Summary
Over the course of its life,Cities: Skylinesreceived countless DLC packs. Many of these packs expanded the game with new gameplay features and cosmetics while some simply added new radio stations for players to listen to. Through all of this, the game became one of the best city builders on the market, which is why fans eagerly anticipatedCities: Skylines 2. But now that it is here, there seems to be something missing from the game.
Instead of building on the strong foundations ofCities: Skylinesin 2023, it feels likeCities: Skylines 2has taken a step back to replicate the original game’s launch state. Much of the fan-favorite content that was introduced via these DLCs is nowhere to be found, which means that some mechanics pale in comparison to their predecessors. While there is no news on when, or if, this content will ever crop up again, it could be a sign that Colossal Order is following in the footsteps ofThe Simsin a way many players did not want.
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Cities: Skylines 2 is Seemingly Holding Back Content for Future Releases
SinceThe Sims 2, the way Maxis has approached DLC has been pretty controversial. Each game features numerous expansion packs that expand the game with exciting new content. Even though each title seems to have its own unique DLC, they also all have a couple of repeats. Instead of including some of that fan-favorite content at launch, Maxis locks it behind expansion packs every single time. And since it has proven pretty successful so far, the studio has no reason to change its approach.
Every single game in theSimsseries sinceThe Sims 2has gotten the same couple of expansions mixed in with a few new ones. They each get a pet, seasons, university, and city-themed pack. Along with that, they often introduce vacations, supernatural elements, and the ability to get famous via some type of DLC. Additionally, there are plenty of other features cut out ofprevious games inTheSimsfranchisethat get reintroduced in packs throughout future games' post-launch content streams.
The Simsapproach forces players to re-buy the same content they had been playing with for years, and while it is successful, it can also be a bit aggravating. Usually, players would expect sequels to build upon the strong foundations of their predecessors rather than cutting content out just to sell it as DLC later. However, that is not the case withThe Sims, and now it seems likeCities: Skylines 2may be following its lead.
Instead of including the content fromCities: Skylinesmany DLCs,Cities: Skylines 2seems to have cut back a lot. Players can no longer use the park area tool, they do not have full control to build the universities of their dreams, airports are rather bland this time around, and financial districts do not really exist. On top of that, none of the radio stations or content creator packs made the jump over. WhileCities: Skylines 2may have improved other aspects of the city simulation, cutting out this content may be a bit annoying for those who spent countless hours playing the original.
Colossal Order has yet to announce the firstCities: Skylines 2DLC packs, but there are likely plenty of them on the horizon. Since much ofCities: SkylinesDLC content got cut, there is a strong chance new versions of it all crops up throughout the sequel’s post-launch roadmap. If it does, then it will feel exactly like howThe Simsoperates, which may prove controversial with its audience. But if it does not, then that may be a major missed opportunity as that content deserves to shine. So,Cities: Skylines 2might not be able to win here.
Cities: Skylines 2
WHERE TO PLAY
If you can dream it, you can build it. Raise a city from the ground up and transform it into the thriving metropolis only you can imagine. You’ve never experienced building on this scale. With deep simulation and a living economy, Cities: Skylines II delivers world-building without limits.Lay the foundations for your city to begin. Create the roads, infrastructure, and systems that make life possible day to day. It’s up to you – all of it.How your city grows is your call too, but plan strategically. Every decision has an impact. Can you energize local industries while also using trade to boost the economy? What will make residential districts flourish without killing the buzz downtown? How will you meet the needs and desires of citizens while balancing the city’s budget?Your city never rests. Like any living, breathing world, it changes over time. Some changes will be slow and gradual, while others will be sudden and unexpected. So while seasons turn and night follows day, be ready to act when life doesn’t go to plan.The most realistic and detailed city builder ever, Cities: Skylines II pushes your creativity and problem-solving to another level. With beautifully rendered high-resolution graphics, it also inspires you to build the city of your dreams.
