‘SimCity’ Updated

Maxis’ “SimCity” was probably the best computer game of 1989, an electronic wonder-world of urban planning, development and administration. But two new updates, “SimCity Graphics: Alternate Architecture 1 & 2,” could go down as the worst releases of 1990.

“SimCity’s” vivid simulation of the birth, life and sometimes death of a modern metropolis is a fun, intellectually stimulating game with an almost perfect blend of seriousness and whimsy.

And one fairly serious flaw: “SimCity” can get old fast. Although there is no end to the different cities that you can construct, the city-building process doesn’t vary much.

Clearly, Maxis’ new updates are an attempt to add variation to the game. But they are only graphics updates, so the real problem of the game isn’t addressed.

The original game re-created a centralized 20th Century American-style city. The updates re-create 20th Century American-style cities that look like 13th Century Asia, 15th Century Europe or the Wild West (all on update 1) or 21st Century America, 22nd Century Europe or a Moon colony (on update 2).

The new pictures are different, but the game is the same. There are no programming changes to account for the different concepts of urban planning of the various historical eras.

“SimCity” is a great game. It deserves better than getting all dressed up with no place to go.

SIMCITY

GRAPHICSRating: IBM PC or compatible (versions for other systems available); 512K/640K VGA; Requires original “SimCity” program; “SimCity Terrain Editor” optional. List: $34.95 each set.

Computer games are rated on a five-star system, from one star for poor to five for excellent.