I must admit that I first was excited when I read the news, but I will remain sceptic, my biggest fear being the dumbing down.
A big question will also be the mod support, it's great to see that even after all these years, new maps and buildings for SC4 are still released on a daily basis by the community - very similar to our little community here.
Here is a translated article of the gamestar interview with some first concept art:
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?p=35585202
I can't say anything to its substance, only that other German game websites linked to it.
Here are some first facts, presented by a Gamestar reader who already owns the next issue of the mag:
- developer: Maxis (without Will Wright)
- release date: 2013
- new gfx engine: Glassbox
- modern info graphics instead of boring tables
- buildings are upgradable (for example the police station: After 10 caught criminals you will be able to upgrade)
- bended streets
- detailed city building
- local paper "Sim City Wire" which informs about city events (fires etc.)
- extensive multi player mode including rank list (for budget, raw material production etc.)
- complex depth of game
- catastrophies: boulders, vulcanos, explosions etc. confirmed
(source:
http://www.gamestar.de/community/gsp...d.php?t=411270)
Especially the "upgradable building" thingy raises some alarms, I hope it won't be something like "click on 10 robbers to upgrade the police station" like some dumb facebook games...
I also hope with complexity they mean that it's complex for people over 12...