'SimCity' to return in 2013
It'll be the fifth main entry to the SimCity series, but it won't be called SimCity V. Instead, 2013's swishest SimCity yet will take the title of its oldest ancestor.
That 1989 groundbreaker famously started life as a development tool for an entirely different game, Raid on Bungeling Bay, before becoming an engrossing simulation of the urban microcosm in its own right.
It was hugely influential in popularizing the city-building genre, now home to the seven-game Settlers series, Anno's five-game world odyssey, and Tropico's four explorations of benevolent dictatorship, eventually leading to the creation of The Sims.
Next year's SimCity once again looks at the big picture of city life, promising to become "the most sophisticated simulation of its kind," with the "fun, flavor and playability that has been intrinsic to the franchise."
There'll be nods to the modern, socially networked world, as players' own progress can affect that of their friends, the sort of concept familiar to those who dabble in Facebook games from Empires & Allies to CivWorld.
They'll also be able to put their heads together, trying to crack real-world problems such as climate changes, the depletion of natural resources, and -- a series staple -- coping with the impact of natural disasters.
SimCity Announcement Trailer: http://youtu.be/kztNWdhRdnw
Official website: simcity.com
