SimCity Classic encourages the player to build a city over a period of generations. The game's main appeal centers on the experience of being mayor and molding your city as it grows. You have approval ratings and budget issues to worry about. How much should you tax your people? The fire department wants more than you can spare, your citizens want a new stadium, and trying to keep everyone happy is what makes this game so much fun.
SimCity is a natural progression from earlier simulations written in BASIC, such as stock market games or historical re-enactments. There are also some really fun elements thrown in, such as the monster who shows up to make a mess of your careful planning (you're encouraged to yell in Japanese at him) or the traffic helicopter which alerts you to areas where traffic is getting too heavy. There are three skill levels to choose from, although the hardest one is about as fair as weighted dice. A hefty reference book, unnecessary for basic gameplay but helpful for some advanced dilemmas, is included. Like all breakthrough games, SimCity inspired a host of spin-offs: SimCity 2000, The Sims, and Tropico are just a few examples. ~ All Game Guide