Play SimCity (Europe) Online

Start with a blank map and a shoestring budget, zone some houses, then panic as traffic jams form and citizens riot over taxes. That earthquake scenario still gives me nightmares, but watching your city grow—even through disasters—never gets old.

Developer: Maxis

Genre: Simulation

Released: 1992

File size: 297 bytes

Game Overview

SimCity for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System came out in 1992, developed by Maxis. It was one of the more ambitious ports for the console at the time, bringing a complex city simulation to a platform better known for action and platforming games. The isometric view and bright colors made it stand out, even if the scale was smaller than on computers.

You play as the mayor, starting with empty land and a limited budget. Your main goal is to build a functioning city by zoning residential, commercial, and industrial areas, then connecting them with roads and power lines. Key mechanics include managing your city's finances, responding to disasters like fires or monster attacks, and adjusting tax rates to keep citizens happy. The pacing is slow and thoughtful, with difficulty arising from balancing growth against unexpected crises. It feels satisfying to gradually turn a blank map into a bustling, if sometimes chaotic, metropolis.