe|date=September 2024}}
===Regional gameplay===
[[File:SimCity 4- Rush Hour region view.jpg|thumb|300px|A collection of neighboring cities, as seen in the game's regional view]]
As with previous ''SimCity'' titles, ''SimCity 4'' places players in the role of a [[mayor]], tasked with populating and developing tracts of lands into [[City|cities]], while fulfilling the needs of fellow [[The Sims (video game)|Sims]] that live in the cities. Cities are located in regions that are divided into [[wikt:segment|segment]]s, each of which can be developed. The player has the option of starting the city in a segment of any of three area sizes. In real measurements, the smallest has a length of one kilometer on a side, and the largest has a length of four kilometers on a side.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sc4ever.com/knowledge/showarticle.cfm?id=1103|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080220175230/http://www.sc4ever.com/knowledge/showarticle.cfm?id=1103|url-status=dead|archive-date=2008-02-20|date=2003-06-17|access-date=2008-06-18|title=Creating regions in ''SimCity 4''|last=Quigley|first=Ocean|author2=Robinson, D.B. |publisher=SC4EVER.com|work=Knowledge Base|quote=A small city is a kilometer on a side}}</ref> The size of a region and its layout of segments can be changed in a [[Raster graphics|bitmap]] file provided for each region.

Neighbor cities play a larger role than in the previous versions of the game. Neighbor deals can be established where a city can exchange resources such as [[water]], [[electricity]] and [[Waste management|garbage disposal]] with other cities for money. Players may develop several inter-dependent cities at the same time, eventually populating the entire region.

===Game modes===
Upon selecting a specific segment in a region, the gameplay is divided into three "modes": god mode, mayor mode, and MySim mode. Mayor and MySim modes become available after establishing a city. God mode is available before establishing a city and afterwards, albeit with fewer functions. Obliterating the city resets the map and reactivates all functions in God mode.

====God mode====
God mode allows players to design or [[terraforming|terraform]] a selected tract of land where the city will be built and permits players to trigger [[disaster]]s, including [[tornado]]es and [[earthquake]]s among several others. Players can select an area where a disaster will occur and even control the direction of certain disasters. Most terraforming tools are disabled after the city is named and founded. The player still has some terraforming tools made available in mayor mode, although they become very limited and expensive, and they can still trigger disasters at will.

In addition to these abilities, god mode also gives the player tools to reconcile the borders of the cities, so as to fix any discrepancies created during the terraforming process, and a day/night cycle adjustment, so that one can make it always day, always night, or alternate between day or night in accordance with the in-universe game clock. Both the ability to reconcile the city edges and the ability to modify the day/night cycle are available even once the city has been established.

====Mayor mode====
[[File:EntireSimcity4.jpg|thumb|300px|A densely populated city, including third-party modifications]]

In mayor mode, city building is conducted. Several advisors may give advice to the player on how to best manage a city. Players can build [[Transport|transportation networks]], which include [[road]]s, [[street]]s, [[Avenue (landscape)|avenues]], [[highway]]s, [[railway]]s, [[Rapid transit|subway lines]], and [[bus station]]s, draw out building zones, construct civic buildings, and adjust city funding and tax rates. Players can also terraform and plant trees in this mode, but in a much smaller scale than in god mode and costing money.

Zones are planned building plots that are empty at first but then populated by buildings depending on the type and density of the zone. Areas of land can be [[Zoning|zoned]] as [[Residential area|residential]], [[Commerce|commercial]] or industrial areas in various densities where the city will begin to grow. [[Agriculture]] is a separate industrial zone-type, unlike previous versions of ''SimCity'', enabling farms to grow regardless of high [[Real estate appraisal|land value]], so long as demand exists for agriculture and agricultural zones have been provided. Zones are now automatically aligned towards roads and most buildings must be adjacent to a road in order to function properly; streets are automatically created when zoning on large tracts of land.<ref name="Kramer 55">{{cite book|last=Kramer|first=Greg|title=SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition: Prima's Official Strategy Guide|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/simcity400greg/page/55|chapter-format=PDF|publisher=[[Prima Games]]|date=2003-08-31|page=[https://archive.org/details/simcity400greg/page/55 55]|chapter=Chapter 7: Developer Types and Occupancy|isbn=978-0-7615-4328-2|access-date=2008-10-28}}</ref>

Buildings are classified into several [[wealth]] levels, zone types, and building size stages, which are affected by the region's population and the city's condition. The game simulates [[urban decay]] and [[gentrification]] with buildings deteriorating and refurbished accordingly. Buildings originally constructed for occupation by higher wealth tenants can now support lower wealth tenants in the event surrounding factors forces the current tenants to vacate the building; this allows certain buildings to remain in use despite lacking its initial occupants.<ref name="Kramer 55"/> Buildings and lots can be constructed on [[slope]]s.

Civic buildings can be constructed that need constant funding to work properly, such as [[school]]s, [[hospital]]s, [[park]]s, [[police station]]s, [[jail]]s, and [[fire station]]s. These buildings come in two or more sizes compared to the single, universal types that were used in previous games. Settlements also need [[Public utility|public utilities]] such as electricity with more or less polluting and more or less expensive types of power stations, water pumps, water purification plants, and [[waste management]] services. Facilities that had previously provided citywide coverage, such as [[Education|educational facilities]] and [[Medicine|medical facilities]], have been modified to provide more limited coverage, as it has been with police stations and fire stations in previous ''SimCity'' titles.<ref name="Kramer 200–203">{{cite book|last=Kramer|first=Greg|title=SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition: Prima's Official Strategy Guide|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/simcity400greg/page/200|chapter-format=PDF|publisher=[[Prima Games]]|date=2003-08-31|pages=[https://archive.org/details/simcity400greg/page/200 200–203]|chapter=Chapter 17: Utilities|isbn=978-0-7615-4328-2|access-date=2008-10-28}}</ref>

Funding can be adjusted for individual buildings rather than having to change the funding to all buildings, allowing users to specify how much money should be spent to supply a service in accordance to the local population. Maintenance expenses for public utility facilities will increase as they age. The maximum output of facilities also decreases as they get older, with the rate dependent on the facility's percentage of its capacity being used and level of funding.<ref name="Kramer 200–203"/> 
{{Clear}}

====MySim mode====
MySim mode enables players to create user-defined Sims, who will live and work in the city the player has created. When moving a Sim into a city, the player can choose from a selection of characters or import others from ''[[The Sims (video game)|The Sims]]''. Sims can be killed by certain disasters or catastrophic events, leave the city if conditions are unfavorable, or die of old age. After they die, their "child" sometimes takes over for them by taking their name, house, and job.

===Building designs===
Buildings in ''SimCity 4'' are based on four distinct architectural styles, which can be selected individually or simultaneously for buildings to be built from. The earliest era is based on early office towers from [[Chicago, Illinois]], in the 1890s, the second era encompasses an [[Art Deco]]-based set from [[New York City]] based on the 1940s, the third includes a modernist/international style based on buildings from [[Houston, Texas]] in the 1990s, and the final is a modern European architecture based mostly around Germany in the 2000s. There are a number of buildings based on those found in [[San Francisco, California|San Francisco]], including the [[Shell Building (San Francisco, California)|Shell Building]] (appearing as "Wren Insurance"),<ref name="Shell Building">{{cite web | url = http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=118743 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20040617153345/http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=118743 | url-status = usurped | archive-date = June 17, 2004 | title= Shell Building | publisher = [[Emporis]] | access-date=2008-06-18}}</ref> [[450 Sutter Street]] (appearing as "Vu Financial"),<ref name = "450 Sutter">{{cite web | url = http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=118820 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20040618050417/http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=118820 | url-status = usurped | archive-date = June 18, 2004 | title= 450 Sutter | publisher = [[Emporis]] | access-date=2008-06-18}}</ref> and the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Building also known as [[140 New Montgomery Street]] (as "The Galvin Corp").<ref name="140 New Montgomery">{{cite web | url = http://www.emporis.com/buildings/118764/140-new-montgomery-street-san-francisco-ca-usa | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150221001829/http://www.emporis.com/buildings/118764/140-new-montgomery-street-san-francisco-ca-usa | url-status = usurped | archive-date = February 21, 2015 | title = 140 New Montgomery | publisher = [[Emporis]] | access-date=2008-06-18}}</ref> The May Company store (now [[Los Angeles County Museum of Art|LACMA]] West) in Los Angeles appears as "Dennis Department Store." The game also includes famous landmarks from various cities, such as the [[Empire State Building]] from New York City.

==Development==

===Graphics===
Unlike its predecessors, which used an engine based on 2D [[Isometric video game graphics|isometric graphics]] and [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprites]], ''SimCity 4'' primarily uses a [[3D computer graphics|3D]] engine to render its graphics. The landscape and moving props such as vehicles are modeled as fully [[Polygon (computer graphics)|polygonal]] and rotatable 3D objects. Small buildings and props are drawn as flat images, which are pasted onto [[Sprite (computer graphics)#Billboarding|billboards]]; polygons with their [[surface normal]] facing into the camera. Larger buildings are modeled using a hybrid approach; a simple polygonal model defines the shape of the building, then [[Texture mapping|textures]] are added to create detail such as doors, windows and rooftop clutter.

Although a 3D engine is used, the camera in ''SimCity 4'' is restricted to a fixed [[Trimetric projection|trimetric orthographic projection]] for performance reasons.<ref name="trimetricview">{{cite web | url = http://simcity.ea.com/about/inside_scoop/sc4_retrospective.php | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100411080445/http://simcity.ea.com/about/inside_scoop/sc4_retrospective.php | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2010-04-11 | title= SimCity Retrospective Pt III -SimCity 4, Rush Hour, and the Web | publisher = [[Maxis]], [[Electronic Arts]] | access-date=2008-06-18}}</ref> Additionally, a simulated city can now be seen at nighttime as well as during daytime. The time of the day does not affect the gameplay.

===Audio===
The game includes over three hours of background music in [[MP3]] format, ranging from three to eight minutes in length.<ref name="spotify">{{cite web | url= https://open.spotify.com/album/1iY0oI5KShRWxWniHVgg9l | title= SimCity 4 - Spotify | date= March 5, 2007 | publisher= [[Electronic Arts|EA Games]] | access-date= May 14, 2019 | archive-date= May 14, 2019 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190514030718/https://open.spotify.com/album/1iY0oI5KShRWxWniHVgg9l | url-status= live }}</ref> The music is divided between that used in region mode and god mode, and that used in the city view in mayor mode and MySim mode. In addition, the game has a facility for players to use their own music in the game, also divided between the two views. The music, largely composed by [[Jerry Martin (composer)|Jerry Martin]], was also released separately as a soundtrack.<ref name="discogs">{{cite web| url= https://www.discogs.com/Jerry-Martin-Music-From-SimCity-4/release/888422| title= Music From SimCity 4 - Discogs| website= [[Discogs]]| access-date= May 14, 2019| archive-date= July 2, 2018| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180702204630/https://www.discogs.com/Jerry-Martin-Music-From-SimCity-4/release/888422| url-status= live}}</ref>

==Add-ons and modifications==

===Maxis releases===
Following ''SimCity 4''{{'s}} release, several add-ons and development kits were made available on its official site.

New landmarks, including [[Rockefeller Center]], the [[Brandenburg Gate]], and [[Stonehenge]] were made available online.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2008-06-21 |url=http://simcity.ea.com/coolstuff/landmarks/index.php? |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304054243/http://simcity.ea.com/coolstuff/landmarks/index.php |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-03-04 |title=Building & Prop Downloads |publisher=[[Maxis]] }}</ref> Later, landmarks were primarily used to demonstrate the capability of [[Gmax]] and the Building Architect Tool (BAT) around the time of the BAT's release.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2008-06-21|url=http://simcity.ea.com/community/events/bat_chat_2_05_04.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100116143205/http://simcity.ea.com/community/events/bat_chat_2_05_04.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=2010-01-16|title=Will Wright Chat Transcript |publisher=[[Maxis]]|date=2004-02-05 }}</ref>

The Terrain Generator tool allowed users to create maps based on any of the [[Contiguous United States|48 contiguous United States]]. The maps are based on data collected by the [[United States Geological Survey]].<ref name="Map generator and USGS">{{cite web|url=http://simcity.ea.com/coolstuff/terrain/terrain_01.php? |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110310090849/http://simcity.ea.com/coolstuff/terrain/terrain_01.php |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-03-10 |title=Cool Stuff: Terrain Generator |publisher=[[Maxis]], [[Electronic Arts]] |access-date=2008-06-18 }}</ref>

The Building Architect Tool (BAT) is a suite of tools developed for producing custom buildings. The suite consists of three applications: The Building Architect game pack for [[Gmax]], which enabled users to [[Rendering (computer graphics)|render]] Gmax models into ''SimCity 4'' [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprites]] or props to be imported into the LE; an updated version of the LE; and the standalone Plug-in Manager, which enables users to modify simulation properties for new lots. Several modified versions have been released that have, in effect, served as bug fixes for various problems that had not been discovered before the initial release. First released in February 2004, it enabled the modding community to produce custom buildings and props for ''SC4''. ''SimCity 4''{{'s}} Building Architect Tool is similar in function to [[SimCity 3000#BAT|''SimCity 3000''{{'s}} Building Architect Tool]] and [[SimCity 2000|''SimCity 2000''{{'s}} Urban Renewal Kit]]; however, previous programs of this kind were created from scratch by Maxis and used completely different interfaces. The ''SC4'' BAT required a third-party application ([[Gmax]]) to function and was never bundled with ''SC4''{{'s}} or the ''Rush Hour'' expansion pack, as ''SimCity 3000 Unlimited'' had with its own BAT.

The Lot Editor (LE) is a tool which allows users to edit or design lots for ''SimCity 4'' using available props. Because it was released several months before the BAT as a stand-alone version, users at the time were only capable of producing lots that consisted of built-in props from ''SC4''. The BAT provided users with an updated version of the LE, which rendered the original LE utility [[Obsolescence|obsolete]]. However, the old version is still made available in the official site.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2008-06-21|url=http://simcity.ea.com/coolstuff/loteditor/loteditortool_02.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110303182002/http://simcity.ea.com/coolstuff/loteditor/loteditortool_02.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=2011-03-03|title=Lot Editor FAQ |publisher=[[Maxis]] }}</ref>

===Third-party content===
In addition to official tools, third-party programs were released for further accessibility in editing ''SimCity 4'' contents, potentially allowing users to change the nature of the game itself. Following the release of the Lot Editor and the "BAT" (Building Architect Tool), the majority of add-ons in circulation consist of user-created content; most are buildings and lots, including real-life landmarks, chain stores, extra houses, etc., while others include cosmetic changes for terrain, flora, custom vehicles and modifications in the game's behavior. Some even fundamentally change the mechanics of the game (for instance, by introducing multi-function transportation networks and stations, or by modifying the distance Sims are willing to walk in order to reach transit or their jobs). In some cases, both the skills of lot building and modding are combined, producing lots that are capable of affecting a city in a variety of ways. Some third-party content is only available to those with expansion packs or another mod.<ref name="Third Party Content">{{cite web | url = http://www.simtropolis.com/omnibus/_/simcity-4/reference/for-the-eager-yet-overwhelmed-newcomer-r204 | title = For the Eager, Yet Overwhelmed Newcomer | publisher = Simtropolis | access-date = 2011-09-22 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120320071652/http://www.simtropolis.com/omnibus/_/simcity-4/reference/for-the-eager-yet-overwhelmed-newcomer-r204 | archive-date = 2012-03-20 }}</ref>

==Reception==
===Sales===
In the United Kingdom, ''SimCity 4'' sold over 100,000 units during the first half of 2003. This made it the United Kingdom's third-best-selling computer game for the period, or eighth across all platforms. At the time, Kristan Reed of [[GamesIndustry.biz]] wrote that its performance proved "you can still have big hits on PC".<ref name=summer2003>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030812221201/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=ret&aid=1780 | url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=ret&aid=1780 | title=UK Charts 2003: Summer Report | author=Reed, Kristan | date=June 11, 2003 | work=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] | archive-date=August 12, 2003 | url-status=dead | access-date=January 22, 2019 }}</ref> By the end of the year, British sales of the game had reached 105,000 units, which made it 79th-biggest seller across all platforms that year.<ref name=smashhits>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040407090740/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=ret&aid=3101 | url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz:80/content_page.php?section_name=ret&aid=3101 | title=UK Charts 2003: Smash Hits | author=Reed, Kristan | date=March 11, 2004 | work=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] | archive-date=April 7, 2004 | url-status=dead | access-date=February 17, 2019 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> The game later received a "Gold" sales award from the [[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association]] (ELSPA),<ref name=goldelspa>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090319031650/http://www.elspa.com/?i=3943 |url=http://www.elspa.com:80/?i=3943 |title=ELSPA Sales Awards: Gold |work=[[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association]] |archive-date=March 19, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> indicating sales of at least 200,000 copies in the United Kingdom.<ref name=gamasutrasales>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918063107/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php |title=ELSPA: ''Wii Fit'', ''Mario Kart'' Reach Diamond Status In UK | author=Caoili, Eric | date=November 26, 2008 |work=[[Gamasutra]] |archive-date=September 18, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Its ''Deluxe'' edition earned a "Silver" award from ELSPA,<ref name=silverelspa>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221154943/http://www.elspa.com/?i=3942 |url=http://www.elspa.com:80/?i=3942 |title=ELSPA Sales Awards: Silver |work=[[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association]] |archive-date=February 21, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> for at least 100,000 sales.<ref name=gamasutrasales />

===Reviews and awards===
{{Video game reviews
| 1UP = B+<ref name="1UP.com review" />
| GSpot = 8.1/10<ref name="GameSpot review" />
| GSpy = 75/100<ref name="GameSpy review" />
| IGN = 9.2/10<ref name="IGN review" />
| rev1 = ''[[Inside Mac Games]]''
| rev1Score = 7.25/10<ref name="InsideMacGames review" />
| GR = 85.23%<ref name="Game Rankings review" />
| MC = 84/100<ref name="Metacritic review" />
| award1 = [[IGN]]: {{nowrap|Editors' Choice<ref name="ign editors choice">{{cite news|access-date=2008-06-23|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2003_Feb_18/ai_97779694|title=IGN Announces January ''Editors' Choice'' Awards; Editors Honor Best New Game Releases|publisher=Business Wire|date=2003-02-18|archive-date=January 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117055928/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2003_Feb_18/ai_97779694/|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| award2 = Parents' Choice Foundation: {{nowrap|[[Parents' Choice Award]]<ref name="parents choice award">{{cite web|access-date=2008-06-23|url=http://simcity.ea.com/about/awards/awards.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050308064255/http://simcity.ea.com/about/awards/awards.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=2005-03-08|title=SimCity Team Receives Prestigious Parents' Choice Gold Award |publisher=[[Electronic Arts]] }}</ref>}}
}}

Shortly after its release, the PC version of ''SimCity 4'' garnered mainly positive reviews, gaining 84/100 from [[Metacritic]],<ref name="Metacritic review">{{cite web | url = https://www.metacritic.com/game/simcity-4/critic-reviews/?platform=pc | title = ''SimCity 4'' (pc:2003): Reviews | publisher = [[Metacritic]] | access-date = 2008-06-18 | archive-date = October 26, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121026114920/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/simcity-4 | url-status = live }}</ref> and an 85.09% overall score from [[GameRankings]].<ref name="Game Rankings review">{{cite web | url = http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/561176.asp?q=SimCity%204 | title = ''SimCity 4'' review compilation | publisher = [[GameRankings]] | access-date = 2008-06-18 | archive-date = September 9, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120909021821/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/561176-simcity-4/index.html | url-status = live }}</ref>

The game got a 9.2/10 rating at ''[[IGN]]'', calling it a "major evolutionary step in the series".<ref name="IGN review">{{cite web | url = http://pc.ign.com/articles/382/382583p1.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20030117225246/http://pc.ign.com/articles/382/382583p1.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = January 17, 2003 | title = ''SimCity 4'' review | publisher = IGN | author = Blevins, Tal | access-date=2008-06-18}}</ref> The review commented that the addition of the region view mode adds more depth to ''SimCity 4'' and that the gameplay has a "more accurate representation of city planning and maintenance" than of previous titles in the ''SimCity'' series.

The game scored an 8.1/10 rating at ''[[GameSpot]]'', stating that the game had a "sleek, attractive interface" and "great audio"; it added however that ''SimCity 4'' was "rather rushed" and that the MySim mode "seems like an afterthought." The review concluded that it was a "complex and detailed strategy game," "though not as polished as it could have been."<ref name="GameSpot review">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/simcity4/review.html |title=''SimCity 4'' review |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=2008-06-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028150946/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/simcity4/review.html |archive-date=October 28, 2007 }}</ref> The publication later named it the best computer game of January 2003.<ref name=gotm>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041129113416/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/gotm/020803/index.html | url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/gotm/020803/index.html | title=''GameSpot''{{'}}s Game of the Month, January 2003 | author=((The Editors of ''GameSpot'')) | date=February 8, 2003 | work=[[GameSpot]] | archive-date=November 29, 2004 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

''[[GameSpy]]'' gave the game a score of 75/100, commenting that ''SimCity 4'' is "graphically stunning"; the review also criticized the game for having issues "that will likely kill the game for casual players" including [[Computer performance|performance]] and difficulty.<ref name="GameSpy review">{{cite web | url = http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/january03/simcity4pc/ | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080324081237/http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/january03/simcity4pc/ | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2008-03-24 | title = ''SimCity 4'' (PC) | publisher = [[GameSpy]] | author = Kosak, Dave | date = 2003-01-25 | access-date=2008-06-18}}</ref>

[[1UP.com|''1UP'']] rated the game at B+ and praised the region view feature as well as the detail of the graphics which create a "deeper sense of simulation." The review however criticized ''SimCity 4'' for suffering [[Crash (computing)|crashes]] and performance issues.<ref name="1UP.com review">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3103192&p=1&sec=REVIEWS|title=''SimCity 4'' (PC)|date=2000-01-01|publisher=[[1UP.com]]|access-date=2008-10-27|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103212935/http://www.1up.com/reviews/simcity-4_2|archive-date=2012-11-03}}</ref>

''SimCity 4'' received further reviews after the release of the [[Mac (computer)|Mac]] version. The game received a rating of 7.25/10 from ''[[InsideMacGames]]''. The review commented that the regional gameplay was a "new and welcome addition" and that it had detailed and realistic graphics; it was also said however that the game was not "revolutionary," had "horrendous bugs," and that the tutorial and manual lacked information.<ref name="InsideMacGames review">{{cite web | url = http://www.insidemacgames.com/reviews/view.php?ID=392&Page=1 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20040118203309/http://www.insidemacgames.com/reviews/view.php?ID=392&Page=1 | url-status = dead | archive-date = January 18, 2004 | title= ''SimCity 4'' | publisher = [[InsideMacGames]] | author = Halloran, Karen | date=2003-07-29 | access-date=2008-06-18}}</ref>

Urban planner [[Jeff Speck]] said that ''SimCity 4''{{'}}s traffic model is "more advanced than what most traffic engineers use in real life".<ref name="koebler20150508">{{Cite web |title=The Real Mayors of 'SimCity' |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-real-mayors-of-simcity/ |last=Koebler |first=Jason |date=2015-05-08 |website=Vice |language=en |access-date=2020-05-21 |archive-date=May 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200520122153/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/ezv7wp/the-real-mayors-of-simcity |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Awards===

''SimCity 4'' was chosen as one of IGN's "Editors' Choice" games for January 2003.<ref name="ign editors choice" /> It was also given the [[Parents' Choice Award]] by the Parents' Choice Foundation.<ref name="parents choice award" />

==Additional content and releases==

===''SimCity 4: Rush Hour''===
{{main|SimCity 4: Rush Hour}}

On September 22, 2003, [[Maxis]] released an [[computer game expansion pack|expansion pack]] for ''SimCity 4'' dubbed ''Rush Hour''. The expansion pack enhances the range of transportation facilities available to the player, such as being able to build four-lane avenues and elevated rail networks, as well as allowing them to trace traffic flow, while also allowing them to construct larger civic facilities; some such facilities have greater capacities, but all have increased maintenance costs. Additional features with the expansion also included the ability to control vehicles, take on missions that can unlock reward buildings much faster, affect their rating with the city and sometimes acquire a cash bonus, and introduced the ability to change between four architectural styles - three of these focus on architectural styles of American cities of differing eras, while the fourth introduces a new range of contemporary European-inspired architecture.

On the same day that the expansion pack ''Rush Hour'' was released, a bundle pack combining both the main game and the expansion pack was released, entitled ''SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition''. On August 25, 2004, [[Aspyr|Aspyr Media]] released ''SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition'' for [[macOS|Mac OS X]].

A year later, the expansion was released for Mac OS X on September 4, 2004.

===Digital distribution release===
On July 20, 2010, [[Electronic Arts]] released the Deluxe Edition (''SimCity 4'' and its ''Rush Hour'' expansion) for digital download on [[Steam (service)|Steam]], a digital distribution service by [[Valve Corporation|Valve]].<ref name="Steam Press Release">{{cite web |url=http://store.steampowered.com/news/4099/ |title=News – New Release – SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition |access-date=2010-10-23 |archive-date=August 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830052531/http://store.steampowered.com/news/4099 |url-status=live }}</ref> The game is also available on [[GOG.com]], [[Direct2Drive]] and [[Impulse (content delivery)|Impulse]] as well as EA's own [[Origin (service)|Origin]] service. On April 10, 2014, [[Aspyr]] released an updated version of their port of the Deluxe Edition on the [[Mac App Store]].<ref name="Aspyr Press Release">{{cite web |url=http://www.aspyr.com/news_articles/simcity-4-deluxe-edition-makes-triumphant-return-to-the-mac |title=SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition makes triumphant return to the Mac |access-date=2014-04-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413131113/http://www.aspyr.com/news_articles/simcity-4-deluxe-edition-makes-triumphant-return-to-the-mac |archive-date=2014-04-13 }}</ref> The updated version includes bug fixes and performance enhancements, native resolution support, and support for the latest versions of Mac OS X.

=== EA digital storefront controversy ===
Around 2014, it was discovered that the copy of SimCity 4 sold on EA's own digital distribution platforms (Origin and later the EA App) was an outdated "digital version" that had a different [[checksum]], rendering the game unpatchable even by Maxis' own update utilities.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-08-24 |title=PSA: Don't Buy SimCity 4 from Origin |url=https://simtarkus.wordpress.com/2014/08/24/psa-dont-buy-simcity-4-from-origin/ |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=SimTarkus - SimCity 4 |language=en |archive-date=November 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117120531/https://simtarkus.wordpress.com/2014/08/24/psa-dont-buy-simcity-4-from-origin/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This version of the game lacked the stability and modding capabilities compared to those sold on other platforms, such as Steam or GOG.com.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Andy Chalk published |date=2014-08-25 |title=SimCity 4 Network Addon Mod maker warns against buying the game from Origin |language=en |work=PC Gamer |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/simcity-4-on-origin-cannot-be-patched-or-modded-network-addon-mod-maker-warns/ |access-date=2022-11-17 |archive-date=November 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117120529/https://www.pcgamer.com/simcity-4-on-origin-cannot-be-patched-or-modded-network-addon-mod-maker-warns/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Following a small outcry from the SimCity 4 community on August 27, 2014, EA pushed an update that replaced the SimCity executable with the one being distributed on other platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-08-27 |title=PSA: SimCity 4 Deluxe is now safe to buy on Origin (Update: No, It's Not Anymore) |url=https://simtarkus.wordpress.com/2014/08/27/psa-simcity-4-deluxe-is-now-safe-to-buy-on-origin/ |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=SimTarkus - SimCity 4 |language=en |archive-date=November 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117120530/https://simtarkus.wordpress.com/2014/08/27/psa-simcity-4-deluxe-is-now-safe-to-buy-on-origin/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, on February 5, 2017, SimCity community members reported that their copy was once again downgraded to the unpatchable "digital version," to which EA provided no explanation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-02-05 |title=ALERT: Origin May Be Selling An Outdated, Unpatchable Version of SC4, Yet Again |url=https://simtarkus.wordpress.com/2017/02/05/alert-origin-may-be-selling-an-outdated-unpatchable-version-of-sc4-yet-again/ |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=SimTarkus - SimCity 4 |language=en |archive-date=November 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117120532/https://simtarkus.wordpress.com/2017/02/05/alert-origin-may-be-selling-an-outdated-unpatchable-version-of-sc4-yet-again/ |url-status=live }}</ref> During this duration, the SimCity 4 storefront page utilized screenshots containing community-made mods which were impossible to use on this version of the game.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-28 |title=EA Uses Pictures of the NAM . . . To Promote Origin/EA Play Version of SC4 That Doesn't Support The NAM |url=https://simtarkus.wordpress.com/2022/08/28/ea-uses-pictures-of-the-nam-to-promote-origin-ea-play-version-of-sc4-that-doesnt-support-the-nam/ |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=SimTarkus - SimCity 4 |language=en |archive-date=November 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117120530/https://simtarkus.wordpress.com/2022/08/28/ea-uses-pictures-of-the-nam-to-promote-origin-ea-play-version-of-sc4-that-doesnt-support-the-nam/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Arts |first=Electronic |title=Buy SimCity 4 – PC – EA |url=https://www.ea.com/games/simcity/simcity-4 |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=Electronic Arts Inc. |language=en |archive-date=December 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222180229/https://www.ea.com/games/simcity/simcity-4 |url-status=live }}</ref> On June 1, 2023, EA once again upgraded the game to the version sold on other platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-01 |title=Breaking News: EA Updates EA App/EA Play Version of SimCity 4 to Version 1.1.641 |url=https://simtarkus.wordpress.com/2023/06/01/breaking-news-ea-updates-ea-app-ea-play-version-of-simcity-4-to-version-1-1-641/ |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=SimTarkus - SimCity 4 |language=en}}</ref>

===Future updates===
{{quotebox|align=right|width=40%|quote=''SimCity'' kind of worked itself into a corner, [because] we were still appealing to this core ''SimCity'' group. It had gotten a little complicated for people who had never played ''SimCity''. We want to take it back to its roots where somebody who had never heard of ''SimCity'' can pick it up and enjoy playing it without thinking it was really, really hard.|source=Will Wright<ref name="newgameplaydirection"/>}}

[[Will Wright (game designer)|Will Wright]] stated in an interview on May 16, 2003, that there would probably be more expansion packs after ''Rush Hour'',<ref name="new expansion">{{cite web | url = http://www.fileplanet.com/123915/120000/fileinfo/GameSpy-LiveWire---Will-Wright-Interview | title = GameSpy LiveWire – Will Wright Interview | publisher = [[GameSpy]] | access-date = 2008-06-18 | archive-date = February 26, 2006 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060226154351/http://www.fileplanet.com/123915/120000/fileinfo/GameSpy-LiveWire---Will-Wright-Interview | url-status = live }}</ref> but none were ever released. In another interview on May 22, 2004, Wright stated that [[Maxis]] was attempting to work out a "new direction" for ''SimCity'' after new versions had become "steadily more complex".<ref name="newgameplaydirection">{{cite news | url = http://www.seattlepi.com/videogames/174491_simsguy22.html | title= 'Sims' creator is Livin' Large | work = [[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]] | access-date=2008-06-18 | first=Steven L. | last=Kent | date=2004-05-21}}</ref>

Two ''SimCity'' games for PC have followed ''SimCity 4''. The first was ''[[SimCity Societies]]'', which was developed by [[Tilted Mill Entertainment]] and released on November 13, 2007.<ref name=Simcitysocietiesinfo>{{cite web | url = http://www.thesims2.co.za/content/view/727/1/ | title = ''SimCity'' released | publisher = [[Business Wire]] | access-date=2008-06-18 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080226050723/http://www.thesims2.co.za/content/view/727/1/ |archive-date = February 26, 2008}}</ref> The second was ''[[SimCity (2013 video game)|SimCity]]'', which was announced in March 2012 and was released in March 2013.<ref>{{cite web|last=Plunkett|first=Luke|title=It's Official, SimCity is Back|date=March 7, 2012|url=http://kotaku.com/5891117/simcity-5-is-official-welcome-back-simcity|publisher=Kotaku|access-date=27 March 2012|archive-date=March 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320203901/http://kotaku.com/5891117/simcity-5-is-official-welcome-back-simcity|url-status=live}}</ref>

== In popular culture ==
During the [[Republican Party (United States) presidential primaries, 2012|Republican presidential primaries of 2012]], candidate [[Herman Cain]]'s [[9-9-9 plan|9-9-9 taxation proposal]] was widely attributed to a similar tax structure presented in ''SimCity 4''; the [[CNBC]] cable networks relayed the story of the linkage of the ''SimCity'' "ideal parameters" as a possible origin of the taxation proposal (the story itself may have originated in the technical press), but Cain denied any link to the game.<ref name=forbes-cain>{{cite news|last=Tassi|first=Paul|title=Herman Cain's 9-9-9 Plan Straight Out of SimCity?|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2011/10/14/herman-cains-9-9-9-plan-straight-out-of-simcity/|work=forbes.com|access-date=2011-11-19|date=2011-10-14|archive-date=September 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909161850/https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2011/10/14/herman-cains-9-9-9-plan-straight-out-of-simcity/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
* {{official website|http://www.ea.com/simcity-4-deluxe}}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020915004904/http://www.simcity.ea.com/ |date=September 15, 2002 |title=''SimCity 4'' }}
* [http://www.mobygames.com/game/simcity-4 ''SimCity 4''] at [[MobyGames]]

{{Sim series|all=yes}}
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[[Category:2003 video games]]
[[Category:Aspyr games]]
[[Category:City-building games]]
[[Category:I5works games]]
[[Category:Lua (programming language)-scripted video games]]
[[Category:MacOS games]]
[[Category:SimCity]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Top-down video games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Jerry Martin]]
[[Category:Windows games]]