City Life 2008 Edition puts players in the role of an urban planner and real estate developer, designing, building and maintaining every aspect of their creation. The latest version contains an additional 23 maps as well as the possibility to import satellite maps. There are also 60 new buildings including London landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Royal Opera House.

A successful city is built on a thriving economy with happy and well-rounded citizens. To achieve this, all six sociocultural groups must be attracted to the city, from the wealthy ‘Elite’ to the impoverished ‘Have-Nots’. Each has a part to play, from the work they provide to the products they consume. Be careful not to place opposing groups in similar residential areas – the progressive ideals of the ‘Radical Chic’ will strongly clash with the traditional values of the ‘Blue Collars’.

All citizens need to be provided with essential local services to remain loyal and stay in the city. Build enough schools for everyone to get an education and make sure no one is without healthcare services. Provide industries where people can work and recreational areas for leisure time and hobbies. The ‘Radical Chic’ want access to modern art galleries, whilst the ‘Elite’ prefer to attend the Opera.

Watch cities grow and develop as citizens accumulate wealth. Affluent residential areas will contain magnificent villas and large Neo-Gothic structures. The ‘Suits’ enjoy a fairly high income and build modern angular homes, whilst the ‘Fringe’ are proud of their graffiti and mural-clad dwellings. A growing city will also play host to the television media, intent on reporting any divides and clashes on the streets.

The game has a high level of detail and animation with total freedom of construction. Moving away from the traditional right-angled grid, City Life 2008 Edition allows for much more complex installations. Watch each city in beautiful detail with highly realistic settings including reflection mapping and dynamic shadowing. Zoom in to ground level and walk the streets of the city to get a better look at the action.

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