This is where City Life 2008 Edition distinguishes itself from its competition – Sim City Societies. This shows that the original is still the best one…hehe.

Before I shall focus on the details of city building I must first focus on the six unique classes featured in this game. Understanding the different groups populating the city makes all the difference. My first game erupted in riots in the first half hour of gameplay; then I read the manual.

Just as most cities, in City Life as well, the city is divided up into neighborhoods. Just as in real life, in City Life some neighborhoods are different from others. For example, the million dollar homes are in close proximity with other million dollar homes. You’re not really going to find a trailer on a two million dollar lot. That would lead to tension among the residents. And here’s where the six classes come in. You have the Elite, the Suits, the Radical Chic, the Blue Collar, the Fringe and the Have Nots.

And this is where city designing is soooo much more complicated and at the same time soooo much more fun than in Sim City Societies. As much as the Have Nots would like to mingle in with the high crowd of the Elites, the Elites will not let them; actually there’s great tension between the two classes. And this is where you come in. You have to cater to all six classes or there will be chaos and anarchy in your city limits. And to make matters worse, some of the employment opportunities involve the different classes sharing workspace. Neutral ground is about your best hope. Grocery store locations, hospitals, police stations, educational facilities, etc., they all have a purpose, they all have a radius range, and for the most part, they all require different members from each class to operate efficiently. Think you’re up to the task?

I’m on my 4th city now. The first one rioted in almost minutes, the 2nd and 3rd went broke in what seemed like no time at all, and now, I’m finally on the right track (I think). This time I did not build fast. I went slow, planned ahead, and most importantly, I found out how to make money (the game automatically sells excess electricity). Now don’t think that all you have to do is build a bunch of electricity producing facilities; they cause a lot of pollution and anger your residents. But it is a fast way to be on the positive when it comes to the treasury. Just as in most other sim games, rewards are earned. In City Life 2008 Edition most rewards are earned by increasing your city’s population. When initially selecting your starting territory, just keep in mind that as your funds accumulate you can purchase new lands. No, you don’t get a 2nd city hall, but you do get all this extra room to expand. And if you have a great plan, you can always take out a loan. But the bankers will come for you soon if you start neglecting your payments.

Not all things are groovy about this product. For the original Sim City players, all new releases have been entertaining but somewhat disappointing. The pure strategy has slowly been eliminated by the high calorie Eye Candy Bars; if it looks good it must be good. Hollywood has really taught us much. And this is where this game, although much better then its competition, still went wrong. No trains, no rails; regardless of what city I’ve been in, I’m almost certain I’ve crossed some sort of rail tracks. The lack of rails is a big no-no to me, but so is the lack of water facilities. No water treatment plants, no water pipes no sanitation, no worries. Either both City Life and Societies are the dirtiest communities on the planet, or both places have found a way to strive without water. But since life is not perfect, why would those games be? That would upset the order of the universe. While not perfect, City Life is by far the best city building simulator out there and the major reason behind it is the ability to construct the roads. Twists and turns have cities like San Francisco famous, and the flatness of Sim City Societies would not cut it. City Life is fun; lots of fun, but it is a task. It is by no means an easy game. Save often, be patient and you’ll be fine.