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Review of SimCity Creator on Nintendo DS

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Sep 2008
Cover image of SimCity Creator on DS
Gamefings Score: 6.5
Platform: DS DS logo
Released: 22 Sep 2008
Genre: City-building game
Developer: Hudson Soft
Publisher: Electronic Arts

Introduction

Welcome to the world of *SimCity Creator*, a game where you can build your dream city or turn it into a dystopian wasteland inhabited by Sims who just can't catch a break. This isn't just a game; it's an emotional roller coaster where urban planning skills are basically your superpower and disaster management is your tragic flaw. If you've ever wanted to feel like God, but with fewer thunderbolts and more traffic jams, then grab your stylus and let's dive deep into the stories of our pixelated citizens.

Gameplay

The gameplay is layered like a perfectly constructed lasagna. You start off by zoning your land - allowing Sims to reside in yellow neighborhoods, work in blue commercial zones, and, of course, pollute the air in notorious red industrial areas. Set those zoning snafus aside, and we can talk about my favorite part: transportation. Roads, highways, subways-if building them was an Olympic sport, you would be Michael Phelps, except you're not winning medals; you're just trying to prevent your Sims from being trapped in an endless traffic jam. Forget electricity for a second! Building vibrant, thriving cities is the ultimate flex. But, just when you think you've got a handle on things, boom! Natural disasters. Ever considered how earthquakes or a sudden dinosaur invasion could ruin your otherwise flawless city? Pro tip: dinosaurs do not pay taxes, so you'll need to hustle to rebuild before the angry mob of Sims shows up at your doorstep with pitchforks. If you think managing a city is tougher than it looks, try deploying your city advisors, who are essentially playful avatars of the MySims characters trying to guide you through tumultuous times. They might resemble cute little guys, but trust me, they're as fickle as your ex when you're trying to figure out how to build a justifiable landfill. You love them, you need them, but boy, do they know how to stress you out! Speaking of stress, there's nothing like a 3D helicopter tour of your otherwise chaotic creation. What better way to survey the smoldering ruins of your city than from a bird's eye view? Talk about urban exploring! The game allows players to choose from different architectural themes, from the futuristic to Egyptian vibes, and lets your creativity run wild, customizing buildings that make skyscrapers look like Lego projects. But, at the end of the day, it's all about balancing the budget, keeping Sims happy, and praying for the days when aliens and giant robots just leave you alone.

Graphics

Graphically, *SimCity Creator* is as vibrant as a recharged neon sign in Las Vegas. You might not get PS5-level graphics here, but on the Nintendo DS, it's the modern equivalent of Picasso painting under a strobe light - fresh and chaotic with a unique charm. Each theme presents eye-popping colors and distinct architectural styles, while the animations during disasters look mildly ridiculous but incredibly satisfying, like if a comedy of errors danced across your screen. Your Sims may be 2D, but their struggles and aspirations make them 3D in heart and soul. Plus, touring the city in a helicopter or airplane offers a delightful panorama, so even if the city burns in a meteor shower, you can at least appreciate the view.

Conclusion

In conclusion, *SimCity Creator* might not have aced all the tests, but it still stands as a manageable chaos simulator that will keep you coming back for more. With zoning strategies, disaster management, and a sprinkle of humor, it puts the power of city-building in your hands. Each session feels like a new story waiting to unravel, filled with urban twists and turns that echo the unpredictable joys of life itself. Whether you're channeling your inner architect or just looking for a place to unleash your creative genius, this game offers an engaging escape into a world that's as chaotic as your real-life schedule. So, pop your headphones in, and let's make those Sims both prosper and cry, all in the name of urban adventure.

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