SimCity - Don't buy it!

[volt_bite]

So I was pretty excited about playing the new SimCity until I found out that you can't actually play it by yourself. You have to play online and on a server. This sounds like a good idea, but much like D3's release, SimCity is plagued with server issues to the point where you can't actually play a game.


Part of the problem is caused by the fact that you need an internet connection to play. Technology blog Tech Dirt called this decision "ridiculous and seriously inhibited playability".

"For one, no one's internet connection is perfectly reliable. Secondly, SimCity was going further than most games, allowing only server-side saves, meaning that players could easily lose progress if their connections dropped," it wrote.

On top of that, every game is multiplayer, whether you like it or not. Not every user is going to want a social gaming experience. Also every game requires a server slot, meaning that an internet connection isn't the only thing standing between you and the game.


Read more: http://www.news.com.au/technology/gaming/sim-city-a-great-game-once-you-get-past-the-server-problems/story-e6frfrt9-1226592163140#ixzz2MvS9FgU2

Another words, its useless and you can't even play SimCity if you tried.

http://gamingtrend.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/SimCity_Servers.jpg

Aparently Amazon are not even comfortable selling it:
http://www.amazon.com/Electronic-Arts-41018ted-Edition2-SimCity/dp/B007VTVRFA

EA have reacted by pulling out non-core features:

“We are continuing to do everything we can to address the server issues. In the meantime, so that we can give you as good an experience as possible, we are in the process of deploying a hotfix to all servers,” a post on the official forum stated. “This includes various improvements and also disables a few non-critical gameplay features (leaderboards, achievements and region filters). Disabling these features will in no way affect your core gameplay experience.”
http://forum.ea.com/eaforum/posts/list/0/9341242.page

EA WHY MUST YOU FUCK UP EVERYTHING

Now here's a comic:
http://art.penny-arcade.com/photos/i-R8XRnwt/0/950x10000/i-R8XRnwt-950x10000.jpg

[confuzion]

Thats a shame, have always enjoyed SimCity :/ hopefully they release a patch or someone hacks it to make it solo campaign-able.

[volt_bite]

It seems like thats the way games are heading. All online based with social network linked in along with achievements and challenges. Sometimes, who cares, we just want to play the game. Or at least have it as an option or you know, have a shit load of servers ready to go.

[Stealthed]

This is why EA is up their on one of my most hated publishers/companys.

Why make a single player game.... that can only be played online?..

They've ruined a lot of games simply for this reason, then they got greedy with franchises like Battlefield 3 after it was released announcing a "Premium" service and expansion packs at new game prices. They lost half their players from it.

I agree with most reviews so far, the game itself is good from what I can see. It's just being held back by EA implementing rules like DRM forcing you to play online. It wouldn't be as bad if they at least had their online shit sorted so you could play it still, but that's of course EA for you.

my 2c

[volt_bite]

Yeah. I think the game is actually good. I wont know for sure until the server side issues are resolved lol.

Also, how shit is Origin?!?

[Stealthed]

Let me know, I was a fan of the old one way back in the day.

As for Origin, I refuse to even touch it.

[volt_bite]

Well unfortunately the game runs through Origin =/

[Tre-Cool]

i play simcity on facebook, that's about it these days.

[volt_bite]

Its probably not run by EA thats why it works haha

[volt_bite]

There is a petition to remove the always online function:
https://www.change.org/petitions/electronic-arts-inc-remove-always-online-drm-from-simcity-and-future-games

[masTers]

I doubt much will beat SimCity 2000

[Halle Terry]

The sheer amount of hate for EA on the internet is awesome.

[SircatmaN]

I've been waiting for this game for ages, as soon as I heard it was always online DRM like DIablo 3 and the huge fuck up experience that was I decided to wait for a torrent with an offline crack.

EA I wanted to give you my money but from what you are showing me you want me to get an much more playable pirate version instead.

[volt_bite]

Lol back to the classics fuck yeah.

[Frenchy]

Hrmm mrs got it for me as I have been hanging out for it. Shame they didn't give out the DRM and no single player info prior to selling.

EA are dog pingpingpingpings
Interestingly, they had the same server issues for The Simpsons Tapped Out game on iPhone/iPad.... Took 3 months to sort that issue out :/ Losing saved games etc all the time.

[volt_bite]

Have you actually got into a game yet? I tried with no luck last night. Everytime you want to change server you have to log in through Origin and then it slowly checks for updates.. process is fucking slow.

[Frenchy]

Have you actually got into a game yet? I tried with no luck last night. Everytime you want to change server you have to log in through Origin and then it slowly checks for updates.. process is fucking slow.

Nah I'm still at work, so will give it a go when I'm back in a few days. Hopefully things get better by then. Most of the people I have seen on forums are struggling to get into a game.

[MirKz]

I looked on Origin today in the store...

They're charging people $100 for broken shit... WTF HOW!?
I think the standard edition is around $80 but still... that's just crazy.
I'd probably look at it, down the track when it's cheap as shit.

[Frenchy]

I looked on Origin today in the store...

They're charging people $100 for broken shit... WTF HOW!?
I think the standard edition is around $80 but still... that's just crazy.
I'd probably look at it, down the track when it's cheap as shit.

Jb Hifi selling limited edition copies for $69

[confuzion]

so limited that you can't play it :P

[Risk10k]

Actually looks like fun!

[_S9_]

No MAC version yet either! - wtfpingpingpingpings!

/not even mad about the online-only bit - thats the way all games are heading anyway.

[Phyber]

I doubt much will beat SimCity 2000

Still got mine in box with 2x 3.5" floppies, that was the last for me. First played Sim City original it on SNES I think??

[volt_bite]

Finally got it working the other day. However servers are still very much hit and miss.

If anyone wants to add me, let me know! I think my user name is volt_bite on Origins.

[RMCprime]

No MAC version yet either! - wtfpingpingpingpings!

/not even mad about the online-only bit - thats the way all games are heading anyway.

MAC can play games?

[Kaido]

got it saturday night. haven't had any issue connecting at all

[volt_bite]

What server are you playing? I tried US West 1, US West 2, Oceanic 1 and Oceanic 2.

That said, since the release date they have added a lot more servers. Still has a few issues for me though but a lot better than the initial release.

[Grug]

I bought it... and Im playing it. Its fun :P

Though, cant seem to find any games to join, and no one seems to join mine? Weird..

TheGruggles is my origin name

[masTers]

MAC can play games?

Prince of Persia

[Kaido]

What server are you playing? I tried US West 1, US West 2, Oceanic 1 and Oceanic 2.

That said, since the release date they have added a lot more servers. Still has a few issues for me though but a lot better than the initial release.

I'm on Oceanic 2, everytime i jump on US 1,2,3 and full and Oceanic 1 is full.

As another mention no one wants to join my city, but i have join something else city

[Frenchy]

Installed and updated and straight into it, with no issues.
Joined Asia region and played for about 30min... My room was called Australia if anyone wants to join that?? Not sure how it all works in regards to staying in the same region but if someone wants to create one and we all join that I'm up for restarting my city :)

Origin username : frenchy1980

edit* Marshall, tried adding you but it says that "no user for Volt_Bite"

[volt_bite]

Ok I'll try to find my actual origin name and we'll go from there. Would be nice to have a few people in the same game lol.

I've noticed I can make a lot more money if I have a smaller spaced out city compared to a large denser city. No idea why as I thought more people, more money =/ I've tried extensively to cull down service costs too as much as possible.

Also if you didnt know already, if you do upgrades for the buildings you can actually turn off the extensions (ie power individual upgrades down) to save money :)

I've had no luck making that big artifact thing either haha. How do I make tvs?!?

[Grug]

First city I made was going really well, every city I make after that is failing hard lol. Joined your region Frenchy.

[Tones]

Might have to look into this Frenchy

[Frenchy]

Yeah it's worth a go tones! Really enjoyin it at the moment, city looks like shit as I get the hang of it but its definately a time killer. Thought I'd spend 20mins on it, nek minnet 2hrs pass.....

[volt_bite]

It helps to get the roads right and plan ahead!

For instances, resources run out such as water so you need to build new towers around the place. Ore/Oil etc runs out too.

Certain buildings like industrial high tech require a certain amount of space. If you want to maximise your space then it helps to know how many squares it takes. I have found that residential and commercial don't require as much space though for high tech/high wealth.

University, I think Science or Engineering are the most useful as you get the most Tech.

If your Town Hall in the region is upgraded with Education, Utilities etc, it shares/unlocks it for that region!

You can send money as a "gift" to other people in that region. Takes a few mins to hours to send though.

Selling electricity/sewage etc doesn't seem to work as well. For instances you cant have a "utilities" region as it doesnt work efficiently. I tried to do this lol.

Will probs be on tonight.

[uzx83]

So do you need internet to play this game? im looking for good games to play on my MAC whilst im on trains traveling across Europe

[duste]

Am I allowed to buy this yet?

[volt_bite]

Xistre is my ID

[Damo 69]

Cities XL 2012 is a good alternative to sim city. Can play solo

[John Butler]

Got this today, seems pretty decent so far. Only just starting to get the hang of it. Will join up with you guys when i get a chance.
Origin ID: Tonedeff180

[Frenchy]

Farrrrrk.... Asia server dropping the old "server is busy" trick!
Fuck you EA/Origin


Edit* ok starting to rage now. Can't get into region, did the wait 19min thing and finally get in...... No saved game, then connection to server fail.

Fuck

[Grug]

Frenchy are you going to make a new game?

[Frenchy]

Frenchy are you going to make a new game?

Yeah mate, I made one in the Antarctica region. Called Antilag :)

PS: watch out for zombies in your town!!
Created a decent city, awesome turnover of money and things were going well. Get up to grab a drink and go for a piss, come back and my city is in a -$ and everything turned off... I was like WTF!?? Had to shut down services to get my money back into the +$ and then realise almost my whole city was over run by zombie apocalypse.

Dozed almost 2/3 of my city and rebuilt hahaha

[Grug]

Blah, Ive created my own for anyone who wants to join, its in the Asia zone and its called Australia..

Currently have 100k residents, running out of water though :(

Origin name: Thegruggles

[Frenchy]

Blah, Ive created my own for anyone who wants to join, its in the Asia zone and its called Australia..

Currently have 100k residents, running out of water though :(

Origin name: Thegruggles

Will join when I get home. I dare say the Asia region will have bulk server issues at night if its the only one for that region tho :/ see how it goes :)

[volt_bite]

Is the asia zone same as the Oceanic zone? I haven't seem to be able to add anyone yet lol.

Currently in one of my cities I have about 180k+ people and very low $$/hr but because I have four oil derricks and I am making plastic, crude oil and fuel, I get tonnes of money lol. I had to doze half my city to get the set up properly. I also made the advance trade port which is connected to the rail line.

Key thing for any industrial city = have the trade depots next to the industrial areas and close to the major roads exiting the city! Industrial areas need a fire station nearby and a health clinic but not a police station.

High educated areas are usually high density so require police, hospital but not really a fire station. I have also noticed its not worth upgrading to the major police station/hospital/Fire station (i havent yet and my population is quite high).

[Frenchy]

I still can't find you on Origin man! Dafuq :(

That superhero guy is bulk expensive and he doesn't seem to do fuck all :/

[volt_bite]

Maxis man and that evil dude ARE SHIT. lol.

This is me, literally:

http://v.cdn.cad-comic.com/comics/cad-20130313-3c2d0.png

Unhappy?!? Out comes the dozer haha or I plop lame ass buildings on them.

Yeah no idea why? Maybe I have to add you via email?! I also did the login via facebook, try that?

[Azrian]

Where is the best place to buy this game?

[Azrian]

Picked it up at jb's for $69 for the limited ed

[poombah]

So what's the verdict ?- are all the issues with not being able to play fixed yet? Played the Beta but decided to hold off getting it with the shitstorm about it not working..

[volt_bite]

Yep, its mostly fixed now although Origins is still shit is bricks.

[to4garret]

City size increased yet? Are people still losing their Cities?

[Grug]

My only gripe is that cities are too small, cant fit anything in.

[volt_bite]

Haha yeah. Future proof planning goes a long way though. I think the idea is to have smaller cities but with people working together more.

I had the plan to put in a railway system form the beginning and only recently have I implemented it. You can use the dirt road as markers for future infrastructure. I basically divided the map into four sections with two sections allocated to residential (with a mix of commercial), one to industrial and the last one to utilities.

I have the petroleum HQ and refining factory which makes fuel and plastic now. Makes bulk money! :) You need to have heaps of trade depots though.

[benjamino]

Fuck it, I'm going back to the first Age of Empires.

[Azrian]

Joined into Grugs map last night but server shat so joined into i think Tones map but fucked the city up.

How can i restart the city?

[Grug]

Can abandon it instead of clicking play.

[Stealthed]

Fuck it, I'm going back to the first Age of Empires.

Slightly off topic - Age of Empires II about to be released on steam in HD.

So many mates play this at Uni, so it will be good to get a re-vamped version that actually has no connection issues.

[volt_bite]

I'ld play it. But Hots is out now too haha.

Had a good (short) successful game with Frenchy last night and then the servers shat themselves and booted Frenchy and he couldnt get back on haha. That was on Oceania 1. Then we moved to Oceania 2 which worked fine :D

[Azrian]

Played last night. Got bored after 1 hour.

Am i able to sell it?

[Frenchy]

I'ld play it. But Hots is out now too haha.

Had a good (short) successful game with Frenchy last night and then the servers shat themselves and booted Frenchy and he couldnt get back on haha. That was on Oceania 1. Then we moved to Oceania 2 which worked fine :D
Haha man I was spewin... had my little minesite firing up :(

[Frenchy]

Played last night. Got bored after 1 hour.

Am i able to sell it?

Thats a good Q actually... considering you have to register the game and everything is done through servers and cloud

[masTers]

I hope this isn't a sign of the way games are heading.

I read this morning on the bus that there are no plans to ever make this playable offline. What happens in 1-2 years when esequels are released (like 2KSports) and EA stop supporting Simcity and turn off all the servers? Is everyone going to be left with something they can never use again (or worse, something that future generations can't enjoy)?

Is this another attempt from publishers and developers to kill off the second hand market? Seems pretty rough to drop $70-$100 on a game that potentially has a life span of 12-24 months.

[Azrian]

*lifespan of 1 week

[stumps.]

http://www.geek.com/articles/games/modder-proves-simcity-can-run-offline-indefinitely-20130314/

[volt_bite]

EA offering a free game apparently:
http://www.geek.com/articles/games/ea-admits-simcity-launch-was-dumb-offers-players-a-free-game-2013039/

[Azrian]

So did everyone get there email today about the free game?

[Gr3mlin]

Got mine

Was a throw up between Dead Space 3 and MoH...ended up getting Dead Space. I was expecting that they just throw out some shit game, pretty surprised with the line up of what you could choose from.

[to4garret]

See the CEO of EA has been fired over this debacle.

http://investor.ea.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=749234

[volt_bite]

Yes, both good outcomes.

Hmm I have got no email yet.

[sethor]

Just log on to Origin, I downloaded my free game last night.

[Azrian]

How did you download it? I cant see where it says its free.

[Macca]

How did you download it? I cant see where it says its free.

Log out of origin then back in. It will come up with "featured today" it is there you find the link

[Azrian]

cheers will do