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SimCity BuildIt for iPhone

  • Free

  • In English
  • V 1.53.7
  • 3.3

    (13)
  • Security Status

Softonic review

The mother of city-building games is now optimized for iOS

SimCity BuildIt is a free city-building game that takes the iconic Sims title into the mobile sphere, allowing iOS users to build their own quaint little towns from the ground up and turn them into major international hubs

For fans of the original game, SimCity BuildIt offers a much simpler take on the idea of structuring your city and providing your citizens with their needs. However, players progress at a much slower rate and will have to invest a good amount of time—and some real-life currency if they choose to do so—into the game.

Build your dream city

As soon as you assume the role of Mayor, SimCity BuildIt immerses you in the intricate process of city planning. From managing traffic congestion to handling pollution, you're constantly tasked with making smart decisions to keep your citizens happy and your city thriving. The strategic placement of buildings, including power plants and police departments, adds a layer of complexity that is both challenging and satisfying.

The game's graphics are a feast for the eyes, with detailed environments and lifelike animations that bring your city to life. Whether it's the towering skyscrapers, the bustling streets, or the serene parks, this city-builder does an excellent job of capturing the essence of a thriving metropolis. Another major highlight is the game’s versatility and the freedom it provides to players. Whether you're inspired by the bustling streets of a major city or the romantic allure of a countryside town, the game allows you to create a city that reflects your imaginative vision.

While you do have free rein over how to organize your town, you will still need to keep the proximity of certain structures from your residential areas in mind. It’s best to keep factories with pollutants and garbage dumps away from these areas, while also making sure they have access to city services like education, transportation, as well as police and fire departments. Placing special items like parks and entertainment buildings can also boost the value of your buildings, allowing you to collect more taxes from them.

Play with or against friends online

For those seeking a competitive edge, the game offers Club Wars, where you can team up with other players to wage war against opposing cities. This, along with the weekly Contest of Mayors, adds a layer of competitive gameplay that is both entertaining and rewarding. Certain events will also allow you to earn in-game currency and exclusive themed structures. Some events will even require you to build an additional town, separate from your main city.

However, SimCity BuildIt is not without its shortcomings. The game tends to steer players towards making in-app purchases to expedite progress, which can prove frustrating for those who prefer to advance through gameplay alone. Without these purchases, progress can be an extremely difficult and tedious process to achieve. If you prefer a slightly quicker-paced city-building game, you can opt to check out City Island 5 or Disney Magic Kingdoms instead.

Another thing to consider is that the game can be quite difficult to operate on lower-specced devices. While it only requires a small amount of storage space and at least an iOS 11.0 OS, it does have some high-quality graphics and animations that can cause some lagging. There’s also the issue of the game depleting a good chunk of your device’s battery, especially when playing for long periods of time.

Simpler gameplay with an excruciating progress speed

Overall, SimCity BuildIt offers a robust city-building experience teeming with strategic depth, stunning graphics, and a wealth of customization options. Despite some drawbacks that limit free-to-play players’ progress curves, the game's immersive gameplay, coupled with the opportunity to connect and collaborate with other players, makes it a must-try for all city-building enthusiasts. All of these make the game worth investing in a decent device that can handle its numerous system demands.

PROS

  • Emphasizes strategic city planning
  • High-quality visuals with smooth animations
  • Extensive customization options
  • Offers collaborative events and seasons

CONS

  • Slow progress when playing with no in-app purchases
  • Can be too heavy for older, lower-specced devices

Also available in other platforms

Program available in other languages


SimCity BuildIt for iPhone

  • Free

  • In English
  • V 1.53.7
  • 3.3

    (13)
  • Security Status


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