The New SimCity

I've been closely following the new SimCity sequel being developed, known tentatively as... "SimCity". It's a bit confusing but when you directly name a sequel after the original game, it usually means you're very confidant in the quality of your product.

Check out this article for a nice overview: http://pc.ign.com/articles/122/1221790p1.html

Or this one for the official website: http://www.simcity.com/en_US

In this game, players act as the mayors / gods of their own little patch of land, and are tasked with developing it into the modern city of their choosing. Furthermore, these players are placed into certain 'regions', which are groups of other players' cities. These cities can interact, sharing labor, power, water, and other resources, as well as their pollution drifting into eachother's cities and causing sickness. This means that players who learn to work together will thrive. It's a game that should ideally teach a few great principles:

• Pollution is a serious issue and affects more people than we might think
• Becoming part of a community empowers us to achieve that which we normally cannot
• Whether or not we choose to be part of our community, we are in some ways still a part of it

It also teaches a few interesting concepts, such as:

• Supply and demand
• Resource investment
• How taxes can affect growth
• How cities work (obviously!)

I look forward to following the development of the game and will almost undoubtedly be purchasing it when I have the opportunity.