Title: Cities XL

From: Monte Cristo

For: PC

It’s been a long time between drinks for the city simulation and in Cities XL, newcomer Monte Cristo has entered the genre with a stunning simulation that looks incredible (if you have the PC with enough juice to handle it), has deeply involved gameplay, reasonably easy to follow controls and menus, and solid online options.

There’s a great deal of realism involved in creating your city’s infrastructure. First you are charged with laying down a road network which can take any form you wish. Dividing the city into zones is next, followed by the placement of buildings. Citizens will come, live their lives, work and expand your city if you’ve set it up right.

But the main difference between others in the genre and Cities XL is that you are restricted to playing the game the way it’s designed to be played if you are to succeed, where in the likes of SimCity 4 you have the freedom to play in an unorthodox fashion if you see fit.

Ultimately, Cities XL will divide simulation fans. As pretty and involved as it is, it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.

Score 75%