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SimCity Societies

(2007, Video Games - Simulation, Rated E10+, Play it on: Windows)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Very simple city-building game may get old fast.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Unlike previous SimCity games, this game teaches very little about city administration or planning.
  • Messages:

    The game is based around keeping the citizens of the city happy, and if Sims become unhappy, they can protest, even to the point of shutting down workplaces.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Players can use destructive disasters, such as meteor showers, earthquakes, and storms to destroy their city. On rare occasions, vigilantes, hooligans, arsonists, and other special characters can attack other Sims or cause damage to the city; however, it's nearly impossible to observe because the Sims are so small on the map.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    This is part of the SimCity series of games.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Taverns, bars, and liquor stores can be built. Sims can purchase and consume alcohol, and become drunk; however, because the map is so small, it's hard to observe these drunken Sims.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of SimCity Societies was written by Jeremy Gieske

Parents need to know that players can destroy the cities they have created by using natural disasters such as earthquakes, storms, and meteor showers. Sims -- the city's inhabitants -- can become unhappy to the point where they turn to crime. Also, they can become drunk from visiting bars and liquor stores that the player can build. Overall, however, these instances are rare, and in most cases are controlled by the player.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the different style of play in SimCity Societies. This SimCity game is less challenging than previous versions -- do you think it changes how fun the game is to play? Which societal values did you choose and why?
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More on SimCity Societies

What’s the Story?

Instead of managing taxes, energy distribution, and expenses, players need to keep an eye on two main things in SIMCITY SOCIETIES: the happiness of their citizens ("Sims") and six "Societal Values," which include productivity, prosperity, creativity, spirituality, authority, and knowledge. Different buildings either produce or use one or more of the values, so players need to balance the types of workplaces and homes they choose. Venues are places that provide happiness to Sims and can range from baseball parks and pubs to haunted houses and strip malls.

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Is It Any Good?

The SimCity series has long been known as a relatively challenging city simulation game with plenty of educational opportunities in city planning and administration. SIMCITY SOCIETIES breaks radically from that tradition and focuses on aesthetics. It is great-looking game (although the graphics can get really bogged down as the city grows). The sound effects and music are well done.

Fans of the previous SimCity games will find this version a letdown because it has so few objectives. It's nearly impossible to run out of money, Sims are generally happy as long as the player builds enough venues, and the only goals consist of a handful of awards and medals easily met after a few hours of play. It is also easy to pick up and play -- which will have a greater appeal to a casual or younger gamer. This is an entry-level game for young children with no previous city-building simulation experience.

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Publisher’s Details

Released on 11/15/2007, price $49.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E10+ (for Alcohol and Tobacco Reference, Crude Humor, Mild Violence)

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 1.0

    Man this game is horrible

    i wish i could give it 0 stars because me and my buddy rented it and it SUCKED!!! just go get The Sims 3 i have been playing it for like 2 months and im still addicted!! dont waste your money on this game its just trash as i said just get The Sims 3

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in South Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    • My highlights are:
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

    okay

    i don't love it but it's something to do

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    LOVEE ITT!

    one of the best gaem out there i like simcity 4 and this game! They are both very good games!

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it 4.0

    kjhbnuh

    cccccccccccccccccccccooooooooooooooooooollllllllllllllllll

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