Cities: Skylines - Remastered Video Game Review: Building Urban Dreams on Next-Gen Consoles

Cities: Skylines - Remastered Video Game Review: Building Urban Dreams on Next-Gen Consoles

Introduction

Cities: Skylines has long been celebrated as one of the most comprehensive and engaging city-building simulation games available. With its blend of intricate management systems, detailed customization options, and immersive gameplay, it has earned critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. Now, Cities: Skylines makes its way to the next generation of consoles with Cities: Skylines - Remastered, bringing the beloved city simulator to Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 with enhanced graphics and refined performance. This review delves into how the remastered version stacks up and whether it lives up to the high standards set by its predecessor.

Gameplay

Cities: Skylines - Remastered retains the core gameplay that made the original game a hit. Players are tasked with building and managing a city from the ground up, starting with a small plot of land and expanding into a sprawling metropolis. The gameplay encompasses everything from urban planning and resource management to public services and transportation networks.

The remastered version doesn’t introduce new gameplay mechanics but enhances the existing ones. The city-building mechanics are as intricate and rewarding as ever, with players needing to balance budgets, manage traffic, and cater to the needs of their citizens. The expanded console controls offer an intuitive experience, allowing players to navigate complex menus and build detailed city layouts with ease.

One of the standout features of Cities: Skylines is its depth of customization. From designing intricate road networks to creating personalized districts and zoning areas, the game offers a high level of control over every aspect of the city. The remastered edition brings these features to next-gen consoles with improved responsiveness and enhanced visuals.

Graphics and Performance

The remastered version of Cities: Skylines boasts a significant visual upgrade over the original. The game now features enhanced textures, improved lighting effects, and greater draw distances, all of which contribute to a more immersive and visually appealing experience. Cities look more vibrant and detailed, with a level of polish that highlights the beauty of urban landscapes and the complexity of city planning.

The performance improvements are also noteworthy. Cities: Skylines - Remastered runs smoothly on both Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, with faster load times and a stable frame rate. This enhanced performance allows for a more seamless experience, even when managing large and complex cities.

User Interface and Controls

Adapting a game of this complexity to console controls can be challenging, but Cities: Skylines - Remastered manages the transition well. The user interface has been optimized for console play, with streamlined menus and intuitive controls that make city management accessible and enjoyable. The game’s tutorials and tooltips help new players get acquainted with the mechanics, while seasoned players will appreciate the enhanced control schemes that allow for precise building and management.

The remastered version also includes quality-of-life improvements, such as quicker access to frequently used tools and improved camera controls. These enhancements contribute to a smoother and more enjoyable gameplay experience.

Content and Expansions

Cities: Skylines - Remastered includes all the content from the original game, including various expansions and DLCs. This comprehensive package offers players access to a wide range of additional features, from new building types and gameplay mechanics to unique challenges and scenarios. The inclusion of these expansions ensures that players have a vast array of options for customizing and managing their cities.

The remastered edition also benefits from ongoing support and updates from the developers. Players can expect new content and improvements over time, keeping the game fresh and engaging.

Replayability and Community

The replayability of Cities: Skylines - Remastered is as strong as ever. The game’s depth and variety mean that each playthrough can offer a different experience, whether players are focusing on creating a bustling metropolis, managing a small town, or experimenting with different city layouts and strategies.

The game also has an active community, with numerous mods and user-generated content available on the PC version. While mods are not available on consoles, the community’s creativity and shared experiences continue to inspire and influence gameplay.

Cities: Skylines - Remastered Video Game FAQ

Q1: What platforms is Cities: Skylines - Remastered available on?
Cities: Skylines - Remastered is available on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5.

Q2: What are the main improvements in the remastered version compared to the original game?
The remastered version features enhanced graphics with improved textures, lighting effects, and draw distances. It also offers better performance with faster load times and a stable frame rate on next-gen consoles. The user interface and controls have been optimized for console play, making city management more intuitive.

Q3: Does Cities: Skylines - Remastered include all the expansions and DLCs from the original game?
Yes, Cities: Skylines - Remastered includes all the content from the original game, including expansions and downloadable content (DLCs). This comprehensive package provides access to additional features, building types, gameplay mechanics, and unique scenarios.

Q4: Is there a single-player or multiplayer mode in Cities: Skylines - Remastered?
Cities: Skylines - Remastered is a single-player game focused on city-building and management. It does not feature a multiplayer mode.

Q5: How does the game’s user interface handle console controls?
The user interface in Cities: Skylines - Remastered has been optimized for console controls. It includes streamlined menus and intuitive controls designed to make city management accessible and enjoyable on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. Tutorials and tooltips are available to help new players learn the mechanics.

Q6: What kind of gameplay can players expect in Cities: Skylines - Remastered?
Players can expect to build and manage a city from scratch, handling everything from urban planning and zoning to public services and transportation. The game emphasizes detailed customization and strategic management, allowing players to create and expand a thriving metropolis.

Q7: Does Cities: Skylines - Remastered support mods on consoles?
No, Cities: Skylines - Remastered does not support mods on consoles. While the PC version of the game has a vibrant modding community, console players will have access to the base game and its expansions without additional mods.

Q8: How long does it take to complete a city in Cities: Skylines - Remastered?
The time to complete a city in Cities: Skylines - Remastered varies greatly depending on the player's goals and the complexity of the city. Some players may spend dozens of hours meticulously designing and managing their cities, while others may focus on smaller projects or different aspects of city management.

Q9: Are there any new features in the remastered version that were not present in the original game?
The remastered version primarily focuses on improving graphics, performance, and controls rather than adding entirely new features. However, the overall experience is enhanced through these upgrades, providing a more polished and immersive gameplay experience.

Q10: Will there be future updates or additional content for Cities: Skylines - Remastered?
Yes, the developers are expected to continue supporting the game with updates and additional content. This may include new features, improvements, and potential expansions, ensuring that the game remains engaging and up-to-date.

Conclusion

Cities: Skylines - Remastered successfully brings one of the best city-building simulations to the next generation of consoles with enhanced graphics, improved performance, and refined controls. It preserves the core gameplay that has made the original game a classic while offering a more polished and immersive experience on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer to city-building simulations, Cities: Skylines - Remastered offers a rich and rewarding experience that will keep you engaged for hours on end.

For those looking to build their urban dreamscape and manage a thriving metropolis, Cities: Skylines - Remastered is a must-play title that delivers on its promise of engaging and detailed city simulation.