Part 5/10:
Upon launching the game, one immediately notices the evolution in design and mechanics thanks to years of patches and updates. The interface still felt familiar yet fresher, and players now have the option to play in single-player mode, avoiding previous server issues. The choice of map regions, while still quite limited, offered various thematic options, including deserts, jungles, and temperate climates.
However, a significant drawback remained: the small size of city plots. The cramped spaces triggered nostalgia for the expansive layouts of Sim City 4 and Cities: Skylines. In a game where players are accustomed to flexibility and customization, these constraints highlighted the underlying design decisions that often felt maddening.