Cityscapes: Sim Builder, a program designed for the Apple Vision Pro, is a captivating foray into city-building simulation. Developed by Playstack Ltd, this app offers an innovative and sustainable twist on the classic city-building genre, rooted in strategic planning and forward-thinking environmental considerations.
In Cityscapes: Sim Builder, you assume the role of mayor and are tasked with making significant decisions that influence the health, happiness, and sustainability of your burgeoning metropolis. You begin with basic infrastructural needs such as housing, jobs, retail spaces, and transportation links between them. Interestingly, the game emphasizes the importance of sustainable development. For instance, the placement of industries and traffic-heavy roads must be meticulously planned to minimize pollution.
Your responsibilities evolve rapidly as you advance in the game. Beyond the basic utilities like power, clean water, and garbage management, you are also required to develop systems for policing, education, fire safety, and medical care. The goal is to address the growing complexities of your populace, which includes providing green spaces for relaxation and mental well-being.
One of the standout features of Cityscapes: Sim Builder is the City Pass, a monthly event that allows players to earn exclusive parks, buildings, landmarks, and other special items by completing daily and weekly tasks. This event adds an engaging layer of progression and accomplishment, encouraging consistent gameplay.
As you raise your player level, you unlock new cities and biomes, expanding the palette with which you create your urban masterpiece. The game also features land parcels with hidden natural curiosities and the possibility to construct world-famous architectural landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or the Statue of Liberty, adding a distinctive flair to your cityscape.
The game is visually striking with its stunning 3D architecture and landscapes. The design possibilities seem endless as you collect and implement diverse building blueprints. The visuals and intuitive design create an immersive experience that captivates the imagination.
Cityscapes: Sim Builder also introduces an intriguing cast of characters. Anne Council runs city challenges, Paula Powers and Frankie Flint offer helpful advice, while May Grede, the CEO, presents occasional challenges as her schemes can sabotage your efforts. Listening to your citizens is crucial as they frequently provide feedback and suggestions, ensuring a dynamic and interactive engagement with your city’s needs.
An essential aspect of Cityscapes: Sim Builder is its focus on sustainability. The game requires you to balance environmental and social sustainability, reducing waste and pollution while managing the economic impact on your citizens. This holistic approach encourages you to build a thriving city where citizens live happily and healthily, nurturing feelings of pride and fulfillment.
The customer reviews reveal a nuanced picture of the game. Many players love the game’s depth and enjoyable gameplay, pointing out that it is an excellent way to pass time or engage in long sessions of city building. The aesthetics are highly praised, with the graphics described as smooth and lifelike. However, the game is not without its issues. Users have reported frequent crashes, particularly on iOS devices, which can lead to lost progress. There is also feedback on the game’s limitations, such as the confinements imposed by the dotted lines for building placement and the restrictions on city expansion.
Moreover, some players find the building merge system confusing and have suggested an auto-build feature to streamline the process. There are also mentions of bugs – such as goals not being counted despite fulfilling the requirements and occasional stuttering even on high-end devices. Battery consumption is another concern, as the game is reported to deplete battery life quickly.
Despite these setbacks, the community recognizes the game’s potential and is hopeful for future updates that address these issues. The absence of in-game purchases is a significant positive note, aligning with the Apple Arcade ethos of ad-free and fair gaming.
Cityscapes: Sim Builder is an ambitious and richly detailed city-building simulation that successfully combines strategic planning with a focus on sustainability. While it has minor technical drawbacks and some user interface issues, it is an engaging and thought-provoking game that promises to keep city-building enthusiasts entertained. Future updates and bug fixes will undoubtedly enhance the game’s performance, potentially making it one of the standout titles in the city-building genre available on Apple’s platform.
