SimCity DS opens for business this summer
But will the European version feature mini Will Wright?
The building trade doesn't have a great reputation for reliability. Even if the workers turn up on time, there's a good chance your patio tiles will remain in a heap while sugary tea is drunk and teeth sucked. And when the whole thing's over, bags of cement and loose wires sticking mournfully out of the wall are permanent remainders nothing in this world is perfect.
But when it comes to the DS version of the much loved PC town planning game SimCity, you have to feel sorry for the game builders themselves, who have recently been replaced. Let's hope they managed to complete the finishing touches before moping off down the pub (or in their case, Beatles karoake bar, since the game was developed in Japan).
Actually, it's the DS-tuned 'finishing touches' that EA hopes will prove to be the main attraction when it comes to this version of the game.
"The unique Nintendo DS functionalities inspired us to incorporate many new features to delight the most dedicated SimCity fans," says producer, Takahiro Murakami, taking a break from wondering whether to go for a road- or rail-based transportation policy.
Few specific details have yet been provided, apart from that you'll be wielding your stylus to sign your mayoral edicts, and the microphone will come in handy as you'll use it to blow out fires. Wi-fi connectivity is also promised, although it's not clear whether the promised 'wireless data exchange feature that brings additional interactivity into the game' extends to multiplayer modes.
What we're most worried about though is the status of the in-game Will Wright (he's the Sim City series' original creator). As revealed in our most recent Land of the Rising Thumb Japanese gaming column, he acts as your virtual advisor. Shockingly though, the first screenshot of the English language version of Sim City DS shows a perky blonde lady in the position where Mr. Maxis (as he's known in the Japanese version) should be!
Just released in Japan, work on the European version of SimCity DS is due to be finished this summer.
