Comments on: Virtual City: Released and Demo’d

By: JJK

JJK — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:56:39 +0000

I don’t care if it looks like simcity for girls I want to play the shit out of that.

By: SoftNum

SoftNum — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:26:38 +0000

Though, I know with AI War and a few other titles, the full tutorial _and_ an hour of gamplay is part of the Demo.

By: mujadaddy

mujadaddy — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:56:17 +0000

Ideally, you’d have a custom tutorial level as you demo that allows you a quick functional overview of nearly the entire feature set. Having it as a custom level allows you to “break the rules” of your narrative, or more likely hide a few spoilers while still giving a fast-paced overview of what the game is like. In contrast, how would a time-limited demo of, say, Civ IV give you the same feel for anything but the early game?

In short, a little effort on the part of the developer.

By: SoftNum

SoftNum — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:02:45 +0000

So, in a semi-serious question, how would you like to see Demos done? Especially in strategy type games. RPGs and Platformers are easy, just give then X levels. In a strategy style game, it’s a lot harder. If you only give certain strategic options, you’re cutting out possible selling points that might hook the player, and misrepresenting your game.

A time limit is easy to program for, and still shows off a good amount of the game.

By: Derf

Derf — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:33:53 +0000

Where are the cities?

By: ourdreamsoffreedom

ourdreamsoffreedom — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:13:41 +0000

It’s like Sim City, except dumb.

By: Stense

Stense — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:46:18 +0000

I’d argue that a 60 minute timed demo is really very generous. How long do demos last for other games these days (if they even release a demo at all)? Not long at all.

By: Super Bladesman

Super Bladesman — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:29:06 +0000

That reminds me – must reinstall Sim City.

By: frags

frags — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:53:48 +0000

Hmmm and why does the music in all these city builders sound familiar. Thats so SIm City like.

By: Talorc

Talorc — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 03:33:16 +0000

Looks like they are targeting the female market as well, with a female protagonist.

By: Levictus

Levictus — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:09:19 +0000

Any simcity 4 fans tried it out yet? I am huge simcity fan, but most other city builders (other than Caeser III, Pharaoh and Zeus) didn’t really catch my attention. The Anno series were pretty good though. Any thoughts?

By: hydra9

hydra9 — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:45:37 +0000

Yes! Transport Tycoon! I love the colourful buildings and cute little vehicles moving about. Not so sure about the casual-gaming wrapper, though.