SimCity (Wii Virtual Console) Review
Posted by Cory Moore on 03.13.2007
Will Wright's original city simulator returns to home consoles in this SNES port for the Wii's Virtual Console. How does it rate almost two decades later?
When it was released way back in 1989, SimCity was a first for simulation games. It was one of the first open-ended experiences, a revolutionary concept for an industry based on definitive success. The concept of SimCity was designed by Will Wright. Wright had his doubters, but the SimCity series became a massive hit instantly and garnered massive praise from his peers. The game has now spawned four sequels and many spin-offs including the PC favorite, The Sims.
SimCity is a simulation game that allows you to take the reigns of building a city from scratch. Throughout the game, you will build housing for your citizens, places for them to work, and shopping centers for leisure activities. You’ll also be in charge of transportation, placing of airports and building recreational venues for your “SimCitizens.” The goal is to build up your tiny village into a megalopolis while dealing with elements that will try to hinder your progress along the way.
These deterrents are the main antagonist of the game. As in any real city, the tax rate is never quite low enough. Citizens will complain about traffic and peeved environmentalists will urge you to fix the pollution levels. And crime is the least of your worries when a massive disaster plows through your community and causes chaos. It’s all up to you to make sure all of these elements are kept in line, and will ultimately determine whether you attract more citizens to your project, or flounder into a small village where the citizens live simply because they have nowhere else to go.
The Virtual Console version of SimCity is a direct port of the SNES classic. Of course, this means the graphics are a bit dated, but the simplistic style works well. The old-school visuals help navigate around your town easily. The controls of the SimCity franchise are obviously designed for a PC mouse, but the point-and-click method isn’t too frustrating once you get the hang of it.
The SNES version is unique to the franchise due to its many additions pertaining to city building. When your project reaches certain levels, you are awarded prizes such as a mayor’s house, casinos and theme parks. Once you reach 500,000 citizens, you are given the gift of a Mario statue to display proudly in the heart of your city. Also exclusive to this version is Dr. Wright, the city advisor that guides your progress and lets you know of problems, accomplishments and achievements. He’s actually quite helpful if you care to listen to him.
Now a staple in the SimCity series, many fans of the SNES version will be thrilled to know that the “money code” that awards the player $999,999 remains intact. While it is hardly ethical for a real-life politician to accept such a generous donation, the extra cash can certainly help the casual gamer reach his goal in a timely fashion. After all, getting your city rolling in SimCity is no easy feat.
The 411
The presentation, catchy score and exclusive elements to the Virtual Console of SimCity make this a worthwhile purchase. Sure, the SNES port shows its age graphically and the controls can get tedious, but these are minor flaws. This game has held up very well over the years and the experience is as fresh as it was back in the day. It is definitely worth checking out if you want a solid single-player simulation game that will keep you busy for hours.
Graphics
7.5
SNES visuals are outdated, but the simplistic style works for easy navigation around your city.
Gameplay
7.0
The scrolling pointer is not as ideal as a mouse, but you’re unlikely to throw your controller in frustration over it.
Sound
8.5
The catchy and upbeat SNES score sets this version apart from its other incarnations.
Lasting Appeal
9.0
SimCity is not flashy, but this game provides city building at its finest.
Fun Factor
9.0
With a goal to reach 500,000 SimCitizens, you’re going to be working on this game a long time. Even then, the city never sleeps, and neither should you!
