NPR reviews Skylines II: A SimCity Experience Amplified

2023-10-23 00:25:32

Skylines II Review: The Ultimate Urban Planning Simulator

I wouldn't consider myself a hardcore gamer, but there's one game that has captured my attention: Cities: Skylines. After spending 46 hours playing the new sequel, I've built numerous cities, dealt with traffic congestion, and experienced the challenges of managing a metropolis. Without a doubt, this game is a must-play for anyone interested in urban infrastructure and city management.

The grid-based road system in Skylines II allows for easy customization, especially in creating parallel and diagonal roads. However, I did find it challenging to recreate the organic road layout of European cities. Nevertheless, the game's mechanics naturally steer you towards building cities in the style of North American block layouts.

One of the most exciting features of Skylines II is the expanded playable area, offering ten new maps with different terrains. Whether it's building on islands or in mountainous regions, the game provides endless options for city creation.

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The level of detail in Skylines II is truly impressive. The graphics, even on the lowest quality settings, are stunning. The water effects and weather details add a realistic touch to the game. Additionally, the cinematic camera mode allows players to zoom in and observe the activities of the city's inhabitants.

Overall, Cities: Skylines II is a fantastic simulation game that offers a deep and immersive experience in urban planning. It's like playing SimCity on steroids, with its expanded playable area and enhanced graphics. If you enjoy strategizing and creating functioning cities, this game is a must-play.

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The Importance of Well-Designed Roadways

As any city planner knows, well-designed roadways are vital for a functional city. Skylines II makes it easier than ever to create and customize roads, particularly when using grid and parallel layouts. However, creating organic road layouts like those found in European cities can be more challenging.

Five Times the Playable Area, Five Times the Excitement

Skylines II offers ten new maps, each with a different terrain, providing ample space for city expansion. Whether building an archipelago city or a mountain village, the game offers diverse and engaging options for city creation. The ability to connect non-adjacent islands in the archipelago map is a particularly exciting feature.

Aesthetically Stunning Graphics

One of the most hyped aspects of Skylines II is its impressive graphics. Even on lower quality settings, the game looks stunning. The attention to detail, from shimmering water to realistic weather effects, adds a level of visual immersion. Using the cinematic camera mode, players can zoom in on buildings and observe the hustle and bustle of the city.

Final considerations, Cities: Skylines II is a must-play for both casual gamers and city planning enthusiasts. Its intricate gameplay mechanics and vast playable area offer endless possibilities for creating and managing cities. Whether you're passionate about urban planning or simply enjoy simulation games, Skylines II is a game that will keep you hooked for hours on end.

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