Cities: Skylines II - Bold Ambitions Meet Rocky Foundations
A promising yet markedly flawed sequel that needs more time in development.
last updated Jan 15, 2024
Cities: Skylines II stands as a monument of ambition, teetering precariously on a foundation in dire need of fortification.
Building Blocks and Bulldozers
Diving into the heart of Cities: Skylines II, the city construction and management systems initially display a marked improvement over its predecessor. There’s a tangible sense of glee in laying down the infrastructural skeleton of what might just be the next great metropolis. From the macro-management of zoning to the tactile pleasure of crafting winding roads and intricate transit systems, the game feeds the urban planner’s appetite. Yet, the enjoyment often crashes—a harsh return from the digital clouds to a blue screen of reality. Praises to autosaves, our unsung heroes, without whom cities would lay forgotten in the digital abyss. Complex mechanics from industries to education scream potential, but they're currently like a half-baked pie—crusty on the outside and gooey in the middle.
Dolby Atmosphere or Dolby Disaster?
The symphony of a bustling city—honking cars, the whisper of wind through trees, and the collective hum of urban life—creates a visceral sense of place in Cities: Skylines II. The audio design deserves a tip of the hard hat for capturing the intricate layers of city sounds. However, the soundtrack, akin to elevator music on a 50-story ascent, quickly fades into the realm of the forgettable. It's serviceable, sure, but it won't be serenading any of our virtual citizens to starry-eyed dreams of urban grandeur. It sits in the background, like the shy cousin at a family reunion, present but largely ignored.
A Pixelated Utopia or a Graphics Card's Dystopia?
Graphically, the game struts onto the scene with undeniable improvements—seasons change with grace, and the visual overhaul lends a sharper, more realistic finish. Still, like a beautiful car with engine trouble, Cities: Skylines II is not without its graphical hiccups. Performance dives faster than a peregrine falcon on the hunt as soon as your cityscape begins to resemble something more than a ghost town. Those without mighty gaming rigs may want to approach with a healthy dose of caution, unless they enjoy slide shows of their potential urban masterpieces.
The Modding Metropolis Still Under Construction
While City Skylines I championed its modding community like a gladiator in the Colosseum, this sequel leaves modders standing at the city gates, awaiting entry. The promises stretch out like endless roads to nowhere, with confusion and delay tainting the once vibrant modding ecosystem. Fans cling to hope like rush-hour straphangers, but as of now, it's the shadow of its former glory. Without these creative contributions, the city lacks a je ne sais quoi, leaving you thirsting for more, but served only a tepid glass of water.
Seasons Change, But Stability Remains Elusive
While we laud the inclusion of changing seasons adding a heaping spoonful of dynamism to our cities, the weather seems the least of our worries when stability is concerned. The game's frequent crashes and bugs swarm around us like summer mosquitos—annoying and often leaving you scratching your head in frustration. The game's temperamental nature is more akin to a toddler than the sophisticated sequel we pined for. One can only hope patches and time will settle the storms and open the skies to clearer, bug-free horizons.
STEAM RATING
Developer
Colossal Order Ltd.
Publisher
Paradox Interactive
Release Date
October 24, 2023
The Verdict
Cities: Skylines II stands as a monument of ambition, teetering precariously on a foundation in dire need of fortification. With its impressive scale and depth, it entices the master planner in all of us. However, the frequent crashes, graphical issues, and performance demands might just bulldoze your enthusiasm. Those with high-end PCs might be able to overlook these irks like small potholes on the road to urban glory; for others, the series’ first installment remains the more stable haven for city builders. If patience is a virtue you possess, waiting for further patches and content might turn this metropolis-in-waiting into the utopian dream we all hope it can be.
