“Cities in Motion” is the first game to be developed by Colossal Order Ltd. Cities in motion is a city-based mass transportation simulator. Players operate and control their own transport company creating a public network around 4 large cities. The player controls the transport industry with; buses, trams, trains and helicopters over a 100 year period from 1920 to 2020.
The game starts with an in-depth tutorial, which teaches the player the basics of the objectives. Starting with bus stop placement and moving into areas such as price and financial status of the city’s economy. The games four cities are large and can easily fill a few hours of gameplay. The four cities available are Vienna, Helsinki, Berlin, and Amsterdam and each have their own individual issues for the player to overcome. However the cities are great but the number is somewhat lacking. However the lack of cities is redeemed slightly with the option to use the map editor. This allows the player to create custom cities to challenge their financial skills as well as their transport knowledge.
The game requires time and patients. Players have to monitor the city’s condition and the people entering and exiting the city, to keep their network working efficiently. This includes judging prices, route time and quality of transport vehicles. The game contains three different game modes; Campaign, Scenario and Sandbox. Campaign is self-explanatory. Scenario is the replay of the Campaign by selecting what level they wish to play. Sandbox is free mode and the player is given a set amount of cash to start their thriving business. Players have over 30 types of vehicles to operate their routes. These routes are operated by 5 types of transportation these are; buses, trams, water buses, helicopters, and subways, fully complete with an underground view. Each of these 30+ models is based on real life vehicles and closely resembles them.
The graphics are great for a simulator like transport tycoon, the player can zoom close into the streets and see the citizens using their transport and even out in the garden. Vehicles are seen in real time motion and are to scale to keep the player immersed into their virtual city.
The sounds are that of and ‘tycoon’ genre of game, this includes the ambient noise of the people walking and talking in the city streets. Horns and general traffic noise all join the mix. All of this is achieved without giving the player headaches and a need to turn down the volume levels. The notification ping also returns, allowing players to acknowledge this sound as an important notice that needs attention.
Overall this game may be the return of some tycoon simulators that seemed to have been lost. Colossal Order has certainly done a great job bringing the tycoon games back into the industry.
Gameplay
If tycoons are the types of game you enjoy then this is perfect. However don’t expect to be pulled away if you are not a tycoon fan.
Graphics
The graphics are stunning the only way they could be better is if they were realistic.
Sounds
The sounds are top notch and are the best with today’s level of technology.
Disclaimer:All scores given within our reviews are based on the artist’s personal opinion; this should in no way impede your decision to purchase the game.
