Collection essentials #247: SimCity (SNES)

First developed for computers and released in the late ‘80s, SimCity was a pioneer in the “simulation” genre. These types of games weren’t as common on consoles, but Nintendo took an interest in this impressive new game and thought it might be a good fit for their upcoming console in development. And not only would it happen, but the SNES version would receive a number of changes and additions that would help it stand out among available versions.

SimCity is a game that has you in charge of…well, building a city. Gameplay takes place from a birds-eye view, and you are able to play the role of urban planner and construct buildings and roads. Many factors have to be balanced in the construction of your city, and where you place everything matters a great deal. Natural disasters occasionally happen, and the aftermath has to be dealt with. There’s a very wide variety of different terrain you can build on, too, as well as different challenge “scenarios” that give you a more defined goal and time limit.

The SNES version gives the game a little more personality, such as adding an amusing character named Dr. Wright (based on the real-life creator of the series with the same surname) who gives the player tips. Instead of a Godzilla-like monster appearing to cause some destruction, this version features Bowser from Super Mario Bros.! There’s also a very nice soundtrack made for this version.

I don’t have a whole lot of experience with SimCity, personally. The primary reason it’s here is because it’s one of the few launch titles for my favorite console. But in my adulthood, I found out that my sister Angy has an interest in games like this, so I supervised her playing it once and we enjoyed that experience. It does seem like a fun game that I’ll spend some time with…at some point!