WOW!!! What can I say about the SIMCITY 2000 software package except that it is excellent. At first, I had my doubts about the entertainment value of this program because, let's face it, the idea of running a city does not really sound that appealing. However, Maxis has done an amazing job in creating a piece of software that really captures the different aspects involved in the month-to-month operation of a metropolis; from designing its layout to balancing the budget. I especially like the fact that this program allows you to have a somewhat omnipotent role. There is nothing more satisfying than letting an alien loose in the metropolis or flooding the city when it seems that the citizens are fed up with your government or all your decisions seem to go wrong. The user interfaces employed in the game are very smooth and very user-friendly. You can use either the keyboard or the mouse to enter commands, though I prefer the latter. The ability to simply point-and-click to initiate a certain action helps tremendously when speed is required. Remember this clue when you are trying to contain fires which break-out every now and then. As for the manual, the tutorial at the beginning of the book is a very good way of getting somebody acquainted with the various tools, menus, and windows involved. The graphics and sounds in the game are crisp and life-like (try crashing a plane in the city and you'd swear you can hear the people screaming). One neat feature in the game is the ability to zoom, either in or out and the option of rotating the playing field. This allows you to see what the city looks like from different perspectives. It also ensures that all your roads, electricity lines, water pipes and subways are connected to each other. Think how you would feel if you suddenly found out that the subway route you were taking lead directly into a nearby lake. Of couse, these are only some of the many fun features incorporated in this game. To totally feel what this game is all about, one must simply try and play it. It is of little wonder then, why numerous computer magazines give this game so much acclaim. With this much entertainment packaged into only their second city simulator, I can't wait to try out the other Maxis programs. In particular, I would probably enjoy playing the network version of SIM CITY 2000. Think of it, competing with four other SIM MAYORS who all must worry whether the decisions they make will result in the growth of their city or be the cause of their dismissal.
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