Game Review: Two versions, one game
Just like building cities, choosing which version of a multiplatform game to buy can be fairly disorienting.
SimCity Creator is just one of the numerous games that are released on multiple systems. Speaking as a gamer, I know how frustrating it can be when deciding which version of a game to buy.
Moreover, game reviews frequently choose only one version to review, leaving everyone who doesn’t own that particular system in the dark. Well not this time, because I’ve decided to review both versions of SimCity Creator.
For those unfamiliar with the immensely popular SimCity franchise, the object of the game is to play God while building cities. This is done through a variety of ways, such as building houses, schools and landscaping. Or instead of building, – demolish with tornadoes, earthquakes and fire.
Creator holds true to this formula, but with slight variations. In the Wii version, the game is tweaked to use motion controls and pointing, while also incorporating new buildings and transportation. And in the DS version, players evolve through the ages – starting in ancient times and advancing into the future.
So which version builds cities better? Let’s start with the Wii:
Pros
Tons of features – Similarly to other SimCity games, Creator is incredibly in-depth. While some may feel overwhelmed, fans of the series will appreciate everything from the news feed to the advisers.
Also, I’d say the amount of features is comparable to the PC versions. Likewise, gamers that didn’t enjoy previous SimCity games are still not going to enjoy this one.
Cons
Fun Factor – I hate to say it, but the only people who will find enjoyment out of this game are the die hard fans of the series. And even then, that’s pushing it. The whole experience feels extremely unpolished and meaningless.
No purpose – Creator lacks any clear sense of purpose and direction. There’s neither a story nor explanation, it’s as if the game expects the player to make a city, just because. And frankly, that’s not enough reason or incentive to play this purposely complicated game.
Controls – Oh boy, where do I begin? Perhaps the biggest issue with Creator is the completely horrendous control scheme. I tried to like this game, I really did, but it’s simply not able to be played.
I’m shocked and dumbfounded that this game managed to ruin the controls. SimCity was originally a PC game. So, a Wii version should feel natural, because the Wii remote emulates a PC mouse. However, the problem lies with the execution. The Wii remote acts like a keyboard and a mouse by scrolling the map and placing objects – at the same time. The result is unusable.
Score: 5 out of 10
So, what about the DS version? Can it outperform the Wii?
Pros
Fun Factor – I’m really amazed with the addictiveness of this game. Honestly, my eyes were starting to go blurry – that’s how long I was staring at those tiny screens. Or was it the blurry graphics? I can’t say for sure.
Fresh outlook – Even though both games have the same title, the DS version is completely different. The most noticeable difference is the evolution process and simplicity. Both of which provide a unique and refreshing outlook on this long running series.
Cons
Simplicity – In a really unusual circumstance, the simplicity both helped and hurt this game. While the simplicity makes the game approachable, in the long run it lacked pacing, because each and every building must be earned one at a time. Thus, I don’t see very many people staying interested enough to finish the game.
Controls – Again, the controls should be good, but they’re not. Both the touch screen and d-pad are jerky and unresponsive. Also, the creation grid is too small. I found myself cursing the game when I accidently bulldozed my houses.
Score: 6.5 out of 10
In the end, both games are not as good as they should be. The Wii version is barely enjoyable, and the DS counterpart is merely average. I can’t say I’d out-right recommend either game, but for those who are craving their SimCity fix, I’d go with the DS version.
SimCity Creator was developed by The Sims Studio, and published by Electronic Arts. Both games were released on Sept. 22, and retail for $30 (DS) and $50 (Wii). Games were played extensively on single player modes. Thank you to the PR staff at Electronic Arts.
–tim.russell@aggiemail.usu.edu