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CRITIK

Cities: Skylines

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Cities: Skylines
Item: Cities: Skylines
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2015

GenresAdventure, Simulation, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableMar 10, 2015

PlatformNintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

DeveloperColossal Order

Overview

Cities: Skylines is a modern take on the classic city simulation genre. The game introduces new game play elements to realize the thrill and hardships of creating and maintaining a real city whilst expanding on some well-established tropes of the city building experience. From the makers of the Cities in Motion franchise, the game boasts a fully realized transport system. It also includes the ability to mod the game to suit your play style as a fine counter balance to the layered and challenging simulation. You're only limited by your imagination, so take control and reach for the sky!

Elsewhere

7.8

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

story and narrative

Description unavailable

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Cities: Skylines - Nintendo Switch Edition, highlighting its depth, complexity, and rewarding nature. The game offers a familiar city-building experience, allowing players to design and manage their own urban sprawl, including zoning different areas, managing resources, and providing services to citizens. Reviewers commended the game for its intuitive controls and well-thought-out building mechanics, making it easy to plan and manage various aspects of the city. The gameplay mechanics were described as addictive, straightforward, and fun, with a sense of natural growth through gradual improvements. Critics such as Game Rant and Gamestyle specifically mentioned the enjoyable and satisfying experience of building and managing a city. However, there were some negative aspects mentioned by a few critics. Framerate issues, bugs, and performance drops were noted by Jeuxvideo.com and The Digital Fix, which made the gameplay frustrating and sometimes unplayable. The controls on the Nintendo Switch version were also criticized by The Digital Fix and LevelUp, stating that they were not as intuitive as on PC and could be imprecise and frustrating when selecting specific points or navigating advanced menus. The lack of a detailed tutorial and the steep learning curve were mentioned by AusGamers and Gaming Age as potential challenges for players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the gameplay of Cities: Skylines - Nintendo Switch Edition is very good. The game offers a deep and engaging city-building experience, providing players with a wide range of options to create and manage their cities. The gameplay mechanics, although not without some issues, were praised for their simplicity, complexity, and the ability to control various aspects of the city, such as zoning, infrastructure, and policies. The game's gradual unlocking of advanced features and its balance between challenge and creativity were also highlighted. The positive opinions of critics such as The Escapist, CGMagazine, and Game Informer further support the overall positive consensus regarding the gameplay of Cities: Skylines - Nintendo Switch Edition.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics laud Cities: Skylines - Nintendo Switch Edition for its deep and rewarding city-building gameplay, with intuitive controls and addictive mechanics. Despite some issues like framerate problems and less precise controls, the game offers an engaging experience with a good balance of challenge and creativity. Overall, reviewers agree that the gameplay is very good, providing players with a wide range of options to design and manage their cities effectively.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

35%

Mixed (50-79)

61%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Cities: Skylines - Nintendo Switch Edition are varied. Some critics, such as Game Informer and Game Rant, praise the visuals and ambient sounds of the game, stating that they give the world character and add to the awe of exploring cities. They describe the graphics as realistic, colorful, and detailed, with a tilt-shift visual style that adds to the overall charm. The game is also commended for its use of graphical representations to show the city's needs, such as icons signaling problems and citizens communicating via a Twitter-like feed. Additionally, Gaming Nexus and TheXboxHub highlight the detailed buildings, citizens, vehicles, and surrounding landscape, with each citizen and vehicle being unique. On the other hand, several critics express negative opinions about the graphics and visual design of Cities: Skylines - Nintendo Switch Edition. Jeuxvideo.com and Nintendo Enthusiast criticize the dated visuals, aliasing, and lack of amenities like a day-night cycle and weather patterns. They also mention that the graphics can look bad when zoomed in and that the resolution is locked at 720p. IGN and Nintendo Life mention frame rate drops and performance issues, especially when building on a larger scale or zooming in on the action. They also note the bland and muddy textures, as well as the difficulty in distinguishing menus in handheld mode. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the graphics and visual design of Cities: Skylines - Nintendo Switch Edition are a mixed bag. While some critics appreciate the level of detail and charm in the visuals, others criticize the lack of variety, dated visuals, and technical issues such as frame rate drops and performance degradation. However, it is worth noting that some critics, such as CGMagazine and The Digital Fix, mention that the game still looks good on the Switch version and offers a visually appealing experience. Ultimately, players' enjoyment of the game's graphics and visual design may vary depending on their preferences and tolerance for technical limitations.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on the Graphics and Visual Design of Cities: Skylines - Nintendo Switch Edition. Some praise the realistic, detailed visuals and unique elements, while others criticize dated graphics, performance issues, and lack of amenities like a day-night cycle. Overall, it's a mixed bag with some appreciating the charm and detail, while others are let down by technical limitations and visual flaws.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

25%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Cities: Skylines - Nintendo Switch Edition are quite diverse. Several critics, such as Jeuxvideo.com and Vooks, mention unpleasant sound glitches and crackling noises, which significantly detract from the overall experience. This negative feedback is further supported by Xbox Achievements, who finds the constant blaring sirens to be infuriating. However, there are also positive aspects of the sound design and music that are highlighted by other critics. CGMagazine praises the calming and Sims-like soundtrack, which seamlessly fades into the background and enhances the overall atmosphere. Push Square appreciates the little touches, such as sound changes corresponding to different districts, that make the cities feel more alive. TheXboxHub also mentions effective sound effects, such as the cheers of the residents and distant dog barks, which add to the immersive experience. On the negative side, Softpedia criticizes Cities: Skylines for lacking a connected soundtrack and having limited environmental sounds. Game Informer's review also lacks specific details about the sound design and music, suggesting that it may not have made a significant impact on their overall experience. Hardcore Gamer points out that while the music is fitting, it doesn't stand up to older Sim City titles, and there were times when no music was playing. God is a Geek finds the music forgettable, despite its attempt to remain subtle. XboxAddict mentions that the sound design is good but fails to provide further details. Overall, the consensus among the critics is somewhat mixed. While there are positive aspects of the sound design and music, such as the calming soundtrack mentioned by CGMagazine and the effective sound effects mentioned by TheXboxHub, there are also significant flaws that detract from the overall experience. The presence of unpleasant sound glitches and crackling noises, as highlighted by Jeuxvideo.com and Vooks, is a major drawback. Additionally, the lack of a connected soundtrack and limited environmental sounds, as criticized by Softpedia, further diminishes the immersive quality of the game. While there are positive elements, the negative aspects seem to outweigh them, resulting in a less than stellar overall sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of Cities: Skylines - Nintendo Switch Edition.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed opinions on the sound design and music of Cities: Skylines - Nintendo Switch Edition. Positive highlights include a calming soundtrack and immersive sound effects, but negatives like sound glitches and lack of environmental sounds detract from the overall experience. While some appreciate the little touches that bring the cities to life, others find the music forgettable and lacking compared to older Sim City titles. Overall, there are both strengths and weaknesses, but the flaws seem to overshadow the positives, leaving a less than stellar impression.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

22%

Mixed (50-79)

71%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Cities: Skylines - Nintendo Switch Edition, the opinions of the critics are somewhat mixed. Some critics, such as COGconnected and GamingTrend, mention that while the game may not be perfect, it still manages to get the job done on the Nintendo Switch. They note that the frame rates are rarely choppy and that the game emulates the PC experience well. Additionally, Cubed3 and GameSpot acknowledge that while there are some performance issues, such as stuttering and slowdown, especially during auto-saves, the game still mostly performs as expected on the Switch. These positive aspects highlight that the game is playable and enjoyable on the Nintendo Switch platform. However, there are also several negative aspects mentioned by critics regarding the technical performance of Cities: Skylines - Nintendo Switch Edition. Multiple reviewers, including Jeuxvideo.com, Metro GameCentral, and Nintendo Life, highlight issues such as frequent framerate drops, freezes, interface bugs, and severe frame rate problems. They mention that these issues can make the game imprecise, unresponsive, and sometimes unplayable. Furthermore, Nintendo Enthusiast and Vooks point out additional problems such as low framerates, audio issues, and slow and unresponsive tools, which occur in both handheld and docked modes. These negative aspects indicate that the game's technical performance on the Nintendo Switch platform is not without its flaws and can impact the overall gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the technical performance of Cities: Skylines - Nintendo Switch Edition is that while the game is playable and enjoyable, it does suffer from performance issues. The game experiences problems such as slowdowns, framerate drops, and interface bugs, particularly when handling larger cities or zooming in and panning. The controls and interface are also mentioned to be less than ideal. However, it is important to note that these issues are not considered deal-breakers by most reviewers, and the game still manages to provide a satisfactory experience on the Nintendo Switch platform. Critics such as God is a Geek and Nintendojo mention that the performance issues are disappointing but not specific to the Nintendo Switch and that the game performs similarly in both handheld and docked modes. Overall, while there are technical shortcomings, the game's performance on the Nintendo Switch is generally deemed acceptable by the critics.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics have mixed opinions on the technical performance of Cities: Skylines - Nintendo Switch Edition. Some praise its emulation of the PC experience and playable frame rates, while others criticize frequent framerate drops, freezes, and unresponsive controls. Despite these flaws, most agree that the game is still enjoyable on the Switch, though performance issues may impact gameplay.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

53%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Cities: Skylines - Nintendo Switch Edition are generally positive. Many critics highlight the game's deep and rewarding city-building mechanics, which provide endless complexities and allow players to shape their cities precisely how they want. The addictive progression system, large game maps, and the inclusion of new building types and gameplay features are also mentioned as factors that contribute to the game's replayability. Critics like GamingTrend, Gaming Nexus, and Gamestyle specifically mention the game's ability to keep players entertained for hours and provide a satisfying experience for fans of the city-building genre. The inclusion of modding support and community content through the Steam Workshop is also praised by critics like Attack of the Fanboy, CalmDownTom, and DarkStation, as it enhances the city-building experience and offers near-infinite replayability. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by critics that may affect the replay value of Cities: Skylines - Nintendo Switch Edition. Jeuxvideo.com highlights the lack of modding support on the Nintendo Switch version, which limits the long-term interest and replay value of the game. Pocket Gamer UK mentions performance issues that may affect the overall replay value. Nintendojo points out the lack of sandbox customization/cheat codes and limited options for unlockable structures, which may be disappointing for some players. Softpedia mentions that the familiar mechanics and lack of end-game goals may limit the game's replayability. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Cities: Skylines - Nintendo Switch Edition offers a high level of replay value. The game's detailed city-building mechanics, addictive progression system, and inclusion of modding support through the Steam Workshop are praised by multiple critics. The ability to create and share custom content, such as maps, buildings, and intersections, adds to the game's replayability. The negative aspects, such as the lack of modding support on the Nintendo Switch version and performance issues, are mentioned by a few critics but do not overshadow the overall positive sentiment towards the game's replay value. Critics like Cubed3, GamingTrend, and The Games Machine express confidence in the game's long-term potential and its position as a leader in the city-building genre on consoles.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Cities: Skylines - Nintendo Switch Edition for its deep city-building mechanics, addictive progression system, and modding support, offering endless replay value. Some critics mention drawbacks like lack of modding on Switch, performance issues, and limited customization options, but overall, the game's replayability shines through. With its engaging gameplay and community content, Cities: Skylines is hailed as a top choice for city-building fans on consoles.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

81%

Mixed (50-79)

19%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Cities: Skylines - Nintendo Switch Edition received mostly positive reviews from critics, with the majority considering it a very good city-building game. The game was praised for its depth, customization options, and enjoyable gameplay experience. Critics such as PlayStation LifeStyle and Game Informer hailed it as a superior simulation game and the new gold standard in modern city-builders, respectively. They commended its ability to offer a satisfying and rewarding city-building experience, maintaining the depth of the PC version. The game's accessibility and user-friendly interface were also highlighted positively by Digital Spy and Hardcore Gamer. However, there were some common criticisms among the critics. Technical issues, including frame rate problems and occasional freezing, were mentioned by multiple reviewers such as Metro GameCentral and Pocket Gamer UK. These issues were seen as a drawback that hindered the overall experience of the game. Some critics, like Jeuxvideo.com and God is a Geek, expressed disappointment with the lack of optimization and performance problems, stating that it detracted from the enjoyment of the game. The absence of certain features and content available on the PC version, such as the ability to fast-forward through time, was also mentioned by TheSixthAxis and IGN. Despite these drawbacks, the overall consensus among the critics was that Cities: Skylines - Nintendo Switch Edition is a highly enjoyable and recommended city-building game. Critics such as Cubed3 and Gamestyle praised it as a premier city-building sim on the market, while NZGamer and GameSpot considered it the best city-builder available. The game's depth, addictive gameplay, and ability to capture the essence of older city-building games were mentioned positively by multiple reviewers, including The Games Machine and AusGamers. The game's success in offering a solid and enjoyable world-building experience while streamlining the genre was also acknowledged by PlayStation Universe and The Digital Fix. In conclusion, Cities: Skylines - Nintendo Switch Edition received a predominantly positive reception from critics, with the majority considering it a very good city-building game. While technical issues and the absence of certain features were mentioned as drawbacks, the game's depth, customization options, and enjoyable gameplay experience were praised. The overall consensus among the critics was that the game offers a highly satisfying and addictive city-building experience, making it a recommended choice for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

Cities: Skylines - Nintendo Switch Edition wowed critics as a top-tier city-building game, lauded for its depth and customization. Despite technical glitches and missing features from the PC version, reviewers agreed it's a highly enjoyable and addictive experience. Overall, it's a recommended choice for fans looking to create their dream cities on-the-go.

CRITIK

Reviews

151 reviews found

100

The Escapist

Mar 10, 2015